City Council Recap | July 31, 2024

The City Council met on July 31, 2024, for committee meetings and a regular meeting.

Below are the highlights of Council discussion and action items.

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Urban & Economic Development Committee Meeting | 10:30am

Tulsa Planning Office - Housing Types in the Zoning Code

The Tulsa Planning Office concluded its three-part series on current housing trends and how they affect zoning codes. The discussions are aimed at providing more information to support current and future housing initiatives and amendments.

During this discussion, the Planning Office highlighted results of a 2020 Housing & Neighborhoods Policy Survey that answered the question, "The City of Tulsa should allow (blank) in more neighborhoods." The results show that:

• 68% agreed that the City should allow backyard cottages (ADUs) in more neighborhoods

• 63% agreed that the City should allow duplexes in more neighborhoods

• 48% agreed that triplexes and quadplexes should be allowed in more neighborhoods

• 67% agreed that more townhomes should be allowed in more neighborhoods

The City of Tulsa centralizes all initiatives related to Tulsa housing under the Path to Home Initiative. Path to Home is a central source for all programming as it relates to homelessness, housing, and mental health within the city. The initiative gives a comprehensive overview of all programming and policy work at the local government level focused on helping individuals experiencing homelessness or struggling with mental health, promoting citywide housing efforts, and supporting the work of dedicated service providers.

View the discussion here 

Read more and watch the full Housing Trends series here

Learn more about Path to Home here 

See what the City's Homelessness Task Force is working on here

Zoning Code Amendment - Data Center & Related Regulations

Councilors discussed an amendment to the zoning code that would add definition of a data center and related regulations.

In December 2023, Councilors adopted a rezoning ordinance that would allow the construction of a data center at the intersection of E. 11th St. S. and the Creek Turnpike, known as Project Anthem.

To address concerns and questions, there is a proposal to amend the zoning code to clearly define the data center to more accurately reflect their unique operations, as well as amend other provisions in the code related to parking and wireless communication facilities.

The Council is scheduled to vote on this item at the 5pm regular meeting on August 7.

View the discussion here 

Arts Commission Ordinance & Vision of the Arts Program

Councilors discussed an amendment to adjust the composition of the Arts Commission, modify the Independent Review Panel, and clean up provisions, such as removing references to pandemic programs and clarifying Council vote requirements.

The item will be up for first reading at the 5pm regular meeting on August 7. The Council is scheduled to vote on this item at the 5pm regular meeting on August 21.

View the discussion here

Councilors were also joined by a representative from the Arts Commission to discuss the proposed FY 2024-2025 Vision for the Arts Program. The program is meant to engage the City's arts and cultural organizations in boosting the local economy. The City awards funding for projects identified through a competitive application and review process.

View the presentation here

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Public Works Committee Meeting | 2:30pm

Discussion of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Grant Funding

Councilors held a discussion with a representative from Grants Administration regarding the HUD grant funding for the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan. The project receiving these funds, called The Hilltop, is a partnership with Tulsa Housing Authority Development Corporation, Inc. to redevelop the old Sunset Plaza north of downtown. Out of the 107 units, 20 of them will be restricted to qualified applicants such as those experiencing homeless, those at risk of homelessness, and those fleeing domestic abuse.

View the discussion here

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Tulsa City Council Meeting | 5:00pm

Public Hearing - Closing of Public Way

Councilors held a public hearing regarding the proposed closing of a portion of a Public Way located at 22 W. 10th St. The request for closing the Public Way is for First United Methodist Church of Tulsa.

There were no speakers regarding the item. The Council is scheduled to vote on this item at the 5pm regular meeting on August 7.

View the public hearing here

Zink Lake Ordinance Vote

Councilors voted to approve a proposed ordinance amendment that would add a section regarding Zink Lake, South Tulsa Lake, and to update ordinances to allow expected activities in Zink Lake (and future South Tulsa Lake) and provide clarity on permissible and prohibited activities.

The ordinance will address the following areas:

• Boundaries of Zink Lake and South Tulsa Lake

  • Zink Lake encompasses the water/riverbed between Zink Dam and the southernmost edge of the Southwest Boulevard/U.S. Route 66 bridge

  • Sout Tulsa Lake encompasses the water/riverbed between the South Tulsa, when constructed, and the southernmost edge of the 71st St. bridge

• Water activities and permissible watercraft

  • Zink Lake will be a no-wake zone, with watercraft limited to slow-moving vessels without combustible engines

  • Watercraft users will be prohibited from deliberately jumping off of their watercraft into either lake

  • All watercraft users should abide by posted signage, such as hours of operation, etc.

• Swimming

  • Swimming or wading is prohibited without the written consent of the appropriate Board or its representative, except in swimming, wading or spray pools constructed for such activities or areas specifically designated for such activities. Further, no person shall swim or wade in any pool at any time when the pool is not open to the public

    • Currently, Zink Lake does not have any wading or spray pools designed for such activities.

• Fishing guidelines

  • Fishing is permitted in Zink Lake and South Tulsa Lake and is permitted only from the banks or other no-wake watercraft

  • Fishing from the new pedestrian bridge, Williams Crossing, and fishing in the whitewater flume is prohibited

  • Bow fishing and fishing by set (bank) lines, trotlines, float (jug) lines, gigs or spears is prohibited unless posted signage says otherwise

  • Fishing by use of seine for minnows or for other aquatic animals is prohibited

Currently, Zink Lake is closed, and public access is prohibited as these ordinances are refined and construction continues. No-entry signs are posted at various locations along the east and west banks of the river.

View the vote here

View the full, proposed ordinance here

View the Committee discussion here

Zoning Code Amendment Vote – Principal-Use Family Child Care Home Regulations 

Councilors voted to approve a proposed zoning amendment that would grant established family child care homes an extended deadline to come into compliance with regulations on sprinkler systems. The deadline for a certificate of occupancy will be extended one year to December 31, 2025.

View the vote here 

View the Committee discussion here 

Budget Amendment Vote – Rudisill Resilience Hub, IT Initiatives, Multiple Path to Home Items 

Councilors voted to approve a budget amendment that would appropriate funds from the United States Treasury American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to support upcoming projects in the city, such as: 

• Homeless Lead position to provide homelessness coordination and collaboration as part of Path to Home 

• Permit ready plans to promote house construction as part of Path to Home 

• Rudisill Resilience Hub 

• Critical IT/AV needs for business continuity

• Big Heart Harlow Creek Study to evaluate and provide services to Big Heart, Harlow Creek and Upper Gilcrease service areas 

View the vote here 

View the Committee discussion here 

Learn more about Path to Home here