Urban Design Overlay District.
Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 59-13700
in effect§ 59-13700. - Urban Design Overlay District.
13700.1. Purpose and Intent. The Urban Design Overlay District (UD Overlay District) is intended to promote the health, safety, economic, cultural and general welfare of the public by encouraging the revitalization and enhancement of the urban environment. The purpose of the district is:
A. To provide for coordinated action and treatment for the areas included in the Urban Design Overlay District.
B. To serve as a nucleus for the stability of residential and business uses in the area.
C. To promote area identity and City recognition of special features and problems of the Urban Design Overlay District.
D. To encourage efforts to enhance the appearance of the district through preservation of Historic Resources and Architectural Resources, by encouraging architectural innovation in new construction and the rehabilitation of existing buildings, and by effective use of landscaping and streetscaping techniques to enhance the urban environment.
13700.2. District Establishment.
A. The Urban Design Overlay District shall be an overlay district. The underlying zoning on the property designated by the regular zoning district regulations of this chapter shall continue to regulate the use and development of land unless expressly modified by this section.
B. Areas, tracts or sites within this District shall henceforth be identified on the Official Zoning Map and in other official writings by the attachment of the suffix "UD" to the underlying zoning district classification.
13700.3. Qualifier. Except for the provisions specifically contained in this section, all other provisions of this chapter shall apply to, and have full force upon, the properties within the Urban Design Overlay District.
13700.4. Certificate of Approval Required. A Certificate of Approval shall be required in the following instances prior to the commencement of work upon any structure or site located within an Urban Design Overlay District:
A. The Urban Design Commission shall review and issue Certificates of Approval for the following, unless administrative approval is permitted, as referenced in this section:
(1) New construction, expansion, or modification to the exterior of existing structures and associated sites;
(2) Signage, including:
(a) Any Electronic Message Display (EMD) sign greater than 25 square feet.
(3) Demolition of a structure, except structures declared dilapidated and approved for demolition by City Council; and
(4) Capital improvements and public or private streetscape improvements.
B. Staff may review and issue Certificates of Approval for the following:
(1) Exterior modifications or expansions impacting less than 20 percent of a site or structure.
(2) Revisions to submittals previously approved by the Urban Design Commission of which the changes impact less than 20 percent of the project.
(3) Minor public and private improvements including but not limited to sidewalks, kiosks, landscaping, bus stop shelters, benches,ornamental lighting, and small wireless facilities, as defined by State law.
(4) Parking and expansions to existing parking lots not exceeding a total of 20 spaces.
(5) Signage, including:
(a) Any Electronic Message Display (EMD) sign 25 square feet or less;
(b) All other signage less than 100 square feet; and
(c) Any Projection Image Sign.
(6) Accessory structures such as garages, storage buildings and mechanical equipment.
(7) Awnings, canopies, and lighting.
(8) Fencing.
(9) Screening of mechanical equipment and waste receptacle enclosures.
(10) Submittals for extensions to unexpired Certificates of Approval.
(11) Replacement of public and private improvements.
(12) Murals (Use Unit Classification 8250.16).
C. Staff may forward administrative cases to the Urban Design Commission for consideration as deemed necessary.
D. A Certificate of Approval shall not be required for Ordinary Maintenance and Repair that involves no change in materials, dimensions, design, configuration, texture, surface coating, or visual appearance for work meant to remedy damage or deterioration of site elements, structures, or their appurtenances.
A Certificate of Approval shall not be required for the installation of additional equipment on existing poles if the equipment is at least eight feet above the sidewalk.
E. Staff may approve minor revisions and adjustments to an active Certificate of Approval without additional fee provided the following conditions are satisfied:
(1) No more than five percent of the site or building is modified from the original Certificate of Approval;
(2) Revisions do not significantly alter the work previously approved;
(3) Revisions are in conformance with regulations and meet the intent of the guidelines; and
(4) Revisions are consistent with any conditions associated with the original Certificate of Approval.
13700.5. General Development Regulations.
A. Applicability. These General Development Regulations shall be applicable to all properties contained within the Urban Design Overlay District. The General Development Regulations shall be applied in conjunction with the development regulations and design guidelines set forth in individual subdistricts. Should any conflict exist between the General Development Regulations and the development regulations for subdistricts, the subdistrict regulations shall control.
The General Development Regulations contained herein may be more or less restrictive than the regulations of the underlying zoning district or any other applicable regulations in the Code. In either case, these regulations shall take precedence, whether they are more or less restrictive.
B. Site Design Requirements.
(1) Maximum Building Height. As permitted in the underlying zoning district unless conflicting with the intent of the chapter or specific guidelines of Section 59-13700.6.B.
(2) Front Building Line. For Commercial and Office uses as defined in Article VIII, Section 59-8300, a minimum of 80 percent of the front façade of the building shall "build to" or within ten feet of the right-of-way. The remaining 20 percent of the front façade may be set back from the right-of-way to accommodate plazas, pocket parks, or other outdoor gathering spaces. Setbacks for all other uses as permitted in the underlying zoning district unless conflicting with the intent of the Urban Design Guidelines or Regulations of Section 59-13700.6.B.
(a) Exceptions to Front Building Line Requirements:
i. Gasoline Sales, Small: Restricted: (59-8300.46)
ii. Expansions to existing buildings.
iii. Accessory buildings.
iv. Canopies and awnings.
(3) Side-yard setbacks.
(a) For Commercial and Office uses as defined in Article VIII, Section 59-8300, ten-foot maximum setback from right-of-way abutting a street.
(b) For Commercial and Office uses as defined in Article VIII, Section 59-8300, no setback required for interior lots.
