Planning commission recommends SPUD that preserves historic Gatewood house, limits height and density

The Oklahoma City Planning Commission on March 13 recommended approval of a special planned unit development to convert and add housing at 2207 North Gatewood Avenue, but the approval included multiple technical evaluations to protect the character of the Gatewood Historic District and limit future intensity.

The SPUD would allow the existing Spanish-style house to be repurposed as a duplex and permit two additional duplex structures on the lot (three structures total, six dwelling units). The applicant’s representative said the plan preserves the existing building and adds complementary structures in the rear; the application limits total units to six.

Neighbors voiced concern about potential R-4 zoning precedent, increased density, and building height. Patricia (“Trish”) Collins, who identified herself as a Gatewood neighbor of 22 years, said she trusted the developer but warned that “R 4 zoning opens up the property to the pictures” and urged protections to prevent out-of-scale apartment blocks. Neighbor Xavier McClure said he opposed six units on the double lot and suggested four units would be more compatible.

Commissioners and the applicant negotiated specific restrictions. The commission added technical evaluations that (1) require retention of the existing house as a duplex, (2) mandate a maximum two stories and a 30-foot height limit, (3) prohibit rooftop decks, (4) require second-floor balconies to face the property interior or the front property line, and (5) require a maximum 4-foot stucco or masonry screening wall and landscaping to screen parking located behind the front setback. Commissioner Govine moved for approval with those conditions; Commissioner Powers seconded the motion and the commission recommended approval.

Why commissioners tied conditions to the SPUD Commissioners said the conditions were meant to preserve the existing house and to prevent the more intensive, multi-story apartment-type development neighbors feared. The applicant agreed on the record to the height and balcony limitations. Commissioner Govine said he supported on-site parking rather than pushing parking onto narrow neighborhood streets; the stucco wall and landscaping were added to screen parking while keeping spaces on-site.

Next steps The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to city council for final action. The conditions will be included in the SPUD language relayed to council, and neighbors and the applicant will have another opportunity to comment at the council hearing.