comprehensive plan update - Plan Norman

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D R A F T: J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE

Acknowledgements City Council Lynne Miller, Mayor Kate Bierman, Ward 1 Aleisha Karjala, Ward 2 Robert Castleberry, Ward 3 Bill Hickman, Ward 4 Sereta Wilson, Ward 5 Breea Clark, Ward 6 Stephen Holman, Ward 7 Kyle Allison, Ward 8

Planning Commission Neil Robinson, Chair Tom Knotts, Vice Chair Sandy Bahan Dave Boeck Nouman Jan Chris Lewis Andy Sherrer Erin Williford Lark Zink

City Staff Steve Lewis, City Manager Susan Connors, AICP, Director of Planning and Community Development Anais Starr, AICP, Planner II/Historic Preservation Officer Joyce Green, Manager of GIS Services Division Jud Foster, Director of Parks and Recreation Shawn O’Leary, Director of Public Works Ken Komiske, Director of Utilities Prepared By:

MIG Jay Renkens, AICP, Principal Nicole Hofert, Project Associate Elly Brophy, Project Associate Cole Gehler, Project Associate Chase Mullen, Director of Visualizations

Freese & Nichols Tricia Hatley, P.E., Principal Wendy Shabay, AICP, Project Manager Tiffany McLeod, AICP, EIT, Assistant Project Manager Edmund Haas, AICP, Transportation Planning

Economic and Planning Systems Dan Guimond, Principal Rachel Shindman, Project Associate

IEM Don Broughton, CEM, PMP

Steering Committee Scott Bauman Rebecca Bean Dan Boatright Dave Boeck Rachel Butler Karen Canavan Michelle Carr Josh Edge Chris Edwards Todd Fagin Mohammad Farzaneh Jonathan Fowler Roger Frech Jared Garner Melissa Gill Harold Heiple Debbie Hoover Marion Hutchison Nouman Jan Marilyn Korhonen Bryce Lowery Curtis McCarty Richard McKown Nick Migliorino Cory Miller Amanda Nairn

Chris Nanny Mark Nanny Evan Nixon Mike Palermo Joyce Pitchlynn Paula Price Jeff Puckett Daniel Pullin Michael Ridgeway Sean Rieger Neil Robinson Karin Schuetjer Tom Sherman Andy Sherrer Jason Smith Karleen Smith Chuck Thompson Mike Tower Jude Waltman Lyntha Wesner Kathleen Wilson Nyky Wilson Tom Woodfin Colin Zink

TA B L E OF CONTENTS

FIGURES

Background and Vision

i Section 1

why plan now? 1.2 past planning efforts 1.4 norman today 1.5 assets, opportunities and challenges 1.6 plan process and engagement 1.14 vision framework 1.18 plan organization 1.30

Plan Elements

Section 2

places: unique and connected neighborhoods and districts people: healthy, innovative and inclusive systems: sustainable and resilient

Growth Management Framework

2.5 2.15 2.27

Section 3

tools to manage change and growth 3.3 preferred growth direction 3.4 neighborhood types 3.8 employment types 3.32 land use 3.44 focus areas 3.46

Implementation

Section 4

plannorman amendment process 4.2 land use chart 4.4 transportation strategies implementation 4.10 municipal services strategies implementation 4.12 summary of plan element policies and actions 4.14 employment type policies 4.24

figure 1: metro area map

1.2

figure 2: map of norman

1.3

figure 3: preferred growth direction

3.7

figure 4: neighborhood and employment types



3.9

figure 5: rural neighborhood type

3.11

figure 6: residential estate land use model

3.13

figure 7: residential estate circulation model

3.14

figure 8: residential estate neighborhood type model

3.15

figure 9: suburban land use model

3.17

figure 10: suburban circulation model

3.18

figure 11: suburban neighborhood type mode

3.19

figure 12: compact detached land use model

3.21

figure 13: compact detached circulation model

3.22

figure 14: compact detached neighborhood type model

3.23

figure 15: compact attached land use model

3.25

figure 16: compact attached circulation model

3.26

figure 17: compact attached neighborhood type model

3.27

figure 18: mixed-use land use model

3.29

figure 19: mixed-use circulation model

3.30

figure 20: mixed-use neighborhood type model

3.31

figure 21: employment types in norman

3.33

figure 22: focus areas 3.46 figure 23: illustrative future condition (12th avenue south east)

3.48

figure 24: illustrative future condition (north flood avenue)

3.50

figure 25: illustrative future condition (east lindsey street)

3.52

figure 26: norman’s roadway classification network

Appendix emergency management assessment A.2 utilities infrastructure assessment A.6 community profile A.9



4.8

figure 27: norman thoroughfare plan with future classification changes 4.10 figure 28: utility study area 4.13

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Executive Summary

Executive Summary In 2016, Norman began the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan. The new plan, PlanNorman, identifies a series of tools the community will use to manage future growth and change. It also provides a unified Vision Framework that articulates the future desired by residents. The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) for the Oklahoma City metropolitan region projects that Norman will grow by 52,444 people by 2040. This growth will require 23,333 new housing units in Norman and add 21,445 jobs over the next 20-25 years.

PlanNorman addresses these potential challenges through the Vision Framework; Plan Element Goals, Policies, and Actions; and Growth Management Framework (a Growth Direction Map; Neighborhood and Employment Types; and new Land Use Chart) that provide guidance to the City, residents, developers, and businesses on how to manage and leverage future growth and development.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Norman’s anticipated growth will create increased challenges for the community related to land use, infrastructure and the creation of equitable opportunities for housing and jobs. Additionally, increased development pressures will have implications for Norman’s water quality and supply, traffic conditions, natural landscapes, and existing sense of place.

i

executive summary

PLANNORMAN ENGAGEMENT

The planning process for PlanNorman began in the Summer of 2016 and extended through early 2018. Throughout the process a variety of opportunities were offered for key stakeholders, community groups, City representatives and community members to provide input and feedback. A 50-member Steering Committee composed of local residents, business owners and representatives from organizations and institutions in Norman, including members with expertise in housing, environmental sciences, historic preservation, and building and development, provided valuable feedback and direction on major topic areas including the tools to manage growth and change and the overall PlanNorman Vision framework.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

VISION FRAMEWORK

ii

The PlanNorman Vision framework is comprised of a Vision Statement (see below), Guiding Principles, and Vision Themes. Together these elements provide a foundation to help accomplish the future desired by Norman’s residents.

Vision Statement The Vision Statement provides insight into how Norman wants to grow and evolve in the future. The intent of the Vision Statement is to help guide the planning process and provide a critical plan framework to direct future investments. Norman’s vision reads: “Norman aspires to be a city of connected and complete neighborhoods and districts, celebrating the best qualities of a small town, our rural landscapes, a world-class university, and big city amenities. We will have a mosaic of unique places that provide access to a full range of housing, jobs, parks, open spaces, arts, culture and education across our city. Norman will lead Oklahoma and the region with opportunities for all residents to participate in and benefit from a healthy, innovative, and inclusive community. Norman will be the model for environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable and resilient mid-sized communities.”

Guiding Principles PlanNorman’s nine Guiding Principles are overarching concepts that were used throughout the planning process. In the future, these should serve as reference points to help resolve and guide growth and development opportunities that were not addressed or anticipated throughout the planning process. Vision Themes Three Vision Themes were created to provide organization and platform to frame how Norman should grow: Places, People and Systems. Each of the themes is supported by a list of supportive values that speak to the characteristics, features, and attributes the community supports and aspires to.

The Growth Management Framework presented in PlanNorman consists of three tools that help to shape future growth and enhance the quality of Norman’s neighborhoods by fostering the creation of unique and amenity rich places.

The 12 Plan Elements organized by Vision Theme are:

• Transportation and Mobility.

Collectively these tools identify appropriate growth areas and help to define the form that growth will take and how it should benefit the larger Norman community. While not all the areas identified will experience the same degree of population growth, all areas will need to evolve to become more diverse, inclusive and complete.

People: Healthy, Innovative, and Inclusive

The three tools that comprise the Growth Management Framework are:

Places: Unique and Connected Neighborhoods and Districts

• Community Character/Design; • Future Land Use; • Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization; and

• • • •

Equity; Community Health and Recreation; Culture and Arts; and Education.

Systems: Sustainable and Resilient

• • • •

Sustainability; Resiliency; Municipal Services; and Economic Development.

1. The Preferred Growth Direction Map (see page 3.7) – This tool defines the new urban growth boundary and identifies areas in Norman where future types of development will be permitted and encouraged. 2. Neighborhood and Employment Types (see page 3.9 and 3.33) – This tool defines appropriate development types and desirable densities in each of the neighborhood and employment areas; and 3. Land Use Chart (see page 3.44) – This tool defines appropriate land uses in each of the neighborhood and employment areas.

executive summary

GROWTH MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

PlanNorman consists of 12 Plan Elements. Each element consists of a goal, policies and actions that support and shape how Norman should grow and evolve over the next 25 years.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

PLAN ELEMENTS

iii

executive summary

Preferred Growth Direction Map The Preferred Growth Direction Map (refer to Figure 3 on page 3.7) identifies the future areas for growth. These areas balance the anticipated future housing requirements with the community’s desire to preserve and protect the watershed, and traditionally rural lands in far east Norman. The Preferred Growth Direction was formed with input from the Steering Committee, City staff, and residents. Certain key elements were incorporated based on the feedback received. These elements include:

• Targeted greenfield development in north and east Norman;

• Employment growth areas utilize areas with high levels of highway access;

• Suburban growth largely limited to areas Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

west of 48th Avenue East;

iv

• Rural development remains prominent

development type east of 48th Avenue East;

• Development limited around watershed tributaries to protect the Little River, Rock Creek and Dave Blue Creek; and

• Ten Mile Flats preserved.

Neighborhood and Employment Types Neighborhood Types To help achieve the vision and goal of well-connected, walkable and diverse neighborhoods, six Neighborhood Types were created. Each Neighborhood Type model suggests a variety of complete neighborhoods uniquely crafted for Norman that include a diversity of amenities, housing options, access to green and open spaces, and appropriate levels of accessibility. The neighborhood models also include improvements that existing neighborhoods could utilize, such as connectivity improvements, access to amenities, and Low Impact Development (LID) principles. The Neighborhood Types depicted will help guide Norman’s growth and provide details on appropriate development in areas throughout the city. The six Neighborhood Types and graphics, (starting on page 3.11), are:

• Rural - this Neighborhood Type is

largely dominated by a single-family dispersed development pattern with lots averaging 10 acres per 1 housing unit. Compared to the other Neighborhood Types, the Rural model offers the most limited opportunities for achieving a connected and complete neighborhood.

• Residential Estate - this Neighborhood

Type consists of single family homes on a one acre lot. This type is not designed to achieve the same levels of access and connectivity available to more compact development types, however the inclusion of small commercial nodes, such as a small corner market at a major intersection, help to provide easily accessible amenities to meet some daily needs.

• Suburban - single family detached

homes are the most prevalent housing type in this model accounting for around 75% of the new development. The remaining 25% of development is divided between single family attached, multi-family and a mix of commercial developments.

• Compact Detached - this model has

a high proportion of single family home options on smaller lots. It is highly walkable with short blocks and alley access. This model also allows for smaller neighborhood commercial nodes that can support local coffee shops, art galleries, book stores or other community retail.

• Compact Attached - this

Neighborhood Type is largely defined by attached single family housing such as a townhome or smaller multi-family developments. Homes in this model are organized around a shared open space since many homes in this type of neighborhood typically do not have private yards.

the predominate housing type in this neighborhood model and is integrated into the surrounding commercial and retail environment to provide a walkable place offering many amenities.

Employment Types Through the PlanNorman process, Employment Types were developed and identified (see Figure 21, page 3.33) that define appropriate employment uses and development patterns associated with different employment industries.

executive summary

• Mixed-Use - multi-family housing is

The planning team worked closely with City staff and the Norman Economic Development Coalition (NEDC) to identify future employment areas. The six types of employment areas are: Commercial Centers; Research/Development and Technology; Business/Industrial; Institutional; Rural/Agriculture; and Lake Thunderbird and Highway 9.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

• • • • • •

v

executive summary Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update vi

Land Use Chart Throughout the PlanNorman process residents have expressed a strong desire for more complete neighborhoods, that incorporate supportive amenities and an integrated live-work-play environment. To achieve this vision an updated land use approach was created (see page 4.5). This new Land Use Chart differs from the traditional parcel-based approach previously used and instead suggests allowed uses within each of the neighborhood and employment areas. Rather than dictating individual parcels for each use; the new approach provides a list of locational and site design considerations that guide growth to desired locations that help achieve the goals of a well-connected and well-balanced neighborhood or employment area. The new land use approach provides flexibility, while also providing assurances that change and growth are being directed to areas that support the community’s vision of creating well-balanced, connected, and complete areas.

Implementation The Plan concludes with a section summarizing key implementation considerations and actions. The actions address Neighborhood and Employment Types, as well as ways to achieve the goals and recommendations for each of the twelve Plan Elements.

executive summary

“Norman aspires to be a city of connected and complete neighborhoods and districts, celebrating the best qualities of a small town, our rural landscapes, a world-class university, and big city amenities. We will have a mosaic of unique places that provide access to a full range of housing, jobs, parks, open spaces, arts, culture and education across our city. Norman will lead Oklahoma and the region with opportunities for all residents to participate in and benefit from a healthy, innovative, and inclusive community. Norman will be the model for environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable and resilient mid-sized communities.”

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Vision Statement

vii

SECTION ONE

Background and Vision

Formally incorporated on May 13, 1891, Norman was settled during the Land Run of 1889. Named after Abner Norman, over the decades Norman has grown from a small community of 150 residents to a thriving city. Norman has many attractive assets for future residents, including a nationally recognized institute of higher education, the University of Oklahoma (OU), and the National Weather Center (NWC) which attracts experts in meteorology, climatology and weather radar. Norman also serves as a valuable station stop along Amtrack’s Heartland Flyer, connecting Oklahoma City to Fort Worth, Texas. Norman’s proximity to Oklahoma City, combined with a high quality of life, have positioned Norman to be a community for those working in the big city, but wanting a small town lifestyle. While many choose to commute for work to other adjacent communities, Norman also offers a diverse and attractive employment environment that has contributed to the community’s growth. From 2011 to 2016, the city captured 11% of the Metro Area’s population growth and has one of the fastest growth rates in the area – behind only Oklahoma City, Edmond, and Moore. By 2040, the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) for the Oklahoma City metropolitan region projects that Norman will grow by 52,444 people. It is estimated that this growth will require 23,333 new housing units in Norman and add 21,445 jobs over the next 20-25 years.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

With a growing population of approximately 120,000 as of 2016, Norman is part of the dynamic Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area, which has over one million residents. As the third largest city in Oklahoma and the largest city within Cleveland County, Norman has a healthy employment rate (95.4% in 2017), strong neighborhoods, quality schools, and a variety of natural amenities and open spaces.

1.1

background and vision Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update 1.2

Why Plan Now? As Norman experiences continued growth, it will face increased challenges related to land use, housing, infrastructure and environmental protection. If left unchecked, this growth could lead to worse traffic conditions, a dispersed development pattern, and have unintended impacts on Norman’s water quality and natural landscape. This growth and the resulting investment provides a good opportunity to address these issues as well as more macro-level social issues including equity and displacement. To help manage this growth and the associated challenges, Norman embarked on a comprehensive planning effort in the Summer of 2016. This effort, referred to as PlanNorman, will help to address all these challenges by identifying strategies that will improve and enhance the community’s assets such as– Norman’s great parks, arts and cultural venues, historic and existing neighborhoods, and connection to the University and surrounding communities. PlanNorman outlines a bold vision for the future and sets forth a series of innovative strategies and polices that will guide the City’s decision-making over the next 25 years.

44

Wellston

35

Tulsa Chandler

Rte 66

Edmond 18

177 77

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El Reno

44

Bethany

Rte 66

40

62

Meeker Harrah

Midwest City 40

McLoud

35 152

40

Oklahoma City

81

Moore Shawnee Tuttle

37 4 9 77

Tecumseh

Norman 9

9

177

Macomb

Blanchard 44

Noble

62 76

Maud

35

Chickasha

Metro Area Map (Figure 1)

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39

Purcell

It also provides implementation actions to help ensure that the vision identified by the community can be carried out over the upcoming years. If guided properly, Norman’s growth can enhance the community and provide a more connected, accessible and equitable future for all residents.

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WHAT IS A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN?

A comprehensive plan is an official, long range planning document that provides strategic direction for decision-making and community investment. Norman’s planning effort, PlanNorman, was developed in close partnership and support from Norman residents, local and nonprofit organizations, local employers, and City staff. The purpose of this plan is to identify specific challenges and opportunities in Norman and provide a unified vision and strategies to manage future growth.

background and vision

Figure 2, shows the limits of the City of

Legend

Norman. Norman spans 189.5 square

Legend

City Boundary City

miles of land, with most development

Boundary

concentrated along the I-35 corridor and

Street Centerline

Street Centerline

around the Downtown core. Far East

Lake Thunderbird

Floodplain Lake (2013)

Thunderbird

Norman remains rural with its biggest asset

Park / Open Space / Golf Course

Floodplain (2013)

being Lake Thunderbird.

