Oklahoma City has instituted a new rule requiring residents to secure a permit for significant roofing projects, in a move said to protect homeowners from scams, especially after major storms. According to KFOR, the permit costs $94.50 and can be obtained by either the contractor or the homeowner undertaking the roofing project within the Oklahoma City limits.
Avery Smith, the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Roofing Contractors Association, indicated support for the initiative, telling KOCO, "They just descend on a neighborhood like a bunch of vultures,” referring to scamming contractors. Smith also noted that he receives weekly calls from individuals who have fallen prey to fraudulent roofers, a trend that the new permit requirement hopes to curb.
Nevertheless, some residents have voiced concerns over potential delays that could be caused by the new permitting process, especially following storm damage. Smith attempted to assuage these concerns, stating, "Typically when there’s a big storm, our municipalities in Oklahoma are very good about fast-tracking the process because they understand you have a roof that’s compromised," as per KOCO.
The permit ordinance exempts maintenance on areas of 500 square feet or less and work on new construction. To apply for a permit, residents and contractors can visit the online platform at okc.gov/access or drop by the City’s In-Person Business Center, as detailed by Roofing Contractor. Brock Rowe, the city's Development Services Director, elaborated on the need for regulation in this sector, insisting that the frequency of severe weather makes it "critical that we protect homeowners, especially during times of crisis," Rowe said.
It's also worth noting, as Roofing Contractor reports, that while Oklahoma does not have a specific roofing license requirement, it mandates annual registration of contractors with its Construction Industries Board. This measure, coupled with the new permitting process, aims to reinforce the reliability of roofing services provided to Oklahoma City residents.