(c) For all other uses, setbacks shall be as defined in the underlying zoning unless conflicting with the intent of the Urban Design Overlay guidelines and regulations of Section 59-13700.6.B.
(4) Rear-yard setbacks. As defined for all uses in the underlying zoning districts unless conflicting with the intent of the Urban Design Overlay guidelines and regulations of Section 59-13700.6.B.
C. Building Material Requirement. Metal siding is not permitted for exterior walls of buildings.
D. Landscaping Requirement.
(1) Parking lots shall be landscaped, at a minimum, in accordance with the provisions of Section 59-11250.E (Automotive Parking Lot Landscape Requirements) and Section 59-11350 (Landscape Irrigation Requirements) of this chapter with the following provision.
(a) In base zoning districts that do not have off street parking requirements, parking lots provided as a part of a development (not a Stand-Alone parking lot) shall be required to comply with Section 59-11250.E and Section 59-11350 except that two points of landscaping shall be required for each proposed parking space.
(2) In Commercial and Office uses, as defined in Article VIII Section 59-8300, where the setback from the build-to line is not a hardscaped plaza or entryway, a landscaped area shall be installed.
E. Commercial Waste Collection Receptacles, Commercial Generators, Commercial Heating and Cooling Units, and Other Similar External Units.
(1) Commercial waste collection receptacles, commercial generators, commercial heating and cooling units, and other similar external units shall be placed in or immediately adjacent to alleys whenever possible, and shall be at least 25 feet from the nearest street curb. Those not placed in alleys, but positioned within 100 feet of a street curb, shall be sight-proof screened from view from public streets. A building, wall, fence, vegetation or other form of screening in accordance with Article XI, Landscaping and Screening Regulations, shall satisfy this requirement.
(2) A waste receptacle or other similar external unit, and its required screening, may only be located in the public right-of-way upon the issuance of a revocable permit for both the receptacle or external unit, and the installation of the screening. Any immobile screening fence requires a fence permit.
(3) The waste collection receptacles shall be so screened and maintained by the property owner so that they do not generate trash, debris or odor beyond the screened facility.
F. Signs. All signs shall be subject to the regulations of Chapter 59, Article XVI and to the guidelines within this chapter.
(1) Restoration of Historic Signs.
(a) Historic signs painted on the exterior walls of buildings may be restored, provided that the restored sign is in keeping with the sign's prior size and character.
(b) Such signs are considered historic elements of the building exterior, and the size and number of such signs shall not be counted against the size and number restrictions for accessory signs in the sign regulations.
(2) Attached Signs.
(a) The maximum display surface area for attached signage shall be no more than ten percent of the area of the wall, including windows of the building to which the sign is attached.
(b) Any sign displayed in a window shall be considered an attached sign and shall be calculated as part of the maximum display surface area for attached signs.
(3) A-frame, sandwich and springer signs shall not require a Certificate of Approval and shall be subject to the following conditions:
(a) The display area of each side shall not exceed eight square feet;
(b) The height shall not extend more than four feet eight inches above grade;
(c) A minimum of eight feet of right-of-way shall exist from back of curb to building face when located in the right-of-way;
(d) A five-foot minimum unobstructed walkway shall be maintained at all times within the Sidewalk Zone;
(e) Signs shall be weighted to ensure that they are not readily displaced;
(f) Signs shall be in place only during any period between dawn and dusk;
(g) Sign frames shall be constructed of hard plastic or metal;
(h) Sign faces shall be chalk board or printed material;
(i) Quantity of signs shall be limited to one sign per street level tenant at building frontage;
(j) Signs shall only be located over paved surfaces;
(k) Signs shall be located so that adequate vehicle sightlines are maintained;
(l) Signs shall be located in a manner that does not obstruct pedestrian patterns or accessible routes;
(m) Revocable permits shall be required if located in the street right-of-way; and
(n) Signs shall be designed such that they typically remain stationary and are not in motion. Signs shall be removed from display when the face swings more than 20 degrees from vertical.
(4) Projection Image Signs.
(a) Signs larger than eight square feet shall be limited to one week in duration per location per 30-day period when displayed on surfaces other than sidewalk;
(b) Signs shall not be projected within 200 feet of, or onto, a residential use (excluding Use Classifications 59-8200.2 and 59-8200.4) unless the location and orientation of the projected graphics ensures that light from the images will not infringe on the residential use; and
(c) Signs shall not be projected onto the surface of the public street.
G. Sidewalks. Sidewalks shall be provided as part of all projects as follows:
(a) All sidewalks and sidewalk treatments shall be subject to all permitting requirements of the Public Works Department.
(b) Sidewalks shall be extended along the entire property line to the adjacent lot lines. In cases of corner lots, sidewalks shall be extended to the adjacent lot along each street frontage.
(c) The sidewalk shall be a minimum of four feet wide, unless required to be wider in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and applicable provisions of the Subdivision Regulations, and shall be maintained free of any obstructions to allow for the passage of pedestrians. The sidewalk shall not be shared with the Streetscape or Storefront Zones, unless provided for herein.
1. In instances where there is not sufficient right-of-way to satisfy the applicable minimum sidewalk width as specified above, the available space between the back of curb and the property line shall be used for a Sidewalk Zone only.
(d) Where the building does not abut an adjacent street sidewalk, direct sidewalk access shall be provided on site between the street sidewalk and the primary front-facing or side-facing entrance to each building.
(e) Existing sidewalks shall be brought up to City standards.