Park / Open Space / Golf Course

INDIAN HILL RD

Lake Thunderbird

TECUMSEH RD

LINDSEY ST

ROCK CREEK RD

University Of Oklahoma

ETOWAH RD

ALAMEDA ST

132th AVE SE

120th AVE SE

BOYD ST

D

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ROBINSON RD

POST OAK RD

MAIN ST

Map of Norman (Figure 2)

108th AVE SE

Westwood Park / Golf Course 77

Griffin Community Park

96th AVE SE

CEDAR LANE RD

9

84th AVE SE

9

Sutton Wilderness

72nd AVE SE

Saxon Park

60th AVE SE

BERRY RD

36th AVE NW

BOYD ST

48th AVE NW

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FRANKLIN RD Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

ROBINSON RD

48th AVE NE

36th AVE NE

ROCK CREEK RD

ALAMEDA ST

MAIN ST

60th AVE NW

24th AVE NE

Griffin Community Park

12th AVE NE

Sutton Wilderness

PORTER AVE

12th AVE NW

24th AVE NW

48th AVE NW

60th AVE NW

36th AVE NW

Ruby Grant Park

Westwood Park / Golf Course

72nd AVE NW

72nd AVE NW

TECUMSEH RD

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180th AVE NE

FRANKLIN RD

168th AVE NE

156th AVE NE

48th AVE NE

36th AVE NE

24th AVE NE

12th AVE NE

PORTER AVE

Ruby Grant Park

12th AVE NW

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24th AVE NW

INDIAN HILL RD

LINDSEY ST

1.3

background and vision Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update 1.4

Past Planning Efforts Previous plans and policies developed for Norman, such as the Norman 2025 Land Use and Transportation Plan, speak to the community’s values and vision for the future. Norman wants to retain its unique character by preserving the strong existing neighborhoods and protecting the natural assets within the community. The City wants to enhance the quality of economic growth in Norman by attracting new and cutting-edge businesses and employees to support these industries. Norman desires that all residents in the community live in a safe environment and have access to a diversity of housing types. Norman’s past planning efforts have laid the groundwork to achieve these goals. Following is a summary of past planning efforts that the PlanNorman process used to help inform and shape the future planning process. The Norman 2025 Land Use and Transportation Plan, adopted in 2004, addressed the intersection of land use and transportation planning. This document was an update to the 1997 Norman Land Use and Transportation 2020 Plan. It suggested new land uses, transportation changes and implementation strategies that reflect Norman’s evolving growth patterns.

The Comprehensive Transportation Plan, adopted in 2014, supports the vision of well-balanced networks that enhance residents’ ability to safely and easily navigate the community via bus, personal vehicle, bike, and by foot. The Parks and Recreation Master Plan, adopted in 2009, and Greenways Master Plan, adopted in 2012, call for the development of additional parks, trails, and greenways so that all residents have access to recreation facilities and the opportunity to live healthy, active lifestyles. In 2017 the Greenbelt Priority Trail System Plan was adopted. The plan will establish the foundation for a more extensive trail system throughout urban and rural Norman by connecting and providing access to “green” areas. The Stormwater Master Plan, adopted in 2009, stresses the value of Norman’s natural waterways and watersheds and works to preserve them while continuing to identify ways to protect neighborhoods from the threat of flooding, reduce erosion and protect area streams and the Canadian River, and protect Norman’s main drinking water source, Lake Thunderbird. The Strategic Water Supply Plan, adopted in 2014, identifies current and future water supply and distribution network needs.

The Center City Vision effort resulted in the adoption of the Center City Form Based Code in 2017. The project area includes Downtown’s West Main Street and Campus Corner as well as residential neighborhoods in between, many of which are experiencing rapid change. Project boundaries are roughly Gray Street on the North, Boyd Street on the south, the BNSF rail tracks on the east and Flood Street on the west. This effort provides a new zoning district for that area to regulate appropriate future development and redevelopment. In addition to the various City plans mentioned above, Norman recently worked with the Urban Land Institute (ULI) to produce a Technical Advisory Services Panel Report in 2015 to address redevelopment of the Griffin Memorial Hospital Site. The report provides important historical context of the site, outlines the market potential of the site, and ultimately recommends appropriate redevelopment activities. In 2009, Norman also updated and adopted the Porter Avenue Corridor Project. The project guides future improvements along the corridor and establishes a zoning overaly disctrict to that articualtes the development of commercial uses along the corridor. PlanNorman builds off each of these plans to present a unified vision and goals for Norman’s future.

Norman has a total land area of 189.5 square miles. Development was historically concentrated in the core area situated between the railroad and the OU campus. With the completion of Interstate 35 (I-35) in 1959, Norman became an ideal place for those working in Oklahoma City but desiring small town living. This spurred development from core Norman further westward. Today, these western neighborhoods continue to be supported by a robust local economy and workforce.

Norman has many strong neighborhoods that offer residents varying types of housing options, amenities, and levels of access. Residential areas in the core of Norman offer a more traditional neighborhood style, containing lots with smaller parcels and multiple homes on a street. New development in rural east Norman and the west side of Norman offer a more traditional country living. Norman is constantly changing and evolving. As it evolves and grows the City must continue to assess residents’ needs and the community’s capabilities. Norman’s large undeveloped land area, strong economic climate, diverse institutions and culture are assets for the community. Yet, partially because of the historic growth pattern, Norman also faces many challenges that threaten to affect its high quality of life. The next section explores the assets and opportunities present today while highlighting the challenges Norman faces in the future.

background and vision

Today, Norman has a population of approximately 120,000 and 47,900 households. Since 2000, the city has grown by 1.4% per year (over 24,000 new residents) and added 9,000 households. Norman has the highest percentage of non-family households (45%) in the Metro Area, representative of the large student population. In comparison, Moore has only 28% non-family households and Oklahoma City has 38% non-family households.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Norman Today

1.5

background and vision Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update 1.6

Assets, Opportunities and Challenges Norman has many assets and opportunities that make it a desirable place to live. There are also potential challenges that could impede the City’s ability to continue to provide a desirable and equitable lifestyle for all residents. The following pages document and explore the assets, opportunities, and challenges present in the community today. ASSETS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Urban/Rural Relationship Norman is one of the rare communities that can offer its residents options for both urban and rural living. This dichotomy fosters a unique character in Norman and is an undeniable asset. In total, 64% of land in Norman is rural. While it is important to preserve and retain this urban/ rural relationship, the City also has an opportunity to build upon this asset and support a profitable agritourism sector. Agritourism is any agriculturally based operation or activity that brings visitors to an agricultural operation. Operations or activities can vary greatly and include seasonal experiences (such as haunted hay rides or Christmas Tree farms), entertainment venues (for festivals or weddings), or commercial-agriculture sales (such as vineyards or fruit orchards). Arts and Culture Norman has a diversity of arts and cultural assets, including festivals throughout the year. The Walker Arts District, located along Main Street, offers multiple venues within a short walk of the adjacent neighborhoods including art centers, museums, libraries, galleries, and live performance theaters, such as the Sooner Theater. Additionally, the University of Oklahoma campus has many sculptures and historic and architecturally interesting buildings in addition to live performance venues, galleries and museums including the Sam Noble Museum and the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. Not far from campus, the Firehouse Arts Center also offers art classes for children, teens, and adults. Art is a true treasure and should be enjoyed by all residents. To help make art visually accessible to everyone in the community, the Norman Arts Council and Norman Public Arts Board in 2010 launched the SAMO Ducky Project. Additionally, 13 artistic bike racks were added to downtown. These unique assets help to enhance residents’ experience while providing functional utility. The Norman Arts Council also hosts a 2nd Friday Art Walk which celebrates the artistic and creative community and is a popular activity throughout much of the year. In 2017, the Norman Arts Council also launched the Museum Without Walls online resource. This web-based asset contains an inventory of all public art in Norman. Each piece is mapped and information is provided, including a photo and history of the piece.

While each of these school districts offers a wide range of academic and extra-curricular activity, strong after-school programs, and opportunities for mentorships and internships with local businesses and organizations, there are few opportunities for life-long learning or engagement with the working adult and senior populations. Luckily, both the University of Oklahoma and the Moore-Norman Technology Center are facilities that help advance the life-long learning opportunities of residents.

background and vision

Public Schools and Academic Excellence Norman’s residents are served by five school districts: Norman Public Schools; Moore Public Schools; Little Axe Public Schools; Noble Public Schools; and Robin Hill Public Schools. Norman High School and Norman North High School have both been recognized by the Washington Post’s “America’s Most Challenging High Schools,” as being among Oklahoma’s and the nation’s best and most academically challenging institutions.

Civic Facilities In 2017, ground was broken for a new public library on the north side of Andrews Park. The new library is estimated to be completed in Spring 2019 and will provide a children’s area with story time room, teen area with computer stations, an adult area with 45 computer stations and six study rooms, a multipurpose room with seating for 300 and additional conference room space. The new Central Branch Library replaces the one currently located at 225 North Webster Avenue. In addition to the new Central Branch Library and the West Branch Library, an east branch is planned to open in Spring 2018, on Alameda Street past 24th Avenue South East next to Fire Station No. 9. The majority of Norman’s civic facilities are located Downtown off West Gray Street between the railroad and North Webster Avenue and just south of Andrews Park. In addition to the Public Library, the campus also has four municipal buildings, including city offices and the police station. Norman’s downtown post office is also located near this campus.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Throughout the process we heard from various groups and residents that safe access to schools was a top priority. Requested safe access recommendations from residents included designated routes for kids connecting neighborhoods to schools with: protected bike lanes; complete and wide sidewalks; signaled crossings; and integrated neighborhood trail networks. To help ensure access to the high quality of education prevalent in Norman today, the City of Norman and each of the represented school districts should work together to ensure that all students have a safe way to get to and from school.

1.7

background and vision

Local and Regional Businesses Norman has a strong employment and business environment, with significant opportunities for growth. As a research and healthcare hub, the largest employers in Norman are the University of Oklahoma, with close to 12,000 employees, and Norman Regional Health System, with close to 3,000 employees; they are also two of the largest employers in the Oklahoma City region. Other major employers in the City include Norman Public Schools, Johnson Controls, and Walmart Supercenters. Businesses in Norman are concentrated in a few key areas. Small businesses, while located all throughout Norman, have a higher concentration in the Downtown and core areas, where there are over 150 businesses. The 270-acre OU Research Campus includes the Stephenson Technology Center and the National Weather Center, and over 750 private and public technology-oriented jobs. One of the city’s larger business parks and other large concentrations of industrial and manufacturing businesses are located along the North Flood Avenue and I-35 corridors.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Growth opportunities are strong in these existing areas, as well as in University North Park, the Westheimer Airport area, and the OK9 Technology Corridor, along Highway 9 east of I-35.

1.8

University of Oklahoma Established in 1890 (approximately 18 years before Oklahoma became the 46th state in the Union), the University hosts a total student body of 30,834 students (2015). The University employs nearly 12,000 people, including almost 1,500 faculty members representing 152 baccalaureate programs, 160 master’s degree programs, and 75 doctorate programs. OU is classified as an institution with “very high research activity” and is consistently top ranked among public universities with National Merit Scholars and Rhodes Scholars. In addition to serving as an institution of academic excellence, OU also supports a range of NCAA Division I teams including football, baseball, basketball, and gymnastics, has two renowned museums (Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art and Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History), and a strong partnership with the National Weather Center. With its beautiful campus, excellent academic reputation, and successful sports programs, OU is a tremendous asset for the community. However, throughout the process we heard from various stakeholders that OU and the City have missed opportunities for partnerships and collaborative efforts. As both Norman and OU grow there is an opportunity for increased coordination.

“Norman has a robust park system with 64 parks covering 1,146.9 total acres of improved parks and green space. ”

Norman’s 64 parks also offer over 6.5 miles of walking, jogging and biking trails. The National Recreation and Parks Association reports that comparably sized cities average 11 miles of trails. Griffin Park offers the longest paved trail (1.89 miles) and Sutton Wilderness offers the longest native soil and rock trail (1.5 miles). Additionally, Norman’s parks offer multiple recreation opportunities including baseball fields, soccer fields, pavilions and playgrounds. While Norman benefits from these assets, there is also an opportunity to build upon the existing trail network and add more miles of trails throughout all of Norman.

background and vision

Park and Trail Network Norman has a robust park system with 64 parks covering 1,146.9 total acres of improved parks and green space. Griffin Community Park is the largest park at 160 acres and Centennial Park is Norman’s smallest park at just 0.2 acres. Neighborhood parks offer 2.6 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents. That is 25% higher than the national standard set by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).

In order to maintain the high standard of parkland achieved in Norman, future growth must take into account where parks and open space fit into the fabric of the neighborhoods. As the community grows, there is an opportunity to diversify the park system by offering more open space and trail amenities as well as better integrated and accessible neighborhood parks.

Despite Norman’s numerous assets and opportunities, the community does lack some key features and faces challenges that impact Norman’s ability to manage future growth and create an equitable and inclusive community for all residents. Housing Affordability and Choice As Norman’s population increases and adapts to demographic shifts, housing affordability and choice will become increasingly important issues for the City to address. Median household income increased by $14,000 between 2000 and 2014, an average annual rate of 2.3%. Yet, over that same time, the median home sales price increased by $46,500, an average annual rate of 2.9%. Additionally, area developers of affordable workforce housing express concern that the current boundaries of the urban area and utility provision decrease the availability and increase the costs of land on which they can continue building economically inclusive homes. Costs for the city’s renters are also increasing; median rent is $780 per month and only 8% of units rent for less than $500 per month.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

CHALLENGES

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background and vision Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update 1.10

A related issue is the provision of a wider variety of housing options that will appeal across the spectrum of Norman’s current and future residents. Since 2002, over 10,000 new housing units have been permitted in Norman, and 60% of that new construction was single family homes. Like many cities across the country, Norman competes for residents and businesses and must strive to remain a vibrant and desirable option, particularly for two growing segments of the population: aging baby boomers at or nearing retirement; and younger millennials in the 18-34 age range. Both groups have generally demonstrated preferences for smaller housing units that are located in more compact, walkable, and amenity-based communities. These higher density neighborhoods do not always require mid or high-rise apartments. In fact, a range of “missing middle” housing types (including duplexes, stacked flats, carriage houses, townhomes, courtyard apartments and others) can provide higher density options that are compatible and integrate with the more traditional neighborhoods comprised of single family detached homes. Policies and incentives that support and encourage a broader range of housing unit sizes, configurations, and prices will provide more choice for Norman residents and may help alleviate pricing pressures at desirable locations in the City. Mixed-Use Norman’s commercial assets are largely dominated by big box retail and strip malls, with clear divisions between commercial, office and residential operations. Shopping, dining and commercial services are largely integrated into shopping centers or large standalone buildings on busy arterials, such as West Main Street from I-35 east towards South Berry Road. This commercial corridor is heavily influenced by single story auto-oriented commercial and retail operations, with little office space and no residential component. While there are some mixed-use units in Downtown, there is an opportunity to diversify the mix of tenants and uses. The lack of mixed-use areas in Norman and the reliance on large and separated commercial, office and residential areas means that most residents rely on vehicles to accomplish their day-to-day activities. While there are opportunities in Norman to develop new mixed-use centers, such as the Griffin Memorial Hospital Site, many of the opportunities for mixed-use development integration will occur along existing corridors such as along West Main Street in Downtown and in Campus Corner, or in retrofitted “big box” commercial areas, such as along Ed Noble Parkway.

background and vision

The popular and well-used Legacy Trail provides good multimodal access from north to south through portions of the city. Safe east to west routes are generally more difficult to navigate. Norman has a Bike Route Map to assist residents traveling by bike for work commutes, recreation, or other trips. However, many of the most direct routes are considered “Advanced Rider Routes” and very few designated routes in Norman provide a continuous dedicated on-road bike facility or off-street trail. Some new striped bicycle lanes are being installed and many more are proposed. Nevertheless, a clearer vision and more robust hierarchy of facilities is needed, depending on the type of road that bicyclists and automobile drivers are sharing. The following range of facilities are needed to provide safe bicycle mobility for all potential riders in Norman:

• Signed, shared routes - Routes that share road with vehicles; • Bicycle Boulevards - Low volume streets designed to give bicyclists priority, slow or limit vehicular through traffic;

• Striped Bike Lanes - Routes that have a paved line separating traffic from bicycles; and

• Protected Bike Lanes or Cycle Tracks - These provide on-road bike lanes separated from vehicular traffic.

Pedestrians navigating Norman deal with many barriers including I-35, busy arterials, and neighborhoods disconnected from commercial centers. I-35 serves as a major barrier between western and central Norman for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

“Norman’s trail system and walkable urban core are certainly assets for the community.”

Pedestrian and Bicycle Connectivity Norman’s trail system and walkable urban core are certainly assets for the community. Yet, there is room for improvement, and enhancing pedestrian and bicycle connectivity in Norman is a key challenge and opportunity for the next 25 years. Many Norman residents do not live within a half-mile trip of a safe multi-use path or bike lane. Gaps in the sidewalk and bicycle networks limit safe and comfortable walking and biking throughout the city.

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background and vision Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update 1.12

Many residents note frustrations with the limited opportunities to cross I-35. Even in cases like the Main Street bridge, which provides a safe and comfortable way to cross the interstate, the approaches to the bridge from the east and west are deemed less hospitable for walking and biking. Long arterials with limited crosswalk opportunities and a large number of driveways also add to the inability of residents to easily navigate by foot or bike. Many of the neighborhoods in Norman’s older areas are surrounded by heavy arterials with few pedestrian-friendly access points or connections to commercial and retail nodes. Water The City of Norman currently has three major water supply sources including Lake Thunderbird, a well field of 34 municipal groundwater wells. Norman also has the ability to purchase additional water from Oklahoma City. Recognizing the challenges that a growing population presents to maintaining a water supply portfolio of adequate quality and quantity, the City of Norman developed its 2060 Strategic Water Supply Plan. The Strategic Water Supply Plan addresses regulatory uncertainties, water quality, and anticipated costs of new water supply projects. The plan outlines a portfolio of projects that were vetted by City leaders and the community to ensure a sustainable water supply through 2060. Water distribution and wastewater collection infrastructure also pose potential challenges for future growth in Norman. Norman continues to invest in its water resources with the planned expansion of the water treatment plant and the targeted replacement of aging water line infrastructure. Additionally, the current expansion of the Water Reclamation Facility provides for adequate wastewater treatment capacity for approximately 15 years of growth at historic growth rates. It is important to note, however, that most city utilities stop at 36th Avenue East; therefore, the eastern part of the city is generally on private septic tanks and private water wells. Funding for existing and proposed infrastructure continues to be a challenge. While many water lines may need to be replaced, the City does not have an adequate maintenance fee to cover the recommended systematic replacement of aged, deteriorating and undersized water lines. In addition, the City’s water and sewer connection fees are still lower than the recommendations cited in the recent cost of services study performed by Raftellis.

