Planning Commission backs Colrain multifamily PUD for 456 units on 32.5 acres

The Norman Planning Commission on Oct. 9 voted 7-0 to recommend rezoning 32.5 acres for a planned unit development that would allow construction of 456 multifamily units on a site about 1,500 feet east of Classen Boulevard.

The proposal, presented by applicant representatives, would rezone the site from A-2 rural agricultural (with a small I-1 corner) to a PUD and advance a preliminary plat for a two‑phase, 32.5‑acre Colrain multifamily development. Planning staff described the AIM future land‑use designation for the site as “urban high.”

Commissioners and the applicant emphasized the project’s preserved green space and buffering along the site’s eastern edge. Laura Hoggett of the City of Norman Planning Department said the site is currently vacant and that staff received protests totaling 4.3 percent within the notification area. Todd McClellan, the city’s development engineer, told the commission the developer must widen Imhoff Road along the property frontage as part of the project. Gunnar Joyce, representing the applicant, said buildings and density were pulled to the south and west of the site and that the eastern and northeastern wooded areas would be left as a natural buffer where possible.

The applicant described the site plan as two phases: the southern phase, fronting Imhoff, and a northern phase that would include detention and open space. Building heights along the eastern boundary were reduced in the plan, with the applicant saying the easternmost buildings would be three stories while many western buildings would be three or four stories. The applicant also reported a low impervious coverage compared with code limits: “about 57 percent pervious,” and said the plan calls for roughly 426 new trees across both phases and more than 55 percent pervious area in total, figures the applicant said exceed typical student‑housing presentations.

Neighbors who spoke during public comment asked that the creek line and stormwater flows behind the eastern buffer be protected and that as many trees as possible be preserved. Commissioner discussion praised the preservation of natural habitat and the proposed pedestrian connection from the project to nearby parks. The Parks Board had unanimously recommended approval of the development’s in‑lieu park fee and supported a proposed pedestrian walkway to Twisted Oak Drive.

On a motion to recommend approval, the Planning Commission voted 7-0 to forward the ordinance and preliminary plat to City Council with a positive recommendation. The items will next appear in the City Council review process.

Details: the request is for an ordinance amending Section 36-201 of the City Code to create a PUD and for approval of preliminary plat PP-2526-7 for Colrain Multifamily (PUD). The staff presentation and applicant materials identified the total unit count as 456, site area as 32.5 acres, and a two‑phase buildout (roughly 270 and 180 units by phase). The developer is required to widen Imhoff Road along the project frontage and to coordinate any necessary light pole relocations with city staff.

The commission’s recommendation does not itself authorize construction; City Council action is required before permits may be issued.