What do you think of the proposed ordinance designed to encourage structured parking and reuse of existing buildings in Downtown Tulsa?

UPDATE September 23, 2013
At the September 18^th public hearing the Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission considered testimony regarding the proposed ordinance to address parking and reuse of existing downtown buildings. At the conclusion of the discussion, a motion was made and seconded to continue the matter for 60 days to allow for further discussion; that motion failed by a vote of 3-8-0 (yay-nay-abstention).  A motion was then made to deny the ordinance and it passed by a vote of 10-1-0 (yay-nay-abstention). 

For a zoning ordinance text amendment such as this, within 30 days the TMAPC must forward all supporting documentation, staff reports, public comments (including statements from this forum), and public hearing minutes with motions and votes to the City Council for consideration. City Council dates will be posted here when available. 

This topic and the related topic will remain open for comments until City Council action has been taken.

UPDATE August 22nd
The Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission will review the proposed ordinance on September 18th, 2013. Visit tmapc.org information about meeting agendas and schedules.

Original Topic
PLANiTULSA and the Downtown Area Master Plan recognize that losing existing structures for the creation of additional parking lots is detrimental to a vital, thriving downtown. City staff drafted an ordinance to address City Council’s concern about demolition of buildings and the proliferation of surface parking lots in downtown Tulsa. This move prompted applause from Streetsblog for “taking steps to build a healthier balance for the city’s downtown.”

Building on input received from the previous Feedback topic entitled 'Downtown Buildings and Parking Policy: Past, Present, Future?’, comments collected from this follow-up topic will be considered during the September 18^th TMAPC public hearing on the proposed regulatory changes to demolitions and parking downtown.

The draft ordinance provides for issuance of a demolition permit inside the IDL only when: the building poses a public health or safety risk; a zoning clearance permit and building permit for the proposed use of the property has already been approved; the Board of Adjustment has conducted a public hearing and determines the proposed demolition to be appropriate based upon review criteria contained within the ordinance. Click here for the full draft ordinance.

Click above to view the enlarged image

To retain the integrity of a pedestrian-friendly, active downtown, structured parking is preferred. It represents a more efficient, economical and sustainable way to utilize limited downtown property. The proposed ordinance establishes structured parking as a permitted use by right within the IDL. It continues to permit surface parking as an on-site accessory use and allows an applicant to request a Special Exception (to be considered by the Board of Adjustment in a public hearing) for approval of surface parking as a principal or off-site accessory use.

Tell us what you think about the proposed ordinance by reviewing it and then by clicking on Post below to have your say.