Bolthole Index

Mayes County, Oklahoma

Building permits, zoning and land rules in unincorporated Mayes County, Oklahoma

64Index Score / 100
#32 of 77 in Oklahoma

Unincorporated Mayes County, Oklahoma does not issue building permits for an ordinary home, but building, grading or driveway work in a mapped floodplain needs a county floodplain permit12. The county sets no zoning outside city limits3. Salina issues its own building permits, while Pryor Creek, Chouteau and Locust Grove have zoning of their own4567. Oklahoma DEQ issues septic permits everywhere in the county8.

At a glance

Building permit
No county building permit for ordinary construction in unincorporated areas; mapped-floodplain development needs a county floodplain permit910
Zoning
No county zoning on unincorporated land; Pryor Creek, Chouteau and Locust Grove zone inside their limits3567
Septic permit
DEQ Authorization to Construct required before a new or modified on-site system11
RV / tiny home living
Tiny-home occupancy is not restricted by county zoning outside cities; a separate countywide RV-occupancy rule could not be confirmed3
Minimum home size
None set by the county3
Owner-builder
You may build your own home on unincorporated land; state trade licensing may still apply12
Subdivision plat
DEQ approval is required before recording, selling lots or building in an unincorporated residential development13

Who to call

Floodplain permits

Mayes County Emergency Management

Floodplain development permits for building construction, excavating, grading, drilling, road or driveway construction, and equipment storage in a mapped floodplain; the Director serves as county Floodplain Administrator

918-825-4650

mayescountyem@yahoo.com

One Court Place, Suite 140, Pryor, OK 74361

Septic permits

Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)

State contact for on-site sewage program information and septic-system resources

405-702-0100

707 N Robinson, Oklahoma City, OK, 73102

Also useful

Mayes County 911 Addressing

Issuing a 911 address, required before a new property can receive utilities

918.824.1875

911@mayescountyok.gov

1 Court Place, Suite 140, Pryor, OK 74361

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 14, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Mayes County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Mayes County, Oklahoma?

No county building permit is required for an ordinary home in unincorporated Mayes County91. Oklahoma lets only counties of more than 500,000 people adopt county building codes, and Mayes County has 39,889 residents1415. The exception is the floodplain: Mayes County requires a permit before building, excavating, grading, drilling, constructing a road or driveway, or storing equipment in a mapped floodplain162. Statewide minimum building codes still apply: the amended 2024 editions took effect on September 14, 202617. The Construction Industries Board can inspect electrical, plumbing or mechanical work on request where no local inspector exists, but state law does not require that board to inspect every project1819. We could not confirm whether the county performs other building inspections or issues certificates of occupancy, so ask the county commissioners before construction.

Who handles building permits, floodplain permits and septic in Mayes County?

Mayes County has no building-permit office for ordinary unincorporated construction9. Mayes County Emergency Management handles floodplain development permits; ask that office for the application and review steps2021. Inside Salina, the town handles building permits and construction inspections4. Chouteau sends building applicants to City Hall and requires electrical, plumbing or HVAC permits as applicable; its listed electrical, plumbing and mechanical permit fees are $105 for new construction and $30 for residential repair or remodeling2223. Pryor Creek publishes a building permit application that requires construction to the 2015 International Residential Code; confirm the city's process with its Community Development Department245. Septic authorization stays with Oklahoma DEQ in every city825. Mayes County 911 Addressing requires an aerial map showing the driveway or proposed driveway and assigns the address needed before utilities; allow 3-5 business days after submitting the required information262728.

Does Mayes County have zoning?

Unincorporated Mayes County does not set a minimum dwelling size, general minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage, building-height limit or zoning districts3. Oklahoma gives county zoning power only to counties with more than 500,000 people, which is why county zoning is absent here29. Inside city limits the picture changes. Pryor Creek zones: its Community Development Department can tell you a parcel's zone, and its published zoning map is labeled October 31, 2018, so confirm the current district530. Chouteau provides planning and zoning information and keeps its ordinances at the town office; we could not confirm its district standards631. Locust Grove's town code includes zoning regulations, but we could not confirm its district rules7. For unincorporated subdivision plats, any lot smaller than 2.5 acres triggers a DEQ approval-stamp requirement before recording; that threshold is not a blanket ban on smaller lots3233.

How do septic permits work in Mayes County?

Every new or modified on-site sewage system in Mayes County needs an Oklahoma DEQ Authorization to Construct before installation begins11. DEQ assigns the application to a local environmental specialist based on the property's location, so this septic-permit authority stays with the state even when a city handles building permits or zoning348. Only 18.7% of Mayes County soils avoid severe limitations for a conventional drain field, making the site evaluation an important early contingency35. Every new installation or modification must be inspected and approved by DEQ or installed, self-inspected and approved by a certified installer before operation36. For a residential development outside city limits, DEQ must approve the sewage-treatment plat before it is recorded, lots are offered for sale or construction begins13.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Mayes County?

Unincorporated Mayes County does not use county zoning to restrict tiny-home occupancy or set a minimum dwelling size3. A tiny home still faces applicable septic, floodplain, utility-address and state construction requirements11102817. Long-term RV occupancy and temporary camping are different questions: no official countywide rule could be confirmed, so ask the county commissioners before treating an RV as a residence. Inside Pryor Creek, occupying a camping trailer, travel trailer, motor home, or similar recreational vehicle as living quarters is prohibited unless another city-code provision allows it37. Pryor Creek allows a property owner's family members or guests to occupy a lawfully parked recreational vehicle for no more than 7 days in any 30-day period38.

How do you start building a home in Mayes County?

  1. Confirm the municipal boundary: Salina issues building permits4; Chouteau, Pryor Creek and Locust Grove have their own zoning and publish their own requirements657. Septic authorization stays with Oklahoma DEQ8.
  2. Give Mayes County 911 Addressing an aerial map showing the driveway or proposed driveway and obtain the address needed for utilities2627.
  3. Ask Mayes County Emergency Management whether the site is in a mapped floodplain and obtain the county floodplain development permit before covered work begins2021.
  4. Get the septic site evaluation and DEQ Authorization to Construct before installing or modifying the system3911.
  5. Obtain an ODOT Driveway Agreement before work in a state or federal highway right-of-way40.
  6. For ordinary construction on unincorporated land outside the floodplain, there is no county building permit to obtain9.

What should you check before buying land in Mayes County?

