The Norman Planning Commission voted 7–0 to recommend rezoning a parcel at the northeast corner of 24th Avenue Northeast and Alameda from C2 and R1 zoning to RM6 medium-density apartment zoning and to approve a preliminary plat that would allow a 62-unit duplex-style development.

Planning Department staff presented the application and noted the site is currently predominantly zoned C2 (general commercial) with a small R1 sliver and is designated mixed use in the city’s AIM plan. Staff calculated a proposed gross density of 13.8 dwelling units per acre and flagged two AIM inconsistencies: gross density below the AIM single-development guideline (staff cited 18 units/acre) and limited variety of building types in the applicant’s site plan.

Sean Regan, representing the applicant, told commissioners the request is effectively a downzoning from C2 to RM6 and that the proposal retains commercial zoning on the corner while placing residential (duplex) units interior to the site. Regan said the development would leave the delineated water-quality protection corridor (WQPC) untouched and that the applicant will record a covenant to preserve it. “We’re showing you 62 tonight,” Regan said when discussing the proposed dwelling count. He explained topography constrained higher density and described detention basins placed outside the WQPC.

Dozens of nearby residents spoke during the public-comment period. Concerns focused on habitat loss and local wildlife, potential tree removal and erosion along a creek that feeds nearby lakes, traffic and safety at Alameda and 24th, the prospect that RM6 zoning could later allow three-story apartments, school crowding, and impacts to private HOA-maintained ponds. Patricia Kerr, a nearby resident, described local bird activity and asked whether environmental assessments had been done; she urged the commission and developer to consider height, lighting and noise to reduce impacts on birds. Other residents asked whether fee-in-lieu funds could be used for private HOA ponds; staff said public money cannot be spent on private property.

Public Works staff clarified that development is not allowed in the designated WQPC, that detention ponds can be placed outside the WQPC, and that the city’s recent work at a nearby dam affects short-term stream discharge rates but is not expected to produce long-term changes once repairs are complete. Transportation staff confirmed federally funded bike lanes on Alameda are not intended to be removed.

Commissioners discussed balancing AIM’s goals for greater infill density against neighborhood impacts. Several commissioners said they favored the proposal because it reduces the intensity compared with potential C2 uses and preserves the WQPC corridor; others urged additional landscaping and safety measures such as fencing or pedestrian routing near school walking paths. The planning commission then voted to approve the recommendation to city council by a 7–0 margin.

The commission’s approval is advisory; the ordinance and preliminary plat will next proceed to Norman’s City Council for final action. The record shows the parks board previously voted 5–0 in favor of a fee-in-lieu of land dedication to support Royal Oaks Park. The applicant and staff noted that RM6 allows up to three stories by right, but the applicant stated an intent to build two-story duplexes rather than three-story apartments.