Tulsa Board of Adjustment approves multiple variances and special exceptions; one fence appeal denied, one case continued

The City of Tulsa Board of Adjustment on Aug. 12 approved a series of zoning variances and special exceptions affecting properties across the city, from billboard conversions along major corridors to lot splits and accessory dwelling units. The board denied a request to permit a masonry wall higher than 4 feet in a front/streetside setback and continued one commercial‑lot ADU case to Aug. 26 for more detailed site plans.

The actions summarized below reflect the board’s votes during a meeting that reviewed more than a half dozen cases. Most motions passed unanimously among the three members present. The approvals allow property owners to keep or convert existing nonconforming elements in many instances, and to add density in others, most notably a floor‑area‑ratio request for a Mercy Housing project at Legacy Plaza that the board approved after discussion and public comment.

Votes at a glance - BOA23913 (4950 N. Mingo Rd.): American Electric Power | Special exception for major utility in IL district — Approved (board vote: unanimous of members present). Applicant said the extension would allow expansion of an existing substation to serve growing load by the airport area. - BOA23914 (1804 N. Delaware Ave.): Variance to increase allowable floor area of a detached accessory building in RS‑3 — Approved (unanimous of members present). Board found hardships tied to lot shape/setbacks and existing nonconformities. -…