Broken Arrow Board of Adjustment Meeting – April 13, 2026

The Broken Arrow Board of Adjustment met on April 13, 2026, at 11:00 AM (UTC) to consider a variance request for a multifamily development. The meeting included approval of prior minutes, one public hearing, and a motion that failed due to an abstention.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (March 9, 2026): The Board approved the minutes of the March 9, 2026 meeting. Voting: Michelle Bergwall (abstain), Rebecca Hinkle (yes), George Jesquire (yes), Judd Hatch (yes). Motion carried.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Applicant Presentation (Justin Abruin, Walls Design Collective): Mr. Abruin spoke in support of the variance, emphasizing that the city engineer and fire department had approved the life safety requirements, that existing driveways in the downtown area are typically 20 feet or less, and that the proposed 20‑foot one‑way driveway is consistent with city standards for one‑way aisles. He argued that a 26‑foot requirement would consume more than half the developable area and create an unnecessary hardship given the 20‑foot width of Fort Worth Street. He also noted that the DROD regulations aim to minimize pedestrian‑vehicle conflicts and limit overly wide pavement.
• Architect Remarks (Jameson Schaefer, Bixby): Mr. Schaefer clarified that the alleyway extends only a short distance east, so vehicles must exit west onto Fort Worth Street.

Discussion Items

• Variance Request VAR‑002593‑2025 (Fort Worth Apartments): The applicant requested a variance from Section 5 of the Downtown Residential Overlay District (DROD) regulations to reduce the required driveway width from 26 feet (minimum for a two‑way drive) to 20 feet for a one‑way driveway. The property is located at 202 East Fort Worth Street, consisting of 0.32 acres within DROD Area 5, and is being developed as a 15‑unit multifamily flat (all one‑bedroom units). Staff analysis found that all four criteria for a variance (unnecessary hardship, public good, minimum variance, and consistency with the DROD) were met, and staff recommended approval. Board members asked about the number of parking spaces (15 required, 15 proposed), the alleyway direction, and the width of Fort Worth Street (approximately 20 feet). A board member noted that the city is reviewing the DROD as part of a downtown master plan and may consider adjusting driveway width standards.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on Variance Motion: A motion to approve the variance was made and seconded. Voting: Michelle Bergwall (yes), Rebecca Hinkle (no), George Jesquire (abstain), Judd Hatch (yes). The motion failed because it needed three affirmative votes; the abstention counted as a no vote. The Board chair announced the motion failed, effectively denying the variance.
• Appeal Options: The Board informed the applicant that the decision can be appealed to the City Council or to district court.
• Item A (Public Hearing): A public hearing item originally on the agenda was moved to a future meeting by a unanimous vote to continue.