Which types of safe rooms and storm shelters require a permit?
  • All outdoor storm shelters, require a permit to ensure compliance of the location, construction, and installation with the local codes and the guidelines established by FEMA P-320 and/or ICC-500.
  • All indoor in-ground safe rooms require a permit to ensure compliance of the location, construction, and installation with the local codes and the guidelines established by FEMA P-320 and/or ICC-500.
  • Indoor above-ground safe rooms do not require a permit if they are prefabricated to the standards of either FEMA P-320 or ICC-500. Homeowners should verify this information with their chosen safe room company.
  • Indoor above-ground safe rooms that are constructed on site will require a permit to ensure compliance of the location, construction, and installation with the local codes and the guidelines established by FEMA P-320 and/or ICC-500. These types of constructed safe rooms fall outside of the scope of this FAQ and will require additional inspections and information from the contractor. Please contact the City of Jenks if you want to construct this type of safe room.

Show All Answers

1. Which types of safe rooms and storm shelters require a permit?
2. Does the City of Jenks allow storm shelters and safe rooms to be installed for residential purposes?
3. Can I have a safe room installed in the floor of my existing home in a garage, closet, etc.?
4. Who acquires the permit?
5. How long does it take to get a permit?
6. Where do I get a permit application?
7. Why does the permit application require a site plan?
8. What if I don’t know all this information that the permit requests?
9. What inspections are required during the installation of my storm shelter or safe room?
10. Who calls in the inspection?
11. Why are inspections needed?
12. What else should I do when having a shelter or safe room installed?
13. What is the summary of required inspections?