Check the flood map and legal access before closing because mapped-floodplain development needs a county permit and work in a state or federal highway right-of-way needs an ODOT Driveway Agreement1040. A Mayes County address request also requires an aerial map of the driveway or proposed driveway41. Domestic groundwater use does not require an OWRB water-use permit, although well construction and non-domestic uses are separate questions42. For an unincorporated residential development, confirm DEQ plat approval before recording, lot sales or construction13. Public-road plats also need county-commissioner approval and construction assurances; the signed plat must say whether the county will maintain the roads43. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.7%, and the median annual bill is about $1,1534445.

Do agricultural exemptions cover a Mayes County homestead?

Oklahoma exempts usual agricultural farm buildings and crop planning from county zoning power; that exemption does not waive septic, floodplain or subdivision requirements464748. A separate county-planning-commission provision includes farm homes, but does not establish a Mayes County exemption procedure49. Agricultural land annexed into a municipality may qualify for limited land-use and construction exemptions: at least 5 acres for annexation on or after July 1, 2003, or at least 40 acres with uninterrupted agricultural use dating from before an earlier annexation; statutory exceptions still apply50. An Oklahoma Tax Commission agricultural sales-tax exemption card is separate: farmers or ranchers operating for profit may qualify for exempt farm purchases, not a development approval51.

Watch-outs

  • The county's no-building-permit statement dates to November 2015; confirm jurisdiction before relying on it, since Salina issues town building permits and Chouteau publishes its own construction-permit requirements and fees1422.
  • State CIB inspections are limited, and municipal rules differ from unincorporated Mayes County rules1922. We could not confirm countywide RV, temporary-camping or short-term-rental rules, a general county building-inspection program or county certificates of occupancy; ask the county commissioners before committing to those uses.

Sources

  1. Mayes County Commissioners Meeting Minutes, November 16, 2015, quoted and re-checked
  2. mayes.okcounties.org, quoted and re-checked
  3. Oklahoma law on county zoning and building authority
  4. Town of Salina: Building Permits & Inspections (Mayes County), quoted and re-checked
  5. Starting a Business, quoted and re-checked
  6. Permits and Forms - Town of Chouteau, quoted and re-checked
  7. Town of Locust Grove: Locust Grove, OK Code of Ordinances overview (American Legal Publishing) (Mayes County), quoted and re-checked
  8. Environmental Complaints & Local Services, quoted and re-checked
  9. Mayes County Commissioners - Departments (2026 county census)
  10. Emergency Management, quoted and re-checked
  11. On-Site Sewage Information, quoted and re-checked
  12. Oklahoma law on county zoning and building authority
  13. Oklahoma Statutes, Title 27A, § 2-6-403, quoted and re-checked
  14. Oklahoma Statutes - Title 19. Counties and County Officers (Oklahoma statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. County population: Bolthole Index county data
  16. Emergency Management, quoted and re-checked
  17. Codes & Rules, quoted and re-checked
  18. Adopted Building Codes (Oklahoma statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. oklahoma.gov, quoted and re-checked
  20. Mayes County Emergency Management (mayes.okcounties.org)
  21. Emergency Management, quoted and re-checked
  22. Permits and Forms | Town of Chouteau, quoted and re-checked
  23. Permits and Forms - Town of Chouteau, quoted and re-checked
  24. Pryor Creek: City of Pryor Creek Building Permit Application (Mayes County), quoted and re-checked
  25. Town of Salina: On-Site Sewage Information (Mayes County), quoted and re-checked
  26. Mayes County 911 Addressing (mayes.okcounties.org)
  27. Addressing Info, quoted and re-checked
  28. Addressing Info, quoted and re-checked
  29. Oklahoma Statutes - Title 19. Counties and County Officers (Oklahoma statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  30. Pryor Zoning Maps 2023, quoted and re-checked
  31. Permits and Forms | Town of Chouteau, quoted and re-checked
  32. Oklahoma Statutes, Title 27A, § 2-6-403, quoted and re-checked
  33. Oklahoma Statutes, Title 19 — Counties and County Officers, quoted and re-checked
  34. On-Site Sewage Treatment (Oklahoma statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  35. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  36. On-Site Sewage Information, quoted and re-checked
  37. City of Pryor Creek City Council Meeting Minutes, February 7, 2023, quoted and re-checked
  38. City of Pryor Creek City Council Meeting Minutes, February 7, 2023, quoted and re-checked
  39. Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) (oklahoma.gov)
  40. Instructions for Driveway Permit Application (Oklahoma statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  41. Addressing Info, quoted and re-checked
  42. OWRB Water Permitting Fact Sheet, quoted and re-checked
  43. Oklahoma Statutes, Title 19, §§ 288.1–288.2, quoted and re-checked
  44. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  45. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  46. FAQs - Counties and Townships Authority to Zone, Permit, and Approve Certain Wind, Solar, and Other Green Energy Construction Projects, quoted and re-checked
  47. FAQs - Counties and Townships Authority to Zone, Permit, and Approve Certain Wind, Solar, and Other Green Energy Construction Projects, quoted and re-checked
  48. Oklahoma Statutes, Title 19, §19-866.30, Exemptions from zoning regulations, quoted and re-checked
  49. Oklahoma Statutes, Title 19 — Counties and County Officers, quoted and re-checked
  50. Oklahoma Statutes, Title 11: Cities and Towns, quoted and re-checked
  51. Exemptions — Oklahoma Tax Commission, quoted and re-checked

Written October 14, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like 4 of its 6 neighbors, Mayes County has no countywide zoning.

RuleMayes CountyRogers CountyDelaware CountyCherokee CountyWagoner CountyCraig CountyNowata County
Building permitNot requiredRequiredNot requiredLimitedRequiredNot requiredNot required
County zoningNoYesNoNoYesNoNo
Septic permitsOK DEQOK DEQOK DEQOK DEQOK DEQOK DEQOK DEQ

County locator

Mayes County in Oklahoma

64
County map
Mayes County highlighted among the Oklahoma counties · colored by Index score

How Mayes County scores

Seclusion2980% ev.
Self-Sufficiency72100% ev.
Admin Boringness86100% ev.
Durability46100% ev.
Property Autonomy69100% ev.
Carry Cost83100% ev.

Evidence strength: 96%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$222kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$3,529Land / acre
45.2"Annual rain
12.7% of yrsSevere drought
25.5 / yr (+19.1)Mid-century 100°F days
19.9 daysMid-century dry spell
2.4" (+5.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.54×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,197Home insurance / yr
1.7% / yrInsurance growth
0.78%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
84,132People within 30 min
2,650,150People within 2 hr
41,656Radius comparison (15 mi)
60.9People / sq mi
0.2%Federal land
86.7%Land at 15% slope or less
18.7%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
74,451 acWorkable land screen
34.2%Wooded land
40.9 tonsBiomass / forest ac
59.9°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Mayes County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Not yet researched: Town of Adair · Town of Chouteau · Town of Disney · Town of Grand Lake Towne · Town of Hoot Owl · Town of Langley · Town of Locust Grove · Town of Pensacola · Town of Spavinaw · Town of Sportsmen Acres · Town of Strang

Answers from the rulebook for Mayes County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Mayes County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    Building construction and other listed work in Mayes County floodplains.

