ZONING REGULATIONS
Obtain a legal description of the land or building you are going to use from the landlord or owner. Call 767-0326, or write to the City Planning department in order to verify that the property is zoned appropriately for your use.

SIGNS
A permit must be obtained from the Planning Dept. (767-0326) before erecting a sign. Guidelines and standards must be met, so check before proceeding with any sign plans. For a new commercial building (new construction), signs must be approved by the City Council. The Planning Department will assist in submitting the sign permit for review.

FIRE INSPECTION
Every business that opens in Ponca, whether a new or existing building (including a home business), must have a safety inspection. The type and use of the building will determine the safety requirements. These may be obtained by contacting the Fire Marshal

Bill Bridges at 767-0368. If you plan to remodel or build a new structure, the Fire Department must first review a set of blueprints. Thereafter, each business in Ponca is inspected annually by the Fire prevention staff. In addition, fire protection training is offered to businesses at no charge.

NEW BUILDING PERMITS
A review for commercial site plan approval involving expansion or new construction should be requested from the City Planning Department. To begin the process for obtaining a building permit, the Planning Department will arrange for your request to be a part of the Planning Commission and then the City Council meeting agendas. Permits will outline in detail all requirements of the builder involving parking, utilities, landscaping, structural and safety requirements, drainage, sidewalks, driveways, street paving, etc., and all fees required for each.

CITY OF PONCA CITY UTILITIES
Electric, water, garbage, and sewer are all billed monthly on one statement. To begin new service, you must sign a contract at the Utility Office, located at 516 E. Grand. A deposit is required on each meter. The utility deposit is kept until the meter is disconnected. There is no charge to the customer for hook-up or for a disconnect.

SOUTHWESTERN BELL TELEPHONE
A new business in the Ponca City community should call 1-800-640-8922, regarding installation of a business telephone. That office will detail telephone services available to you, and may request credit and tax information. Business service should be established within two working days.

OKLAHOMA NATURAL GAS
A new business client should go to the Oklahoma Natural Gas office at 2205 N. Ash; for more information call 762-6307.