Tulsa’s updated zoning code could increase the amount of affordable housing in the city.
In a presentation to the city’s fair housing committee, a consultant covered a handful of changes that could help, including a new small-lot district classification. Planner Theron Warlick said no one will suddenly find their home zoned differently, however.
"What we're trying to do is create new tools, make them available for use in the future, and every subsequent application would involve review, notification, long discussion," Warlick said.
Small-lot districts would have 30-feet wide lots about 40 percent smaller in area than the current smallest residential zones. A variety of building types, including multi-unit houses, could be allowed.
Other changes that could help increase the amount of affordable housing include an expanded list of allowable building types and mixed-use districts that have commercial real estate below residential units.
Committee member Greg Shinn suggested the zoning code also include incentives for developers to build affordable housing.
"The incentives would be targeted toward the developers, but the zoning code needs to allow it there by right, so you've got to have both at the same time," Shinn said.
Those incentives would likely work better in areas with little cheap land left, such as downtown.
Tulsa is in the middle of its first comprehensive zoning code update in more than 30 years.
