TMAPC approves rezoning to agricultural for South Houston property; staff says animals allowed by acreage

The Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission on June 4 approved a rezoning request to change a slightly larger than 5‑acre parcel at the dead end of South Houston from RS‑3 (single‑family residential) to AG (agricultural). The motion to approve followed a staff presentation that recommended the change to allow agricultural uses, including keeping animals on the site.

Nathan, a planning office staff member, told commissioners the AG zoning would allow agricultural animals and accessory structures that RS‑3 does not. He also noted the property is surrounded on two sides by land already zoned AG and said the change would "support the use of the property as an agricultural use as well as just a single family home." Staff recommended approval, and the commission moved and approved the rezoning during the meeting.

Why it matters: The zoning change removes a prohibition on certain animals and allows larger accessory buildings than RS‑3. Planning staff said the property meets and exceeds minimum requirements for an agricultural district and that the requested AG zoning would still comply with the neighborhood land‑use designation.

Details from the hearing: Nathan explained the city ordinance limits large animals by acreage ("1 per acre" for horses and cows was cited), so on this roughly 5‑acre parcel the owner would be limited to about five large animals. He also said the city allows chickens in residential districts and estimated "up to, like, 6 to 10 chickens" depending on spacing rules. Commissioners asked whether screening was required; Nathan said the animal ordinance requires specific fencing for animals, but there is not a general mandatory screening requirement between agriculture and residential zoning.

Outcome and next steps: Commissioner Schivel moved to approve the rezoning per staff recommendation; Commissioner Robinson seconded. The commission voted in favor and approved the rezoning. No speakers from the public were signed up on this item.

Clarifying details provided at the hearing: staff repeatedly described animal limits as acreage‑based ("1 per acre" for large animals), the applicant would be limited to approximately five large animals on the parcel, and chickens would be allowed subject to coop spacing requirements. The exact number of chickens is governed by the city ordinance and was described in the hearing as roughly six to ten, not a precise cap in the staff presentation.

Ending: The commission approved the rezoning during the meeting; any future development or animals will have to meet city ordinances for fencing, coop spacing, and related requirements.