OKC Plan, 2000-2020 - City of Oklahoma City

Traffic considerations. In some locations unpaved or poorly paved roads may be unsuitable
for the increased traffic volumes resulting from proposed development. In addition, the increased
traffic volumes accompanying increased development may lead to increased wear on roadways.
Current residents may perceive the increased traffic as a threat to their rural life-style. In areas of
hilly topography great care is needed in locating entry streets for proposed developments to avoid
traffic hazards from inadequate sight lines.
Public health and safety considerations. Aging oil and gas wells in the vicinity of proposed
rural developments may indicate possible contamination of underground water supplies. This
equipment can also be dangerous to children and animals. Sand mining operations and industrial
activities adjacent to rural residential development can create problems with noise, odors, blowing
dust, and trucks wearing down area roads.
Costs for City Services. Approval of rural development in areas where City services are not
adequate may lead to requests by some area residents and property owners for service
improvements. Meeting these requests may require the City to construct new facilities including fire
stations, road improvements, or extension of water and sewer service. The City could also face
increased operational costs from far-flung rural development including road maintenance and
vehicle expenses for police and fire response.
Additional factors. Increased development in rural areas will increase the number of
residents and business customers leading to possible conflicts with adjoining agricultural uses.
Overly porous soils and rock layers may increase the likelihood that water wells would be
contaminated from improperly located septic tanks and surface runoff of lawn and agricultural
chemicals. Efforts to preserve historic sites may be more difficult with the increased housing units
and businesses.
The Rural Area is shown on the Development Areas Map (page 10) and the Land Use Plan
Map (page 11).
Directions
Maintain the rural character of natural areas, open fields, pastures, forests, farmland, and
scattered farmhouses while allowing for rural development.
Establish residential densities that support rural lifestyles while providing levels of public
services appropriate for rural development. Relate residential densities to the following factors:
• Compatibility with existing development in the vicinity
• Adequacy of public services including water supply, sewage treatment, police and fire
protection, emergency services, and streets and roadways
• Potential hazards to public health and safety such as oil wells, oilfield equipment, and
mining operations
• Impact on surface water, aquifers, adjacent agricultural operations, or historic sites
Relate the scale and character of commercial uses and other uses that support residential
development to the needs of residents in the vicinity.
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