Landscaping in Glenpool.

Clay and a winter water table

Glenpool's 2030 plan, drawing on the USDA general soil map, says almost half the area west of US-75 has soils with severe limitations: excessive shrink-swell, slope and depth to rock. The ground runs from level to relatively steep hillsides.

The city center sits on Dennis silt loam, which USDA rates somewhat poorly drained. Its series description puts a perched seasonal water table 12 to 30 inches down between December and April, so low spots can stay soft through winter and drains need somewhere to send the water.

Where the water goes

Most of Glenpool drains through Coal Creek, which runs north to Polecat Creek in Jenks. The plan notes very minor flooding problems outside undeveloped stretches of Coal Creek north of 141st Street, because most of the city lies high in its basins.

Grading, excavating or filling needs an earth change permit, with an exemption for landscaping and gardening that doesn't affect drainage. Work in a flood area needs a floodplain development permit showing the planned landscape changes.

What needs a permit

The city's residential permit handout lists concrete flatwork over 200 square feet, irrigation systems, outdoor kitchens, decks over 30 inches high, and accessory structures including patio covers and shade structures. Flatwork of any size can't sit closer to the side lot line than the house, or 5 feet.

Fence permits are only issued for commercial property or fences taller than 7 feet. A second city handout says detached structures under 200 square feet don't need a permit if they meet setbacks (5 feet from the house and from side and rear lot lines, never over an easement), so ask the permit desk which applies to your project.

HOA sign-off on the application

Accessory structure applications in Glenpool must include an HOA, ARC or deed restriction acknowledgment form. The form states that the city does not check HOA rules, and names patio covers, decks, shade structures and driveway extensions as items that may need HOA approval.

Who to call

Building Permits and Inspections is at Glenpool City Hall, 12205 S. Yukon Ave., (918) 322-5409. The permit desk is (918) 209-4610. Hours are Monday to Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., closed noon to 1, and Friday 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.