13700.6. General Design Guidelines. The Urban Design Commission shall be directed by these guidelines in reviewing applications for Certificates of Approval. In applying these guidelines to specific proposals, the Urban Design Commission shall recognize the physical and environmental characteristics unique to the proposed site and its surroundings. All applications for Certificates of Approval that meet the following design guidelines shall be approved by the Urban Design Commission or staff as authorized in § 59-13700.4:
These General Design Guidelines shall be applicable to all properties contained within the Urban Design Overlay District. The General Design Guidelines shall be applied in conjunction with the design guidelines set forth in individual subdistricts. Should any conflict exist between the General Design Guidelines and design guidelines for subdistricts, the subdistrict guidelines shall control.
A. If economically feasible, existing buildings should be preserved to maintain the existing historic, architectural and visual character of the area.
B. New construction should be compatible with existing building stock in the vicinity in terms of height, size, type of construction, setback (front, side and rear) and general appearance.
C. Construction, should promote pedestrian comfort, interest and security by incorporating appropriate design features, including orientation of buildings to the street, use of street access doorways and glass storefronts, limitation of curb cuts, reliance upon on-street parallel parking, rear service access, and the construction and maintenance of sidewalks.
D. Promote and enhance the character of streets and sidewalks within particular locales by building on unique elements such as narrower or wider sidewalks, particular types of trees, and lighting fixtures incorporating specific historic or architectural styles.
(1) Sidewalks should be maintained free of any obstructions to allow for the passage of pedestrians.
(2) Landscaping and pedestrian amenities should be placed at least 18 inches from the back of the curb and may be subject to Revocable Permit requirements.
(3) These amenities may include but are not limited to planting strips, raised planters, light standards, signage, transit stops, public art, bike racks, security bollards, Café seating, small wireless facilities, street trees, and furnishings.
(4) Where parking is provided along the abutting curb, landscaping and amenities should be spaced so that they do not impede passengers from exiting parked vehicles. At locations of angled parking, landscaping and amenities should be located so that they do not impede vehicle overhangs.
(5) Existing healthy street trees should not be removed unless replaced with appropriate Street Trees of equal or better height and caliper.
(6) Amenities should match the material, finish, and color of other amenities located within the same block.
(7) Poles should match the color of other poles located within the same block.
(8) Amenities should be installed so that the bottom edge of any suspended component is at least eight feet above the sidewalk.
E. New construction, reconstruction and building expansion should be designed to promote greater vitality of the streetscape.
F. Signage.
(1) Intent. Signage is an element used to convey a sense of the excitement and public vitality of the districts. It should, however, balance the need to promote activities with the objective of minimizing visual clutter and enhancing the quality and character of the district. While it is appropriate for signage in the districts to address vehicular orientation, it should also respect the pedestrian experience. Those signs scaled to attract the attention of motorists should be orientated towards highways and/or major vehicular corridors approaching the districts.
(2) Character. All signs should be:
(a) Compatible with and contribute to the character of the surrounding uses, adjacent architecture, and the district;
(b) Compatible with and not diminish the architectural characteristics of the buildings on which they appear; and
(c) Appropriate to and expressive of the business, use, and/or activity for which they are displayed.
(3) Materials.
(a) Signs should be constructed of high quality, durable materials appropriate to the physical demands of the setting;
(b) Signs other than freestanding signs should attach to the structure in such as way as to avoid permanent damage to the structure to which affixed;
(c) Attached signs, including projecting blade signs, should be mounted using materials designed as a decorative or complementary element of the sign; and
(d) Freestanding signs should be compatible with the materials of the primary structure.
(4) Illumination. Interior and Exterior Illuminated signs should:
(a) Be shielded to minimize glare;
(b) Have electrical power components concealed as much as possible; and
(c) Provide a level of light intensity appropriate to the specific location and adjacent uses.
(5) Design. All signs should be designed:
(a) To be visually engaging to pedestrian and indicative of the product/location/business being advertised;
(b) To be in proportion and scale with the building;
(c) To be compatible with the building's materials; and
(d) To have human scale where the entire sign is located entirely within the pedestrian viewscape of 14 feet or less above grade.
G. Demolition.
(1) Purpose and Intent. Buildings and structures form the framework of special districts. The placement height, and materials of buildings and structures, as well as their history, form the character of a district; therefore, it is appropriate to evaluate the impact of the proposed demolition of a structure on the district as a whole. In some cases, demolition or removal of an existing structure may have an adverse affect on the quality and character of the district. However, in other cases, demolition or removal of an existing structure may be appropriate to provide for the continued growth and vitality of the district, and may facilitate economic development or otherwise improve a district's appearance or viability.
(2) Guidelines for Demolition. In considering a Certificate of Approval for the demolition or removal of a structure, the Urban Design Commission (or staff, if applicable) may consider any of the following factors:
(a) Design, Form, or Urban Character.
1. Staff shall make a recommendation (or determination, if applicable) regarding whether removal of the structure will have an adverse impact on the design, form, or urban character of the district. For purposes of this section, the terms design, form, and urban character shall mean:
i. Design refers to the use of architectural components, building materials, or other distinct elements of structures that create a cohesive theme and standard of quality within the urban environment.
ii. Form refers to the physical layout and design of the built environment, taking into consideration building height, density and floor-area ratio, mass and scale, and the configuration and relationships formed between adjacent buildings, streets, pedestrian areas, and open spaces.
iii. Urban character refers to the general atmosphere and experience created by an environment exhibiting heavy concentrations of entertainment, civic, residential, office, commercial, and cultural uses. Urban character may be physically expressed through:
a. Buildings defining corners and blocks and forming a sense of enclosure through a continuous street wall:
b. Landscaping within public rights-of-way, defining public spaces, and the pedestrian realm; and
c. A well-connected, accessible network of sidewalks, streets, and public spaces.
(b) Significance.
