Proposed Change to Zoning Code Amendments

Planned Unit Developments – Chapter 8, Owasso Zoning Code

Proposed PUD Chapter

The Community Development Department has completed a draft for a proposed new planned unit development chapter of the Owasso zoning code.   The PUD (Planned Unit Development) process is the preferred vehicle of choice for developers of single family subdivisions in Owasso.  Nearly all new subdivisions being platted are using the PUD process.  The main reason for this is the flexibility allowed in lot size dimension.  The RS-2 and RS-3 by-right zoning districts restrict the lot widths to 75 feet and 65 feet respectively; however, the market has changed in the past ten years, with both home and lot sizes seeing reductions in size.  The most common request for lot widths with new PUD applications is 50 feet, which is 15 feet less than what the RS-3 zoning district allows.  Flexibility is the key benefit of the PUD process.
 A PUD is essentially negotiated zoning and, as such, the developer is asking for relief to the underlying by-right zoning restrictions.  What most cities, including Owasso, have done, is allow this flexibility in exchange for additional amenities or open space as part of the development.  While this has worked to some degree in Owasso, there have been some inconsistencies in terms of the amenities being provided and usable areas of open space. Additionally, staff has encountered several PUD’s that were approved over five (5) years ago that were never activated, primarily due to the slowdown in the economy.  The current ordinance is ambiguous with respect to what constitutes an amenity or useable open space; what happens to an expired PUD; and what determines if it is expired or not.  Additionally, the ordinance is silent on what the minimum requirements are for a PUD submission and exactly how much density is allowed and how it is measured.  Owasso has had great success through the use and implementation of PUD’s and these proposed changes would only strengthen the PUD process.

Considering the aforementioned information, staff developed a completely new draft for the PUD section in Chapter 8 of the zoning code.

For questions or concerns about proposed changes to Zoning Code Amendment,
please contact: 

Bronce Stephenson, City Planner 
phone: 918.376.1543 email: bstephenson@cityofowasso.com 
or
Karl Fritschen, Community Development Director
phone: 918.376.1545 email: kfritschen@cityofowasso.com

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