OKLAHOMA CITY ZONING CODE CHANGES

Oklahoma City Is Rewriting Its Zoning Code: What Homeowners and Property Owners Should Know

Oklahoma City is updating its zoning and development codes. Learn what the changes could eventually mean for homeowners, investors, developers and property values.

Most homeowners don't spend much time thinking about zoning until something changes next door.

But Oklahoma City is in the middle of a significant rewrite of its development-related codes, including its Zoning and Planning Code, subdivision regulations and other development standards.

For homeowners, investors and landowners, this is worth paying attention to.

What is Oklahoma City changing?

The Oklahoma City Planning Department is working through a multi-phase process designed to modernize development regulations and better align them with the city's long-range comprehensive plan, planokc.

The work includes potential changes involving:

• Residential uses
• Commercial uses
• Density
• Lot and building standards
• Parking
• Landscaping
• Infill development
• Mixed-use development
• Accessory dwellings
• Urban development patterns

The City describes the process as an ongoing update intended to address problems with existing regulations and implement the goals contained in planokc.

Why should a homeowner care about zoning?

Because zoning influences what can be built around you.

It can affect whether a nearby property can contain one house, several housing units, commercial space or some combination of uses.

It can also influence redevelopment opportunities on property you already own.

That doesn't mean a zoning-code rewrite automatically changes the value or character of every neighborhood. It does mean property owners should understand the rules governing their property rather than assuming they will always remain exactly as they are today.

Oklahoma City is encouraging more infill

One theme appearing in Oklahoma City's planning efforts is infill development.

Instead of pushing every new home farther toward the edge of the metro, infill attempts to use existing land and infrastructure more efficiently.

The City's Urban Medium planning category, for example, emphasizes rehabilitation of underused properties, development on vacant lots, greater housing density and development that supports transit and walkability.

Depending on the neighborhood, that could eventually create opportunities for redevelopment and additional housing.

It could also generate concerns from existing homeowners about density, parking, traffic and neighborhood character.

Both perspectives deserve consideration.

Could zoning changes affect property values?

Potentially—but there is no universal answer.

A property that gains additional development potential may become more attractive to an investor or builder.

On the other hand, some homeowners may place a premium on neighborhoods with lower density or fewer nearby commercial uses.

Real estate value ultimately depends on the specific property, location, allowable uses, surrounding development and market demand.

That is why two properties located only a few blocks apart can respond very differently to the same broader planning change.

What should Oklahoma City property owners do?

The most important thing is simple:

Know what you own.

Property owners should understand:

• Current zoning
• Future land-use designation
• Easements
• Utility access
• Surrounding zoning
• Proposed nearby developments
• Any pending zoning or development applications

That is especially important before buying vacant land, acreage, an investment property or a home near a developing corridor.

The real-estate takeaway

Oklahoma City isn't going to look exactly the same 10 or 20 years from now.

Population growth, housing demand, infrastructure and development patterns will continue changing the metro.

The zoning code helps determine where and how that growth occurs.

At NextHome Central Real Estate, we believe buyers and property owners should look beyond the house itself. Roads, utilities, zoning, development patterns and surrounding land use can all affect the long-term ownership experience.

Before making a major real-estate decision, understand not only what is on the property today—but what could potentially be around it tomorrow.

Robert Gideon II is a Central Oklahoma real estate broker and co-owner of NextHome Central Real Estate. His real estate and construction work includes residential property, new construction, acreage and land throughout Oklahoma City, Shawnee and surrounding Central Oklahoma communities.