Recent stormwater infrastructure concerns have led to discussions on the following topics:

• • • •

Reduction of flooding in neighborhoods; Reduction of erosion and pollution in area creeks, streams, and the Canadian River;

background and vision

Stormwater Stormwater infrastructure also faces maintenance and funding challenges. Norman’s stormwater conveyance system consists of approximately 320 miles of existing streams and channels, and 140 miles of underground stormwater pipes carry the stormwater to Lake Thunderbird and the Canadian River.

Compliance with federal and state regulatory mandates; and Protection of Norman’s drinking water source, Lake Thunderbird.

To address stormwater issues, the City Council voted on June 7, 2016, to set an election for residents to vote in August 2016 for the establishment of a stormwater utility rate. Funds generated by the utility would be used by the City to establish practices to address these concerns. The effort failed, leaving the future of Norman’s stormwater management system with continued funding and logistics challenges.

1-35 Corridor Study The City of Norman initiated the I-35 Corridor Study with ODOT and the City of Moore in late 2015 due to our interest in making long-term improvements to the 1960s-vintage interchange/bridge located at I-35 and Indian Hills Road. This is the last unimproved (original) interchange on I-35 in the Norman city limits. Norman is also interested in a new interchange at I-35 and Rock Creek Road as well as long-term improvements at I-35 and Robinson Street and I-35 and Tecumseh Road. In meeting with the other stakeholders, it was determined that the 8-mile corridor between Norman and Moore should first have a comprehensive, master plan developed which will include prioritization and budgetary impacts. ODOT must partner with each city at each interchange because the intersecting street is typically a city street. Following over a year of contract negotiations, the 3-party agreement was approved by the Norman City Council, Moore City Council and the Oklahoma Transportation Commission in 2016. A consultant was selected and the study began in early 2017.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Norman’s requirement by Charter to have a vote of the residents on all utility increases, which is unique in Oklahoma, poses a significant obstacle to building and maintaining sustainable infrastructure.

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background and vision Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update 1.14

Plan Process and Engagment The PlanNorman planning process began in the Summer of 2016 and extended through early 2018. During this process, the planning team engaged a variety of stakeholders, community groups, City representatives and community members to elicit feedback and provide input. Community workshops and outreach events helped connect with residents and gain valuable feedback on the policies and approaches being developed. A Steering Committee, consisting of residents from all over Norman, helped further direct and guide the PlanNorman process.

Throughout the process, the planning team engaged with a series of stakeholders and focus groups to have more robust conversations around specific topics. Groups engaged included: educators with Norman and Little Axe Public School Districts; representatives from the University of Oklahoma; environmental experts; arts and cultural representatives; housing experts; small and large business owners; agricultural business owners; and far east residents.

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STAKEHOLDERS AND FOCUS GROUP

A 50-member committee of residents from all districts in Norman and representing local business owners, neighborhoods, organizations and institutions (including representatives with backgrounds in environmental science, historic preservation, and building and development) provided input and guidance on PlanNorman concepts and themes throughout the planning process. The Committee participated in, and provided feedback and direction on, major topic areas including the Preferred Growth Direction, Neighborhood Types, Plan Elements, Implementation Tools and Strategies, and the overall PlanNorman Vision framework.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

STEERING COMMITTEE

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background and vision Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update 1.16

COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT

Community input and feedback throughout the process was critical to crafting many of the guiding elements of the plan, including the PlanNorman Vision framework. More than 700 people attended three community workshops and three separate community outreach events. Each workshop and event was designed to receive specific input from the community on different components of the plan, including visioning and PlanNorman goals, the Preferred Growth Direction and the development of Neighborhood Types. In addition to the interactive community events, the community also engaged with the PlanNorman process via the PlanNorman.com project website and two community surveys. The first survey asked residents to comment on and inform PlanNorman’s vision, values and goals.

The second survey asked for feedback and input on the future growth plan for Norman. In total over 1,500 responses from stakeholders, Steering Committee members, residents and City staff were collected on the surveys and used to help guide and inform PlanNorman. The PlanNorman process has demonstrated a high level of community engagement throughout the planning process and resulted in a document that will help guide staff and Council in the decision-making process and provide actions to achieve the Vision.

background and vision Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

“More than 700 people attended three community workshops and three separate community outreach events.”

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background and vision

Vision Framework Collectively, the vision statement, guiding principles, and vision themes established in PlanNorman constitute the Vision Framework for Norman’s future. This Vision Framework provides a foundation to work toward and achieve the future desired by residents.

Vision Statement

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

The vision statement articulates how Norman will grow and exist in the future. The vision was crafted over a series of meetings and discussions with stakeholders, community members, City staff and the Steering Committee. The intent of the vision statement is to help guide the planning process and provide a critical plan framework to direct future investments.

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The vision statement highlights Norman’s desire to establish connected and complete neighborhoods; foster a healthy, innovative and inclusive community; and support sustainable and resilient technologies.

Norman’s vision reads: “Norman aspires to be a city of connected and complete neighborhoods and districts, celebrating the best qualities of a small town, our rural landscapes, a world-class university, and big city amenities. We will have a mosaic of unique places that provide access to a full range of housing, jobs, parks, open spaces, arts, culture and education across our city. Norman will lead Oklahoma and the region with opportunities for all residents to participate in and benefit from a healthy, innovative, and inclusive community. Norman will be the model for environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable and resilient mid-sized communities.”

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Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

background and vision

background and vision Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update 1.20

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Guiding Principles PlanNorman’s guiding principles provide a lens through which the strategies and policies identified in this planning process were evaluated. These overarching concepts support the plan vision, set priorities for plan development, and established a framework for decisionmaking and conflict resolution throughout the process. They are intended to be used to continue to evaluate opportunities that may not have been addressed or anticipated explicitly in PlanNorman throughout the life of the Plan.

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PROVIDE A RANGE OF HOUSING CHOICES FOR ALL NORMAN RESIDENTS Provide a range of housing choice, including provision of housing affordable to low income residents as well as aging residents in order to achieve an equitable and inclusive Norman.

PROACTIVELY MANAGE FOR BALANCED GROWTH Be strategic and thoughtful in future development by considering existing and planned infrastructure, the transportation network, and other supportive amenities.

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CREATE UNIQUE AND AMENITY-RICH PLACES Encourage a variety of amenity rich places, accessible to all residents, that provide a balance of live, work and play opportunities.

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PROVIDE MOBILITY OPTIONS WITHIN A MULTI-LAYERED, INTER-MODAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM Connect Norman’s neighborhoods, commercial districts, and amenities with a system of safe, walkable, and bikeable streets, sidewalks, trails, and pathways.

Encourage programs that enhance opportunities for and open doors to advanced and lifelong learning for all Norman residents.

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Foster and integrate innovative ideas, partnerships, and developments that advance technologies and improve the quality of life for all residents.

CONSERVE AND PROTECT WATER AND OTHER NATURAL RESOURCES Implement standards and policies that preserve and protect Norman’s vital natural resources.

7 9

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FOSTER ECONOMIC VITALITY AND DIVERSITY Invest in diverse resources and support efforts to introduce and advance new economic partnerships and programs that strengthen the local economy.

NURTURE NORMAN AS A PREMIER ARTS AND CULTURAL DESTINATION Continue to support the advancement of programs, activities, organizations, and individuals that advance Norman’s artistic and cultural community.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

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MAINTAIN HIGH QUALITY EDUCATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

CULTIVATE A CULTURE OF INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

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background and vision

Vision Themes Three themes comprise the PlanNorman vision. Each of these themes is an organizing element that provides a foundation for questioning how Norman should adapt and grow. Most importantly, these elements help to organize the plan and remind the community that regardless of how much Norman grows over time, there are challenges facing the city and residents that need to be addressed to retain and advance the qualities that make Norman an attractive place to live, work, and play.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Each of these themes is supported by a list of values. These supportive values articulate the characteristics, features, and attributes the community supports and aspires to. They were expressed by the community and commonly agreed to during the planning process.

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The themes that guide Norman’s vision are:

• Places: Unique and Connected Neighborhoods and Districts;

• People: Healthy, Innovative, and Inclusive; and

• Systems: Sustainable and Resilient.

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Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

background and vision

background and vision

Places: Unique and Connected Neighborhoods and Districts The places we live in have tremendous influence over residents’ daily lives and impact quality of life. How the community gets around, what amenities they have access to and the way they feel when they navigate the community, all shape the experience. As Norman continues to grow and attract new residents, it strives to offer diverse housing options, create walkable and people-scaled environments and support a welcoming and local business climate. Norman’s ‘places’ need to foster community engagement, promote safety, and be accessible to everyone.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

SUPPORTIVE VALUES

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Access to Amenities and Services. People of all ages, genders, races, incomes, and abilities can participate in and have easy access to facilities, services and conveniences that support a high quality of living. High Quality of Life. A measure of happiness defined by a person’s financial security, job satisfaction, family life, health and safety. Housing Choice. The provision of varying types, sizes, and priced living options distributed throughout the city. Human-Scaled. City and site design and construction that prioritizes the pedestrian experience.

Local and Homegrown. Products and services produced within Norman and adjacent communities. Safe and Inviting Community. Policies and practices that make residents feel comfortable and protected. Small Town Feel. Characteristics and principles like knowing your neighbor, patronage of local shops and restaurants, feelings of belonging and trust. Walkable, Bikeable, and Accessible. A positive pedestrian experience characterized by high levels of connectivity, visual interest, comfort, safety, and ample amenities and facilities that allows people of all abilities to participate. WHAT THIS VISION THEME MEANS FOR NORMAN

The theme of ‘Places: Unique and Connected Neighborhoods and Districts’ supports residents by encouraging goals, policies and actions that increase access in and around neighborhoods, provide important amenities, and protect Norman’s small-town feel. The following summarize high level topical conversations that emerged during community and Steering Committee meetings about this vision theme.

Preservation of Norman’s Identity Norman has strong neighborhoods and community gathering spaces that create a unique sense of place. It also benefits from a strong and diverse employment sector that supports both local and homegrown shops as well as international corporations. Norman’s growth and identity is also strongly related to the establishment and growth of the University of Oklahoma which first opened its doors in 1890. These assets have helped make Norman a preferred place of residence for people working in Oklahoma City and other locations throughout the region. However, as Norman grows over the next 25 years it will be faced with new challenges that threaten the small town identity that many residents in Norman identify with and value. To help protect Norman’s culture, new developments and redevelopments should be compatible with the natural landscape and any existing nearby development while helping to bring new amenities and provide better access to the goods and services Norman residents need on a regular basis. Additionally, the City needs to be proactive in protecting and preserving land that will serve as Norman’s future employment and recreation sites.

Walkability and Bikeability Norman’s small-block grid design in and around the downtown core has helped establish walkable and pedestrian oriented districts. It also has contributed to higher levels of connectivity, making the area easily accessible to all residents. Other areas of Norman benefit from a well-integrated and connected trail and pathway network that provides residents opportunities for walking and biking close to home. A value identified during the PlanNorman process is to provide walkable, bikeable and accessible places.

Development of places that fit these criteria provide a positive pedestrian experience with high levels of connectivity, visual interest, and safety supported by ample amenities and facilities. There are many areas throughout Norman with poor or no sidewalks, no trails or disconnected pathways, and/or large spans of paved lots with no landscaping that contribute to a disconnected and unpleasant pedestrian experience. As new neighborhoods and infill development occur in the future, Norman has the opportunity to address the challenges that face pedestrian and bicycle mobility in existing neighborhoods and provide new walkable and accessible neighborhoods and districts. Multimodal Functionality Multimodal functionality of the roadway network is essential to provide efficient and fair access to places, goods, and services for diverse ages, demographics, and mobility levels. The Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) plans for multimodal functionality through complete street modeled crosssections, recommendations for context sensitive roadway improvements, a citywide bicycle network plan, a sidewalk network completion plan, a long-range plan for Cleveland Area Rapid Transit (CART) route service, and multiple recommendations for accessibility improvements. Continued implementation of the CTP will ultimately provide a diverse and connected transportation system for the residents of Norman.

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Complete Neighborhoods Complete neighborhoods are vibrant, well-connected places, that support a variety of uses (residential, commercial, employment, and recreation land uses) that provide a balanced live-work-play experience for residents. As Norman changes and grows the challenge will be to support and encourage developments that exemplify the qualities (walkable and well-connected places, with diverse housing types, parks and open spaces) showcased in the Neighborhood Types and that are desirable to residents.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Affordability and Displacement New development and improvements to existing areas of a community frequently result in some form of gentrification. If not planned for and addressed, gentrification can, and frequently does, result in both voluntary and involuntary displacement. Voluntary displacement occurs when households choose to relocate because a new opportunity is presented to them. Involuntary displacement typically occurs when the costs of living in a particular location exceed the means of existing households and result in individuals and families moving because they have no other option. Involuntary displacement typically hurts neighborhoods and weakens the longstanding character and identity of existing neighborhoods and districts. The best way to combat involuntary displacement is to ensure a sufficient housing supply and a sufficient amount of diversity and choice within the community’s housing stock. To achieve this, policies and actions that encourage an integration of a variety of uses and housing types throughout the community are critical. A mixed-income approach helps to ensure that neighborhoods remain accessible to residents of different income levels, ages, races, and family make-ups.

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background and vision Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update 1.26

People: Healthy, Innovative, and Inclusive The people element of Norman’s values and future vision supports residents by encouraging active lifestyles, supporting the community’s heritage, and providing opportunities for civic engagement. As a community, Norman needs to embrace diversity, support vibrant and creative ideas, and encourage and provide access to quality education. Norman strives to be an inclusive and equitable place, with diverse residents who can enrich the arts and culture environment, add to the skills base, and promote the overall health and wellbeing of the community.

Diverse. Differences between individuals including cultural, ethnic, belief systems and ideas. Equitable. Distribution of and access to amenities including health care, healthy food options, education, transportation options, jobs and housing to all residents. Inclusive. Options for living, working and participation for people of all ages, genders, races, incomes, sexual orientation and physical abilities.

SUPPORTIVE VALUES

Progressive, Vibrant and Creative. A culture of continuous change full of energy, enthusiasm and original thoughts.

Active Lifestyles. Community provides access to and opportunity for healthy options for all residents.

Well-Educated. A knowledgeable and informed community.

Arts and Culture. Access to various forms of art, theater, performance and music; a set of customs and beliefs supportive of Norman’s unique identity. Civically Engaged. Promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes. Community Heritage. The reflection of our legacy through physical artifacts and intangible characteristics inherited from our ancestors and passed down from generation to generation.

WHAT THIS VISION THEME MEANS FOR NORMAN

The theme of ‘People: Healthy, Innovative, and Inclusive’ supports residents by encouraging goals, policies and actions that increase access to active recreation and healthy assets, supports opportunities to participate in education and culture and arts activities, and encourages programs and policies that reduce inequality and encourage diversity and inclusivity.

The following summarize high level topical conversations that emerged during community and Steering Committee meetings about this vision theme. Support Diversity and Encourage Inclusivity As an already remarkably diverse city, with a high concentration of college graduates and a strong foundation of local artists, Norman’s growth is providing an opportunity to welcome new residents from diverse backgrounds. Norman should engage with and leverage its existing diverse base of residents and encourage new and innovative ideas by fostering an accepting and open culture - a culture that is tolerant of change and full of energy and enthusiasm for the future.

Norman can build upon these tremendous assets through partnerships and collaborative efforts such as new and lifelong learning opportunities for residents, expanded opportunities for new innovative businesses, and potentially innovative health care technologies and community initiatives that achieve better health outcomes for residents.

Quality of Life Infrastructure Improvements Sidewalks, trails and bike paths are some of the most critical pieces of infrastructure in a city when evaluating quality of life in a community– they provide a safe space for kids to get to school and residents to get to work; they connect neighborhoods to retail and commercial areas; and they serve as recreation and gathering spaces. The challenge for Norman as it changes and expands will be to continue investing in critical infrastructure like sidewalks and trails that support residents and connect places and people. Continued investment in and expansion of assets such as the Legacy Trail, helps contribute to the creation of equitable places and helps to encourage a healthy community. Investment in spaces, facilities and infrastructure that support the local artistic community, festivals and events throughout the city is also a critical venture for Norman. As the ‘City of Festivals,’ investment in community gathering spaces is not only important because of its economic considerations, but also because of the culture and community it would help support and enhance.

background and vision

Encourage Active and Fulfilling Lifestyles Norman is a vibrant community with trails and parks to support an active lifestyle. Its robust parks and open space system are undeniable assets for the community. However, while these assets enhance the community, there are opportunities to make them more meaningful and impactful in the future. For example, the City could work with OU to add traditional and new urban trails linking the university campus to the surrounding neighborhoods and Downtown, providing benefits to both students and local homeowners and residents. Additionally, expansion of the Legacy Trail Network and implementation of the Greenbelt Priority Trail system linking urban Norman to rural Norman, would provide new opportunities for active recreation, such as developing new neighborhood parks or recreation centers, and supplement the existing transportation network and enhance safe multimodal transportation.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Embrace Innovation Norman is home to many innovative thinkers and leaders, including those at the University of Oklahoma (OU) the National Weather Center, and Norman Regional Health System. Collectively, these institutions produce a high degree of research activity.

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Systems: Sustainable and Resilient The systems that will shape Norman’s future will help achieve responsible growth by helping to make strategic and proactive investments, foster environmental stewardship and support a prosperous and diverse economy. As a community, Norman recognizes the need to invest in adaptive and intelligent infrastructure and achieve fiscal stability. Norman strives to be a well-balanced place, with the ability to adapt to shifts in the economy or climate.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

SUPPORTIVE VALUES

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Adaptive and Intelligent Infrastructure. Design and implementation of infrastructure that utilizes technology and other solutions so that it can be easily modified or refashioned and is responsive to changes in technology and the environment. Environmental Stewardship. Responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices. Fiscal Stability. The sustainable balance of revenue and resources. Innovative. The pursuit of new ideas, methods, or approaches.