    • A permit is required for work in the floodplain, including building construction, excavating, grading, drilling, road or driveway construction, or storage of equipment.
    • Maps and additional information may be obtained by calling 918-530-6114.
    “Anyone who plans to do work in the floodplain, such as building construction, excavating, grading, drilling, road or driveway construction or storage of equipment in the floodplain must have a permit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Owner-builder exemption · follows from the permit answerNot needed

    Unincorporated Mayes County: no county building permit is required, so there is no permit to be exempt from and you may build your own home. State licensing for electrical, plumbing and HVAC work may still apply.

    • The county commissioners' statement is from November 16, 2015; current municipal requirements may differ.
    • Work in the floodplain is subject to a separate county floodplain permit requirement.
    “The Commissioners noted that as a County we do not issue Building Permits.”
  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Mayes County: no county rule sets this, because Mayes County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Oklahoma law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing mayes.okcounties.org.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The act applies only to counties having a population in excess of 500,000 according to the latest Federal Decennial Census.
    • The zoning power is limited to unincorporated areas of the county.
    “The board of county commissioners is hereby empowered to adopt zoning regulations effective in the unincorporated areas of the county for the purposes of promoting the health, safety, peace, morals, comfort and the general welfare of the inhabitants; lessening danger and congestion in public transportation and travel; securing safety from fire and other dangers; preventing overcrowding of land; avoiding undue concentration of population; providing adequate police protection, transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks, forests, recreational facilities, airports, military and naval facilities, and other public requirements; and preventing undue encroachment thereon. The zoning power hereby conferred shall not be exercised so as to deprive the owner of any existing property of its use or maintenance for the purpose to which it is then lawfully devoted except as hereinafter provided; nor shall the provisions of this act apply to the erection, installation and use of structures and equipment by public utilities subject to the jurisdiction and regulation of the Corporation Commission of the State of Oklahoma or other similar state or federal regulatory bodies; nor to the erection or use of the usual farm buildings for agricultural purposes, the planting of agricultural crops or the extraction of minerals.”
  • Minimum dwelling size · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Mayes County: no county rule sets this, because Mayes County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Oklahoma law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing mayes.okcounties.org.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The act applies only to counties having a population in excess of 500,000 according to the latest Federal Decennial Census.
    • The zoning power is limited to unincorporated areas of the county.
    “The board of county commissioners is hereby empowered to adopt zoning regulations effective in the unincorporated areas of the county for the purposes of promoting the health, safety, peace, morals, comfort and the general welfare of the inhabitants; lessening danger and congestion in public transportation and travel; securing safety from fire and other dangers; preventing overcrowding of land; avoiding undue concentration of population; providing adequate police protection, transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks, forests, recreational facilities, airports, military and naval facilities, and other public requirements; and preventing undue encroachment thereon. The zoning power hereby conferred shall not be exercised so as to deprive the owner of any existing property of its use or maintenance for the purpose to which it is then lawfully devoted except as hereinafter provided; nor shall the provisions of this act apply to the erection, installation and use of structures and equipment by public utilities subject to the jurisdiction and regulation of the Corporation Commission of the State of Oklahoma or other similar state or federal regulatory bodies; nor to the erection or use of the usual farm buildings for agricultural purposes, the planting of agricultural crops or the extraction of minerals.”
  • Minimum lot size · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Mayes County: no county rule sets this, because Mayes County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Oklahoma law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing mayes.okcounties.org.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The act applies only to counties having a population in excess of 500,000 according to the latest Federal Decennial Census.
    • The zoning power is limited to unincorporated areas of the county.
    “The board of county commissioners is hereby empowered to adopt zoning regulations effective in the unincorporated areas of the county for the purposes of promoting the health, safety, peace, morals, comfort and the general welfare of the inhabitants; lessening danger and congestion in public transportation and travel; securing safety from fire and other dangers; preventing overcrowding of land; avoiding undue concentration of population; providing adequate police protection, transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks, forests, recreational facilities, airports, military and naval facilities, and other public requirements; and preventing undue encroachment thereon. The zoning power hereby conferred shall not be exercised so as to deprive the owner of any existing property of its use or maintenance for the purpose to which it is then lawfully devoted except as hereinafter provided; nor shall the provisions of this act apply to the erection, installation and use of structures and equipment by public utilities subject to the jurisdiction and regulation of the Corporation Commission of the State of Oklahoma or other similar state or federal regulatory bodies; nor to the erection or use of the usual farm buildings for agricultural purposes, the planting of agricultural crops or the extraction of minerals.”
  • Setbacks · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Mayes County: no county rule sets this, because Mayes County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Oklahoma law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing mayes.okcounties.org.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The act applies only to counties having a population in excess of 500,000 according to the latest Federal Decennial Census.
    • The zoning power is limited to unincorporated areas of the county.
    “The board of county commissioners is hereby empowered to adopt zoning regulations effective in the unincorporated areas of the county for the purposes of promoting the health, safety, peace, morals, comfort and the general welfare of the inhabitants; lessening danger and congestion in public transportation and travel; securing safety from fire and other dangers; preventing overcrowding of land; avoiding undue concentration of population; providing adequate police protection, transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks, forests, recreational facilities, airports, military and naval facilities, and other public requirements; and preventing undue encroachment thereon. The zoning power hereby conferred shall not be exercised so as to deprive the owner of any existing property of its use or maintenance for the purpose to which it is then lawfully devoted except as hereinafter provided; nor shall the provisions of this act apply to the erection, installation and use of structures and equipment by public utilities subject to the jurisdiction and regulation of the Corporation Commission of the State of Oklahoma or other similar state or federal regulatory bodies; nor to the erection or use of the usual farm buildings for agricultural purposes, the planting of agricultural crops or the extraction of minerals.”
  • Lot coverage · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Mayes County: no county rule sets this, because Mayes County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Oklahoma law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing mayes.okcounties.org.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The act applies only to counties having a population in excess of 500,000 according to the latest Federal Decennial Census.
    • The zoning power is limited to unincorporated areas of the county.