1. Staff shall make a recommendation (or determination, if applicable) regarding whether the structure is a Historic Resource or Architectural Resource, using information that may include, but not be limited to, the following.
i. Research, investigations, and historical or architectural surveys;
ii. Archival information from newspapers and libraries, which may include photographs, a review of Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, and historic city directories such as Polk or Criss-Cross; or
iii. Documentation verifying that the structure is listed in the National Register of Historic Places or has an official Determination of Eligibility from the National Park Service for the National Register.
2. Burden of Proof. In support of the application, the applicant may (but is not required to) submit information as described in this Section regarding whether the structure is a Historic Resource or Architectural Resource.
(c) Structural Integrity.
1. The structure, which has not otherwise been declared a public nuisance by the City Council, poses an imminent threat to public health or safety and the demolition of said structure is required to alleviate said threat.
2. Burden of Proof. In support of the application, the applicant may (but is not required to) submit:
i. A signed, stamped analysis from a licensed professional engineer describing any structural deficiencies in the building or structure proposed for demolition.
ii. The scope of work that would be necessary to repair or remedy such deficiencies.
(d) Economic Feasibility.
1. There is no viable economic use of the structure. For purpose of this paragraph, the term "no viable economic use" shall mean:
i. The existing structure is incapable of earning a reasonable economic return.
ii. The structure cannot reasonably be adapted or rehabilitated for any other use which would result in a reasonable economic return.
iii. The owner or developer, using due diligence, has been unable to find a financier, purchaser or tenant that would enable the owner or developer to realize a reasonable economic return.
2. Standard. For purposes of evaluating a reasonable economic return, the applicable standard is what an owner or developer, in its good faith judgment, would consider to be a reasonable economic return for such a structure, as determined in a manner that is consistent with commonly accepted practices and expectations of persons who buy, sell, develop or invest in similar types of property in the community.
3. Burden of Proof. In support of the application, the applicant may (but is not required to) submit: a cost analysis and supporting documents, including the cost of demolition and financial information regarding stabilization, repair, rehabilitation, and/or re-use of the building or structure, which may include appraisals, profit and loss statements, itemized expenses, listings of the property for sale, current fair market value, records depicting the current conditions of the property and other relevant documentation.
4. Economic Review Board.
i. If the applicant requests issuance of a Certificate of Approval for demolition based upon "no viable economic use" of the property, the Urban Design Commission (or staff, if applicable) shall either (i) approve the application, or (ii) immediately refer the application to the Economic Review Board, which shall consist of three independent experts appointed by the City Manager. Economic Review Board members shall be knowledgeable in the economics of real estate, renovation and redevelopment. "Independent" as used in this Paragraph means that the expert has no financial interest in the property, its renovation or redevelopment; is not an employee of the property owner, is not a City employee, is not a member of the Urban Design Commission, and is not compensated for serving on the Economic Review Board.
ii. The Economic Review Board shall have 60 days to hold a public hearing, review the submitted documentation (which may include appraisals, profit and loss statements, itemized expenses, listings of the property for sale, current fair market value, records depicting the current condition of the property and other relevant documentation, including the cost of demolition and financial regarding stabilization, repair, rehabilitation, and/or re-use of the building or structure), consider all options for renovation, adaptive reuse and redevelopment, and forward a non-binding recommendation to the Urban Design Commission.
iii. After the Economic Review Board has made a written recommendation, the application shall be deemed complete and the Urban Design Commission shall hold a public hearing within 65 days of receiving said recommendation for the purpose of considering the Certificate of Approval for demolition or removal. The Urban Design Commission shall either approve or deny the application unless the applicant agrees upon a continuance.
(e) Demolition with Accompanying Proposal for Replacement.
1. If demolition of an existing structure is requested and a new development is being proposed to replace the existing structure, the applicant is encouraged to submit information demonstrating that the proposed new development's contribution to the design, form, and urban character of the district would outweigh that of the building or structure proposed for demolition. Such information may include (but not be limited to) the following:
i. Information showing that the new development would conform with adopted plans, such as the City's comprehensive plan and special use plans. If such information is submitted, staff may review applicable plans and make a recommendation concerning the level of conformance that the proposed development demonstrates.
ii. Information showing that the height, massing, architecture, and placement of the new development would complement the urban form and character of the district.
iii. Information showing that the overall contribution of the new development would outweigh the loss of any building or structure that is determined to be a Historic Resource or an Architectural Resource.
(f) Burden of Proof. The applicant has the burden of proof to establish, by a preponderance of evidence, the necessary facts to warrant demolition.
13700.7. Lincoln Boulevard Corridor Subdistrict.
A. Intent.
(1) To promote uses that properly reflect and are compatible with the stature of the corridor as a primary vehicular access from Interstate 44 to the State Capitol area;
(2) To create a vibrant urban corridor that promotes the integration of office, retail, and residential land uses;
(3) To implement design guidelines that will result in superior design character appropriate to the prominence of the corridor;
(4) To promote the integration of pedestrian-friendly access and amenities within the corridor;
(5) To ensure that future development occurring within the corridor is compatible with the overall appearance and function of the State Capitol; and
(6) To enhance existing neighborhoods within and adjacent to the district by encouraging reinvestment and targeted redevelopment of infill sites.
B. Development Regulations. These regulations shall be implemented in addition to and in conjunction with the General Development Regulations of the Urban Design Overlay District pursuant to Section 59-13700.5. Where there is a conflict, these regulations shall take precedence over the development regulations of the underlying zoning district and the General Development Regulations of the Urban Design District, whether they are more or less restrictive.
(1) Use Regulations.
(a) Except as indicated in Table 13700.1 below, all uses permitted in the underlying zoning districts and the additional use of Multi-Family Residential (8200.12) are permitted within the Lincoln Boulevard Corridor Subdistrict, subject to the applicable development standards and design guidelines of the Urban Design Overlay District and this subdistrict.
