Planning commission approves code changes to allow rooftop signs downtown and codify farmers‑market rules; preservation advocates warn of visual impacts

The Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission approved a zoning code amendment that (1) allows rooftop signs by right inside the Central Business District (CBD) and (2) adds a formal definition and rules for farmers markets in the zoning code.

Planning staff said the rooftop provision responds to repeated Board of Adjustment requests and was initiated by Councilor Bellas; the change would allow rooftop signs inside the CBD (a defined downtown boundary roughly bounded by the Bridal‑Arrow corridor) as part of an existing sign budget tied to building frontage. Staff emphasized the amendment would not expand the overall sign budget and would bar dynamic or digital display screens on rooftop signs (no LED scrolling or billboard‑style movement).

The second part of the amendment adds a farmers‑market definition and clarifies where markets are allowed by right and where a special exception or special event permit is required. Staff said the Tulsa City‑County Health Department had requested clearer zoning language to make operating rules easier to apply. Under the amendment, farmers markets would be allowed by right in nonresidential districts (with special exception required in residential and agricultural districts); accessory markets on institutional property (parks, churches, schools) would be allowed up to two days per week without special council approvals; and markets for apartment/condo properties would be clarified.

Sally Hughes, a long‑time Tulsa resident, testified in opposition to allowing rooftop signs broadly downtown. Hughes said Tulsa’s collection of historic Art Deco buildings is an asset and warned that permitting rooftop signage could compromise the visual integrity of those buildings; she cited other U.S. cities that later tried to remove rooftop signs after allowing them. Commissioners asked staff about existing downtown rooftop signs (examples cited: Santa Fe Square, Western Supply, Mayo Hotel) and whether prior Board of Adjustment approvals had generated neighborhood objections; staff said they were not aware of significant neighborhood opposition in those cases and said the board had focused on articulating hardship for previous approvals.

A motion to approve the code amendments as drafted passed; the chair announced the item approved per staff recommendation. Staff clarified that the amendment does not change the separate special‑event/street‑closure permitting process for markets that would close public rights of way.