Preparedness. A precautionary state of being ready for natural disasters to reduce the effects of and when possible prevent calamity. Prosperous and Diverse Economy. Generation of job opportunities in differing and emerging employment sectors, a variety of income producing activities. Responsible Growth. Planned growth (including infrastructure and housing development) that accounts for costs and benefits of development strategies when designing for future growth. Strategic and Proactive. A dynamic process for identifying long-term goals and interests and working towards achieving them. Well Balanced. Planned growth with a variety of housing and neighborhood devlopment options for residents with a variety of preferences and breadth of social and economic backgrounds.

WHAT THIS VISION THEME MEANS FOR NORMAN

The theme of ‘Systems: Sustainable and Resilient’ supports residents by encouraging goals, policies and actions that encourage awareness and adoption of fiscally and environmentally responsible practices that better prepare Norman to adapt and respond to unknown future conditions. The following summarize high level topical conversations that emerged during community and Steering Committee meetings about this vision theme.

• Encourage land development practices

that minimize the amount of land being developed; and

• Identify and protect key areas, linkages, and

features that can be added to the network of natural and open space.

Norman adopted a Greenways Master Plan in 2012. This plan identifies locational opportunities, design guidelines, and implementation strategies to establish a citywide greenway system. Several strategies within the plan have been implemented (for example: Norman currently has a Greenbelt Fund to help fund the acquisition of conservation easements). In addition, the Greenbelt Trails Priority System has recently been adopted. Continued implementation of this plan will serve as an effective method to preserve Norman’s natural and greenspace.

Economic and Financial Security Economic and financial security is perhaps the most broad and difficult for a community to maintain because anything can trigger a financial disaster; including any forms of natural disaster. Natural disasters can turn into economic crises if they destroy businesses, infrastructure, and/or the ability to provide services to residents. Extended market-related downturns can also turn into disasters for communities. Proactive monitoring and adapting to trends in housing, industry, land use, and employment, can help ensure that cities have aptly diversified land uses and jobs to weather economic volatility. Planning for emergency funds to help the community rebuild is one of the best ways to prevent a disaster related economic crisis. Norman currently allocates funding into an emergency fund to maintain capital reserves to prepare for and recover from catastrophic events. For community resiliency, this fund should be maintained, and the budget increased over time to account for incremental increases in operational expenses, supply costs, and property values.

background and vision

Cluster Developments Clustering preserves open space by allowing developments to concentrate individual lots and/or buildings around greenspace. Through concentrating development within a designated area of a larger parcel, greenspace is preserved while maintaining the density goals of the development. This development method preserves natural areas and potentially creates valuable public open space from land that would otherwise be developed. Norman’s current zoning ordinance encourages clustering for properties within environmentally sensitive areas. Norman should continue to pursue methods to incentivize cluster development. Such methods may include granting greater flexibility in design and development standards in exchange for cluster development, and/or expanding cluster development opportunities to areas citywide.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Natural/Greenspace Preservation Natural and greenspace takes many forms in a community. Oftentimes, preservation of these areas must be coordinated at the neighborhood level or higher if communities desire a connected, well-distributed network of natural areas. Two of the biggest ways communities coordinate these efforts are to:

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background and vision Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update 1.30

Plan Organization PlanNorman consists of four sections that explore how and where future growth in Norman will occur. Section One lays the foundation of the plan. It starts by providing the history of Norman and explaining the need for an updated Comprehensive Plan that addresses how Norman will change and grow over the next 25 years. Most importantly, this section defines the vision desired by the community. This vision is supported by the discussions in Sections Two and Three. Section Two presents the 12 Plan Elements, Plan Elements Goals, and Policies and Actions. The Plan Elements and their respective goals help to support the vision and guiding principles outlined in Section One. Section Three presents the Growth Mangement Tools needed to shape and define how future growth and change will occur in Norman. It provides more specific guidance on how to acheive the Vision Framework outlined in Section One. Section Four serves as the implementation section of the plan. It provides strategies and guidance for the city to achieve the long term vision and goals of PlanNorman.

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Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

background and vision

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Plan Elements The previous section of this Plan outlined Norman’s Background and Vision. This section provides an overview and discussion of each of the 12 Plan Elements that make up PlanNorman and support the Guiding Principles and Vision Themes outlined in Section One.

Norman’s 12 Plan Elements are divided into the three Vision Themes presented in the previous section:

• Places: Unique and Connected Neighborhoods and Districts; • People: Healthy, Innovative, and Inclusive; and • Systems: Sustainable and Resilient. Each of these elements and their goals is integral to creating a foundation for shaping how Norman should evolve, adapt, and grow. Norman has many assets that, if leveraged correctly, can help to achieve a future that will improve and enrich the lives of its residents. This section provides an overview of major assets, opportunities and challenges specific to each element as well as a set of goals, policies and actions to set the direction for how Norman will respond to and address the challenges facing the City over the coming years.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

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SECTION TWO

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plan elements

Organization The Plan Elements section of PlanNorman is organized by Vision Theme. Each theme contains four Plan Elements. Each Plan Element contains an element goal, supportive policies, and actions.

A B

VISION THEME

Each Vision Theme has a page that introduces the Plan Elements and provides some context for why the theme and Plan Elements are important to Norman’s future. PLAN ELEMENTS

There are 12 Plan Elements in total. Each element helps to define and support the overarching Vision Theme.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

GOALS

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E

Goals express community desires as they relate to specific topics and describe the community’s envisioned long-term direction. Goals were developed with input and feedback from the community, stakeholder groups, the Steering Committee and City staff. POLICIES

ACTIONS

Policies are statements that outline a desired course or position that can be used to realize the envisioned future shaped by the goals.

Actions are measurable, incremental steps that help to achieve higher-level goals and principles.

C

To the left is an example of a Plan Element spread from this section. Each element contains:

plan elements

How to Use the Plan Element Section

A Plan Element - Supports the Vision Theme.

B Goal - Defines the community desires of the Plan Element.

C Policies - Statements that achieve the goal.

D Actions - Desired outcomes

organized by plan element. Steering Committee priority actions are indicated with bold text.

E Discussion - Important issues

relevant to the Plan Element, goal, policies, and actions.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

D

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Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

plan elements

plan elements

PLACES: Unique and Connected Neighborhoods and Districts

The four Plan Elements that comprise the Places theme are:

• Community Character/Design; • Future Land Use; • Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization; and

• Transportation and Mobility.

These four elements work together to explore and define ways to preserve and protect Norman’s character and enhance the qualities that make this community an attractive place to live and work. The provision of diverse housing choices; accessible and connected neighborhoods, commercial and employment areas and recreation areas; and well-distributed amenities that support residents are all important components of a complete and high-quality place.

As Norman changes and grows, it needs to ensure that residents have choices that are compatible with different living situations. Aging-in-place strategies, provision of senior housing, design that accommodates people with disabilities, and a variety of family-friendly housing are all important issues that Norman needs to address. Addressing these will help to realize the equitable and inclusive vision outlined early in the PlanNorman process.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

This theme supports residents by defining how they navigate Norman’s neighborhoods, identifing residents desired amentities and the assets that make different areas of Norman unique and attractive. As Norman continues to grow and attract new residents, it strives to offer diverse housing options, create walkable environments designed to build community and support a welcoming environment.

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plan elements Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update 2.6

ELEMENT 1: Community Character/Design (CCD) ELEMENT GOAL: Promote development and redevelopment that enhances the distinct character and improves accessibility in each of Norman’s neighborhoods and districts. Norman offers a wide variety of neighborhoods for its residents ranging from historic and highly walkable districts to suburbs, and from apartments with shared amenities to rural living with ample acreage and privacy. The promotion and integration of new housing types, parks, and other assets into existing and new neighborhoods will help preserve the character and quality of Norman, but it also can put pressure on the existing community fabric and historic districts. While change is inevitable, growth and evolution in Norman’s historic areas must be balanced with preservation efforts and compatible development. While development pressure in the historic areas of Norman presents a challenge, it also provides an opportunity to identify ways to make these neighborhoods more complete and inclusive. Aging neighborhoods that face redevelopment pressures should support restoration and adaptive reuse of significant neighborhood structures.

Conversion of some residential structures at key intersections into supportive commercial or retail can enhance the neighborhood and provide needed amenities without detracting from the character that defines that neighborhood. Additionally, the integration of green spaces, public spaces, and unique design elements helps create identity, encourage resident interactions, and build a sense of community. The City of Norman should work with residents in underserved areas to provide these types of amenities. Norman’s growth was originally concentrated in the core, Main Street and Campus Corner areas. This concentrated pattern of growth has fostered the small-town character still quite prevalent in Norman today. However, over the last 20 years, new development has been focused more heavily along the edges of the community, extending the eastern and western reaches of the community.

Whether future growth occurs within the existing footprint of the community or continues to expand the edges of Norman, the community will be faced with the challenge of balancing change with maintaining the small-town identity residents value and desire. While future growth presents a challenge to Norman, it also provides an opportunity to assess the character and completeness of different areas and determine where deficiencies exist. One such opportunity is the introduction and promotion of housing options and services that are compatible with existing neighborhoods. The infusion of new and different housing types helps enhance the community by providing options for residents at different stages of life and with varied means. Another opportunity is the promotion of green infrastructure and low impact development (LID) in all neighborhoods and areas of Norman. LID techniques help to manage stormwater runoff and promote water conservation and preservation – concepts that benefit the whole community.

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POLICIES

CCD 2: Preserve and promote the distinct character of each of Norman’s neighborhoods, buildings, open spaces, streetscape, and gateways. CCD 3: Integrate green spaces, public spaces, and design elements to create identity, encourage interactions and build a sense of community.

CCD 4: Promote housing options, design elements, and services compatible with each neighborhood’s character that support seniors, families, and people of all ages and abilities. (See also Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Policy #1; Future Land Use Policy #4; Equity Policy #5). CCD 5: Identify and support restoration and adaptive reuse of significant existing structures and properties. CCD 6: Promote green infrastructure and low impact development (LID) in all neighborhoods.

ACTIONS 1. Update the zoning code and include considerations for architectural design overlay districts or other innovative concepts for development. 2. Explore implementation of a Development Code which combines zoning and subdivision ordinances.

3. Utilize a cost benefit analysis to evaluate connection fees, application fees and incentives for development. 4. Update the Engineering Design Criteria and Standards with consideration of making LID stormwater design mandatory.

5. Update Historic District Guidelines. 6. Explore creation of neighborhood preservation or conservation districts where appropriate.

Note: Steering Committee priority actions indicated with bold text.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

CCD 1: Integrate new compatible development, infill development, and/or redevelopment into existing neighborhoods.

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ELEMENT 2: Future Land Use (LU) ELEMENT GOAL: Achieve a balance of land uses that offers a variety of housing, business and employment options; accommodates growth; protects the environment; and provides services and amenities that support the overall health, welfare, and prosperity of the community.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

A balanced future with equitable provision and distribution of housing, promotion of different types of businesses and considerations for environmental impacts will help Norman continue to be an innovative, prosperous and attractive community.

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Land use designations can be used to achieve the distribution of and mix of uses desired in Norman’s neighborhoods and employment areas. The thoughtful development of appropriate uses throughout the city can help to promote opportunities for a mix of commercial uses that will provide an essential tax base for Norman. Further, deliberate planning encourages complementary services and amenities that can improve health outcomes for residents, among other benefits.

For example, the integration of outdoor recreation and nature appreciation elements and the creation of walkable and bikeable places, encourage active lifestyles. Infill developments provide the opportunity to infuse new types of housing into an area, thereby diversifying Norman’s housing stock and providing housing that accommodates the needs of a diverse and growing population. The inclusion of varied housing options ranging from apartments to single family attached homes, such as townhomes, to more compact single family detached homes, provides options for lifelong residents of different backgrounds and abilities to remain in their neighborhoods.

While compatible and strategic infill development can create more complete and equitable neighborhoods, only a portion of Norman’s future growth will be concentrated into these areas. In order to protect and preserve Norman’s rural and natural lands, development must be limited to areas where infrastructure and amenities can be easily planned for and provided. The City must also preserve and identify areas of future employment opportunities. These areas are vital for the economic success of Norman in the future.

LU 2: Provide opportunities for higher density residential and mixed-use infill developments in designated areas. LU 3: Promote a mix of retail and other commercial uses that are both desired by Norman residents and will supply the essential tax base for City facilities and services.

LU 4: Promote a variety of residential dwelling types that accommodate the housing needs of a diverse and growing population. (See also Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Policy #1; Community Character/Design Policy #4; Equity Policy #5). LU 5: Integrate amenities citywide that are dedicated to outdoor recreation and the appreciation of nature. LU 6: Identify and maintain appropriate land with adequate infrastructure and amenities to support future economic and employment opportunities.

ACTIONS 1. Coordinate with the Norman Economic Development Coalition (NEDC) to study options for identifying employment lands and the types of employment desired. 2.

Update the zoning code to promote a mix of land uses that creates a balance of live-work-play features in areas throughout Norman.

3. Create mechanisms to protect employment land (e.g. Economic Development Trust or Industrial Land Trust). 4. Develop a program to fund infrastructure for employment lands.

Note: Steering Committee priority actions indicated with bold text.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

LU 1: Achieve a mix of land uses that balances Norman’s development needs, the natural environment, and the preservation of Norman’s rural areas.

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ELEMENT 3: Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization (HNR) ELEMENT GOAL: Encourage greater housing choice, affordability, livability, and accessibility within Norman’s existing and new neighborhoods.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Through the promotion of diverse housing choices, Norman can provide varied neighborhoods that support a high quality of life and enhance our small-town feel.

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As Norman grows and expands into new areas, the City must ensure continued investment in the traditional core neighborhoods. Continued investment in the form of new parks, sidewalk infrastructure, public spaces and existing housing stock will help preserve the quality and value of these areas. New developments in existing neighborhoods and along existing corridors need to be compatible with and sympathetic to the surrounding context.

Strategic infill development that is compatible with the adjacent corridors and neighborhoods can enhance existing neighborhoods by infusing new commercial, employment, residential and recreation opportunities that help make more complete and vibrant places. New neighborhood parks, commercial amenities, trails and bike paths are all investments that can be incorporated into existing areas to increase the quality of life of residents. These redevelopment areas also offer the opportunity to create more inclusive and equitable spaces that accommodate residents of varying incomes, housing types, ages, and ability levels.

Through land use designations and zoning, the City can encourage an appropriate mixture of housing types and commercial developments that help to enhance existing areas and create new livable neighborhoods. New and revitalized neighborhoods should encourage active lifestyles with high levels of access to parks and integrated trail networks and offer a range of amenities attractive to residents of all ages. Revitalization of a neighborhood should account for and accommodate, to the degree possible, new and existing residents.

HNR 1: Promote a diversity of housing types to accommodate residents of various incomes, household sizes, lifestyles, ages, and levels of ability and mobility. (See also Community Character/ Design Policy #4; Future Land Use Policy #4; Equity Policy #5).

HNR 2: Preserve and enhance the value of Norman’s housing stock by encouraging reinvestment in and maintenance of the City’s existing neighborhoods. HNR 3: Protect and enhance the character of Norman’s neighborhoods by requiring compatible infill development, as well as compatible redevelopment in adjacent areas and corridors.

HNR 4: Promote the development of livable neighborhoods that encourages active lifestyles and provides a range of amenities. (See also Community Health and Recreation Policy #1).

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POLICIES

HNR 5: Promote access to parks and other public spaces in new development and redevelopment. (See also Community Health and Recreation Policy #1).

ACTIONS

2. Investigate a land bank fund and other strategies to purchase, renovate and preserve properties in areas undergoing rapid change.

6. Increase code compliance. 7. Improve or replace street lights in older neighborhoods as funds are available.

3. Investigate an ‘Early Warning System’ and other strategies for threats to affordable housing at risk of converting. 4. Create a housing renovation and weatherization fund. 5. Update Neighborhood Plans. Note: Steering Committee priority actions indicated with bold text.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

1. Create incentives in new developments to encourage a diverse range of housing options.

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ELEMENT 4: Transportation and Mobility (TM) ELEMENT GOAL: Create an integrated multimodal transportation network that offers a wide range of mobility choices and a high level of connectivity within the community and region.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

An integrated multimodal transportation network will provide Norman with new enhanced intra-and inter-city connections that will advance resident access and promote a more inclusive and equitable city.

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Transportation facilitates trade, travel, exchange, and provide social interaction. A city’s thoroughfare system forms one of the most visible and permanent elements of the community. It establishes the framework for community growth and development that, along with the land use, forms a statement for long-range public policy. This element discusses Norman’s current planning efforts to providing a balanced transportation system and examines methods to expand the system to offer further multiple choices to how people travel. Norman must also align PlanNorman land use goals with the Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) to effectively coordinate the City’s transportation infrastructure and planned land uses.

The CTP, which includes plans for the City’s bicycle, sidewalk, and transit networks, should align with the development pattern supported by the Neighborhood and Employment Types. Effective complete streets policies help communities routinely create safe and inviting road networks for everyone including bicyclists, drivers, transit users, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities. Complete streets initiatives consider all modes of travel during the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the roadway network. In addition, it would be beneficial for Norman to adopt complete streets guidelines and update its Engineering Design Criteria and Standards specifications. Norman’s streets should provide integrated street, trail, bicycle and sidewalk networks that accommodate pedestrians, bicycles, automobiles, and public transportation facilities. Traditionally urban roadways have performed multiple functions.

Mobility is one function, however economic and social functions are important as well. Focused efforts on vehicular mobility in the last century has resulted in a separation of transportation facilities from economic and social functions in corridors around the country. Roadways should be designed with context sensitive solutions in mind to promote vibrant and walkable communities. Context sensitive solutions include policies and concepts to transition the classification of a roadway depending upon the traffic volumes and relation to the adjacent land uses. Concepts may include the application of road diets and integration of pedestrian zones, intersection roundabouts, bike lanes, and on-street parking into the corridor design. Integration and implementation of these design strategies will promote a livable, walkable, and vibrant community.