    “The board of county commissioners is hereby empowered to adopt zoning regulations effective in the unincorporated areas of the county for the purposes of promoting the health, safety, peace, morals, comfort and the general welfare of the inhabitants; lessening danger and congestion in public transportation and travel; securing safety from fire and other dangers; preventing overcrowding of land; avoiding undue concentration of population; providing adequate police protection, transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks, forests, recreational facilities, airports, military and naval facilities, and other public requirements; and preventing undue encroachment thereon. The zoning power hereby conferred shall not be exercised so as to deprive the owner of any existing property of its use or maintenance for the purpose to which it is then lawfully devoted except as hereinafter provided; nor shall the provisions of this act apply to the erection, installation and use of structures and equipment by public utilities subject to the jurisdiction and regulation of the Corporation Commission of the State of Oklahoma or other similar state or federal regulatory bodies; nor to the erection or use of the usual farm buildings for agricultural purposes, the planting of agricultural crops or the extraction of minerals.”
  • Building height · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Mayes County: no county rule sets this, because Mayes County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Oklahoma law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing mayes.okcounties.org.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The act applies only to counties having a population in excess of 500,000 according to the latest Federal Decennial Census.
    • The zoning power is limited to unincorporated areas of the county.
    “The board of county commissioners is hereby empowered to adopt zoning regulations effective in the unincorporated areas of the county for the purposes of promoting the health, safety, peace, morals, comfort and the general welfare of the inhabitants; lessening danger and congestion in public transportation and travel; securing safety from fire and other dangers; preventing overcrowding of land; avoiding undue concentration of population; providing adequate police protection, transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks, forests, recreational facilities, airports, military and naval facilities, and other public requirements; and preventing undue encroachment thereon. The zoning power hereby conferred shall not be exercised so as to deprive the owner of any existing property of its use or maintenance for the purpose to which it is then lawfully devoted except as hereinafter provided; nor shall the provisions of this act apply to the erection, installation and use of structures and equipment by public utilities subject to the jurisdiction and regulation of the Corporation Commission of the State of Oklahoma or other similar state or federal regulatory bodies; nor to the erection or use of the usual farm buildings for agricultural purposes, the planting of agricultural crops or the extraction of minerals.”
  • Tiny homes · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Mayes County: no county rule sets this, because Mayes County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Oklahoma law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing mayes.okcounties.org.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The act applies only to counties having a population in excess of 500,000 according to the latest Federal Decennial Census.
    • The zoning power is limited to unincorporated areas of the county.
    “The board of county commissioners is hereby empowered to adopt zoning regulations effective in the unincorporated areas of the county for the purposes of promoting the health, safety, peace, morals, comfort and the general welfare of the inhabitants; lessening danger and congestion in public transportation and travel; securing safety from fire and other dangers; preventing overcrowding of land; avoiding undue concentration of population; providing adequate police protection, transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks, forests, recreational facilities, airports, military and naval facilities, and other public requirements; and preventing undue encroachment thereon. The zoning power hereby conferred shall not be exercised so as to deprive the owner of any existing property of its use or maintenance for the purpose to which it is then lawfully devoted except as hereinafter provided; nor shall the provisions of this act apply to the erection, installation and use of structures and equipment by public utilities subject to the jurisdiction and regulation of the Corporation Commission of the State of Oklahoma or other similar state or federal regulatory bodies; nor to the erection or use of the usual farm buildings for agricultural purposes, the planting of agricultural crops or the extraction of minerals.”
  • Manufactured homes · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Mayes County: no county rule sets this, because Mayes County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Oklahoma law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing mayes.okcounties.org.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The act applies only to counties having a population in excess of 500,000 according to the latest Federal Decennial Census.
    • The zoning power is limited to unincorporated areas of the county.
    “The board of county commissioners is hereby empowered to adopt zoning regulations effective in the unincorporated areas of the county for the purposes of promoting the health, safety, peace, morals, comfort and the general welfare of the inhabitants; lessening danger and congestion in public transportation and travel; securing safety from fire and other dangers; preventing overcrowding of land; avoiding undue concentration of population; providing adequate police protection, transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks, forests, recreational facilities, airports, military and naval facilities, and other public requirements; and preventing undue encroachment thereon. The zoning power hereby conferred shall not be exercised so as to deprive the owner of any existing property of its use or maintenance for the purpose to which it is then lawfully devoted except as hereinafter provided; nor shall the provisions of this act apply to the erection, installation and use of structures and equipment by public utilities subject to the jurisdiction and regulation of the Corporation Commission of the State of Oklahoma or other similar state or federal regulatory bodies; nor to the erection or use of the usual farm buildings for agricultural purposes, the planting of agricultural crops or the extraction of minerals.”
  • Accessory dwellings · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Mayes County: no county rule sets this, because Mayes County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Oklahoma law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing mayes.okcounties.org.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The act applies only to counties having a population in excess of 500,000 according to the latest Federal Decennial Census.
    • The zoning power is limited to unincorporated areas of the county.
    “The board of county commissioners is hereby empowered to adopt zoning regulations effective in the unincorporated areas of the county for the purposes of promoting the health, safety, peace, morals, comfort and the general welfare of the inhabitants; lessening danger and congestion in public transportation and travel; securing safety from fire and other dangers; preventing overcrowding of land; avoiding undue concentration of population; providing adequate police protection, transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks, forests, recreational facilities, airports, military and naval facilities, and other public requirements; and preventing undue encroachment thereon. The zoning power hereby conferred shall not be exercised so as to deprive the owner of any existing property of its use or maintenance for the purpose to which it is then lawfully devoted except as hereinafter provided; nor shall the provisions of this act apply to the erection, installation and use of structures and equipment by public utilities subject to the jurisdiction and regulation of the Corporation Commission of the State of Oklahoma or other similar state or federal regulatory bodies; nor to the erection or use of the usual farm buildings for agricultural purposes, the planting of agricultural crops or the extraction of minerals.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Receiving utilities at a new house or structure inside Mayes County.

    • A 911 address must be obtained from the Mayes County addressing department before utilities can be received.
    • The county page does not specify whether the utilities are water, sewer, electric, gas, or another utility.
    • The addressing process usually takes 3-5 business days after required information is received.
    “receive a 911 address before you are able to receive utilities to the property.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Obtaining a Mayes County 911 address for property or a new house/structure, including properties in the towns and cities of Mayes County.

