Making Way for Missing Middle: Tulsa's Neighborhood Overlay

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Course Details

Like many cities, Tulsa, Oklahoma, is experiencing a severe shortage of affordable housing. A housing study conducted in 2020 explored the reasons for the shortage and identified a range of root causes, including existing zoning barriers to implementing new "missing-middle" housing in downtown-adjacent neighborhoods.

Following completion of the housing study, planners took action to address zoning barriers by identifying areas zoned exclusively for single-family residential and overlaying new zoning regulations that allow a range of housing types. New housing types to be allowed by right include accessory dwelling units, duplexes, townhomes, multi-unit homes, and apartment buildings, with a maximum of six units, where previously only single, detached homes were permitted.

This presentation covers the extensive public engagement conducted by the Tulsa Planning Office and the development of the zoning overlay.

Learning Outcomes

  • Develop a plan of action to begin engaging with neighborhoods and addressing a lack of missing-middle housing.
  • Draft zoning regulations that address barriers to missing-middle housing.
  • Test regulations to ensure desired outcomes can be achieved.

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