REMINDER: Get A Permit For Your Storm Shelter Installation

As storm season continues in Oklahoma City, residents should remember to apply for the building permit required to install a below-ground storm shelter or above-ground safe room.

The City processed 8,001 storm shelter permits in 2014, and residents submitted 563 permit applications during the first 14 days of this month after the first metro-area tornado of the season.

The permit process involves gathering information about your shelter, completing a building permit application and paying a fee.

Required documents

· Completed building permit application 

· Engineered specifications per FEMA 320/ICC 500*

· Letter regarding floatation (in-ground and slope-top shelters only)*

· Floor plan (for in-garage or in-house shelters only)**

· Site plan (for outdoor shelters). Many people use a mortgage survey or aerial photograph of the property and indicate the shelter's dimensions.

*Contact your contractor for these documents.

**Visit the Oklahoma County Assessor's website for floor plans

How to submit your application

Submit your application and documents in person from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays at 420 W Main St., 8th floor. The application will be reviewed while you wait. Wait times are typically the longest from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

You can also fax your application and documents to 297-2178, and the City will then contact you for payment by credit card.

Fees

· $53.50 for in-ground or slope-top shelters.

· $70.50 for above-ground safe rooms.

The City accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, cash and check.

After installation

If you didn't request that your shelter be automatically registered on the remarks section of the permit application form, the City encourages you to register the shelter after the permit has been paid for and the shelter has been installed and inspected. Registering your shelter will let emergency responders know where to find you during a disaster.

Register the shelter with the City by going online or calling the Action Center at 297-2535. You may also request that your shelter be automatically registered in the remarks section of the permit application form.

For more information, call 297-2525.