Guidelines - City of Oklahoma City

Preservation Standards AND Guidelines August 1, 2012
Setting the Foundation:
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION AND ORIENTATION
1.1 HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND
DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
Thousands of cities and towns across the nation protect historic districts and landmarks and promote
historic preservation as an important tool for improving community livability and quality of life.
Preservation activity in older and historic districts helps to promote civic pride, improves property values,
stabilizes the inner-city, creates skilled jobs, increases sales tax revenues, and minimizes negative
impacts on the environment by retaining existing buildings and building materials.
The historic districts in Oklahoma City are distinctive areas, each with its own unique character. Each
historic district is distinguished by its‘ buildings, streets, parks and parkways, trees, architectural design
and landscape features. Some districts are large with hundreds of properties; some are smaller.
Some districts contain grand ornate buildings, while others contain more modest structures. Each district
serves as a legacy, linking present and future generations with their heritage, and providing diversity
to the city‘s appearance, and character.
The City‘s historic preservation ordinance acknowledges that historic districts and landmarks are valuable
assets to the city. The ordinance recognizes that change is important to the community‘s evolution
and an indication of healthy, vital neighborhoods occupied by residents proud of their neighborhood
and its history. Development and investment that preserve the historic character of Oklahoma City‘s
historic properties and districts, while also enhancing livability, are encouraged.
1.2 DESIGNATION AND REVIEW PROCESS
Designation of Historic Preservation (HP) and Historic Landmark (HL) zoned districts and properties
may be established by City Council. Careful research and evaluation of a district‘s or property‘s historical
significance is required to support the designation process. Historic districts – the first of which for
Oklahoma City was designated in 1969 – are created to protect the existing character and enhance or
stabilize the existing condition of the district and the surrounding area. The Historic Preservation (HP)
and Historic Landmark (HL) zoning process protects historic districts and properties from unmanaged,
inappropriate change by a thorough review process based on the Municipal Code (Chapter 59) and these
Preservation Standards and Guidelines.
The Oklahoma City Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) serves both the general public, as stewards
of the special historic places and areas in the City, and the owners of properties zoned HP or HL
when planning major repairs, alterations or new construction. The HPC members are appointed by the
Mayor with consent and approval of the City Council. By ordinance, the Commissioners should
Oklahoma City Historic Districts 7