City Council adopts ADU ordinance after hours of public comment and amendments

The Oklahoma City Council unanimously approved an ordinance on May 20, 2025, that allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in single‑family neighborhoods under the conditions set out by staff and planners.

The measure, the second of two hearings on the topic, passed after a three‑hour public comment period in which neighbors and housing advocates debated whether the change would help homeowners, renters and older adults or open neighborhoods to investor‑driven redevelopment.

Supporters said ADUs create flexible housing options for families, seniors and workers and can provide rental income that helps long‑time homeowners remain in place. "For the last 11 years, I have owned a modest home in Cleveland neighborhood that has a 750‑square‑foot ground‑floor apartment in the back," said Azure Lamont Herrera, a realtor. "The rental income from that apartment gave me the opportunity to be home with my children when they were born." Travis Roach, an economist and Ward 2 resident, called ADUs a…