TABLE 13700.1: LINCOLN BOULEVARD CORRIDOR SUBDISTRICT USE RESTRICTIONS KEY: C = Conditional // SP = Special Permit // X = Prohibited Reference Section 59-9350 for standards for specific uses identified as (C) or (SP). LBO = Lincoln Boulevard Overlay
USE | LBO
8350.1 | Aboveground Flammable Liquid Storage: General | X
8350.2 | Aboveground Flammable Liquid Storage: Restricted | X
8300.3 | Adult Entertainment Uses | X
8150.1 | Agricultural Processing: General | X
8150.2 | Agricultural Processing: Limited | X
8300.4 | Agricultural Supplies and Services | X
8300.6 | Animal Interment Services | X
8150.3 | Animal Raising: Commercial | X
8150.4 | Animal Raising: Commercial Feed Lots | X
8150.5 | Animal Raising: Personal | X
8150.6 | Animal Waste Processing | X
8300.13 | Automotive: Parking Lots, as a Principal Use | X
8300.14 | Automotive & Equipment: Cleaning & Repairs, Light Equipment | X
8300.15 | Automotive & Equipment: Cleaning & Repairs, Heavy Equipment | X
8300.16 | Automotive Auction | X
8300.17 | Automotive Vehicle Impound Yards and Damaged Vehicle Auctions | X
8300.18 | Automotive & Equipment: Automobile Dealerships and Malls | X
8300.19 | Automotive & Equipment: Sales & Rentals, Farm & Heavy Equipment | X
8300.20 | Automotive & Equipment: Sales & Rentals, Trucks, Manufactured (Mobile) Homes, and Recreational Vehicles | X
8300.21 | Automotive & Equipment: Storage | X
8300.22 | Bingo Parlors | X
8250.2 | Community Recreation: General | C
8250.4 | Community Recreation: Restricted | C
8300.46 | Gasoline Sales, Small: Restricted | C
8300.47 | Gasoline Sales: Truck Stop | X
8350.4 | Hazardous Industrial | X
8350.5 | Hazardous Waste Disposal | X
8350.7 | Industrial, Moderate | X
8250.11 | Library Services & Community Centers | C
8250.14 | Low Impact Institutional: Neighborhood-Related | P
8200.7 | Manufactured (Mobile) Home Residential | X
8450.1 | Mining & Processing: Minerals and Raw Material | X
8200.12 | Multiple-Family Residential | P
8300.54 | Outdoor Sales & Display, and Outdoor Storage | X
8300.60 | Personal Storage | X
8400.1 | Railroad Facilities: Refuse, Biomedical Waste & Hazardous Waste | X
8350.11 | Recycling Collection & Processing Facilities | X
8300.64 | Retail Sales and Services: Outdoor Swap Meet | X
8300.65 | Retail Sales and Services: Pawn Shops | X
8350.12 | Sanitary Landfill | X
8350.13 | Scrap Operations | X
8350.14 | Stockyards | X
8400.5 | Transportation Facilities: Surface Goods, General | X
8350.15 | Wholesaling, Storage & Distribution: General | X
8350.16 | Wholesaling, Storage & Distribution: Restricted | X
(2) Development Regulations.
(a) All development shall comply with the Development Regulations set forth in Table 13700.2, below:
TABLE 13700.2: LINCOLN BOULEVARD CORRIDOR SUBDISTRICT DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
BUILDING HEIGHT
Minimum Height | The minimum building height shall be 25 feet and two stories except where abutting or within 35 feet of the R-1 zoning district, in which case the minimum building height shall be 15 feet and one story.
Maximum Height | The maximum building height shall be 100 feet and eight stories except where abutting or within 35 feet of the R-1 zoning district, in which case the maximum building height shall be 35 feet and three stories.
SETBACKS | N. Lincoln Blvd | Streets Intersecting N. Lincoln Blvd | All Other Streets
Front Yard Setback | 10 feet minimum 30 feet maximum | 5 feet minimum 20 feet maximum | Per underlying zoning district regulations
Corner Side Setback | 10 feet | 10 feet | Per underlying zoning district regulations
Side Yard Setback | Non-Residential: 0 feet Residential: 10 feet | Per underlying zoning district regulations
Rear Yard Setback | Per underlying zoning district regulations
(b) Exceptions.
1. The following use unit classifications and structures shall be exempt from the requirements for minimum building height:
i. 8300.34, Eating Establishments: Drive-In
ii. 8300.35, Eating Establishments: Fast Food
iii. 8300.36, Eating Establishments: Fast Food, with Drive-Thru Order Window
iv. 8300.37, Eating Establishments: Sit Down, Alcohol Not Permitted
v. 8300.38, Eating Establishments: Sit Down, Alcohol Permitted
vi. 8300.39, Eating Establishments: Sit Down, Limited Alcohol Permitted
vii. 8300.45, Gasoline Sales, Large
viii. 8300.46, Gasoline Sales, Small: Restricted
ix. Accessory buildings
x. Canopies and awnings
2. The following use unit classifications and structures shall be exempt from the requirements for front yard setbacks:
i. Gasoline Sales, Small: Restricted: (59-8300.46)
ii. Expansions to existing buildings.
iii. Accessory buildings.
iv. Canopies and awnings.
(3) Sidewalks.
(a) Sidewalks along Lincoln Boulevard shall be a minimum of six feet wide. All sidewalks along Lincoln Boulevard shall be five feet from the curb face with a landscaped parkway planter strip between the back of curb and the edge of the sidewalk with a four foot landscaped planter strip behind the sidewalk.
(4) Signs.
