Planning commission recommends Leburg Park specific plan with added open‑space, tree and design conditions

Commissioners on the Oklahoma City Planning Commission voted April 9 to recommend approval of PUD 2137, a rezoning and specific-plan package that sets 4,400‑square‑foot minimum lots and 40‑foot lot widths for a residential tract on East Hefner Road.

The applicant’s representative, Caitlyn Turner, told the commission the proposal reduced developable area because of floodway constraints but added amenities and open space. Commissioner Powers described the result as “a sort of a minor miracle” for preserving neighborhood character while allowing thoughtfully designed infill.

Debate centered on staff technical evaluations (TEs). Commissioners and the applicant negotiated changes that struck TE1 (which had limited two‑car garages to recessed single doors) and instead raised the required PUD open‑space minimum to 24%, added required amenities (a splash pad, double pickleball courts and a playground) and clarified that “usable open space or amenity” must be within a 1,320‑foot walkable distance along sidewalks and trails from every lot. Commissioners also agreed to preserve healthy mature trees “to the greatest extent possible” and to move the explicit street‑tree requirement from the curb in favor of code‑compliant landscaping placement.

Commissioner Noble made the motion to recommend approval with the amended technical evaluations; Commissioner Newman seconded it and the item passed by voice vote. The commission’s recommendation will go to city council for final action.

Why it matters: The changes the commission negotiated increase public amenities and green space required of the developer and remove a restriction on garage configuration that developers said made construction unfeasible on 40‑foot lots. Supporters said the edits better protect neighborhood character while allowing housing supply to advance. Opponents were largely concerned about garage dominance on narrow lots and insisted on stronger design standards; the commission’s edits reflect both sets of concerns.

Next steps: The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to city council; any final zoning and PUD specifics (site and architectural plans) will be reviewed at the permitting and specific‑plan stages.