TM 1: Provide integrated street, trail, bicycle and sidewalk networks that accommodate pedestrians, bicycles, automobiles, and public transportation facilities.

TM 3: Integrate regional, state and federal transportation efforts with adopted Comprehensive Transportation Plan and its implementation.

TM 2: Require and improve street, sidewalk, bicycle and trail connectivity and access between residential and nonresidential areas.

TM 4: Align PlanNoman land use goals with the Comprehensive Transportation Plan to effectively coordinate the City’s transportation infrastructure and planned land uses.

TM 5: Promote universal design that supports all needs and abilities in new infrastructure and facilities.

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POLICIES

TM 6: Actively work with the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) and neighboring municipalities to promote regional connectivity.

1. Establish and increase public options and funding for transportation projects. 2. Continue to actively participate in the development of commuter rail service in Norman while also investigating ways to provide enhanced transit service within Norman. 3. Adopt Complete Street Guidelines and establish funding sources. 4. Continue to implement trail, bike lane, sidepath, and bicycle/pedestrian crossing improvements identified in the Comprehensive Transportation Plan and Greenways Master Plan. 5. Investigate other transit options beyond CART’s current offerings that are more expansive, creative and flexible (look to Iowa City, Boulder, State College and Ithaca).

6. Updates to PlanNorman and the Comprehensive Transportation Plan should be coordinated to align and be compatible with each other. 7. Implement the ADA Transition Plan. 8. Update the City of Norman Engineering Design Criteria and Standards specifications to incorporate multimodal/ context sensitive cross-sections from the Comprehensive Transportation Plan. 9. Continue to implement context sensitive improvements and aesthetic enhancements to core Norman roadways, as identified in the Comprehensive Transportation Plan.

10. Continue to implement street improvements, identified in the Comprehensive Transportation Plan, in the area beyond the core of Norman that support the effective movement of vehicles around rather than through the core of Norman. 11. Continue to investigate ways to provide a modern, corridor-focused transit network that has enhanced frequency and hours of service and efficient connectivity to current and future regional transit services. 12. Continue to implement the Sidewalk Completion Plan.

Note: Steering Committee priority actions indicated with bold text.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

ACTIONS

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Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

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plan elements This theme supports Norman residents by supporting the community’s heritage, providing opportunities for civic engagement and encouraging active lifestyles. As a community, Norman needs to embrace diversity, support vibrant and creative ideas, and encourage and provide access to quality education. Norman strives to be an inclusive and equitable place, with diverse residents who can enrich the arts and culture environment, add to the skills base, and promote the overall health and well-being of all residents. The four Plan Elements that comprise the People theme are:

• Equity; • Community Health and Recreation; • Culture and Arts; and • Education.

These four elements work together to explore and describe opportunities and challenges that Norman faces in providing residents with an equitable and inclusive community. A culture that promotes progressive, vibrant, and creative ideas; encourages active lifestyles; promotes the quality of life of residents; and honors the community’s legacy are all highly desired values and components of a well-rounded community.

Norman’s evolution and growth provides opportunities for new investments in such things as art and culture, education, or civic facilities, which can enhance the quality of life of residents and improve opportunities for personal growth.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

PEOPLE: Healthy, Innovative, and Inclusive

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ELEMENT 5: Equity (EQ) ELEMENT GOAL: Promote fair and balanced access for all of Norman’s residents through increased collaboration, community engagement, outreach, community investments and distribution of resources and services.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Through the promotion of equitable and inclusive policies in all aspects of the community’s future, Norman can support all residents and be a leader in creating places that are attractive to people of all ages, races, genders, and incomes.

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Being an equitable city is about more than accepting people and providing options. Norman must work to provide services in a fair and efficient manner to all residents, support initiatives that increase the range of employment opportunities and provide a diverse workforce, and ensure that new development and design is accessible and accommodating to all residents regardless of ability.

Policies and programs need to acknowledge this diversity while also identifying meaningful ways to provide fair distribution of resources and services. Open communication and inclusive resident engagement, especially with groups traditionally underrepresented, can help to recognize ways that fair distribution of resources might occur. Communication also helps to identify programs that provide needed services to residents, such as resources that help families with affordable housing or increase access to healthy food options and medical services.

Investments in universal design should also be prioritized to ensure that residents of all abilities can safely navigate the streets and sidewalks and have access to all public facilities. An American with Disabilities Act (ADA) assessment and new design standards can help to achieve the goal of safe and accessible places. Additionally, as previously noted throughout this plan, support for diverse housing options also helps to create an equitable community by decreasing involuntary displacement and providing housing opportunities for residents of varied incomes, household sizes, and backgrounds.

EQ 1: Increase inclusive resident engagement especially with traditionally underrepresented groups through communication and collaboration with community groups, organizations, and neighborhoods. EQ 2: Continue to ensure fair, efficient, and strategic distribution of municipal resources and services.

EQ 3: Enhance existing and promote new initiatives and programs that provide needed services to residents. EQ 4: Support businesses and economic development initiatives that increase the range of employment opportunities which would support a diverse workforce.

EQ 5: Support the creation of a diverse range of housing types that serve residents of various incomes, household sizes, lifestyles, ages, and levels of ability and mobility throughout Norman’s neighborhoods. (See also Community Character/Design Policy #4; Future Land Use Policy #4; Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Policy #1).

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POLICIES

EQ 6: Ensure universal design and access for all ages and abilities in future development, public facilities and transportation investments.

1. Prioritize and coordinate City investments in and around transit corridors and work with developers to provide affordable housing near transportation stops (both regional and local). 2. Incentivize ‘zones’ for affordable multi-family development. 3. Develop a ‘scattered housing’ approach/program.

4. Create a tiered incentive system that awards points to developers who create affordable housing in well-connected and amenity rich areas.

7. Create a policy to address ‘walk and roll’ access requirements.

5. Support niche developments with affordable components (artists lofts, live/work spaces for young professionals, commuters, etc.). 6. Investigate amending the zoning ordinance to allow Acessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) in all neighborhoods. Note: Steering Committee priority actions indicated with bold text.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

ACTIONS

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ELEMENT 6: Community Health and Recreation (CHR) ELEMENT GOAL: Foster active and healthy living by providing a system of parks, trails, open spaces and recreational amenities; promoting wellness initiatives; and enhancing access to healthy goods and services.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Norman has a robust park system with 64 parks covering just under 1,200 total acres of parks and green space. By enhancing access and expanding opportunities for active and healthy living, Norman will continue to be a highly desirable community that promotes and achieves high levels of resident well-being.

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Active residents of all ages are the basis of a healthy and thriving community. Policies and programs that increase access to active transportation, parks and open space, recreation activities, healthy foods, and healthcare services all enhance overall community health and wellness. While Norman has a robust parks system, it suffers from access and connectivity issues.

Sidewalks in many areas throughout Norman are in poor shape and not suitable for residents with mobility issues, kids on bikes, or parents pushing strollers. Additionally, Norman lacks a connected trail system. The existing segments of the Legacy Trail are a good framework in which to build a more extensive interconnected trail system that will provide neighborhoods access to parks, open spaces, schools, and neighborhood services.

A healthy community provides more than just active recreation opportunities. Residents also benefit from and need easy access to affordable healthy food options. A strategy to achieve equitable food access is to identify where ‘food deserts’ exist and targeting these areas for the development of grocery stores, food co-ops, community gardens, or farmers markets, all of which can provide healthy and reasonably priced food options to Norman residents.

While it is not always feasible to provide sidewalk access to all amenities in dispersed areas, trail networks and multi-use paths that use drainage ways could be utilized to provide enhanced connections between parks, open spaces, schools and neighborhoods.

To be an equitable city, Norman should encourage access to affordable healthy food options within ¼- to ½-mile walking distance of all residents. This will help ensure that all residents, regardless of age, income, or mobility have access to foods that will help ensure a long and healthy future.

CHR 2: Ensure that all neighborhoods have convenient access to parks, open spaces, trails, schools, and neighborhood services. (See also Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Policy #4 and #5). CHR 3: Partner with community organizations to implement and expand health and wellness initiatives throughout the City. CHR 4: Increase access to health and wellness services through mobility improvements and investments.

CHR 5: Expand the community’s access to nutritious and affordable food by identifying appropriate locations for farmer’s markets, community gardens and grocery stores. CHR 6: Continue to require parkland dedication for new development through parkland dedication, fee in lieu or development of private parks, and secure sufficient resources to develop, maintain and operate the overall parks and recreation system. CHR 7: Continue investing in the development of the Legacy Trail to serve as a major spine connecting other trails, paths and parks in Norman.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

CHR 1: Make all of urban Norman walkable by providing sidewalks and multi-use paths.

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POLICIES

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ACTIONS 1. Analyze the current and projected Norman Forward locations and amenities of both city and neighborhood parks and recreation facilities to determine the extent to which they provide equitable access (geography, transportation, ADA, age-appropriate, etc.) and varied opportunities (structured and unstructured, water feature, community garden, sports and fitness facilities, etc.). 2. Coordinate private and public (city, county, state, federal) health and recreation resources to identify current and projected gaps in capacity to meet residents’ needs.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

3. Identify and promote free health, wellness, and recreation programs broadly to all community members.

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4. Encourage connections to sidewalks and trail systems. 5. Work with developers to enhance connectivity between parks and neighborhoods in new developments and redevelopments. 6. Explore upgrading recreation center facilities and funding and construction of a new City Recreation Center.

7. Partner with Cleveland County to develop a Public Health Plan Strategy. 8. Create a menu of park and recreation amenities that residents can request to have added to their local parks. 9. Conduct park amenities (neighborhood) surveys every 5 years to continually evaluate if new or different amenities would be supported or desired by residents. 10. Work with developers to identify potential future park sites early in application and permitting process to help preserve natural spaces and retain unique site topography. 11. Create standards for drainage way parks. 12. Explore a ‘health’ fund to help neighborhoods develop and support community gardening. 13. Partner with local institutions, such as hospitals and schools, to offer free health and wellbeing courses. 14. Create a street design guide that accommodates addition of trees to create tree-lined street canopies.

Note: Steering Committee priority actions indicated with bold text.

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Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

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plan elements Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update 2.22

ELEMENT 7: Culture and Arts (CA) ELEMENT GOAL: Support, celebrate, and provide opportunities to engage in Norman’s artistic and cultural assets, identity and diversity. Norman has a diversity of arts, culture and educational assets. Whether through continued collaboration or new policies, a critical component in the community’s future is the continued advancement of an artistic and cultural identity.

Norman is known as the ‘City of Festivals’ offering residents a variety of family fun activities throughout the year. These events also attract many out of town visitors and are an economic asset to the community.

Downtown offers multiple venues within a short walk of the adjacent neighborhoods including art centers, museums, libraries, galleries, and live performance theaters. Additionally, the university campus has many sculptures and historic and architecturally interesting buildings in addition to live performance venues, galleries and museums, including the Sam Noble Museum and the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. All of these spaces provide areas where residents can engage and enrich their lives.

As Norman’s population changes and grows, it is important for the City to continue to invest in public art and cultural facilities. Norman residents already have expressed a need for an additional outdoor venue space that can accommodate the large crowds and diverse needs of Norman’s artistic community, festivals, and events. The City’s existing Legacy Park venue, opened in September 2015, helps to serve as an outdoor facility and large venue space however, as the City grows, additional large outdoor spaces that can accommodate the community will be an important consideration.

Investment in spaces, facilities, and supportive infrastructure that enable the continuation and expansion of these events should be a priority in the future. Investment in this type of infrastructure also provides an opportunity to work with non-profits, other municipalities, and the tribal governments to develop and support events, that the new venue could host. Strategic partnerships and collaborations with groups, such as the University of Oklahoma and the Norman Public Arts Board, can further help Norman identify continued needs and funding sources for the advancement of arts and cultural investments.

CA 1: Continue to collaborate with OU, community organizations and institutions to support Norman’s unique artistic and cultural character. CA 2: Promote existing and new festivals and events that foster community pride and support Norman’s economic development.

CA 4: Continue City investment in and support of public art. CA 5: Collaborate with neighboring municipalities to develop and support events and programs that celebrate the region’s history and traditions.

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POLICIES

CA 3: Invest in spaces, facilities, and supportive infrastructure that enable the continuation and expansion of Norman’s artistic community, festivals, and events.

1. Explore expanding the Percent for Art Program to include all future infrastructure improvement projects (including new parks and city buildings). (Tulsa, OKC, and Enid have programs that can be looked at for guidance.) 2. Continue to coordinate with the Norman Public Arts Board to encourage more art in public facilities and incorporated into public infrastructure projects.

3. Identify and protect potential lands to be used for festivals or other large venue space activities. 4. Explore funding options for a new community arts center.

Note: Steering Committee priority actions indicated with bold text.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

ACTIONS

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ELEMENT 8: Education (EDU) ELEMENT GOAL: Strengthen and foster Norman’s partnerships between the University, other institutions and the community to provide a unique and diverse range of opportunities for lifelong learning, creativity and innovation. By fostering new and continued partnerships and policies to enhance accessibility or pursuits in innovation, Norman will continue to improve access to higher education and lifelong learning opportunities for all residents.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Norman boasts good schools and a high level of educational attainment among residents – 43% of residents aged 25 years and older hold a bachelor’s degree or higher and only 7% of residents over 18 years do not have a high school diploma.

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In addition to the local school systems, Norman also is home to OU, a well-respected institution for higher learning that undoubtedly adds to the culture and innovation present in Norman today. By capitalizing on this relationship, and also other innovative partners like the Moore Norman Technology Center, Norman has the opportunity to attract and foster new technology and diverse businesses.

As a cherished asset for Norman, continued open lines of communication between the City of Norman staff and OU officials is critical. With the rapid expansion of the University, it is important that City staff remain apprised of OU’s growth conversations and the impact any construction plans will have on the surrounding neighborhoods. Further, a strong partnership could allow for the development of new lifelong learning opportunities for residents.

POLICIES EDU 1: Continue to partner with the University of Oklahoma, Moore Norman Technology Center and other institutions to advance pursuits in innovation, higher education, lifelong learning opportunities, and community outreach efforts.

EDU 2: Capitalize on the educated workforce and the innovative initiatives of the University of Oklahoma to attract and foster new technology and other businesses. (See also Economic Development Policy #4). EDU 3: Promote safe walking and biking access to schools for all ages and ability levels by collaborating with school districts and institutions.

EDU 4: Enhance access to educational opportunities for vulnerable populations and underrepresented residents by partnering with school districts and institutions.

1. Support the expansion of enrichment programs for education to enable opportunities for lifelong learning. 2. Coordinate with public school systems and other educational institutions to identify future sites for facilities.

SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL Norman has five school districts that serve its residents. Continued collaboration with each of the five districts is important so that it can ensure safe walking and bike access to schools for all the children that live in Norman. A safe and complete sidewalk network, multi-use trails through neighborhoods, and protected bike lanes on routes leading to schools are just a few of the ways the City can create safe access to school.

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ACTIONS

3. Support the development of quality public and private early childhood education opportunities.

Note: Steering Committee priority actions indicated with bold text.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

4. Conduct a sidewalk infrastructure access report around schools to determine future sidewalk upgrades which coordinate with the ‘Safe Routes to School’ program.

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Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

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plan elements This theme supports Norman residents by identifying ways Norman can be strategic and proactive in planning the support systems necessary for sustainable change and growth. Norman strives to be a well-balanced and prosperous and diverse community, that utilizes innovation and adaptive and intelligent infrastructure to be good environmental stewards who are prepared for unforeseen challenges (such as economic crises or weather-related catastrophes). The four Plan Elements that comprise the Systems theme are:

• Sustainability; • Resiliency; • Municipal Services; and • Economic Development.

These four elements work together to explore and describe opportunities and challenges that Norman faces in creating and fostering policies and programs that are resilient to external forces, adaptable and respectful of the natural environment.

Norman’s change and growth provides opportunities to re-evaluate City systems and practices and come up with better, more resilient and sustainable techniques and policies.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

SYSTEMS: Sustainable and Resilient

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ELEMENT 9: Sustainability (SUS) ELEMENT GOAL: Foster a sustainable community by protecting the environment, utilizing sustainable infrastructure, and responsibly using water and other natural resources.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

The widely accepted definition of sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In recent decades, the concept of sustainability has evolved from discussions on environmental policies and practices to discussions on environmental, economic, and social equity policies and practices (otherwise known as the Triple Bottom Line framework).

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The impact of development on the environment can be positive or negative – development can enhance environmental features for the better or it can take away from the natural environment. There is a wealth of natural resources in Norman that warrant environmental sustainability practices, such as Lake Thunderbird and the Canadian River. Sustainable practices will ensure these resources are maintained as Norman continues to grow and develop.

A sustainable community:

The discussion of environmental sustainability occurs at two levels:

• Utilizes land development methods that

• Area level sustainability explores methods

minimize impacts to the natural environment (Environmental Sustainability);

• Uses its resources and assets to provide

long-term economic benefits (Economic Sustainability); and

• Seeks to provide benefits, opportunities and services to all members of the community (Social Equity).

The following will focus on Norman’s goal for environmental sustainability and will discuss the ways in which Norman currently seeks to incorporate environmentally sustainable development practices and explore methods to address the plan goal and policies to expand upon its efforts.

to design the human habitat with minimal impact and depletion of natural resources within a large geographic area. This level of discussion considers the location of citywide development and infrastructure, and how these elements fit within the environment.

• Parcel level sustainability considers the

environmental and ecological impacts of individual buildings and sites. A sustainable building or site is one in which the design, construction, operations, maintenance, and deconstruction are performed in ways that promote energy, water, and material efficiencies while providing healthy, productive, and comfortable environments for current and future occupants.

