Richard Taylor seeks variance to replace fire-damaged home in Oklahoma City

In a recent special meeting of the Oklahoma County Board of Adjustment, discussions centered around a property owner’s request to replace a home destroyed by fire with a new manufactured home. The property, located on approximately 0.8 acres, has been in existence since the early 1970s and is currently non-compliant with modern zoning regulations, which require a minimum of two acres for residential use in the R2 zoning category.

The property owner, Richard Taylor, explained that the original structure was a double-wide manufactured home, and he intends to replace it with a single-wide model. Due to the fire that occurred in late December, Taylor has already cleared the site and is eager to proceed with rebuilding. However, he faces challenges due to the current zoning laws, which necessitate variances for both the density of the property and the required front yard setback.

Taylor's request includes a variance to reduce the required setback from 100 feet to 70 feet from the center of the road. He emphasized that the existing utilities, particularly the septic system, are a significant factor in determining the placement of the new home. Relocating the septic system could incur substantial costs, which Taylor hopes to avoid.

The Board acknowledged that many neighboring properties are in similar situations, having been established long before current zoning regulations were enacted. This context raises broader questions about how older properties can adapt to modern regulations without losing their historical significance or the ability to provide housing.

In addition to Taylor's proposal, the meeting highlighted the importance of community support, as evidenced by a letter from an adjacent landowner expressing approval of Taylor's plans. This support may play a crucial role in the Board's decision-making process.

As the Board deliberates on the variances, the outcome will not only affect Taylor's ability to rebuild but also set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future. The meeting underscored the ongoing tension between maintaining historical property uses and adhering to contemporary zoning laws, a challenge that many communities face as they navigate growth and development. The Board is expected to make a decision on the variances in the coming weeks, which will be closely watched by both the applicant and the surrounding community.