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City committee hears update on ADU permits and distribution in Norman
Summary
Laura Hoggett told the oversight committee the city issued 23 ADU permits since the ordinance took effect in April 2024, with most permits in Ward 5 and a mix of new builds and conversions; council members asked staff to return with square-footage and use (rental v. family) data.
Laura Hoggett (presenter) briefed the City of Norman Council Oversight Committee on the city's accessory dwelling unit ordinance and early permitting trends. The ordinance adopted in March 2024 took effect April 26, 2024; Hoggett said the city has issued 23 ADU permits since then.
"So we've had 23 over the last almost 2 years," Hoggett said, reporting 17 new-build ADUs and 6 that converted existing structures. She gave a bedroom breakdown of the permitted units: three studio/efficiency units, 10 one-bedroom units, nine two-bedroom units and one three-bedroom unit that the presenter described as an anomaly at under 650 square feet.
The presenter and committee discussed zoning and size limits. Hoggett said ADUs are allowed by right in R-1 and RE zoning districts and that units in R-1 are limited to 650 square feet. She noted at least 12 of the approved ADUs are at that 650-square-foot limit. Council members asked staff to return with more precise square-footage data for the remaining units.
Committee members also asked whether ADUs are being used as rentals or for intergenerational family living. Hoggett said intended use is not captured on the building permit application and staff does not currently have reliable data on whether units are rented or owner-occupied for family use.
Council members flagged related policy concerns including parking, stormwater, and how nonconforming existing structures in areas that were rezoned (from R-3 to R-1) affect conversions. Hoggett identified downtown and campus-adjacent areas as places where existing structures exceed the R-1 size limit, complicating conversions back to a legal ADU.
The committee directed staff to provide a follow-up report with square-footage breakdowns, and Hoggett noted the matter will return to committee for further discussion.
The oversight committee did not take a formal vote on any ADU ordinance amendment at this meeting; members indicated they expect to revisit the topic as staff provides the requested data.