(a) Prohibited Sign Types:
1. Electronic Message Display (EMD) Signs;
2. Projection Image Signs;
3. Non-Accessory Signs;
4. Pole Signs;
5. Pylon Signs;
6. Billboards; and
7. Flashing or Intermittent Signs.
(b) Number of Signs.
1. One attached sign per elevation shall be allowed for each tenant/occupant having street frontage, provided that the total display surface area of all such signs combined shall not exceed the maximum area permitted. Double sided projecting signs shall be considered one sign. One additional sign per elevation may be permitted to identify the name of the building/project. Elevations with no street frontage shall not be allowed attached signage.
2. One identification nameplate for each business or professional occupancy of a building without direct exterior access.
3. One freestanding sign per site. Such freestanding signs shall be monument signs only.
(c) Maximum Display Surface Area.
1. Attached Signs. The maximum display surface area shall be no more than 15 percent of the area of the wall that the sign is attached to, with the maximum area for any one individual sign not to exceed 250 square feet.
2. Identification Nameplate Signs. The maximum size of an identification nameplate sign shall be four square feet.
3. Freestanding Signs. The maximum display surface area of a freestanding sign shall be 120 square feet.
(d) Maximum Height.
1. Freestanding Signs.
i. Signs located 0—10 feet from the property line: 6 feet
ii. Signs located more than 10 feet from the property line: 8 feet
2. Attached Wall Signs. Signs attached to a building shall not exceed the height of the building by more than three feet.
(e) Landscaping for Freestanding Signs. All freestanding accessory signs shall provide a Landscaped Area surrounding the base and within ten feet of the sign at a ratio of one landscape point per two square feet of sign area or fraction thereof. Turf grass shall not be used to satisfy this requirement.
(f) Window Signage. Any sign or graphic displayed on or affixed to windows within a single structure along street frontage(s) should not exceed 20 percent of the total of transparent areas at street level. Window signage is prohibited above the first floor.
(5) Parking Lots.
(a) No parking stall shall be located in front of any building on Lincoln Boulevard or closer to Lincoln Boulevard than the front façade of the building(s).
(b) Wherever a surface parking lot is visible from any adjacent street, the parking lot shall be screened from view from the street with:
1. a landscaped hedge using a species that will grow to a minimum height of three feet at maturity or combinations of other plants that would result in a screen of similar height; or
2. a decorative solid wall with a minimum height of three feet. When such a wall is used, there shall be a minimum three foot wide landscape strip in front of the wall.
(6) Service Areas and Utility Screening. All loading docks, service areas, and roof-mounted mechanical or vents larger than eight inches in diameter visible from ground level shall be concealed by screens at least as high as the equipment they screen and shall be of a color and material matching or compatible with the colors and materials found on the façade of the primary building.
(a) Chain link fencing, with or without slats, shall not be used to satisfy this requirement.
(b) Service areas and loading docks accessed from any alleyway shall be exempt.
(c) All service areas and loading docks shall be located so that they will not be visible from Lincoln Boulevard.
(7) Fences. Fences shall comply with the requirements listed below:
(a) Prohibited Fence Materials:
1. Chain link fencing;
2. Cable fencing (not including multi-strand cable railing systems);
3. Ribbed steel, plywood, aluminum, or vinyl panels;
4. Garage doors, doors, or any other type of scrap wood; and
5. Electrified, barbed wire, razor wire, hog wire, or chicken wire.
(b) Front Yard Setbacks.
1. Fences located between the building and the street shall be a minimum of 10 feet from the property line on Lincoln Boulevard and a minimum of 5 feet from the property line on the intersecting cross-streets of Lincoln Boulevard.
(c) Maximum Height.
1. Front Yards. For all fences located in front of a building, the maximum fence height shall be six feet subject to the applicable design guidelines in Section 59-13700.7.C.(8).
2. Side and Rear Yards. No fence shall exceed eight feet in height.
C. Design Guidelines.
(1) Development Pattern.
(a) New development should concentrate mass and height at intersections and along arterials.
(b) Streetwalls formed by existing buildings along arterials and massing of buildings at corners should be maintained.
(c) New development occurring adjacent to existing and stable residential neighborhoods should provide appropriate transitions that respect the scale, character, and architectural detailing of the adjacent uses.
(2) Building Design. Building design within the Lincoln Boulevard Corridor Subdistrict should promote architectural diversity while encouraging design that relates to and reinforces the overall character of the immediate surroundings, creating a strong building-to-pedestrian relationship and supporting a strong urban environment. Building design should be applied as follows:
(a) Vertical Character. Ground floor building façades of non-residential uses, and including mixed uses and multi-family housing should create vertical breaks at regular intervals by spacing architectural features no less than every 20 feet and no greater than every 40 feet.
(b) Ground Floor Façade.
1. When the ground floor use of a building has a non-residential use and abuts a public street, at least 60 percent of the storefront/building wall should consist of clear or tinted windows and/or doors, and/or display windows set into the building wall.
2. Pedestrian entries should be oriented toward the street and recessed, covered, or otherwise clearly identifiable.
(c) Awnings/Canopies.
1. Awnings, when used, should be installed so that the bottom edge of the valance is at least eight feet above the sidewalk.
2. Awnings and canopies extending into the street right-of-way should terminate no less than 18 inches from the back of the curb and should not extend into the Streetscape Zone.
(3) Relationship to Surrounding Development.
(a) To the maximum extent feasible, loading docks, trash collection areas, and other similar features should be located away from primary vehicle and pedestrian circulation systems, open space corridors, and screened from view.
(b) Buildings should be organized to create and frame usable outdoor spaces including parks, plazas, walkways, open space, and other features.
(4) Building Materials.