Norman’s new development and redevelopment efforts must encourage the integration of sustainable design practices, especially in the floodplain and natural areas. Both land use and Low Impact Development (LID) policies can be used to achieve better, more sustainable planning. LID is a development and engineering design approach intended to maintain the pre-development hydrology of an area even after the area has developed. In the natural environment, most water is absorbed into the ground when it rains; the water then flows into aquifers, creeks, rivers, and lakes. Development often interferes with this process. For example, traditional paving and rooftops prevent water from being absorbed, which results in runoff that contributes to flooding, soil erosion, water pollution, and depleted aquifers. Pervious paving materials, green roofs and water catchment systems can help combat these issues.

Permeable concrete and pavers; Green roofs; Rain Garden/Bioretention; Disconnected paving surfaces; Vegetated Bioswales; Rainwater Harvesting; and Preserved open space and drainage-ways throughout developments.

Norman’s Storm Water Manual contains voluntary LID standards for stormwater infrastructure. This is an important first step to introducing the development community to more sustainable methods of stormwater infrastructure design. Through incentivization and/or regulation LID infrastructure could be more prevalent throughout the community. Norman can also help to achieve sustainable outcomes by supporting green design and construction standards. The term “green building” describes a way in which buildings and sites can be constructed and utilized to be more environmentally friendly on various levels, including energy conservation, water usage, and building materials.

As green building practices have evolved, the standards and rating criteria have extended beyond the project site to surrounding neighborhoods and supportive infrastructure. LEED certification can now be achieved at the building level, site level, and neighborhood level. The Envision rating system is a similar evaluation tool that evaluates the sustainability of infrastructure projects, such as pipeline extensions, roadways, wastewater treatment facilities, and water reclamation facilities. Green building standards have been adopted by many municipalities, school districts, and commercial developers to enhance community sustainability.

Norman has incorporated a number of sustainable practices in current regulations, plans, and initiatives.

• The landscape ordinance includes low water plants as approved plant material.

• The Community Forest Management Plan

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• • • • • • •

A variety of green rating systems and initiatives are in existence today – such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), Sustainable Sites, and Passive House. Green building standards generally fall into two categories: design/construction or operations/maintenance. Green design/ construction standards are typically concerned with the way development design elements and construction methods impact the natural environment. Green operations/maintenance are typically concerned with the long-term performance of the development and its consumption of natural resources.

includes guidelines on tree removal and maintenance to protect existing trees.

• The Building Code includes 2006

International Energy Conservation Code for commercial structures and a modified 2009 code for residential uses.

• In addition, the City is working to reinforce its technology infrastructure with energy saving methods.

Sustainable practices can be expanded through the continued renovation of existing facilities to increase energy and water efficiencies. Additionally, Norman should evaluate the use of rating systems, such as LEED for buildings or Envision for infrastructure, as a tool to drive both innovation and the incorporation of sustainable design practices in development projects. Water quality and supply become increasingly important as a community grows and develops. In order to continue to meet the needs of Norman’s expected change and growth, as well as support businesses, jobs, and economic prosperity, a reliable water supply is critical. This water supply must be reliable in terms of both the quantity of water available and the quality of this available water.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

The following design elements are examples of LID strategies that can be integrated into developments to make them more compatible with the natural environment:

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plan elements Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update 2.30

Norman currently has two major water supply sources which include Lake Thunderbird and a series of municipal groundwater wells. In 2014, Norman developed the 2060 Strategic Water Supply Plan (SWSP) to identify the long-term supply availability of both Lake Thunderbird and the City’s groundwater sources, and to outline a portfolio of projects to supply water to the growing population. In addition to providing an adequate supply of water to Norman residents, the quality of the source water needs to be considered. in 2008, Lake Thunderbird was listed as impaired by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) was established in 2013. This requires Norman to reduce the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment being discharged to Lake Thunderbird in stormwater run-off. To address water quality issues, Norman has developed Compliance and Monitoring Plans which describe the efforts to be undertaken to reduce the amounts of these pollutants through public education and other methods.

plan elements In 2003, the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality adopted stormwater regulations that required cities with urbanized areas to comply with specific stormwater permitting standards. A number of communities are using LID strategies to meet these standards. Smaller cities such as Bixby, Grove, Stillwater, Midwest City, Salpulpa, Edmond, and Norman have projects which integrate bioretention, cisterns, and permeable pavers.

These cities serve as examples of low impact development in action. Oklahoma City and Tulsa are also encouraging and utilizing LID methods. The projects in these two cities range from bioswales and cisterns to green roofs and stormwater wetlands. These cities promote LID as one way for property owners to maintain stream health and water quality standards.

As an additional level of encouragement, the City of Tulsa recognizes businesses and developments that implement and maintain one or more of the elements on its desirable LID features list.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

LID PR ACTICE IN OKL AHOMA

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Norman has adopted a Water Quality Protection Zone Ordinance. This ordinance identifies vegetated strips of land that lie along streams, Lake Thunderbird and its adjacent wetlands, floodplains, or slopes; and establishes standards for land uses and development within these areas. The continued implementation of the SWSP, TMDL Compliance and Monitoring plans, and enforcement of Water Quality Protection Zone Ordinance will ensure that Norman effectively maintains a reliable water supply into the future.

POLICIES SUS 1: Identify opportunities to implement more efficient energy and water use, onsite energy generation, and water collection at city facilities and properties. SUS 2: Develop and support programs that enable Norman residents and businesses to more efficiently use water and energy, generate onsite energy, and harvest and reuse rainwater.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

SUS 3: Encourage the integration of sustainable design practices in new development and redevelopment efforts.

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SUS 4: Strengthen the collaborative relationship with neighboring municipalities as well as regional, state, and federal environmental agencies to protect Norman’s waterways and Lake Thunderbird. SUS 5: Protect Norman’s floodplain and natural areas through land use policies and Low Impact Development (LID) policies. SUS 6: Ensure PlanNorman and other policies align with the City’s 2060 Strategic Water Supply Plan.

2. Establish a funding source and programs to improve stormwater quality in Norman with particular attention paid to the Lake Thunderbird watershed.

to make them more energy efficient. 8. Consider utilizing Envision principles for infrastructure projects and LEED principles for City building projects. 9. Encourage “Oklahoma Proven” plant materials for new development and City projects.

3. Consider training for City staff on Envision rating system and other programs and tools for sustainable infrastructure design.

10. Establish tree replacement requirements to help preserve the urban tree canopy.

4. Implement recommendations of Strategic Water Supply Plan.

11. Continue the Greenbelt fund to provide incentives for conservation easements.

5. Develop incentives for new construction and redevelopment for energy efficiencies and sustainable designs that reduce the carbon footprint. 6. Consider ways to encourage more widespread use of Low Impact Development standards in the total context of development including the following: water; energy; smart systems; and design approaches.

12. Continue to encourage public access along utility easements. 13. Continue funding renovations in existing City facilities that increase energy efficiency. 14. Continue to pursue virtualization technology and outsourcing data storage to continue energy saving methods.

7. Continue to provide funding for renovations of existing city facilities Note: Steering Committee priority actions indicated with bold text.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

1. Conduct a comprehensive energy audit for all existing city facilities.

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ACTIONS

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ELEMENT 10: Resiliency (RES) ELEMENT GOAL: Enhance the community’s ability to adapt to and recover from economic crisis, natural and manmade disasters, climate variability, or other adversity.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Resiliency is defined as the ability of a community to respond to and recover from adversity. Some disasters, such as extreme weather, are generally expected to occur and are routinely planned for. However, in today’s world, communities must be prepared for a much larger range of scenarios including manmade disasters, hacking and cybersecurity breaches, and economic instability. Following is an assessment of Norman’s current level of preparedness and discussion on methods to further ensure that it can quickly recover from negative turns of events.

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Emergency preparedness, whether for tornadoes, flooding, drought, or inclement weather is an important function of any community. While the City cannot prevent natural events from happening in Norman, it does have the ability to ensure that people and structures are not put in unnecessary danger. Additionally, emergency preparedness means that there will be minimal delay or interruption in City services after an event. Through codes and ordinances, the City can play a role in “disaster-proofing” the community.

Norman has regulations and plans in place to address various types of disaster scenarios. To prevent potential flooding, Norman has a Flood Hazard Ordinance that includes development and land use standards for identified flood prone areas. Norman’s Debris Management Plan outlines the plan for roadway debris collection, removal, and disposal after an event. The City includes strategies in the Water Conservation Plan for water supply protection in the event of drought or waterline breaches. A risk assessment has been completed to evaluate and further protect Norman’s water and wastewater treatment facilities. Additionally, the City has a centralized Emergency Operations Center.

Additional strategies that could help minimize the impact of natural disasters include:

• Periodically review and update building

codes relating to storm/earthquake/ fire-resistant designs to minimize damage when an event occurs;

• Review and revise landscape standards to incorporate fire-resistant vegetation;

• Require and issue permits for residential storm shelters; and

• Educate citizens on evacuation and/or shelter procedures.

Computers and telecommunications play a significant role in daily life; often in ways that are not realized until there is a crisis. Today, almost every function of city operations and management is somehow connected to a computerized system. The functionality and security of this system and its related information are vital to public safety and community resiliency.

Cybersecurity refers to the protection of Norman’s technology infrastructure as well as its related data and information. While cybersecurity is most associated with the prevention of hacking, it also includes the physical safety and maintenance of the computers, antennas, servers, and cables that keep Norman online. The safety of electrical grids, power and water treatment plants, dams, and pipelines is paramount. However, there are other elements of city operations that are less apparent but equally as critical: emergency dispatch communications, City personnel information, police records, and billing/ utility information of residents.

A community’s capability to respond to and recover from disasters is not easily measured, and the successful response to past disasters is not a guarantee for success in the future. The way communities prepare for disasters has a direct impact on the ability to respond and recover. The focus of this emergency operations and management assessment is on key plans and other documents provided by public officials from the City of Norman and the Cleveland County Health Department. A complete review of existing key plans and documents, as well as recommendations and an Emergency Operations Management Assessment can be found in the Appendix.

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Constant upgrades of security software and routine training of cybersecurity trends, threats, and best practices for all City employees are effective methods to safeguard Norman’s network and data.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Norman’s technology infrastructure consists of a hardware network that provides citywide connectivity to computerized data and information. To ensure constant functionality of this network, the City is engaged in an initiative to loop technology infrastructure. Looping infrastructure will reduce system outages and interruptions.

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POLICIES RES 1: Develop, coordinate and implement risk management practices and Emergency Operations Management Plans.

RES 6: Collaborate with businesses, institutions and economic partners to diversify Norman’s employment opportunities.

RES 2: Integrate risk management practices into capital improvement and development decisions.

RES 7: Continue to coordinate with regional, state and federal agencies, as well as neighboring jurisdictions, to regularly update emergency preparedness and recovery plans for catastrophic events.

RES 3: Continue to update and maintain Norman’s emergency communication and emergency management plans and procedures.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

RES 4: Update the City’s emergency plans to account for the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events.

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RES 5: Maintain capital reserves to ensure that public finances and sufficient levels of public investment are maintained through economic downturns.

RES 8: Adopt development and building standards to better withstand environmental changes, including wildfires, droughts, ice storms, and earthquakes.

2. Complete the update of the Emergency Operations Plan based on the Comprehensive Preparedness Guide – Version 2.0 guidelines. 3. Conduct/update capability assessment and gap analysis to keep emergency management plans current. 4. Identify new hazards/emergencies that have occurred or pose a threat and update the Hazard Mitigation Plan and Emergency Operations Plan accordingly. Examples of new hazards/emergencies include:

• • • • • • • • • • •

5. Pursue partnerships to acquire a secondary internet service provider connection in order to reduce internet service interruptions for municipal services. 6. Adopt a regional incident management plan with neighboring municipalities and ODOT for the I- 35 corridor. 7. Continue community outreach and education for preparing for disasters and sheltering in place for certain conditions. 8. Continue to build the Storm Shelter Registration program so that it is a searchable database for responders.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

1. Update Hazard Mitigation Plan every five (5) years.

Tornados/Wind; Flood; Drought; Earthquakes; Ice/Snow Storms; Wildfire; Hazardous Material Spills; Explosion/Fire; Transportation Accidents; Building /Structure Collapse; Utility/Technology Interruption or Failure; and

• Terrorism (including Cyber).

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ACTIONS

Note: Steering Committee priority actions indicated with bold text.

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ELEMENT 11: Municipal Services (MUN) ELEMENT GOAL: Ensure that the provision of infrastructure and public services meet Norman’s forecasted growth in a fair, efficient, and cost-effective manner.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Planning for and providing infrastructure and services is one of the most important responsibilities of a municipality. Residents need to be secure in the knowledge that they can rely on their local government to ensure an adequate and safe water supply and wastewater service for current populations and that proper plans are developed to provide for future growth. Additionally, residents look to Norman to ensure basic services (such as protection, sanitation, and infrastructure) continue to support the population as it grows.

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The Norman Utilities Authority (NUA) on behalf of the City of Norman provides water treatment and distribution, and wastewater collection, treatment and reuse for its customers. Numerous detailed technical studies can be used to analyze the current and future needs for Norman in each of these areas.

This infrastructure assessment is intended to provide a broad overview of Norman’s water and wastewater infrastructure systems and assess general recommendations for future system infrastructure planning, operations and maintenance, and extension of services to support growth. Recommendations from this assessment include:

• Water System: Continued monitoring of the

current water system should be conducted to ensure system equipment (distribution lines, valves, etc.) is maintained and/or expanded as Norman develops and ages. It would also benefit the City to adopt a monthly water maintenance fee for water line rehabilitation and maintenance.

• Wastewater System: The City should

consider updating the Wastewater Master Plan, to identify and prioritize collection system and/or treatment infrastructure projects as well as to integrate the projected growth pattern reflected in the updated land use approach. In addition, continuation of the sewer replacement/rehabilitation program would be beneficial. A sanitary sewer evaluation survey (SSES) may enhance this program and further inform prioritization of line and manhole rehabilitation.

A complete Water and Wastewater ‘Existing Systems Characteristics’ analysis and full assessment can be found in the Appendix. Citywide water/wastewater master planning is the most effective tool to assess, plan, and prioritize large scale system improvements. Additionally, utilities within an area associated with a specific development project can be evaluated on a case by case basis through the City’s development review process. The provision of city facilities and services is a primary quality of life indicator and key function of local government. Facilities and services that meet or exceed expectations greatly influence the desirability of a community. Planning for future growth and development requires Norman to plan for items such as future emergency service personnel, library facilities, computer and technical equipment, and waste disposal provisions to adequately meet the needs of future residents. Over the next 25 years, Norman should provide additional public facilities and services (including fire, police, libraries, etc.) as necessary to maintain current high levels of service.

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Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

plan elements

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POLICIES MUN 1: Provide additional public facilities and services (including fire, police, libraries, etc.) as necessary to maintain current high levels of service as Norman continues to grow and redevelop.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

MUN 2: Provide the infrastructure necessary for Norman’s continued growth and implement the City’s water, wastewater, and stormwater master plans by identifying stable, reliable sources of funding.

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MUN 3: Develop and implement an ongoing public information and education program to increase awareness about proactive investment in municipal infrastructure. MUN 4: Direct urban growth to locations that leverage economic efficiencies and cost savings from existing public facilities. MUN 5: Ensure optimal utilization of existing utilities, infrastructure and support services.

6. Update water and wastewater master plans after PlanNorman adoption.

2. Develop a Telecommunications Master Plan with regulations and guidelines on wireless technologies.

7. Develop two fire stations to serve growth in the southern and northeastern edges of the City to preserve or increase ISO rating.

3. Collaborate with OU, Independent School Districts, and neighboring entities to share technology infrastructure.

8. Establish a process/system to manage utility franchise operations within City rights-of-way (tree removal, placement of utilities).

4. Conduct study for all City fees every five years.

9. Continue to pursue 100% central computerized traffic signalization system.

5. Establish a fee to maintain water lines similar to the wastewater maintenance fee.

10. Implement projects as identified and prioritized in the Library Master Plan. 11. Update and maintain City offices and facilities as the community grows.

Note: Steering Committee priority actions indicated with bold text.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

1. Continue to extend technology infrastructure to keep up with City needs and demands.

plan elements

ACTIONS

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plan elements

ELEMENT 12: Economic Development (ECD) ELEMENT GOAL: Improve quality of life for Norman residents and promote economic sustainability by providing an environment that supports existing businesses, new employers and expanded employment opportunities.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Norman has a strong economy as well as strong growth opportunities. It is therefore important for the City to support its existing local employers and small businesses, as well as existing growth sectors, while also attracting new business to grow and diversify its employment base.

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Norman’s economy is driven by healthcare, education, retail, and accommodation. These sectors account for over half of Norman’s jobs, as well as over 50% of recent employment growth in the City. While attracting new employers is an important economic development goal, this should not be done to the detriment of existing businesses. Small and local business growth is most likely to take place in Downtown and other Commercial Center employment areas, and support for these businesses should be focused there. The Norman Economic Development Coalition (NEDC) has identified target growth industries, which include aerospace, weather, advanced manufacturing, IT, and business services.

Growth and development in these industries should be encouraged, and is likely to take place at the OU Research Campus, as well as in Research &Development/Technology (R&D/Tech) and Business/Industrial growth areas. Norman is a hub for innovation, and continuing to capitalize on the City’s educated workforce to attract high tech and other innovative industries is a central piece of economic development plans. Employers want and need to be where they have access to a talented and well-educated workforce, and new, entrepreneurial companies need to be nurtured and supported. Norman is uniquely set up to provide these supports, through the University of Oklahoma (OU) and the NEDC. OU is a key asset to the City, with the presence of the University and its Research Campus allowing Norman to play a distinct role in the region. Continuing to prioritize targeted industries to take advantage of this asset will strengthen economic development in the City.

