Murray County, Oklahoma Building Permit Guide

Murray County does not issue building permits: the state building code commission lists the county, and the towns of Dougherty and Hickory, as issuing none. Sulphur and Davis run their own permit and inspection programs inside city limits. On unincorporated land, septic systems are permitted by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and buildings in the International Building Code’s occupancy classes need a State Fire Marshal permit.

Who issues permits in Murray County?

Murray County has four incorporated places:

The county itself is listed by the commission at PO Box 240, Sulphur, 580-622-3777. Because Sulphur and Davis are on the State Fire Marshal’s list of local plan review authorities, their permits stand in for the state permit inside city limits, except on state-owned buildings. Where no local authority issues building permits, the State Fire Marshal requires its own permit (OAC 265:25-1-4), at $0.20 per square foot of building with a $100 minimum (OAC 265:60-1-2).

Building permits in Sulphur

Sulphur publishes its building permit and inspection process; in short:

The use stated on the permit cannot change after issue without city or consultant approval, and changes to the plans may bring more fees and inspections. Its process sheet (posted in 2024) lists the 2018 International codes and the 2020 National Electrical Code and says all codes used in Sulphur are those adopted by the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission, whose minimum has been the 2024 editions and the 2023 National Electrical Code since September 14, 2026; the code books can be viewed at City Hall.

Building permits and contractors in Davis

Davis requires a building permit to build a new structure or to enlarge, alter or move an existing building. Its Community Development Services office takes residential questions through the City Planner (ext. 27) and commercial questions through Economic Development and Community Services (ext. 32) at 580-369-3333.

• Contractor registration: electrical, plumbing and mechanical contractors and journeymen must register with the city, showing a valid Oklahoma licence and photo ID and paying the fee. The city will not approve a building project without registered electrical, mechanical and plumbing contractors.
• Sub-Contractor Compliance Letter: one is due from each contractor when its work is complete, before the final inspection and the certificate of occupancy.
• Floodplain: any development in a floodplain, including buildings, fill or grading, needs a Floodplain Development Permit in addition to the building permit. The city’s local floodplain administrator is reached through City Hall.

Local Murray County details

Sulphur floodplain: the Oklahoma Water Resources Board’s directory lists Sulphur’s floodplain administrator at the city’s code inspector line, 580-622-5096.

After hours in Davis: emergency water, sewer and street problems go to the city’s dispatch line, 580-369-2323.

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

Official Murray County permit resources

These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.

• Oklahoma Construction Industries Board
• Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission
• OUBCC list of cities, towns and counties that issue permits
• State Fire Marshal list of local plan review authorities (July 14, 2026)
• State Fire Marshal permit questions
• Oklahoma Water Resources Board: find a floodplain administrator
• City of Sulphur Code Enforcement
• City of Sulphur building permit and inspection process
• City of Davis Community Development Services

Murray County permit FAQs

Does Murray County issue building permits?

No; the county appears on the state commission’s list as a non-permitting jurisdiction. Sulphur and Davis issue building permits inside their limits.

Who issues building permits in Sulphur?

The City of Sulphur at City Hall, 600 W. Broadway (580-622-5096). Commercial plans also need approval from a plan review consultant the applicant chooses.

Who issues building permits in Davis?

Davis Community Development Services at City Hall, 580-369-3333: ext. 27 for residential projects and ext. 32 for commercial projects.

Do contractors need to register in Davis?

Yes. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical contractors and journeymen register with the city using their state licence and photo ID.

What about building outside the cities?

There is no county building permit. DEQ permits septic systems, and the State Fire Marshal permits buildings in the International Building Code’s occupancy classes where no local authority does.

Simplify Murray County permitting with Alliance Permitting

Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in Oklahoma. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.

This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Murray County permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.