OKC Plan, 2000-2020 - City of Oklahoma City

Evaluate applications for rural residential development according to the following factors:
• Whether the density proposed is compatible with existing land uses, lot sizes, and uses
permitted on property in the immediate vicinity.
• Whether adequate services exist, or can be provided, to serve the proposed development.
Among the services to be addressed are storm drainage, sewage treatment, water supply,
police and fire protection, and emergency services.
• Whether water quality and quantity is sufficient to serve the development, and required
water wells and sanitary services will not negatively impact nearby properties. Data related
to water sufficiency could include aquifer draw down and recharge rates, water flow rates in
pounds per square inch, and tests to determine pH (acidity), and concentrations of coliform
bacteria, dissolved solids, chlorides, nitrates, sulfur compounds, and arsenic.
• Whether the proposed development at build-out will have a negative impact on vehicular
traffic and traffic safety based on the current capacity and design of adjacent public roads.
• Whether oil and gas wells, mining operations, or industrial activity in the vicinity of the
proposed development raise safety or quality-of-life concerns.
• Whether the proposed development will have a positive or negative fiscal impact on the
City’s finances. The evaluation of the fiscal impact of proposed development should
consider both the City’s cost of providing additional levels of public services and the
anticipated revenues generated. Both costs and revenues will vary based on the size and
location of the proposed development.
• Whether the proposed development will have other undesired impacts including impacts on
natural areas, surface water, aquifers, adjacent agricultural operations, or historic sites.
Continue to protect water supplies by retaining sensitive reservoir watersheds as Environmental
Conservation areas.
Limit use within designated Environmental Conservation areas to public open space, crops and
grazing, recreation, and five-acre tract residential. Develop standards within designated
Environmental Conservation areas that ensure that proposed uses do not adversely affect the
quality of public water supplies and water wells on adjoining properties.
Allow the option of cluster development as a means to preserve drainageways as rural open
space.
Increase building setbacks along arterials to reduce the impact of development in rural settings.
Two-lane roads should be maintained in a way that provides safe transportation and preserves
rural character.
Support limited amounts of commercial (one-to-two acres per use) and recreational uses
appropriate to the needs of rural residents.
Create a rural commercial zoning district designed for rural needs.
Continue to enforce adopted rural fire protection policies.
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