PLANNING COMMISSION

Mission

To become the best planning organization in the State through dedication, organization, technology, and communication. The Planning Department is responsible for planning, subdivision, zoning, floodplain, and stormwater services in Oklahoma County.

Responsibilities

• Provides professional planning support to the County Commissioners, Planning Commission and the general public for the development and implementation of State statutes (Title 19 § 868.1), County policies and other land use plans.

• Manages and administers the County's Subdivision Regulations, Floodplain Regulations, and a variety of zoning district regulations.
  • Reviews and approves land use permits, site plans, and floodplain cases.
  • Reviews and reports to decision-making bodies on subdivision proposals and zoning applications, including special use permits, PUD's, and amendments to the zoning and subdivision regulations.
  • Provides information to the public about regulations, procedures and land use patterns.
  • Administers and approves residential, commercial, and industrial building permits with all necessary inspections.

• Provides staff support to the following advisory and decision-making bodies:​

County Commissioners - Oklahoma County Commissioners make the final decision on the Planning Commission's recommendations.

County Planning Commission - The Planning Commission is established by State statutes to review various development regulations and make recommendations on their adoption or amendment by the County Commissioners. The commission is also charged with reviewing various development permit applications and making recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners. The County Planning Commission's jurisdiction is limited to the unincorporated areas of the county. Each city in the county has its own planning commission.

Board of Adjustment - The Board of Adjustment is a quasi-judicial body appointed by the County Board of Commissioners that has the sole authority to hear appeals and to grant variances from County regulations. This body conducts an official public hearing for each requested variance. The minutes reflect the actions and decisions of the Board at the public hearings.

Floodplain Management Board - Promote the public health, safety, and general welfare, to minimize flood losses in areas subject to flood hazards, and to promote wise use of the floodplain. These regulations have been established with the following purposes intended: To guide development of the 100-year floodplain within local jurisdiction consistent with the enumerated findings by: recognizing the right and need of water courses to periodically carry more than the normal flow of water; participating in coordinated efforts of federal, state, and local management activities for 100-year floodplains; and ensuring the regulations and minimum standards adopted, insofar as possible, balance the greatest public good with the least private injury.

Regulations