In addition to OU, development of “innovation” businesses will be focused in R&D/Tech employment growth areas. Supporting the development of facilities in these locations will help attract the industries and businesses that will allow Norman to become an innovation hub of the South-Central Plains. Healthcare and Education are also core pieces of Norman’s economy. Norman Regional Health is a major employer, with approximately 3,000 employees, and healthcare employment is a large and growing share of citywide employment. The City’s health resources make it a healthcare destination regionally. It is important for Norman to support plans for growth and development in healthcare to ensure it continues to be a core part of the City’s economy into the future. OU employs approximately 12,000 people, and is a center for research and innovation. While the education sector is not growing in the same way as healthcare, it is a stable piece of the City’s economy and should be similarly supported. In addition to employment, OU provides an educated workforce that makes Norman attractive for business and development.

The economic landscape is changing rapidly, both locally and nationally, and it will be important for Norman to anticipate trends, be proactive in responding to changes, and take advantage of positive developments. This is especially critical for retail, one of Norman’s most important employment and economic sectors. The retail sector is a major contributor to the vitality of downtown, as well as other areas in the community. It is also a primary funding source for the City through sales taxes, with sales tax revenue accounting for 57% of general fund revenues. Changes in the retail industry, both nationally and locally, have the potential to impact the vitality of the city and its fiscal health.

These trends have manifested themselves locally with freestanding big box and anchor store closures –particularly along Ed Noble Parkway. While grocery anchored centers have so far fared better, the growth of internet based food delivery from Amazon Fresh, Instacart, Blue Apron, and other emerging enterprises may change this as well. The retail industry is certainly not dead however; it continues to change and evolve, albeit at a more rapid pace. The millennial generation is behind the continued growth of restaurants, breweries, and a wide range of other entertainment based venues. Boomers are also spending more of their income on travel, leisure, entertainment, and dining out. And while retail store sizes are shrinking, internet based companies are seeking space in retail centers for “showrooming” and for retail pickups and returns. As a retail center in the region, it

is important that Norman is proactive in responding to these trends to ensure that retail continues to be a positive piece of the City’s economic character. There are two key themes to economic development in Norman:

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Nationally, the retail industry has shifted greatly over the last 15 years, impacted by the growth of internet sales and related declines in brick and mortar store sales, retail chain consolidations, and changing demographic shifts and preferences. Collectively, these trends are impacting store sizes and reducing the overall demand for new retail space locally and nationally.

• Supporting and enhancing existing businesses and assets, and

• Capitalizing on Norman’s resources to attract new development.

Pursuing these concurrently, and not addressing one to the detriment of the other, will allow for the strongest economic growth and development in the City. The economic development goals contained in this plan will be achieved through targeted policies and support of other organizations and key sectors in the City. Continued collaboration with and support of OU will be central to future development. Aligning zoning and land use with desired economic development goals, particularly for support of existing small and local businesses and attraction of new, large employers, will also be important steps to take.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Norman also has an asset in the Moore Norman Technology Center. This Center prepares high school and adult students through experiential learning and hands-on training to ready them for technical and skilled jobs. Moore Norman Technology Center also provides professional business consultation and training to area companies as well as providing a Business Development Center on campus to help entrepreneurs in the early phases of building a business.

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POLICIES ECD 1: Continue to work collaboratively to support local employers, attract new business, and grow and diversify the employment base through NEDC and other business development organizations.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

ECD 2: Protect and increase employment opportunities by supporting the local business community and individual small businesses by working with Chambers of Commerce and other business development organizations.

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ECD 3: Work collaboratively with the University of Oklahoma and its Research Campus on technology transfer and commercialization of university related research and to attract private businesses and industries with a desire to collaborate with University research capabilities. ECD 4: Support the development of facilities in select locations throughout Norman, including OU Research Campus, that will help attract high tech and other innovative industries, entrepreneur startups, incubators, etc., making Norman an innovation hub of the South-Central Plains. (See also Education Policy #2).

1. Partner with NEDC to craft an economic development strategy to identify and validate target industries for the City and to formulate economic development goals and strategies for the next 5-10 years.

plan elements

ACTIONS

2. Confirm/validate that larger scale industry and large office users (for which there is currently a lack of adequate sites) are not target industries for the City. 3. Develop public infrastructure as a way to attract industry.

5. Study the effect of the internet on sales tax and investigate uses that are less retail and more experience driven. 6. Investigate how to support the commercialization of the research being conducted at OU and other organizations in order to expand business in Norman. 7. Support local businesses.

Note: Steering Committee priority actions indicated with bold text.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

4. Continue to work on public/private parking solutions in central Norman.

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3

Growth Management Framework The Vision and Guiding Principles presented in Section One set the approach to guide the future of Norman. This section provides more specific guidance on how to achieve the vision and presents a framework for enhancing the best qualities that Norman offers today, managing future change and growth, and ensuring the creation of unique and amenity rich places. The Growth Management Framework presented identifies areas of Norman where future growth should be concentrated and also helps to define the form that growth will take and how it should benefit the larger Norman community. Many of the areas identified may not experience a notable increase in population growth, however over time they will evolve to become more diverse, inclusive, and complete. Each area’s degree of change will differ and will be reflective of the needs of the surrounding community. The following provides a further overview of the framework, includes an update to the Norman 2025 growth direction and boundaries, introduces the concept of Neighborhood and Employment Types, and provides a new approach to land use planning that is more flexible, context sensitive and inclusive of mobility needs, supporting amenities and urban design.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

3

SECTION THREE

3.1

growth management framework Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update 3.2

Through the previous Norman 2025 planning effort a map was produced to help guide appropriate growth. This map identified areas where ‘Very Low’, ‘Low’, ‘Medium’, and ‘High’ density residential was permissible. While the concept applied in Norman 2025 and its predecessors helped developers determine the density of neighborhoods and development suitable to different areas of Norman, the framework provided limited parameters to define the form or additional uses that should be included in new developments. As a result, many residential developments were created and built with limited considerations for supportive amenities, adjacent uses, or impact on the natural environment. Therefore, many residents in Norman live in “incomplete” neighborhoods, neighborhoods with inadequate or no supportive amenities that are disconnected from the City’s fabric, with limited access to commercial or retail amenities, places to walk to, public transportation options, or bicycle facilities. The Neighborhood Types presented later in this section were intentionally crafted to help establish a more complete pattern of development that better addresses the vision and goals of the Norman community.

1. The Preferred Growth Direction Map (see page 3.7) – This tool redefines the urban growth boundary established in the Norman 2025 document. Additionally, it identifies areas in Norman where future residential, commercial and employment focused development will be permitted and encouraged. 2. Neighborhood and Employment Types (see page 3.9 and 3.33) – This tool adds further nuance to the Preferred Growth Direction by defining appropriate development types and desirable densities in each of the neighborhood and employment areas. 3. Land Use Chart (see page 3.44) – This tool defines appropriate land uses in each of the neighborhood and employment areas. Instead of being parcel based, this updated approach provides a set of parameters and conditions that provide guidance on appropriate locations and design considerations in each of the neighborhood and employment areas. Together these foundational elements provide a set of tools and guidance that the City, residents, developers, and businesses will use to guide future change and growth in Norman. The following pages highlight and explore each of these foundational components and expand on their role in helping Norman to manage future growth and change.

growth management framework

The Growth Management Framework is comprised of three tools:

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Tools to Manage Change and Growth

3.3

growth management framework Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update 3.4

Preferred Growth Direction Based on the estimates provided by the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) for the Oklahoma City metropolitan region, Norman is projected to add 52,444 people and 21,445 jobs by 2040. While Norman has plenty of land available to add housing to accommodate this increase, a strategic approach will ensure that the resulting development and new housing units do not continue a trend of geographic expansion that increases development pressure on Norman’s rural lands, places new pressures on the Lake Thunderbird watershed, and contributes to increased demands on existing infrastructure and challenges Norman’s unique character and identity. Of the 23,333 new housing units anticipated, 7,133 units have already been planned for and platted. The remaining 16,200 housing units provide Norman with an opportunity to direct and guide where change and development will occur, including identifying areas for future housing, commercial development and employment growth. The Preferred Growth Direction Map (refer to Figure 3 on page 3.7) identifies an expanded area to focus growth that balances the need for new housing with the community’s desire to preserve and protect natural and rural lands. It was informed by the Current and Future Urban Service Areas identified in the Norman 2025 Plan and further refined with input from the community, PlanNorman Steering Committee, City of Norman staff, Planning Commission and City Council.

Key elements incorporated into the Preferred Growth Direction based on feedback received include: • Greenfield development is focused to north and east Norman; • Employment growth areas are identified and distributed throughout central Norman with considerations for highway access; • East Norman growth largely held to areas west of 48th Avenue East except for in south Norman where low density residential estate growth is permitted out to 60th Avenue East; • Additional development and growth is limited around watershed tributaries to protect the Little River, Rock Creek and Dave Blue Creek; • Rural development in East Norman (generally east of 48th Avenue East) and area around Lake Thunderbird remains unchanged; • Community Separator is superseded by Water Quality Protection Zone (WQPZ); and • Ten Mile Flats preserved.

growth management framework Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update The Lindsey Street Project is transforming West Lindsey into a complete street that will better connect west and east Norman.

3.5

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

growth management framework

T E N M I L E F L AT S C O N S E R V AT I O N A R E A

3.6

The Ten Mile flat watershed is located at the far western end of the City of Norman and is considerably different in character from the other watersheds in the City. The terrain in the watershed is very flat and much of the total area is effectively located in either the 100-year or 500-year floodplain of the Canadian River. Overflows along 60th Avenue NW and Tecumseh Road also have a significant impact on the watershed. Because of these characteristics, both the Norman 2020 and the 2025 Land Use and Transportation Plans designated this area as floodplain and the 2025 Plan updated it to the Ten Mile Flat Conservation Area with 20-acre lot minimums. A new FEMA study of this area is underway but the outcome is uncertain at this time.

The following map (Figure 3) depicts the urban planned development area and rural area boundaries. The urban planned development area is comprised of both infill and greenfield opportunities. Infill sites are areas that already contain development, but have room to accommodate more growth or improve resident quality of life with redevelopment opportunities. Greenfield sites are areas that are largely undeveloped today and provide the City and developers with the opportunity to create new amenity rich and well-connected places. New residential developments will be divided fairly evenly between infill and greenfield opportunities, with slightly more greenfield development (approximately 8,700 housing units) than infill development (approximately 7,400 housing units). The east rural area preserves the existing one unit per 10 acre development pattern. The Ten Mile Flats maintains a 20 acre per housing unit minimium. Both the urban and rural areas are comprised of Neighborhood and Employment Types that define appropriate development patterns and accompanying uses in more detail. Those areas are explored in the following pages.

Floodplain (2013) Park / Open Space / Golf Course

City Boundary

City Boundary

Rural Area

Street Centerline

Ten Mile Flats

Street Centerline

growth boundary. Rural land in Norman is approximately 64% of Norman’s total land area.

Lake Thunderbird

Lake Thunderbird

Floodplain (2013)

Floodplain (2013)

Park / Open Space / Golf Course Preferred Growth Area Rural Area Ten Mile Flats

Park / Open Space / Golf Course Preferred Growth Area

PORTER AVE

24th AVE NE

ALAMEDA ST

12th AVE NE

ROBINSON RD

Lake Thunderbird

35

POST OAK RD

132th AVE SE

120th AVE SE

108th AVE SE

96th AVE SE

84th AVE SE

BOYD ST BERRY RD

77

72nd AVE SE

CEDAR LANE RD

60th AVE SE

36th AVE NW

9

MAIN ST

ROCK CREEK RD 0

0.5

1

2 Miles

ROBINSON RD

ETOWAH RD

Preferred Growth Direction (Figure 3) MAIN ST

BOYD ST

48th AVE NE

180th AVE NE

36th 168th AVE AVE NENE

156th AVE NE

FRANKLIN RD

TECUMSEH RD

LINDSEY ST

9

FRAN

INDIAN HILL TECU

ROCK CREEK RD

36th AVE NW

12th AVE NW

48th AVE NW

24th AVE NW

35

BOYD ST BERRY RD

48th AVE NW

60th AVE NW

35

60th AVE NW

72nd AVE NW

36th AVE NW

48th AVE NW

60th AVE NW

MAIN ST

72nd AVE NW

72nd AVE NW

TECUMSEH RD

48th AVE NE

35

36th AVE NE

FRANKLIN RD

24th AVE NE

INDIAN HILL RD

12th AVE NE

12th AVE NW

24th AVE NW

48th AVE NE

36th AVE NE

24th AVE NE

12th AVE NE

PORTER AVE

12th AVE NW

35

24th AVE NW

Ten Mile Flats

PORTER AVE

Rural Area

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Legend

Figure 3 shows the limits of the urban

Preferred Growth Area

ROCK Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Legend

ROBIN

ALAM

ALAMEDA ST

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE

3.7

LIN

growth management framework

Neighborhood Types Diverse housing types ensure that all residents, independent of income level, age, or ability are able to live in Norman neighborhoods. Neighborhoods with diverse housing types might include a combination of single family detached and attached homes, including condos and townhomes, as well as multi-family homes like apartments. Although not addressed directly in PlanNorman, a variety of unit sizes will also help to ensure a range of housing costs and options for existing and future residents. By including this range of housing in a neighborhood, communities help to combat involuntary displacement by providing affordable options for all residents. Complete neighborhoods are vibrant, walkable areas of our community with diverse types of housing, parks and open space, integrated supportive amenities such as grocery stores or banks, and access to a well-connected transportation network with safe roads, affordable public transportation, comfortable pedestrian walkways and bike facilities. These areas include most of a household’s daily needs within a safe and convenient walking and biking distance. While neighborhoods will achieve varied levels of completeness, the Neighborhood Types contained on the following pages provide best practices for how to achieve a complete and diverse neighborhood in the future.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

NORMAN’S NEIGHBORHOODS

3.8

Norman’s Vision Statement and Vision Themes support the goal of well-connected, walkable and diverse neighborhoods with a desirable mix of land uses, access to amenities and green space. To help achieve this future, six Neighborhood Types have been developed that incorporate more than just housing when appropriate. Each neighborhood model represents complete neighborhoods, with a diversity of amenities, housing, and high levels of accessibility. While these future types of neighborhoods are based on neighborhoods currently found in Norman they include improvements such as connectivity, access to amenities, and Low Impact Development (LID) principles. The following six types of neighborhoods, depicted in Figure 4, will be used to help guide Norman’s growth and provide details on appropriate development in different areas of the city. The graphics, starting on page 3.11, represent prototypical areas within a future type of neighborhood. The six Neighborhood Types are:

• Rural • Residential Estate • Suburban

• Compact Detached • Compact Attached • Mixed-Use

What is Low Impact Development (LID)? Low impact development is an approach used to manage stormwater runoff and integrate green infrastructure techniques into planning processes. Potential LID techniques incorporated into the Neighborhood Types include: permeable paving, bioretention planters and greenway trail development.

Figure 4 shows the geography of the

City Boundary

Mixed Use

Neighborhood and Employment Types

Street Centerline Types of Neighborhoods

Compact Attached

in Norman. Each type of neighborhood

City Boundary

Lake Thunderbird

Mixed Use

Street Centerline

Compact Attached

Lake Thunderbird

Floodplain (2013)

Compact Detached

Floodplain (2013)

Suburban

has different parameters and

Compact Detached

characteristics that define it.

Suburban Residential Estate

Estate Park / Open Space / Residential Golf Course

Park / Open Space / Golf Course

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Legend

Types of Neighborhoods

Rural

Rural

Other Prominent Areas

Other Prominent Areas

Employment Area

Employment Area

180th AVE NE

FRANKLIN RD

168th AVE NE

156th AVE NE

48th AVE NE

36th AVE NE

24th AVE NE

12th AVE NE

PORTER AVE

12th AVE NW

35

24th AVE NW

INDIAN HILL RD

INDIAN HILL R

FRANKLIN RD

Lake Thunderbird

TECUMSEH RD

BOYD ST LINDSEY ST

36th AVE NW

POST OAK RD

132th AVE SE

120th AVE SE

108th AVE SE

77

96th AVE SE

CEDAR LANE RD

84th AVE SE

9

72nd AVE SE

9

60th AVE SE

BERRY RD

48th AVE NW

35

48th AVE NE

ROBINSON RD

36th AVE NE

24th AVE NE

12th AVE NE

ROCK CREEK RD

ALAMEDA ST

MAIN ST

60th AVE NW

PORTER AVE

12th AVE NW

24th AVE NW

36th AVE NW

48th AVE NW

60th AVE NW

35

72nd AVE NW

72nd AVE NW

TECUMSEH RD

ROCK CREEK RD 0

0.5

1

2 Miles

ROBINSON RD

ETOWAH RD

ALAMEDA ST

Neighborhood and Employment MAIN ST Types (Figure 4)

35

BOYD ST

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Legend

3.9

growth management framework Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update 3.10

Rural The Rural Neighborhood Type generally represents single family homes on 10 acres or more of land. This development type is most prevalent in Norman east of 48th Avenue East. The Rural Neighborhood Type has the most dispersed development pattern with residents having limited nearby access to shopping and services. To access supportive amenities, such as grocery stores, banks or medical offices, residents may need to rely on their vehicles, as there is little to no public transit available. However, for those looking for proximity to nature, unique topographical or natural features, and privacy, rural living provides an attractive living option. PROPORTION OF USES

The Rural Neighborhood Type represents approximately 64% of total land in Norman in the envisioned future condition. Today these areas are largely dominated by a single family dispersed development pattern with lots averaging 10 acres per one housing unit. Of all the models proposed for Norman’s future, the Rural model offers the fewest opportunities for achieving a connected and complete neighborhood. However, there is potential to develop more clustered developments, with housing positioned near access points to trails or greenways.

The Rural Neighborhood Type should generally include the following existing and/or planned uses per square mile:

• 90% to 100% of land be designated/

reserved for residential uses and open space (including allotment for Agricultural uses);

• 0% to 5% of land be designated/reserved for commercial, office or institutional uses; and

• 0% to 5% of land be designated/reserved for industrial uses.

GETTING AROUND

Descriptions of a rural neighborhood often include phrases like ‘out in the country’ or ‘car dependent’. While rural living offers many positive elements, such as access to nature, residents living in these areas of Norman have few transportation options for accessing amenities outside of using their cars. While the inclusion of integrated bike trails and paths can improve access to rural areas and natural elements, such as Lake Thunderbird, the car-oriented road network remains the best option for access to Norman’s core and the highway.

