So the Next Time the TMAPC Screws Up...

[Conan71]

We have no problem with Escape Tulsa...we just can't understand the need to change the zoning. The owner did not explain his need at the meeting.

If no reason was given, I understand your concern, especially with objection from surrounding residents.

[Bamboo World]

We have no problem with Escape Tulsa...we just can't understand the need to change the zoning. The owner did not explain his need at the meeting.

I don't have a problem with Escape Tulsa, but I'm opposed to re-zoning the property as CS.

When does this proposed re-zoning go to the City Council?

[rdj]

Funny this was approved but the guy across the street looking to build dense residential was denied.  Innersting.

[carltonplace]

Funny this was approved but the guy across the street looking to build dense residential was denied.  Innersting.

At least they are consistently inconsistent.

[Bamboo World]

At least they are consistently inconsistent.

"They" are two separate boards.

Recommendation to re-zone 1448 S Carson from RM-2 to CS was approved by the TMAPC.

On the vacant lot across Carson to the east, proposed multi-family residential with reduced setback from 15th Street was denied by the Board of Adjustment.

[TheArtist]

"They" are two separate boards.

Recommendation to re-zone 1448 S Carson from RM-2 to CS was approved by the TMAPC.

On the vacant lot across Carson to the east, proposed multi-family residential with reduced setback from 15th Street was denied by the Board of Adjustment.

Egads.  So what are the "powers/jurisdictions" of each? Learning all this zoning stuff can make your head swim.

[Bamboo World]

Egads.  So what are the "powers/jurisdictions" of each?

The Board of Adjustment (BOA) is quasi-judicial.  The BOA hears appeals from the determination of zoning code enforcement officials.  The BOA interprets the zoning map and the zoning code text.  The BOA grants/denies special exceptions and variances.

For the sake of this discussion, the BOA is the Tulsa City BOA.  The Tulsa City BOA's jurisdiction is narrow.  It concerns the City of Tulsa's zoning code, and nothing else.  See Chapter 16 of the zoning code.

The Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (TMAPC) is a larger board which deals with broader planning concerns, zoning being one.  The City of Tulsa doesn't have its own independent zoning commission, so the City relies on the TMAPC (which includes City and County appointees) and TMAPC staff.  It doesn't have to be set up this way for zoning and land use planning, but currently it is.

The TMAPC recommends changes to the zoning code text and the zoning map to the City Council.  See Chapter 17 of the zoning code, and see tmapc.org.

[PonderInc]

I agree with everything Bamboo said. 

In a nutshell: The TMAPC handles re-zoning your property.  (Like changing from Residential to Commercial, or approving PUDs, etc.)  The BOA handles cases where you don't need to rezone anything, you just need relief from a particular rule that applies to your zoning.  Examples are things like: permission to have a higher building, a smaller setback, a  bigger sign, or providing less parking than required by zoning.

When people apply to the BOA for relief from a zoning rule, they have to prove that a "hardship" exists that justifies bending the rules a bit.