Jackson County does not issue building permits for unincorporated land; the state’s building code commission lists it as a non-issuing county. The county’s own permit role is limited to floodplain management, run by its Emergency Management director, and the public service and pipeline crossing permits listed on the county’s Approved Permits page. Inside the towns, Altus (Planning & Development, 580-481-2205) and East Duke (Town Hall, 580-679-3400) issue building permits.
Who handles permits in Jackson County?
The three county commissioners share one office at 101 N. Main, Room 101, in Altus, open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Emergency Management director doubles as the county’s floodplain administrator, so anyone building in a mapped flood zone outside the towns starts there. On-site sewage (septic) systems are permitted by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality.
| Office | Contact |
|---|---|
| Board of County Commissioners | 101 N. Main, Room 101, Altus, OK 73521; (580) 482-4420; fax (580) 482-4430 |
| Floodplain administrator (Emergency Management director) | (580) 482-0229 |
| Commissioners’ meetings | Commissioners’ Board Room, Jackson County Courthouse, 108 N. Hudson, Altus |
| City of Altus Planning & Development | 509 S Main Street; 580-481-2205 |
Short on time to read all of this?
Get a free quote →Towns in Jackson County
| Town | Building permits |
|---|---|
| Altus | Yes: City Planning & Development Department, City Hall, 509 S Main Street |
| Blair, Eldorado, Elmer, Friendship, Headrick, Martha, Olustee | Listed by the state building code commission as issuing no permits |
| East Duke | Yes: Town Hall, 120 W. 2nd Street, Duke; $25 building permit on the Town’s application, with a plot plan drawn to scale; 580-679-3400, weekdays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. |
Even where a town issues no building permit, Blair (580-563-2406), Martha (580-266-3300) and Olustee (580-648-2288) each appear on the Oklahoma Water Resources Board’s list of local floodplain administrators, so building in a flood zone inside those towns goes through the town.
Not sure this scope needs a permit?
Get a free quote →What Jackson County does permit
- Floodplain development: handled by the Emergency Management director as the Jackson County Flood Plain Administrator.
- Public service and pipeline crossings: listed on the county’s Approved Permits page.
- Plats: the county forms page includes a section plat form and an example.
The county’s forms page carries tax, election and plat forms but no building permit application.
Permit costs in Jackson County
With no county building permit there is no county building fee. Projects in Altus pay the City’s fees under Resolution 2026-14, adopted June 2, 2026, which sets houses at $0.25 per square foot.
Building in Jackson County, step by step
Inside Altus, apply to the City’s Planning & Development Department; inside East Duke, to the Town Hall.
Outside the towns, call the county floodplain administrator about any flood zone; inside Blair, Martha or Olustee, call the town.
Rural homes on septic need a DEQ permit for the on-site system.
Electrical, plumbing and mechanical work is done by Construction Industries Board licensees.
Ask the commissioners’ office about a public service or pipeline crossing permit.
Rather talk it over?
Call 1-855-478-4290 →Inspections
The county runs no building inspection program. In Altus, the City inspects each stage of a permitted job and issues certificates of occupancy; call 580-481-2205 to request an inspection.
Local details
East Duke building permits: the Town’s application states that it is a violation of town ordinance to change the use of land or buildings, or to erect, alter, move or improve any building or structure, until a building permit has been obtained. The form covers new homes and commercial buildings, additions, carports and garages, storage buildings, fences, signs, swimming pools, driveways and sidewalks and mobile homes, and asks for a plot plan drawn to scale showing the lot, existing and proposed buildings, materials and any off-street parking, plus the existing and intended use of each building. The fee is $25.
Oklahoma building code
Oklahoma sets statewide minimum codes (the 2024 editions since September 14, 2026) that cities enforce and may strengthen; most counties issue no building permits for unincorporated land, though a few do. Oklahoma rules
Rather not deal with the Jackson County building department?
Get a free quote →Official Jackson County permit resources
These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.
- Jackson County commissioners and county office contacts
- Jackson County Emergency Management and floodplain administrator
- Jackson County approved public service and pipeline crossing permits
- Jackson County commissioners 2026 agendas
- Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission jurisdiction list
- Oklahoma Water Resources Board floodplain administrators
- City of Altus Planning & Development
- Town of East Duke licensing, permits and building permit application
- Oklahoma DEQ on-site sewage treatment
- Oklahoma Construction Industries Board
Want this handled start to finish?
Get a free quote →Jackson County permit FAQs
Does Jackson County issue building permits?
No. The state building code commission lists Jackson County as not issuing permits, and the county publishes no building permit form.
Who do I call about building in a flood zone in rural Jackson County?
The county floodplain administrator, who is also the Emergency Management director: (580) 482-0229.
Which towns in Jackson County issue building permits?
Altus and East Duke do; East Duke charges $25 per building permit. Blair, Eldorado, Elmer, Friendship, Headrick, Martha and Olustee are listed as issuing none.
Who permits a septic system?
The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality permits on-site sewage systems.
Inspections are where schedules slip.
Get a free quote →How do I reach the county commissioners?
Their office is at 101 N. Main, Room 101, Altus, open weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; phone (580) 482-4420.
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More Oklahoma permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Jackson County permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.