Board approves Johnson Associates plan to add graduated commercial zoning districts

The board approved a proposal from Johnson Associates to add new commercial zoning districts and revise the town zoning map to provide graduated commercial categories.

Staff explained the current single "commercial" zone unlocks many uses and that adding tiers (for example, neighborhood commercial, highway commercial, downtown/commercial-general) lets the town tailor permitted uses to protect residents and natural resources. The presenter explained that planned-unit developments (PUDs) would remain a separate, customized tool for detailed negotiations with developers.

Trustees discussed examples from other Oklahoma communities and asked staff to prepare draft district definitions and sample maps for future review. The motion to approve the Johnson Associates proposal and proceed with map updates passed on roll call.