    • An aerial view or map showing the location of the driveway, or where the driveway will be located, is required to receive a 911 address.
    • If the property does not share a driveway with an existing addressed structure, the applicant should complete the Addressing Request Form with as much detail as possible.
    • Accurate information about driveway location and property access is used to assign the address.
    • Additional questions or clarification may be needed after all required information and supporting documents are received.
    • Processing and completion takes approximately 3-5 business days.
    • A new house or structure inside Mayes County must receive a 911 address before utilities can be received at the property.
    • All residents are required to post their 911 address at the entrance of their driveway; address numbers must be clearly posted near the end of the driveway and visible from the roadway.

    processing time: approximately 3-5 business days

    “To help ensure your property is addressed accurately, please provide an aerial view or map of the property showing the location of the driveway, or where the driveway will be located. This can be submitted using Google Maps or any similar mapping service that provides an aerial image. Providing this information is required in order to receive a 911 address.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — New residential or other structures requiring a Mayes County 911 address, including the driveway location and access information used for county addressing.
      “Providing this information is required in order to receive a 911 address.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in Mayes County floodplains, including building construction, excavation, grading, drilling, road or driveway construction, and storage of equipment.

    • A floodplain permit is required for the listed work in the floodplain.
    • The Mayes County Emergency Management Director is the county Floodplain Administrator.
    • Applicants should obtain maps and additional information from the county Floodplain Administrator.
    • The applicable local Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance controls the permit determination and may require additional forms and conditions.
    “Anyone who plans to do work in the floodplain [...] must have a permit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Development and other work in a Mayes County floodplain under the administration of the Mayes County Emergency Management Director.
      “The Director serves as floodplain administrator for the County. Anyone who plans to do work in the floodplain, such as building construction, excavating, grading, drilling, road or driveway construction or storage of equipment in the floodplain must have a permit.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Work in a Mayes County floodplain, including building construction, excavation, grading, drilling, road or driveway construction, and storage of equipment.

    • A permit is required before the described work in the floodplain.
    • The Mayes County Emergency Management Director serves as floodplain administrator.
    • Maps and additional information are available by calling 918-530-6114.
    • The source does not publish a complete application, review, approval, inspection, or appeal process.
    “The Director serves as floodplain administrator for the County. Anyone who plans to do work in the floodplain, such as building construction, excavating, grading, drilling, road or driveway construction or storage of equipment in the floodplain must have a permit. Maps and additional information may be obtained by calling 918-530-6114.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    The county government lists no planning or zoning department; zoning is administered only within municipalities such as Pryor.

    Mayes County Commissioners - Departments ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Oklahoma rules that apply here

  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Commercial building construction throughout Oklahoma, subject to the OUBCC amendments and lawful requirements of other jurisdictions.

    • The adopted code is the 2024 International Building Code as amended and modified by OUBCC rules.
    • The 2024 IBC became effective September 14, 2026.
    • The statewide code is a minimum standard; other jurisdictions may amend or alter it only pursuant to Oklahoma law and OUBCC administrative rules.
    • The International Building Code 2021 Edition was expressly not adopted for any purpose.
    • None of the IBC 2024 appendices are included in the statewide minimum code; other jurisdictions may adopt appendices under 59 O.S. § 1000.29.
    • All IBC 2024 chapters and provisions, including exceptions, not specifically modified, deleted, moved, or removed by the rules are adopted without modification.
    • Chapter 34 is not adopted and is not part of the statewide minimum code.

    code edition: International Building Code 2024 (as amended and modified by OUBCC) · effective date: 2026-09-14

    “748:20-2-1., 748:20-2-2., 748:20-2-3., and 748:20-2-4., adopt the IBC® 2024 edition, without appendices and establishes the IBC® 2024 edition as the statewide minimum code for commercial construction in the State of Oklahoma.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Building codes applicable statewide in Oklahoma, including Mayes County, subject to the applicable code version and any local administration or enforcement requirements.
      “The OUBCC has adopted the 2024 editions of the International Building Code, International Existing Building Code, International Fire Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code and International Residential Code, with amendments. These codes will go into effect on September 14, 2026. The 2018 codes, as amended will stay in effect until September 14, 2026.”
    • Adopted — Minimum building-code standards for residential and commercial construction throughout Oklahoma, including construction subject to local county or municipal enforcement.
      “Base model codes have been adopted by reference and amended at the state level.”
    • Adopted — Minimum building codes for residential and commercial construction throughout Oklahoma, including construction in unincorporated areas.
      “Codes and standards adopted by the Commission shall be the minimum standards for residential and commercial construction in this state.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Plumbing, electrical, and mechanical construction work in Oklahoma, including rural or smaller jurisdictions without an inspector.

    • There is no statutory requirement for the CIB to inspect plumbing, electrical, or mechanical construction work.
    • The CIB performs inspections when requested outside jurisdictions having authority where there is no inspector and when investigating complaints involving unlicensed or unregistered activity or compliance with state-adopted codes, especially when life safety is involved.
    • Local jurisdictions may have their own inspection requirements.
    “There is no statutory requirement for plumbing, electrical and mechanical construction work to be inspected by the CIB. The CIB performs inspections when requested on plumbing, electrical and mechanical work outside of jurisdictions having authority where there is no inspector and when investigating a complaint on unlicensed, unregistered activity or compliance with the state adopted codes, especially when it involves life safety.”
  • Who permits septicState

    On-site sewage treatment systems in Mayes County, including unincorporated areas.

    • Oklahoma DEQ's Environmental Complaints and Local Services Division administers the on-site sewage treatment program, including soil tests, system designs, installation inspections, and oversight of certified installers.
    • Local DEQ environmental specialists handle review and issuance based on the property's location.
    “ECLS administers Oklahoma’s on-site sewage treatment program.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • State — Statewide administration and regulatory oversight of individual and small public on-site sewage treatment systems in Oklahoma.
      “ECLS administers Oklahoma’s on-site sewage treatment program.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation of a new, or modification of an existing, on-site sewage treatment system in Oklahoma, including Mayes County.

    • An Authorization to Construct must be purchased and issued by DEQ before installation or modification.
    • DEQ must review the Report for On-Site Sewage (581) before the Authorization to Construct may be issued.
    • The authorization is assigned to a local DEQ Environmental Specialist based on property location for review and issuance.
    • All new installations or modifications must be inspected and approved by DEQ, or installed, self-inspected, and approved by a certified installer before operation.
    “Before installing a new or modifying an existing on-site sewage treatment system, an Authorization to Construct (ATC) must be purchased and issued by DEQ.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Installing a new or modifying an existing individual or small public on-site sewage treatment system statewide.
      “Before installing a new or modifying an existing on-site sewage treatment system, an Authorization to Construct (ATC) must be purchased and issued by DEQ. After the ATC is purchased, it is assigned to the local DEQ Environmental Specialist (ES), based on the location of the property, for review and issuance. The Report for On-Site Sewage (581) must be reviewed by DEQ before the ATC may be issued.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    All new installations and modifications to on-site sewage systems in Mayes County.

