Oklahoma City implements ‘backyard dwellings' ordinance

Yahoo

21 hours ago

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – According to the City of Oklahoma City, its 'backyard dwellings' ordinance is now in effect.
Officials say residents or property owners in OKC's core can now build accessory dwellings, or backyard dwellings. The ordinance was adopted by the City Council on Tuesday, May 20, and took effect on Friday, June 20.
LOCAL NEWS: City of OKC reminds residents of Fireworks Hotline
'By changing OKC's development code to allow backyard cottages, housing capacity expands, affordable housing options are created, and social benefits are increased, such as caring for an elderly parent,' Assistant Planning Director Lisa Chronister said.
According to the City, the ordinance has regulations for how an accessory dwelling can be built in areas roughly between Interstate 35 on the east, Interstate 44/Northwest Expressway on the north and west, and SW 59th to the south. The approved area for backyard dwellings includes parcels in parts of Wards 2, 4, 6 and 7 that are within the City.
You can see if your address is included in the ordinance by viewing the LUTA map at data.okc.gov. Areas in the Urban Medium (tan color) or Urban High (brown color) are included in the ordinance unless it is zoned historic.
'Among other rules, the ordinance establishes height and square footage maximums, access requirements, and stipulates that only one accessory dwelling is allowed per parcel.' said the City.
To build an accessory dwelling, residents or property owners will need to apply for a residential building permit. Visit the application checklist to learn more.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.