Committee begins review of 'Scenic Hills' land‑use, a proposal to preserve tree canopy and limit intense development

The Urban and Economic Development Committee discussed initiation of a proposal to add a Scenic Hills land‑use designation and a new Scenic Hills zoning district to the city’s comp plan and zoning code.

Planning staff, presenting on behalf of Councilor Hall Harper’s initiative, said the proposal is intended to preserve the visual and environmental character of a hilly, heavily treed area northwest of the Gilcrease Museum and north of Edison Street. “We’re calling it scenic hills land use and zoning,” the presenter said, describing the area as “very wooded” and noting the proposal would prioritize preserving natural habitats, promoting tree canopy, and accommodating low‑intensity uses.

Staff explained why a new base district was proposed instead of an overlay: most parcels in the boundary are…