    • Inspection and approval must be by DEQ, or the system may be installed, self-inspected, and approved by a certified installer.
    • The system may not be placed into operation before inspection and approval.
    • Final inspections are documented on DEQ Form 641-576.
    • Certified-installer final inspections must be submitted to DEQ within 15 days of completion.
    “All new installations or modifications to an on-site sewage system must be inspected and approved by DEQ”
  • Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)

    On-site sewage treatment systems used by Oklahoma homes and businesses where sewage is treated on the property rather than through a centralized sewer system.

    • The Report for On-Site Sewage determines which system types are allowed for the property and states minimum dispersal requirements based on residence size or small-public-system daily flow.
    • A DEQ Authorization to Construct is required before installing or modifying the system.
    • All new installations or modifications require DEQ inspection and approval, or certified-installer self-inspection and approval, before operation.
    • Alternative systems require DEQ approval before installation.
    • The system design depends on lot size and shape, residence size, and soil-test results.
    “determines what types of on-site systems are allowed for the property.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Groundwater wells drilled or used for non-domestic purposes in Oklahoma, including public water supply, industrial, commercial, oil and gas, poultry, medical-marijuana, and irrigation of more than 3 acres.

    • A well drilling contractor must obtain OWRB authorization and approval before drilling.
    • Authorization will not be issued unless the well location has an active groundwater use permit.
    • Groundwater permit applications must be filed before taking or using groundwater and before drilling.
    • The applicant must own or lease the land, the land must overlie a fresh groundwater basin or subbasin, the proposed use must be beneficial, and waste by depletion or pollution must not occur.
    • Failure to submit an intent-to-drill application when required may result in a penalty of up to $5,000 per day per violation.

    irrigation threshold for intent-to-drill authorization: > 3 acres (Irrigation of less than 3 acres is listed as not requiring intent-to-drill authorization.) · application response time: 5 business days approximately (OWRB staff response time stated on the Wells & Licensing page.) · maximum penalty for failure to submit required intent-to-drill application: <= 5000 USD per day per violation

    “Any well drilling contractor who intends to drill a groundwater well for non-domestic use must apply for authorization”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Not required — OWRB water-use permitting for domestic use of water from a well in Oklahoma, including Mayes County.
      “Permits must be obtained from the OWRB for all uses of water in Oklahoma except domestic use.”
    • Not required — Domestic use of groundwater and domestic groundwater wells used for household purposes, qualifying livestock, or irrigation of less than three acres statewide.
      “A water permit is not required for domestic use of groundwater”
    • Not required — Domestic groundwater use in Oklahoma, including household purposes, livestock up to the land’s grazing capacity, and irrigation of less than 3 acres.
      “A water permit is not required for domestic use of groundwater”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Certain agricultural parcels annexed into an Oklahoma municipality, including a Mayes County municipality, where the statutory acreage, agricultural-use, and timing conditions are satisfied.

    • The exemption does not apply to ordinances enacted pursuant to Section 43-101.1 of Title 11.
    • For parcels annexed on or after July 1, 2003, the parcel must be at least 5 acres and used for agricultural purposes.
    • For parcels annexed before July 1, 2003, the parcel must be at least 40 acres, used for agricultural purposes before annexation, and have continued in uninterrupted agricultural use.
    • The exemption applies only to ordinances restricting land use and building construction to the extent the use or construction is related to agricultural purposes.
    • If no residence is within 50 feet of the parcel boundaries, the property is not subject to ordinances regulating conduct that would not be an offense under state law.
    • Property discharging into a municipal water, wastewater, or sewer system remains subject to ordinances or regulations related to environmental standards for that system.
    • Parcels subject to regulatory control because of proximity to an airport, spaceport, or military installation are not exempt from ordinances necessary for those facilities and remain subject to ordinances enacted under Section 43-101.1.

    minimum acreage for parcel annexed on or after July 1, 2003: >= 5 acres (Must be used for agricultural purposes.) · minimum acreage for parcel annexed before July 1, 2003: >= 40 acres (Must have been used for agricultural purposes before annexation and continued in uninterrupted agricultural use.) · residence-distance condition: > 50 feet (If no residence is within 50 feet of the parcel boundaries, the specified conduct-ordinance limitation applies.) · annexation-date threshold: 2003-07-01 (Different acreage and continuity requirements apply before and on or after this date.)

    “parcels of land five (5) acres or more used for agricultural purposes annexed into the municipal limits on or after July 1, 2003”
    7 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available — The usual farm buildings used for agricultural purposes and the planning of agricultural crops in Oklahoma, including unincorporated Mayes County.
      “county zoning authority does not apply to the erection or use of the usual farm buildings for agricultural purposes or the planning of agricultural crops.”
    • Available — Farm homes, usual farm buildings used for agricultural purposes, and planting agricultural crops in areas governed by a county planning commission under Title 19.
      “The rules and regulations of this commission shall not apply to the erection of farm homes or the erection or use of the usual farm buildings for agricultural purposes or the planting of agricultural crops.”
    • Available (with conditions) — Individuals or businesses engaged in farming or ranching for profit who seek an Oklahoma agricultural sales-tax exemption permit, including applicants in Mayes County.
      “Pursuant to Title 68 Section 1358.1 of the Oklahoma Statutes, individuals or businesses engaged in farming or ranching for profit may qualify for an agricultural exemption. A permit card must be obtained from the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) and used when making a purchase tax-exempt for their farm or ranch.”
    • Available — The erection or use of usual farm buildings for agricultural purposes and the planning of agricultural crops in Mayes County, to the extent the applicable control is county zoning authority.
      “Fourth, county zoning authority does not apply to the erection or use of the usual farm buildings for agricultural purposes or the planning of agricultural crops.”
    • Available — The erection or use of usual farm buildings for agricultural purposes under the county zoning powers addressed by Oklahoma Title 19, including where applicable in Mayes County and its incorporated municipalities.
      “A. The zoning power conferred herein shall not apply to the erection or use of the usual farm buildings for agricultural purposes”
    • Available (with conditions) — The zoning power conferred by Oklahoma Title 19 on municipalities and counties, including county unincorporated areas, as applied to usual farm buildings used for agricultural purposes and the planning of agricultural crops.
      “shall not apply to [...] the usual farm buildings for agricultural purposes”
    • Available (with conditions) — Construction of a farm home or other farm building under the Title 19 city-county planning and zoning act.
      “No fees or permits shall be required for [...] any farm building.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Residential developments outside the corporate limits of a city or town in Oklahoma, including unincorporated Mayes County.

