People can learn more about the draft “backyard dwellings” ordinance by attending a virtual presentation hosted by OKC’s Planning Department and Neighborhood Alliance from 6 – 8 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 24. 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.
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.
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.
People can email codeupdate@okc.gov with comments and questions.