OKC asks residents to share feedback on “backyard dwellings” ordinance

Published on February 10, 2024

The OKC City Council will consider an ordinance on Feb. 25 that would allow accessory dwellings (AKA “backyard dwellings”) within the City’s core. Backyard cottages, guest houses and granny flats are popular names for small, secondary backyard dwellings. These historic building forms are resurging in popularity nationwide as cities strive to expand housing options for residents.

The meeting will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 200 N Walker Ave., third floor Council Chamber. The ordinance will be introduced for consideration on Feb. 25 and scheduled for a final hearing on March 25.

These backyard dwellings are currently only allowed on a case-by-case basis in Oklahoma City.

The proposed change to the city’s zoning code would allow attached or detached units to be built conditionally in certain residential zoning districts within the urban core, generally from NW 63rd Street to SW 59th Street, between I-35 and I-44. This would be portions of Wards 2, 4, 6 and 7.

“By changing OKC’s development code to allow backyard cottages, housing capacity expands, affordable housing options are created, and social benefits are increased, such as caring for an elderly parent,” Assistant Planning Director Lisa Chronister said.

How residents can provide feedback

• Review the ordinance language recommended by the Planning Commission.
• • The ordinance establishes conditions of approval that address neighborhood compatibility, such as height and square footage maximums and access requirements and stipulates only one accessory dwelling to be lived in by one family is allowed per parcel.
• Join a virtual presentation with the City’s Planning Department and the Neighborhood Alliance on Monday, Feb. 24, from 6 to 8 p.m.
• • Go to https://nacok.org/events/nacok-calendar-of-events/ to register. Meeting attendance is limited to 100 participants, but the presentation will be recorded and shared after the fact.
• Email codeupdate@okc.gov with comments and questions.
• Contact your City Councilmember. Find contact information at okc.gov/citycouncil.
• Sign up to speak at City Council meetings. Residents can fill out forms outside of the Council Chamber before the meeting begins.