    • The plat must describe water-supply and sewage-treatment methods.
    • If public water or public sewage will be used, preliminary DEQ approval verification must accompany the plat.
    • The plat must state actual lot sizes and identify public water-supply sources within 300 feet.
    • DEQ approval must be obtained before recording the plat, offering lots for sale, or beginning construction.
    • The approved plat must bear the Department's approval stamp, restrictions if any, signature, and date.
    • Approval becomes effective 30 days after filing unless rejected earlier.
    • The plat must then be filed in the county land records.
    • Knowing violations may result in a $500 to $5,000 misdemeanor fine per violation.

    approval waiting period: 30 days (Unless specifically rejected before expiration of the 30-day period.) · public-water-source review distance: 300 feet · misdemeanor fine: 500-5000 USD per violation

    “Approval of the plat shall be obtained prior to recording the plat”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Recording a subdivision plat in unincorporated Mayes County when the plat contains any lot smaller than 2.5 acres.
      “The county clerk shall not file of record any plat which contains any lot of less than two and one-half (2 1/2) acres located outside the corporate limits of a city or town unless the plat bears the stamp of approval of the Department of Environmental Quality as provided in Section 2-6-403 of Title 27A of the Oklahoma Statutes.”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision plats affecting property in Mayes County, particularly unincorporated property and property outside municipal corporate limits.
      “Plats or subdivision plats of property in unincorporated areas with roads of public designation shall not be filed in the county clerk’s office until such plat or subdivision plat goes before the board of county commissioners and the board determines that the dedicated public roads are designed to meet the requirements of Section 601.1 of Title 69 of the Oklahoma Statutes.”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and residential-development plat filing in Mayes County, including unincorporated areas and incorporated municipalities to the extent the cited statewide statutes apply.
      “Approval of the plat shall be obtained prior to recording the plat, offering a lot or lots for sale or beginning construction within such residential development.”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Residential developments outside Oklahoma municipal corporate limits, including plat approval and recording requirements.
      “Approval of the plat shall be obtained prior to recording the plat”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Construction permits and renewals issued by a state agency, municipality, or other political subdivision for work governed by Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission codes.

    • The OUBCC fee is not to exceed $5.00 for issuance and $5.00 for renewal.
    • The official FAQ states that current fees are $4.00 per permit.
    • The issuing state agency, municipality, or other political subdivision may levy an additional fee up to $0.50 per construction permit or renewal permit.

    permit issuance fee: 4 USD (The statutory range is not to exceed $5.00.) · permit renewal fee: 4 USD (The statutory range is not to exceed $5.00.) · additional issuing-jurisdiction fee: <= 0.5 USD (May be levied by the collecting state agency, municipality, or other political subdivision.)

    “Currently the fees are set at $4.00 per permit.”
  • county zoning authorityLimited

    County zoning authority in unincorporated areas under Oklahoma Statutes Title 19, Sections 868.1 through 868.22.

    • The authority applies only to counties having a population in excess of 500,000 according to the latest Federal Decennial Census.
    • The zoning authority is for unincorporated areas of the county.
    • Existing lawful uses are protected except as otherwise provided by the statute.
    • The statute excludes public utilities subject to Corporation Commission or similar state or federal regulation, usual farm buildings for agricultural purposes, planting agricultural crops, and extraction of minerals.
    • Zoning regulations must address the statutory public-health, safety, welfare, transportation, utilities, public facilities, and land-use purposes.

    county population threshold: > 500000 persons (latest Federal Decennial Census)

    “population in excess of five hundred thousand (500,000)”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — County zoning regulations for unincorporated areas under Title 19, §§19-868.1 through 19-868.22.
      “The board of county commissioners is hereby empowered to adopt zoning regulations effective in the unincorporated areas of the county for the purposes of promoting the health, safety, peace, morals, comfort and the general welfare of the inhabitants; lessening danger and congestion in public transportation and travel; securing safety from fire and other dangers; preventing overcrowding of land; avoiding undue concentration of population; providing adequate police protection, transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks, forests, recreational facilities, airports, military and naval facilities, and other public requirements; and preventing undue encroachment thereon. The zoning power hereby conferred shall not be exercised so as to deprive the owner of any existing property of its use or maintenance for the purpose to which it is then lawfully devoted except as hereinafter provided; nor shall the provisions of this act apply to the erection, installation and use of structures and equipment by public utilities subject to the jurisdiction and regulation of the Corporation Commission of the State of Oklahoma or other similar state or federal regulatory bodies; nor to the erection or use of the usual farm buildings for agricultural purposes, the planting of agricultural crops or the extraction of minerals.”
    • Limited — County planning and zoning through a cooperative city-county planning commission for the unincorporated area of an eligible county.
      “county plan within the unincorporated area”
  • county building authorityLimited

    County adoption and enforcement of building or fire codes in unincorporated areas under 19 O.S. § 868.17A.

    • The authority applies only in unincorporated areas.
    • The provision does not apply to counties not subject to 19 O.S. §§ 868.1 through 868.22; those provisions apply only to counties with a population in excess of 500,000 according to the latest Federal Decennial Census.
    • Public-utility electric supply and communication lines regulated by the Corporation Commission are excluded.
    • The county may prescribe permits, notices, inspection procedures, and reasonable fees sufficient to cover inspection and enforcement expenses.
    • Building inspectors must be licensed by Oklahoma.

    county population threshold: > 500000 persons (latest Federal Decennial Census) · inspection and enforcement fees: reasonable and sufficient to meet inspection and enforcement expense

    “may, by resolution, adopt building codes, fire codes”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — County adoption and enforcement of building and fire codes, including permits and inspections, in unincorporated areas under Title 19, §§19-868.1 through 19-868.22.
      “The board of county commissioners may, by resolution, adopt building codes, fire codes, or both building and fire codes which shall be designed for the purpose of promoting, benefiting, and protecting the public health, safety and welfare of the people of this state. The codes adopted pursuant to this section shall be applicable only in the unincorporated areas of the county. All building materials, equipment, and methods of installation or construction shall be at least the equivalent of that prescribed in any building or fire code adopted by the board of county commissioners in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, and safety. Any codes adopted pursuant to this section shall not apply to the installation and maintenance of electric supply and communication lines of public utilities and public service companies which are regulated by the Corporation Commission. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any area located within any county not subject to the provisions of Section 868.1 through 868.22 of Title 19 of the Oklahoma Statutes. Building inspectors may be employed by a county to enforce building or fire codes. The building inspectors shall be licensed by the State of Oklahoma. The building inspectors shall enforce the provisions of any building or fire code adopted pursuant to this section and shall be authorized to inspect all buildings for the purpose of discharging the duties imposed by this section or by any building or fire code adopted by the board of county commissioners. The board of county commissioners may adopt rules to carry out the inspections to enforce the building or fire codes, may prescribe the necessary permits, notices, and inspection procedures and may set and determine fees. The fees shall be reasonable and shall be sufficient to meet the expense of inspection and enforcement of the building or fire codes.”

