Norman Planning Commission Meeting – August 13, 2026

The Norman Planning Commission met on August 13, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. with all nine commissioners present. The meeting covered consent items, a rezoning, a determination on outdoor storage uses in the I-1 district, a request to remove an age restriction from a PUD, and postponements of two other items. Commissioners voted on several items after hearing staff presentations, applicant testimony, and public comments.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (9-0) the minutes of the July 9, 2026 Planning Commission meeting, preliminary plat PP-2627-2 for Lux Nova LLC, and Norman Rule Certificate of Survey COS-2627-2 for Cheyenne Estates. No items were removed from the consent docket.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 4 (Rezoning at 404 East Sims): No audience comments.
• Item 5 (Outdoor storage in I-1 district): John Proctor, a 50-year Norman resident and property owner, expressed support for allowing third-party outdoor storage on gravel behind an opaque fence, stating that current code forces such storage outside city limits and that gravel parking is preferable due to permeability and reduced runoff.
• Item 6 (Juniper Sage at Cobblestone Creek – age restriction removal): Multiple residents of the senior apartment complex spoke in opposition:
  • Linda Wright (apartment 2212) noted the complex was marketed as 55+ and expressed concern about lease flexibility and rent increases.
  • Eldie Lois Morris (apartment 511) raised concerns about parking capacity, rent increases despite bundled utilities, and doubted that younger tenants would materialize.
  • Lori Mouse (apartment 3101) questioned the transparency of the process, noting she learned of the change informally, and requested that verbal promises of lease flexibility be put in writing.
  • Kissy Mouse (apartment ?) stated she signed a lease on July 15, 2026 without knowledge of the pending change and feared safety issues with younger residents and children.
  • Bonnie Holmes (apartment 6203) argued that students could afford the rent through grants/loans and worried about children in common areas.
  • Tim Shannon (4704 Augusta Drive), owner/operator of Cobblestone Creek golf course, spoke in support, noting the positive impact of intergenerational living and the need for the complex to succeed financially.

Discussion Items

1. Item 4 – Rezoning from C2 to R3 (404 East Sims): Staff presented that the property is split-zoned (C2 and Porter Overlay) and the applicant seeks to rezone to R3 multifamily. The applicant, Phil Hollingsworth, provided a backstory about the property's history. No discussion, motion passed 9-0.

2. Item 5 – PCR-2627-1: Determination on outdoor storage and gravel surfaces in I-1 district: Staff asked the Commission to make two determinations: (a) whether outdoor storage of third-party vehicles/equipment is similar in character to permitted I-1 uses, and (b) whether gravel parking surfaces are acceptable in I-1 when not adjacent to residential zoning. Discussion centered on screening language, dust concerns, and the need for clear definitions. Commissioners modified the proposed language by replacing "completely screened by an eight-foot tall opaque fence" with "screened by ornamental fences, walls, or evergreen planting that cannot be seen from a public street." The motion passed 8-1 (Commissioner Jablonski dissenting).

3. Item 6 – Ordinance 0-2627-2: Removing age restriction from Juniper Sage PUD (4403 12th Avenue SE): The applicant requested removal of the 55+ age restriction due to sustained low occupancy (57% after 5 years) and financial losses. The complex has 168 units (128 one-bedroom, 40 two-bedroom). The applicant stated rents range from $1,400 (one-bedroom) to $1,900 (two-bedroom) and include most utilities. The applicant offered lease flexibility (60-day exit notice, month-to-month options) and noted they would not rent by the bed or accept parent guarantees. Commissioners discussed fair housing implications, the possibility of deferring the change, and the need for communication with current residents. The motion to approve passed 9-0.

4. Items 7 & 8 – Postponements: Items 7 and 8 (rezoning and preliminary plat for Cedar Lane near 12th Avenue SE and Cedar Lane Road) were postponed to the September 10, 2026 meeting at the applicant's request. (Note: The transcript at one point incorrectly stated September 10, 2026 for the motion.) Unanimous 9-0.

5. Item 9 – Postponement: Item 9 (rezoning at 7327 East Franklin Road to spUD) was postponed to the December 10, 2026 Planning Commission meeting. However, the motion in the transcript states "December 10th, 2025" – likely a verbal error; the clerk's record may correct this. The Commission voted 9-0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved 9-0.
• Item 4 (Rezoning to R3): Approved 9-0. The ordinance will proceed to City Council with a recommendation for approval.
• Item 5 (Outdoor storage in I-1): The Commission determined that outdoor storage of third-party vehicles/equipment is a similar character use, and gravel parking is acceptable, subject to screening requirements (ornamental fences, walls, or evergreen planting not visible from a public street). Motion passed 8-1 (Jablonski opposed).
• Item 6 (Age restriction removal for Juniper Sage PUD): Approved 9-0. The Commission recommended approval to City Council. No changes to the site plan were proposed. Verbal commitments by the applicant regarding lease flexibility were noted but not mandated.
• Items 7 & 8 (Cedar Lane): Postponed to September 10, 2026 unanimously.
• Item 9 (East Franklin Road): Postponed to December 10, 2026 (date discrepancy noted) unanimously.
• Staff announced updates to the Norman Development Code website (NormanDevCode.com).