Tulsa launches third party plans review and inspection

(TULSA, Okla.) To allow for faster plan reviews and inspections for development projects, the City of Tulsa has begun a Third Party Plans Review and Inspection Program. Developers may choose a third party provider that has been approved by the City of Tulsa to review plans and conduct inspections. This approved provider is authorized to recommend issuance of building permits and certificates of occupancy. “We have made significant improvements to our process of permitting new development in Tulsa,” said Mayor G.T. Bynum. “The Third Party Plans Review and Inspection Program helps to expedite this process and allows developers to have more control over the timing of their projects. We also have increased staffing in our Development Services Department, to speed up permitting at City Hall for those who choose to have the City provide these services.” The Third Party Plans Review and Inspection Program was adopted by the City Council last year, published, and became effective at the end of January 2020. The Oklahoma Construction Industries Board also has approved administrative rules that will enable independent third party inspections. The approval process for third party providers ensures that the City of Tulsa’s standards are being met to comply with the codes for life safety, health and welfare and to verify proper insurance coverage for completion of the services. The Third Party Plans Review and Inspection Program is part of the improvements that Development Services has implemented in the past several years. Previously, the average wait time for a permit application to be reviewed for the first time was 25 working days – 5 weeks. Through additions to personnel and increased efficiency, the current wait time for initial review is now five days instead of five weeks. Development Services also is working to ensure that this current time becomes an extended average for all components of the review process. Mayor Bynum added, “It is in this spirit of continuous improvement that we have overhauled the development process in Tulsa over the last two years to facilitate greater investment in our city.” Developers interested in utilizing the program and providers interested in registering to become an Approved Provider should visit www.cityoftulsa.org/permitting to view and download the Program Manual. To request additional information or an in-person presentation from Development Services staff, please contact Development Services Liaison Ashley Chaney at (918) 576-5527.