(a) Exterior cladding of buildings should consist of glass, steel, architectural metals, and/or masonry materials such as brick, stone, or cement stucco.
(b) Material modules, other than glazing systems, should not exceed either five feet horizontally or three feet vertically without the clear expression of a joint.
(c) For non-residential uses, wood siding may be allowed but should be limited to 30 percent of the total of exterior building materials of any façade, not including the windows and doors.
(d) Synthetic stucco materials, such as Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS), may be approved through the design review process; provided that detailed review of the material specifications indicates that the finished surface will be durable, high-quality surface. Such materials should be limited to a maximum of 60 percent of the total of exterior building materials, not including windows, on a building's first three floors. Above the third floor, materials such as synthetic stucco may be used for up to 100 percent of the total of exterior building materials, not including windows.
(e) Exceptions.
1. Architectural cast-in-place concrete may be approved through the design review process, provided specific review of finish specifications indicates high quality of the finished surface.
2. Ribbed or corrugated metal panel roofing systems may be approved through the design review process provided specific review of finish specifications indicates high quality of the finished surface.
3. Additions to an existing building totaling less than 40 percent of the existing building may be clad with materials consistent with existing materials and exterior finishes of the original structure.
4. Alternative cladding and accent materials may be allowed on a case-by-case basis provided that product warranties and specifications submitted guarantee that the proposed material is equivalent to any of the materials noted in this section.
(5) Pedestrian Circulation and Amenities. Streetscapes are established within the Lincoln Boulevard Corridor Subdistrict to create an attractive and animated sidewalk environment and to foster safe and efficient pedestrian movement. The streetscape along Lincoln Boulevard should utilize a uniform streetscape treatment within the district and follow the guidelines below to assure improved pedestrian connectivity.
(a) A Streetscape Zone and Sidewalk Zone should be provided whenever sufficient right-of-way exists between the curb and the property line.
(b) A safe and accessible route should be provided to establish direct visual and physical access along all street frontages with connections to and between the primary entrance or entrances to each building.
(c) Landscaping and pedestrian amenities should be located within the Streetscape Zone and/or Storefront Zone.
1. These elements, with the exception of some plant materials, should be placed at least 18 inches from the back of the curb and may be subject to Revocable Permit requirements.
2. These amenities may include, but are not limited to, planting strips, raised planters, light standards, signage, transit stops, public art, bike racks, security bollards, café seating, and street trees and furnishings.
3. Street tree species are a component of the Urban Design Review and should comply with the following:
i. Be adaptable to the conditions of a dense urban environment;
ii. Follow the tree species recommendations, minimum placement clearances, minimum tree spacing, and application types as referenced in "Trees and Plants for Oklahoma City", and any amendments thereto, as maintained online or in the Office of the City Clerk;
iii. Be installed in the Streetscape zone; and
iv. Have a minimum caliper of two inches.
4. The Urban Design Commission or staff may modify these guidelines, recognizing that not all street or block faces may be appropriate for Street Trees due to the lack of sunlight or other limitations such as overhead or underground utility locations. The Commission or staff may allow alternative elements, such as above-ground planters, street furniture, or public art, which may be located within the Storefront Zone.
5. Existing healthy street trees should not be removed unless replaced with appropriate street trees of equal or better height and caliper.
(6) Parking and Vehicular Access.
(a) Parking Lots. Parking lots should be designed in compliance with the following standards:
1. No parking stall should be located:
i. within 25 feet of the front property line on Lincoln Boulevard;
ii. within 15 feet of the front or side property line on cross-streets of Lincoln Boulevard
iii. within ten feet of the rear property line facing an adjoining street on a through lot;
iv. within five feet of an interior side property line not facing an adjoining street; or
v. within five feet of a rear property line (not abutting a street).
(b) Access Drives.
1. Vehicular access on Lincoln Boulevard should be kept to a minimum in both number and in driveway width to promote pedestrian safety and activity. Whenever feasible, east-west cross-streets and existing alleyways should be utilized to provide vehicular access to parking lots and parking garages. All developments are encouraged to eliminate any unused existing curb cuts on Lincoln Boulevard.
2. Adjoining parcels should provide internal cross access easements to facilitate vehicles moving from one property to the next without forcing vehicle out onto Lincoln Boulevard to do so.
(7) Parking Structures.
(a) Ramped and sloping floors should be located so that the sloped floors are not visible from the street.
(b) All parking structures should be designed to screen views of parked vehicles at every level of the parking garage from all views from street level.
(c) Parking structures should be located to the rear of all primary buildings.
(d) Parking structures should not be located:
1. within 40 feet of the front property line on Lincoln Boulevard;
2. within 15 feet of the front property line (or side property line at corner lots) on cross-streets of Lincoln Boulevard;
3. within 15 feet of the rear property line facing an adjoining street on a through lot;
4. within ten feet of an interior side property line not facing an adjoining street;
5. within five feet of a rear property line (not abutting a street); or
6. in front of any building on Lincoln Boulevard.
(e) Stairwells should be located at the exterior corners of parking garages and constructed so that at least one wall of the stairwell would be visually open to the outdoors.
(f) Pedestrian and vehicular access points for parking garages should be clearly marked through the use of materials, architectural features, lighting, signage, etc. to ensure visibility and promote pedestrian safety.
(g) Parking garages should be designed with materials, openings and proportions that will result in an aesthetic and architectural integration between the parking garage and the adjoining structures.
(8) Fences.
(a) Front yard fences.
1. Front yard fences should be decorative fences built of wood picket, architectural metals, multi-strand cable railing systems (using wood or metal posts), or ornamental metal pickets (including ornamental iron, galvanized steel, aluminum, or similar material that allow for transparency.
