Quick Answer:
The best storm shelter location in Oklahoma depends on your property layout, drainage, and utility placement. Most Oklahoma families prefer installations near back doors or garage doors for easy access. Both above and below ground shelters need crane access and proper clearance from utilities. Sprague’s Backhoe helps homeowners choose optimal locations that meet FEMA guidelines for maximum protection.
When severe weather strikes Oklahoma, having a storm shelter in the right location can mean the difference between safety and disaster. Choosing where to install your shelter involves drainage, utilities, access requirements, and local building codes.
Sprague’s Backhoe has been helping Oklahoma families find the perfect storm shelter locations for over 20 years. We’ve learned that the best placement balances safety, accessibility, and practical installation requirements.
Above Ground vs Below Ground Location Requirements
| Factor | Above Ground Shelters | Below Ground Shelters |
|---|---|---|
| Service Area | Statewide Oklahoma | 30-mile radius from Bridge Creek |
| Ground Requirements | Native ground (no concrete pads) | Well-drained areas, can install into hills |
| Utility Clearance | Must consider 3′ anchor depth | Must avoid all underground utilities |
| Access Requirements | 10’W x 14’H drive-in, 18’W x 25’H offload | 10’W x 14’H drive-in, 18’W x 25’H offload |
| Popular Placement | Near back doors, garage doors, or shop buildings | Near back doors, garage doors, or shop buildings |
| Drainage Needs | Good drainage preferred | Excellent drainage required |
Essential Location Factors
Utility Clearance and Septic Systems
Utility clearance is the most critical factor. Sprague’s Backhoe handles OKIE 811 locates for public utilities (electric, gas, telecommunications, water/sewer to the meter). Homeowners must locate private lines including, but not limited to: water/well lines, septic systems, sprinklers, and propane lines.
We cannot drive equipment over septic systems or tanks. Aerobic systems are easier to navigate around than conventional systems. If you’re unsure where your septic system is located, we can help request records for any legally installed systems.
We recommend having Plan A and Plan B locations in case of utility conflicts.
Access and Equipment Requirements
Both shelter types require crane access with specific clearances:
- 10 feet wide, 14 feet tall: Crane truck drive-in access
- 18 feet wide, 25 feet tall: Storm shelter offload clearance
- 10-foot gate opening: Remove two fence sections if current gates are smaller
Before installation, move cars, trailers, trampolines, swing sets, and animal pens from the work area.
Above Ground Storm Shelter Placement
Above ground shelters offer statewide installation and placement flexibility. Popular locations include areas near back doors, garage doors, or shop buildings for quick emergency access.
One advantage: no concrete pad required! Our shelters are designed for direct installation on native ground, which looks better and integrates naturally with your landscape. The 3-foot anchor depth allows us to work around utilities more easily than below ground installations.
If you’re considering an above ground shelter, learn more about our above ground storm shelters and available sizes.
Below Ground Storm Shelter Placement
Below ground shelters require excellent drainage and are limited to our 30-mile service radius from Bridge Creek. They work best in well-drained areas and actually look great when installed into hillsides, which provides excellent natural drainage.
These installations require complete clearance from all underground utilities, including septic systems, water lines, and sewer connections. The excavation process needs more space and careful planning around existing infrastructure.
For families within our service area, explore our below ground storm shelters and installation options.
Property Setback Requirements
Oklahoma municipalities have varying requirements, but common measurements include:
- Back property line: 10 feet minimum
- Side property lines: 5 feet minimum
- Front property line: 25 feet minimum
- Build line: Must be installed behind the build line
The build line is an imaginary line parallel to the street that determines how close you can build structures. Your storm shelter must be installed behind this line. Requirements vary by city, so check with your local building department.
Common Location Mistakes to Avoid
- Poor drainage: Installing in low-lying areas or ignoring water flow patterns
- Utility conflicts: Not locating private utilities or assuming locations
- Access problems: Forgetting overhead obstacles or inadequate gate measurements
- Septic proximity: Installing too close to septic systems or drain fields
Professional Site Assessment
Sprague’s Backhoe provides thorough site assessments covering drainage patterns, utility locations, septic system placement, access routes, setback requirements, and soil conditions. We can assist with septic system records requests and coordinate with utility companies.
All our installations meet FEMA guidelines for wind resistance and impact protection. We tailor recommendations to your family’s needs, property layout, and local requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close to my house can I install a storm shelter?
Many cities have specific requirements for clearance from structures. Common examples include maintaining 5 feet from structures, or in some cases, keeping the shelter as far from structures as it is deep (which would be 6 feet 2 inches for our shelters). We’re familiar with requirements across Oklahoma and help ensure compliance with local codes during our site assessment.
Can I install a below ground shelter on a slope?
Yes! Below ground shelters actually look great when installed into hillsides. The slope provides excellent natural drainage, which is essential for below ground installations. We can work with various terrain types as long as drainage is adequate.
What happens if we hit utilities during installation?
We take extensive precautions to prevent utility strikes. Sprague’s Backhoe handles all OKIE 811 locates for public utilities, and we require homeowners to locate private lines before installation. This process virtually eliminates the risk of utility damage.
Do I need a building permit for storm shelter installation?
Permit requirements vary by municipality. Some cities require permits while others don’t. We’re familiar with requirements across Oklahoma and can help you determine what’s needed for your specific location.
How much space do you need for installation equipment?
We need 10 feet wide and 14 feet tall clearance for our crane truck to drive in, and 18 feet wide by 25 feet tall to offload storm shelters. This includes gate openings and the path to your installation site. If your current gates are smaller, you’ll need to create a 10-foot opening before installation day.
Can you work around my existing landscaping?
We make every effort to preserve existing landscaping and work around established features. During our site assessment, we’ll discuss how to minimize impact on your yard while ensuring proper shelter placement.
What’s the difference between above and below ground location requirements?
Above ground shelters offer more placement flexibility and can be installed statewide. Below ground shelters require excellent drainage and are limited to our 30-mile service radius from Bridge Creek. Both types need crane access and utility clearance, though below ground installations require complete utility avoidance.
Key Takeaways
Choosing the right storm shelter location in Oklahoma requires careful consideration of multiple factors. Proper drainage, utility clearance, and access planning are essential for both above and below ground installations. Most families prefer locations near back doors or garage doors for quick emergency access.
Remember that Sprague’s Backhoe handles public utility locates through OKIE 811, but homeowners must locate private lines including water, septic, sprinkler, and propane systems. Property setback requirements vary by city, with common measurements being 10 feet from back property lines, 5 feet from sides, and 25 feet from front boundaries.
Both shelter types require crane access and specific clearances for installation equipment. With proper planning and professional guidance, you can choose a location that provides optimal protection while meeting all safety and regulatory requirements.
Ready to find the perfect location for your storm shelter? Our experienced team provides free site assessments to help you choose the optimal placement for your property and family’s needs.
Contact Sprague’s Backhoe today for your free consultation