Inside cities and towns in Mayes County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Property and construction within the Town of Chouteau, Mayes County, Oklahoma.

    • The Town of Chouteau provides a municipal permits-and-zoning page.
    • The town states that all Town of Chouteau ordinances and codes are available for review at the town office.
    • The linked planning and zoning document could not be fully opened because of file-size limits, so specific district standards were not extracted.
    “For Planning & Zoning Information CLICK HERE”
    5 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Properties within the City of Pryor Creek, Mayes County, Oklahoma.
      “Municipal Boundary Parcels Roadways Railroads Lakes Streams and Rivers Downtown Overlay District Zoning_Code RS-70 RD RM RMH CO CC CR CAR CG IL AG”
    • Present (with conditions) — Property and business sites within the City of Pryor Creek, Mayes County, Oklahoma.
      “Confirm that the zoning requirements on the site are suitable for your business.”
    • Present (with conditions) — Businesses and development sites within the City of Pryor Creek, Mayes County, Oklahoma.
      “Confirm that the zoning requirements on the site are suitable for your business. (You may call [918-825-1679 to find out the zone, and you can visit Pryorcreek.Org to check on those zoning requirements.”
    • Present (with conditions) — Planning and zoning administration within the incorporated Town of Chouteau, Mayes County.
      “For Planning & Zoning Information CLICK HERE”
    • Present (with conditions) — Planning and zoning information for construction and contractor activity within the Town of Chouteau.
      “Permits & Zoning Information for Construction & Contractors [...] For Planning & Zoning Information CLICK HERE [...] All Town of Chouteau Ordnances and Codes are available for review in the Town of Chouteau office.”
  • Living in an RVProhibited

    Temporary or permanent living-quarters occupancy of camping trailers, travel trailers, motor homes, or other recreational vehicles or trailers parked or stored within the corporate city limits of Pryor Creek

    • The prohibition applies except where another provision of the Pryor Creek City Code authorizes the use.
    • Family members or guests of a property owner may temporarily occupy a lawfully parked recreational vehicle for no more than seven days in any 30-day period.
    • Extended occupation is excepted in areas where applicable zoning allows it.
    • The mayor or designee may waive the restrictions during a declared state of emergency.
    • The city council approved and waived second reading of Ordinance #2023-1 on February 7, 2023.

    temporary occupancy limit for family members or guests: 7 days in any 30-day period (Only when the recreational vehicle is otherwise lawfully parked on the property of the property owner)

    “Occupation as temporary or permanent living quarters of camping trailers, travel trailers, motor homes or other recreational type vehicles or trailers parked or stored within the corporate city limits is hereby prohibited except as may be otherwise authorized by another provision of this City Code.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary occupancy of a lawfully parked camping trailer, travel trailer, motor home, or other recreational vehicle by a family member or guest of a property owner within Pryor Creek

    • The vehicle must otherwise be lawfully parked on the property of the property owner.
    • Occupancy may not exceed seven days in any 30-day period.
    • The general prohibition applies except where another City Code provision or applicable zoning authorizes the use.
    • The mayor or designee may waive the restrictions during a declared state of emergency.

    temporary occupancy limit: 7 days in any 30-day period (Family members or guests of a property owner only)

    “It shall not be a violation of this provision for family members or guests of a property owner of property within the corporate city limits to temporarily occupy a camping trailer, travel trailer, motor home or other recreational type vehicle or trailer which is otherwise lawfully parked upon the property of the property owner for a period of not to exceed seven (7) days in any thirty (30) day time period.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical construction permits and related contractor licenses administered by the Town of Chouteau within Chouteau.

    • New residential and commercial construction is listed at $105.00.
    • Residential repair or remodeling is listed at $30.00.
    • Commercial repair or remodeling is listed at $55.00.
    • If the Town of Chouteau building inspector is required to make more than three inspections on a structure for each permit classification, an additional fee of $15.00 per inspection applies, or $15.00 per inspection per unit for multi-family dwellings.
    • Electrical, plumbing, or HVAC permits must be purchased as required.
    • Electrical, plumbing, or HVAC licenses are required for each trade from the State and Town of Chouteau.
    • The first-time electrical, plumbing, and mechanical contractor license is listed at $105.00; renewals are listed at $75.00 and are due in June every year.

    new construction permit fee: 105 USD (Residential and commercial electrical, plumbing, and mechanical construction permits) · residential repair/remodel permit fee: 30 USD · commercial repair/remodel permit fee: 55 USD · additional inspection fee: per 15 USD per inspection (Applies after more than three inspections on a structure for each permit classification; $15 per inspection per unit for multi-family dwellings) · first-time trade contractor license: 105 USD (Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical contractors) · trade license renewal: 75 USD (Renewals due in June every year)

    “Construction Permits & Fees - Electrical, Plumbing & Mechanical New Construction - Residential & Commercial = $105.00 Repair, Remodel, Etc. Residential - $30.00 Commercial - $55.00 Additional Inspections - Provided that in the event the Town of Chouteau building inspector is required to make more than three (3) inspections on a structure for each permit classification, the Town of Chouteau will levy and collect an additional fee of $15.00 per inspection or $15.00 per inspection per unit for multi-family dwellings”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical construction permits in the incorporated Town of Chouteau, Mayes County.
      “Construction Permits & Fees - Electrical, Plumbing & Mechanical New Construction - Residential & Commercial = $105.00 Repair, Remodel, Etc. Residential - $30.00 Commercial - $55.00”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy issued or required by Mayes County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term residential rentals in Mayes County.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Mayes County, Oklahoma

Is Mayes County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Mayes County scores 64/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: about 84,132 people within a 30-minute drive.

Do you need a building permit in Mayes County, Oklahoma?

Mayes County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Oklahoma DEQ - Environmental Complaints & Local Services (ECLS) Division, On-Site Sewage Programs. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Mayes County, Oklahoma?

Land in Mayes County runs about $3,529 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Mayes County?

Mayes County gets about 45.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 12.7% of years.

How remote is Mayes County?

A representative private-land location has about 84,132 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,650,150 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Mayes compares in Oklahoma

Compare side-by-side →See all 77 Oklahoma counties ranked →