Broken Arrow Board of Adjustment Meeting Summary - 2026-01-12

The Broken Arrow Board of Adjustment convened to review prior meeting minutes and conduct a public hearing regarding a variance request for a new Tinker Federal Credit Union (TFCU) branch. The primary discussion focused on site topographical challenges necessitating a waiver of highway design overlay orientation regulations. The Board unanimously approved the variance request after confirming that the proposed building orientation aligns with the site's physical constraints and public good standards.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the October meeting and the previous January meeting were reviewed and approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Michael Doggett (Civil Engineer for TFCU/Animus Civil Engineering): Spoke as the applicant's representative to explain the site conditions. He stated that the property's topography, specifically its elevation relative to the Creek Turnpike ramps, creates a scenario where facing the building south toward the turnpike would result in the building's rear facing the road, effectively placing it against a "wall of dirt". He expressed support for the request by arguing that orienting the building north toward Aspen Avenue is the only viable design solution given the site's constraints.
• Board Member (Unidentified): Asked clarifying questions regarding curb cuts, access points, and screening requirements, seeking confirmation on the fire station elevation comparison and the necessity of screen walls based on code requirements for mechanical units.

Discussion Items

• Variance Request (VAR-002576-2025): The Board deliberated on the application by TFCU to waive Highway Design Overlay District (HDOD) orientation regulations. The property, located one-third mile north of West Tucson Street and just west of South Aspen, requires waiving the standard requirement that developments fronting controlled access freeways or Turnpikes must orient toward them.
• Staff Analysis: Staff presented the four criteria for variance approval: (1) Necessary hardship due to unique topography not shared by neighboring properties above the Creek Turnpike or OK 51; (2) The hardship is productive to the specific property; (3) Public good is not substantially detrimented because the site is at a lower elevation and the building's face is not visible from the Turnpike; (4) The variance is the minimum necessary relief.
• Technical Clarifications: Discussion confirmed that the site is approximately 15 feet below the front edge road elevation. The applicant confirmed access will be a single point across from the Chick-fil-A entrance with a median island, and signage will be a small monument. The Board clarified that code only requires screening parapets to match mechanical unit heights, not to block all site lines.

Key Outcomes

• Approval of Variance: The Board unanimously approved VAR-002576-2025 (Motion carried 5-0). Board members Michelle Bergwall, George Jessquire, Kamara Washington, Rebecca Hinkle, and Jed Hatch all voted in favor.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned following a motion by the Chair and second by no one listed (implied standard procedure or error in transcript phrasing "No second"), with all members present voting to adjourn (5-0).
• Staff Introduction: Jane Weyrick introduced herself as the new Planning and Development Manager (returning after a few years) and introduced Rebecca Blaine as the Planning Section Manager.