The Norman Planning Commission voted 7–0 to recommend deannexation of two parcels located at the northern terminus of Hensley Road, a combined area of roughly 20.1 acres that staff said sits at the city’s southern municipal boundary.

Beth McCullough of the City Attorney’s office told commissioners the deannexation process is governed by state statute and requires verification of owner petitions and the statutory notice process; staff reported the petitioners provided the required signatures and notices and that the parcels are unplatted and receive no municipal infrastructure. McCullough said the parcels’ survey record is not equivalent to formal platting and that the properties have been held by the petitioners for more than 10 years.

James Carlton, representing the property owners, said the petitioners seek deannexation because they “have all the burdens and really no benefits” as city property; he said owners face heightened contracting and compliance costs while receiving little municipal service. Staff noted that, if the commission recommends approval, the ordinance would have first reading Feb. 10 and second reading Feb. 24, and that the city must post statutorily required notices 10 days in advance of readings.

Commissioners had no substantive opposition on the record and the commission’s favorable vote (7–0) forwarded the recommendation to City Council. If council approves, the city will report the ordinance to the county and tax commission as required by statute.