Planning commission recommends extending Neighborhood Infill Overlay after heated public comment

The Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission voted 8-3 on May 6, 2026, to recommend that City Council extend the Neighborhood Infill Overlay (SA-8) into large portions of Council Districts 1 and 3. The extension is intended to increase opportunities for “missing middle” housing and accessory dwelling units by right in areas where the city mailed 17,069 notices and held multiple public town halls.

Supporters at the public hearing said SA-8 would make infill more financially viable for small developers and expand housing choices. Tyler Parette, a resident who spoke in support, said the change would help long-term residents: "when we don't build enough homes in our community, prices rise and longtime residents get pushed out." Shelby Karamoko, speaking for the Greater Tulsa Association of Realtors, told commissioners her organization has “advocated for more relaxed zoning laws” and called the proposal “a step in the right direction.”

Opponents raised parking and infrastructure concerns. Several speakers, including George McCallum and Chad Soukhakian, warned that a proposed 50% parking reduction (noted in discussion) could lead to cars in yards and on sidewalks; Evona Garner and others said local water, sewer and electrical systems could be strained. Staff responded that the overlay does not force changes on existing property owners, does not apply to agriculturally zoned parcels, and that the Planning Commission only makes a recommendation to City Council.

Commissioners' votes split along differing views about scale and sequencing. Commissioner Bulmash said the amendment remedies restrictive zoning and increases property owners' options; Commissioner Craddock voted no, citing lack of trust in enforcement and existing code issues. The Commission’s recommendation now moves to City Council for final action.