Show All Answers

1. How do I obtain a Burn Permit?

The Choctaw Fire Department issues Burn Permits. Please contact them at 405-390-8300, 7 days a week.

2. My trash wasn't picked up today. When will my trash be picked up if there was a holiday?

With the new contract with Waste Connections, holidays that fall on a week day will offset trash service by one day. So, if your trash pick up day is Tuesday, they will pick up on Wednesday. The only holidays that affect trash pick up are New Years, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Missed Pickups

If your trash was not picked up on a scheduled trash day, please contact Waste Connections directly to report the missed pickup, at 405-745-2942.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information please visit our Utilities page.

3. Do I have to get a permit?

Permits are required for many installation and building projects within city limits, including but not limited to:  

• Accessory Buildings (Sheds)
• Alarm Systems
• Any Kind of Building or Remodeling
• Carports
• Driveways
• Heat and Air Change out
• Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Installation, Alteration or Repair
• Moving or Demolishing Existing Buildings
• Patio Covers
• Pools
• Signs
• Storm Shelters
• Water Heater Change out

Work performed without a permit can incur a fine and double the permit fee.  Inspections cannot be performed on work that does not have a Permit on file.  

If in doubt, please call 405-390-2999 and speak to our Planning and Development Department. You can also view the applications for permits.

4. Can I operate a business from my home?

If you are considering operating a home based business, please contact our Planning and Development Department at 405-390-2999 to ensure that your area is properly zoned for the type of business you plan to operate. In order to operate a business from your home, you will need to obtain a Home Occupancy Permit (PDF) from City Hall, and if you plan to post a sign outside your home, you will need a Sign Permit (PDF) as well. Home Occupancy permits must be renewed annually.  

More Information

Please contact the Planning and Development department at 405-390-2999 with any further questions.

5. How do I obtain an inspection?

• Inspections are performed by the City Inspector Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Please call 405-390-2999 when you are ready to schedule one or more.
• Contractors are required to pull a permit prior to performing the work.  
• Fees will double if work is performed prior to pulling the permit, and may incur a fine. 
• Contractors must have a valid state and city license prior to pulling a permit. 
• Inspections may be called in on permitted projects by calling 405-390-2999.
• Inspections are generally done the same day they are called in, however Rough-ins and Finals are held until all subcontractors have called in. 
• Permits and License applications can be downloaded on our permits page.

6. When do City issued licenses expire (Contractor, Home Occupancy, Beverage)?

All City licenses expire on June 30th. You will need to renew your license with the City of Choctaw prior to July 1st in order to continue to conduct business in the City limits. Please visit our Permits and License Page to download applications and get information on the requirements to obtain licenses.

7. How do I file an animal or code enforcement complaint?

Stray or Nuisance Animals

Issues with stray or nuisance animals can be reported to the Animal Control officer at 405-769-3821.

Code Enforcement

Code Enforcement complaints can be reported to the Code Compliance Officer at 405-281-6869.

8. What is the ordinance for high weeds and grass?

Grass and weeds cannot be more than 12 inches high or Code Compliance can cite you for abatement. To report high grass and weeds, please contact Code Compliance at 405-281-6869.

9. How do I register my storm shelter?

The first step is to obtain a Storm Shelter Permit (PDF) prior to installing the Storm Shelter. Storm shelter permits need to be filed at City Hall. There is no fee for storm shelter permits.

Post Installation & GPS Location

After the installation is complete, please call the Planning and Development Department at 405-390-2999 and they will let the Fire Department know. The Fire Department will come and GPS the location of your shelter in order to ensure that in the event of excessive tornado damage, they will be able to find the location of your shelter.

10. Who do I contact with a customer service issue with Cox Cable?

Cox Cable handles their own customer support calls. Please direct your customer service issues to the Cox Cable webpage or call them directly at 405-600-8282. For support regarding channel changes, please visit the Cox Channel Lineup Changes page.

11. What are the restrictions on the discharge of fireworks?

As of May 2019, City Ordinance 712, Section 1, Section 9-607 states the following:

• No fireworks shall be discharged, exploded or ignited within five hundred feet of any firework stand, church, hospital, asylum, unharvested flammable agricultural crops, public school, or public property.  
• Fireworks are to be discharged on July 1 through July 5 between the hours of 9:00 AM and 10:00 PM on private property, and July 4 only, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 11:30 PM unless the 4th falls on a Monday - Thursday or Sunday, in which the hours revert to 9:00 AM to 10:30 PM.  
• Consumer must have written permission from property owner to discharge fireworks upon private property from July 1 through July 5.  
• In the event of a county-wide or state-wide burn ban, the City Council gives authority to the Fire Chief to place additional restrictions on the discharge of fireworks as he deems appropriate.  

We recommend you check this FAQ annually in case the Ordinance is changed or a burn ban alters the restrictions.