Oklahoma City has just turned a new leaf on housing within its core, as the recently adopted ordinance now allows residents and property owners the right to build accessory dwellings, commonly known as “backyard dwellings.” Effective since Friday, June 20, the ordinance greenlights a pragmatic approach to enhance housing capacity in select city areas, according to an announcement from the Oklahoma City Council.
The new ordinance, focusing on parcels in portions of Wards 2, 4, 6, and 7, between some of the city's major thoroughfares, translates into a boon for those seeking to expand their living space or for those adventurous enough to consider building an affordable rental right in their backyard. As mentioned in the city's announcement, assistant planning director Lisa Chronister noted on okc.gov, "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."
Properties falling within the Urban Medium or Urban High areas on the LUTA map at data.okc.gov are affected by the ordinance, barring those zoned historic. The regulations laid out in the ordinance specify the design factors including height and square footage maximums, access needs, and limit parcels to one accessory dwelling.
For interested residents or property owners, embarking on building these supplementary dwellings, the first necessary step involves securing a residential building permit. Found fumbling over the permits, instructions are provided with an application checklist available on the city's website. Once in possession of the essential permit and inspections checklist, the construction can commence. Queries about building permits and inspections can be directed to the City's Development Center, by calling at (405) 297-2525, the channel through which assistance is promised.