Other designs and materials resulting in greater or lesser degrees of transparency with a vertical, horizontal, or grid pattern may be considered through the design review process.
2. Front yard fences should not exceed four feet in height. Fences taller than four feet in height may be considered as necessary to address noise or other environmental conditions when fences are adjacent to high volume or higher speed roadways. Fences taller than four feet in height should incorporate a minimum of 50% transparency above four feet.
3. Picket width, picket separation, and fence post positioning should be designed to consider the following guidelines but alternate designs and standards may be considered through the design review process:
i. For ornamental metal picket fencing four feet or less in height, the maximum picket width should not be less than one inch and the minimum separation of pickets should not be less than two and one-half inches. Spiked caps or spears should not be used.
ii. For ornamental metal picket fences in excess of four feet in height, minimum separation of pickets should not be less than six inches above the first four feet in height of the fence.
iii. For wood picket fencing the maximum picket width should be three and one-half inches and the minimum separations of the pickets should be three and one-half inches.
iv. Support posts for ornamental metal fencing should be metal or masonry columns and should be spaced so that visibility is not obstructed so as to present a hazard to pedestrians or vehicular traffic.
(b) Side and rear yard fences.
1. Fencing materials should consist of open ornamental metal pickets, stockade wood boards, slatted wood panels, wood pickets, or masonry.
2. Ornamental metal fences are allowed to include masonry columns.
3. Sizes and spacing for pickets on ornamental metal and wood picket fencing should comply with the applicable guidelines for front yard fences.
13700.8. Legacy Resources.
A. Establishment of Legacy Resources.
1. Standard Legacy Resources. The City has determined that the history and legacy of the City is present in districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects that retain integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association. Such properties may have contributed to the City's history in one or more of the following ways:
(a) Association with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of the City's past.
(b) Association with the lives of persons significant in the City's past.
(c) Embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction.
(d) Representation of the work of one recognized as a master or that possess high artistic value.
(e) Representation of a significant and distinguished entity whose components may lack individual distinction.
(f) Have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.
2. Special Legacy Resources. The City recognizes that certain types of properties are not normally considered under the preceding criteria. Therefore, under exceptional circumstances special consideration may be given to such properties if they are integral parts of districts that do meet the criteria or if they fall within the following categories:
(a) Cemeteries that derive primary significance from graves of persons of transcendent importance, from age, from distinctive design features or from association with historic events.
(b) Birthplaces or graves of historical figures of outstanding importance if there is no appropriate and surviving site or building directly associated with his/her productive life.
(c) Properties owned by religious institutions or whose primary use is for religious purposes if said property derives primary significance from architectural or artistic distinction or historical importance.
(d) Buildings or structures that have been moved from their original locations if such building or structure is significant primarily for architectural value, or which is the surviving building or structure most importantly associated with a historic person or event.
(e) Reconstructed historic buildings if accurately executed in a suitable environment and presented in a dignified manner as a part of a restoration master plan, and when no other building or structure with the same association has survived.
(f) Properties primarily commemorative in intent, design, age, tradition or symbolic value if it has historical significance of its own.
(g) Properties that have achieved significance within the past 45 years if such property is of exceptional importance.
3. Determination and Record Keeping. Upon receipt of an application for a Certificate of Approval, the Director shall use available resources, including information provided in the application, as outlined in this Chapter, to review structures against the criteria in this section to determine if a property is a Legacy Resource. Properties determined to be Legacy Resources shall be listed and made available by the Director. All resources used in determining a Legacy Resource shall be noted and retained in accordance with the City's Records Retention Policy.
B. Review of Legacy Resources. For sites, buildings, structures, objects, and properties that meet one or more of the criteria established above, and located within districts reviewed by the Urban Design Commission, the following items shall be considered:
1. Should a new use for the structure be requested that is not consistent with the original use of the structure, or had not been permitted in the past, any changes made to accommodate the structure's new use must retain original distinctive materials and architectural features. Distinctive materials or architectural features that are not original, but may have gained significance over time, may be afforded the same consideration as those that are original.
2. The historic character of a property should be retained and preserved. The removal of distinctive materials or alteration of features that characterize a property should be avoided.
3. Each property should be recognized as a physical record of its time, place, and use. Changes that create a false sense of historical development, such as adding conjectural features or elements from other historic properties, should not be undertaken.
4. Changes to distinctive materials or architectural features that may not be original, but have acquired significance in their own right, should be retained and preserved.
5. Distinctive materials, features, finishes, and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a property should be preserved.
6. Deteriorated historic or character-defining features should be repaired rather than replaced. In cases where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature should match the old in design, color, texture, and, where possible, materials.
7. Replacement of missing features shall be substantiated by sworn statements of fact, photographic, and/or physical evidence.
8. New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction should not destroy aged materials or features that characterize the property.
9. New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction should be differentiated from the old and be compatible with the existing or original materials, features, size, scale and proportion, and massing thereby protecting the visual and architectural integrity of the property.
10. New additions and adjacent or related new construction should be undertaken in such a manner that, if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the property's significant structures would be unimpaired.
(Ord. No. 23993, § 3, 12-8-09; Ord. No. 24009, § 11, 2-2-10; Ord. No. 24128, § 6, 8-31-10; Ord. No. 24291, § 6, 6-21-11; Ord. No. 25264, § 9, 10-27-15; Ord. No. 26033, § 2, 10-9-18; Ord. No. 26280, § 2, 10-22-19; Ord. No. 27526, § 9, 2-13-24, eff. 3-15-24)
Source: City of Oklahoma City, Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/ok/oklahoma_city/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=OKMUCO2020_CH59ZOPLCO_ARTXIIIZOOVDI_S59-13700URDEOVDIFetched: 10/28/2026