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High levels of privacy

Large set back driveway Rural Neighborhood Type (Figure 5)

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Natural landscaping

3.11

growth management framework

Residential Estate The Residential Estate Neighborhood Type represents a single family model on a one acre lot size. Single family detached homes make up 100% of new residential development in this Neighborhood Type. Residents living in Residential Estate neighborhoods benefit from a high degree of privacy and space, but tend to have more limited shopping and dining close to home.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

PROPORTION OF USES

3.12

The Residential Estate Neighborhood Type represents approximately 3% of total land area in Norman in the envisioned future condition. This model has traditionally been developed in areas of Norman with limited access to commercial, office or retail opportunities. While this model is not designed to achieve the levels of access and connectivity available to more compact development types, the inclusion of small commercial nodes, such as a small corner market at a major intersection, help to provide easily accessible amenities to meet some daily needs. Neighborhoods in this model may also benefit from cluster developments, or residential uses that are clustered near each other to reduce land consumption and increase connectivity. The Residential Estate Neighborhood Type should generally include the following existing and/or planned uses per square mile: •

75% to 90% of land be designated/reserved for residential uses;



0% to 5% of land be designated/reserved for commercial, office or institutional uses;



0% to 10% of land be designated/reserved for industrial uses; and



0% to 10% of land be designated/reserved for open space.

Residential Estate Land Use Model (Figure 6) 3.13

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

growth management framework

growth management framework Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update 3.14

GETTING AROUND

The dispersed development pattern utilized by the Residential Estate Neighborhood Type creates multiple barriers for providing access and connectivity to Norman’s core as well as commercial centers throughout Norman. The development of multi-use paths along major roadways that run adjacent to these neighborhoods as well as through them, help to provide opportunities for pedestrian and bicycle connectivity and active recreation.

Residential Estate Circulation Model (Figure 7)

Residential Estate Neighborhood Type Model (Figure 8)

CLUSTER DEVELOPMENTS

Cluster developments are groupings of dwellings on smaller lots in one area of a development. Sometimes referred to as conservation development, this development pattern promotes site designs that are sympathetic to natural features and topography; helps to reduce costs by using land and infrastructure more efficiently; protects open space and environmental resources; and promotes best practices for waste water management design.

growth management framework Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Residents in this Neighborhood Type benefit from natural topographic features, privacy, and access to natural and rural lands.

3.15

growth management framework Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update 3.16

Suburban The Suburban Neighborhood Type represents one of the most identifiable development patterns in Norman today and by 2040 will cover approximately 13% of Norman’s total land area. In this model, single family detached homes are the most prevalent housing type accounting for around 75% of the new development. The remaining 25% of development is divided between single family attached, multi-family and commercial mixed-use developments. Suburban neighborhoods offer walkable sidewalks and links to trails, but destinations tend to be separated from residential areas and placed along major roadways. PROPORTION OF USES

Traditionally, land in Suburban developments is almost completely reserved for residential developments, and neglects to define other uses, such as commercial or institutional (schools, churches, etc.). However, the model developed for Norman acknowledges that in order to create connected and complete neighborhoods we must plan for neighborhoods that include space for residential, commercial, institutional, and open space elements. Lots in this Neighborhood Type usually range from 0.16 to 1 acre. The Suburban Neighborhood Type should generally include the following existing and/or planned uses per square mile: •

65% to 80% of land be designated/reserved for residential uses;



5% to 15% of land be designated/reserved for commercial, office or institutional uses;



0% to 5% of land be designated/reserved for industrial uses; and



5% to 15% of land be designated/reserved for open space.

Suburban Land Use Model (Figure 9) 3.17

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

growth management framework

growth management framework Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update 3.18

GETTING AROUND

Descriptions of a suburban neighborhood are often void of such terms as ‘well-connected’ and ‘walkable to amenities’. Unfortunately, the pattern of sprawl typical in this Neighborhood Type often acts as a barrier to providing access and high levels of walkability. To combat this disconnect, the Suburban Neighborhood Type developed for Norman outlines ways to increase pedestrian connectivity and access. By integrating multi-use paths that connect residential areas to commercial and institutional nodes, residents are provided safe options for travelling to commercial or retail amenities without their cars. Additionally, by using Norman’s natural topography, greenways can be created to provide enhanced pedestrian connections. Pedestrian connections, such as paved walking paths, can also be created between single family homes to provide more direct routes to community amenities outside of routes along the street network.

Suburban Circulation Model (Figure 10)

Suburban Neighborhood Type Model (Figure 11)

C O T TA G E S T Y L E D E V E L O P M E N T S

Cottage style developments are a grouping of compact single family houses arranged around a common space or courtyard. Homes in this development pattern tend to be smaller, under 1,200 square feet, and have porches with little or no front yard. Parking can be shared, or rear alley loaded. This development pattern promotes efficient use of land; provides shared open space; encourages a neighborly atmosphere and can be used to infill existing neighborhoods.

growth management framework Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Residents in this Neighborhood Type benefit from larger front and back yards and access to different levels of amenities including commercial nodes, multi-use paths and institutions.

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growth management framework Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update 3.20

Compact Detached The Compact Detached Neighborhood Type is most prevalent today in and around Norman’s core and central neighborhoods (roughly the area east of 24th Avenue West, south of Rock Creek Road, west of 36th Avenue South East, and north of East Constitution Street). In the future, Compact Detached neighborhoods will account for approximately 7% of Norman’s total land area. Like the Suburban model, this model has a high proportion of single family home options. It is highly walkable with short blocks and alley access. In contrast to the first three Neighborhood Types, this type of neighborhood has smaller lot sizes with many homes featuring front porches. Additionally, this type of neighborhood allows for smaller neighborhood commercial nodes that can support local coffee shops, art galleries, book stores or other community retail. PROPORTION OF USES

The compact design of this Neighborhood Type makes these areas highly walkable with access to a variety of amenities and active recreation spaces. Uses should include a range of commercial and retail, including restaurants, coffee shops and other types of eateries. This model encourages mixed-use development along corridors with space for office and commercial or office and retail configurations. Lots in this Neighborhood Type usually range from 0.13 to 0.5 acres. The Compact Detached Neighborhood Type should generally include the following existing and/or planned uses per square mile: •

65% to 75% of land be designated/reserved for residential uses;



10% to 20% of land be designated/reserved for commercial, office or institutional uses;



0% of land be designated/reserved for industrial uses; and



10% to 20% of land be designated/reserved for open space.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Compact Detached Land Use Model (Figure 12)

3.21

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growth management framework Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update 3.22

GETTING AROUND

The compact development pattern in this model, with short blocks and alley ways, facilitates access between residential areas, parks, institutions and commercial spaces. This model has high levels of pedestrian connectivity and accommodates bicyclists with both on-street shared bike routes and more dominant bike boulevards.

Compact Detached Circulation Model (Figure 13)

Compact Detached Neighborhood Type Model (Figure 14)

NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL NODES

Neighborhood commercial nodes are centers for small scale, mixed-use commercial activity that serves the local residents. Examples of commercial activity include local shops, restaurants or cafes such as a bookstore, family owned grocer, or ice cream shop. These nodes should be sympathetic to and integrated into the existing community and neighborhood fabric, and provide a walkable destination for families and residents to gather.

growth management framework Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Residents in this Neighborhood Type benefit from smaller yards and convenient access to a variety of amenities including commercial nodes, multi-use paths and institutions.

3.23

growth management framework Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update 3.24

Compact Attached The Compact Attached Neighborhood Type is largely defined by attached single family housing such as a townhome or smaller multi-family developments. There are few existing examples of this Neighborhood Type in Norman today. In areas where townhome development has occurred in Norman, it is historically disconnected from surrounding amenities and developed on smaller parcels that are not part of a larger neighborhood. Unlike the historic treatment of this housing type in Norman, this model organizes homes around a shared open space since many homes in this type of neighborhood typically do not have private yards. It also encourages development that is highly walkable with access to commercial corridors and mixed-use spaces. Additionally, the use of alleys and tuck under garages helps to accommodate neighborhood parking needs. PROPORTION OF USES

The Compact Attached Neighborhood Type represents less than 1% of total land area in Norman’s future. In this model, a range of uses should be used to create an amenity rich and walkable environment. Outside of the Mixed-Use Neighborhood Type, this type of neighborhood should have the highest proportion of mixed-use spaces. Additionally, due to the lack of private yards, more land should be reserved for parks and open public space in this type of neighborhood. Lots in this Neighborhood Type usually range from 0.05 to 0.25 acres. The Compact Attached Neighborhood Type should generally include the following existing and/or planned uses per square mile: •

55% to 65% of land be designated/reserved for residential uses;



10% to 20% of land be designated/reserved for commercial, office or institutional uses;



0% of land be designated/reserved for industrial uses; and



15% to 25% of land be designated/reserved for open space.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Compact Attached Land Use Model (Figure 15) 3.25

growth management framework

Like the compact detached model, this Neighborhood Type provides high levels of walkability and accessibility. Pedestrian circulation is supported by a strong sidewalk network that facilitates access throughout this Neighborhood Type. Modal priority of bicyclists is transferred off the main arterials and onto the adjacent local roads to increase safety without impacting a cyclist’s ability to navigate the community. Regular bus service will provide access to greater Norman, key commercial, retail, and employment destinations and Downtown Norman.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

growth management framework

GETTING AROUND

3.26

Compact Attached Circulation Model (Figure 16)

Compact Attached Neighborhood Type Model (Figure 17)

N E I G H B O R H O O D PA R K

Parks that are integrated into the neighborhood fabric provide space for residents to exercise, interact with nature, and entertain each other. The inclusion of these spaces is especially critical in compact development types where homes have limted private yards and depend more heavily on shared open space to fullfill their outdoor needs.

growth management framework Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Residents in this Neighborhood Type benefit from their adjacency to amenities including commercial corridors, parks and open space, and accessible transportation options.

3.27

growth management framework

Mixed-Use The Mixed-Use Neighborhood Type exemplifies a synergy of mixed-use commercial, retail, and residential spaces. In this model, multi-family housing is the predominate housing type and is integrated into the fabric of the surrounding commercial and retail environment to provide a walkable place offering many amenities. Open space, plazas, and dedicated bike facilities add to the overall usability of this pedestrian focused environment.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

PROPORTION OF USES

3.28

The Mixed-Use Neighborhood Type represents just under 2% of total land area in Norman’s future. This model has traditionally been developed solely in Downtown Norman and has a high level of integrated uses. It is expected that within a ¼-mile to a ½-mile walkshed, residents living in this type of neighborhood will have access to three or more supportive amenities, including commercial or retails options, restaurants and eateries, parks or public plazas, and entertainment or institutional uses. The Mixed-Use Neighborhood Type should generally include the following existing and/or planned uses per square mile: •

50% to 60% of land be designated/reserved for residential uses;



20% to 30% of land be designated/reserved for commercial, office or institutional uses;



0% of land be designated/reserved for industrial uses; and



10% to 20% of land be designated/reserved for open space.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Mixed-Use Land Use Model (Figure 18) 3.29

growth management framework

growth management framework Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update 3.30

GETTING AROUND

This neighborhood model offers the highest levels of walkability and accessibility. Residents living in this type of neighborhood will benefit from well-integrated and linked multi-use paths and sidewalks. Frequent bus service will provide access to greater Norman, as well as provide mobility to commercial, retail, and workplace destinations around Downtown and core Norman.

Mixed-Use Circulation Model (Figure 19)

Residents in this Neighborhood Type benefit from high levels of access to a variety of amenities including retail, dining, and public plazas.

Mixed-Use Neighborhood Type Model (Figure 20)

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

While all neighborhoods support some level of a live-work-play environment, the intersection of these elements is most prevalent in a vibrant mixed-use environment. Mixed-use development provides walkable destinations, with shared spaces that encourage residents to engage in social activities and entertainment. These areas also support a diversity of employment options and provide integrated apartment style living.

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L I V E - W O R K - P L AY

3.31

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Employment Types To complement and enhance Norman’s neighborhoods and help guide future employment growth, six Employment Types have been developed that define appropriate uses and describe development patterns associated with different employment industries (see Figure 21 for employment type locations). Each of the areas identified as an area to direct employment growth, was vetted with City staff and the Norman Economic Development Coalition (NEDC).

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

The six types of employment areas are:

3.32

• • • • • •

Commercial Centers; Research/Development and Technology; Business/Industrial; Institutional; Rural/Agriculture; and Lake Thunderbird and Highway 9.

Legend

Figure 21, shows the distribution

Employment Types

City Boundary

Business/Industrial

Street Centerline

Commercial Center

Lake Thunderbird

Institutional

Floodplain (2013)

R&D/Tech

Lake Thunderbird Floodplain (2013)

Types: Commercial Centers;

Commercial Center

Research/Development & Technology; Business/Industrial;

Institutional

and Institutional.

R&D/Tech

Other Prominent Areas

Park / Open Space / Golf Course

Business/Industrial

Other Prominent Areas

Type Area Park / Open SpaceNeighborhood / Golf Course

Neighborhood Type Area

180th AVE NE

FRANKLIN RD

168th AVE NE

156th AVE NE

48th AVE NE

36th AVE NE

24th AVE NE

12th AVE NE

PORTER AVE

12th AVE NW

35

24th AVE NW

INDIAN HILL RD

growth management framework

Street Centerline

Employment Types

48th AVE NE

Lake Thunderbird

FRANKLIN RD

TECUMSEH RD

Employment Types in Norman (Figure 21)

132th AVE SE

120th AVE SE

96th AVE SE

108th AVE SE

77

84th AVE SE

CEDAR LANE RD

72nd AVE SE

9

60th AVE SE

9

36th AVE NW

BERRY RD

LINDSEY ST

0

0.5

1

2 Miles

ROCK CREEK RD

POST OAK RD ETOWAH RD

MAIN ST

36th AVE NE

ALAMEDA ST

24th AVE NE

ROBINSON RD

INDIA 12th AVE NE

ROCK CREEK RD

PORTER AVE

12th AVE NW

BOYD ST

48th AVE NW

60th AVE NW

35

24th AVE NW

48th AVE NW

60th AVE NW

36th AVE NW

35

MAIN ST

72nd AVE NW

72nd AVE NW

TECUMSEH RD

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

City Boundary Legend

of four of Norman’s Employment

ROBINSON RD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE

3.33

ALAMEDA ST

growth management framework

Commercial Centers The Commercial Centers Employment Type is most likely to develop along corridors and in the Downtown area. These areas have the most dense development patterns, with office and employment uses mixed with retail, residential, and other land uses. Policies for this Employment Type are located in Section 4: Implementation. USES

Primary – Primary uses in Commercial Centers include retail, commercial, office, and institutional uses. These may be regional in scale, or intended to serve the residents of surrounding neighborhoods, and may be developed in single-use or mixed-use projects. Secondary – Secondary uses include supporting retail, hotel, cultural facilities, civic and government facilities, and residential uses. These may include restaurants, specialty stores, professional offices, medical offices, public facilities, and residential uses in mixed use buildings or on individual parcels, as well as plazas, squares, pocket parks, and other recreation land and open space. RANGE OF DENSITY/SCALE

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Due to the mix of uses inherent in this development type, the range of densities and scale may vary. Buildings will generally be 1-4 stories in height, but may be taller if appropriate for the surrounding context. Development may include:

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Mid-Rise/High-Rise Office - Mid- and high-rise office developments are characterized by higher densities and a larger number of employees per square foot of building area. Generally, these types of buildings are not required to provide all parking on-site and have varying levels of structured parking. Large Format Retail - Large format retailers (also referred to as “big-box” stores) are located in planned shopping centers or as stand-alone destinations. These retail spaces are typically auto-oriented and require on-site parking.

Food Service - Food service development types include restaurants, drinking places, and other food service oriented business. KEY CHARACTERISTICS Commercial Centers provide for a concentration of employment and supporting uses at a smaller scale and higher density than those found in Business and Industrial areas. Office development in these areas is generally occupied by businesses geared toward professional services. Potential tenants can range from a large number of small businesses to large corporate users occupying multiple floors or buildings. These areas can serve the commercial and retail needs of the City while also providing higher density housing and employment options along corridors and other priority development areas, and offering a mix of supporting services and commercial and retail uses for nearby residential neighborhoods. Development is likely to occur through targeted infill and/or redevelopment; over time this type of development can reduce surface parking, promote a broader mix of uses, create gathering places in the community, and accommodate higher density, pedestrian and transit-supportive uses. These areas will also provide flexibility for adaptive reuse of existing buildings, and the incorporation of higher density residential and live-work opportunities close to employment and supporting services.

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Accommodation - Accommodation oriented development, typically hotels.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Small Format Retail - Smaller format retailers are either anchored or unanchored retail spaces found in more urban, walkable locations. These retail spaces are in areas where on-street parking and use of alternative transportation modes allow for lower parking requirements on site.

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Research & Development and Technology Research & Development and Technology (R&D/Tech) enterprises are most likely to locate close to the resources that support technology transfer and commercialization. The primary locations are within the OU Research Park and the non-aviation land at Westheimer Airport, which is also owned by OU. These locations are also identified by NEDC as appropriate for its technology oriented target industries, including aerospace, weather, advanced manufacturing, IT, and business services. Policies for this Employment Type are located in Section 4: Implementation. USES

Primary – Primary uses in R&D/Tech areas include R&D, office, and light manufacturing space. Secondary – R&D/Tech areas may include limited support services such as restaurants, small-scale retail, and professional and medical offices.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

RANGE OF DENSITY/SCALE

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Small Scale Office or Flex - Small scale office, light industrial or “flex” space (which accommodates a combination of both) is typically more employment intensive and has a higher ratio of office space than standard industrial manufacturing space. Tenants may include small scale manufacturers, technology companies that need lab, assembly, or distribution space, and even service oriented businesses that prefer open floor plans. This development type is generally 1-3 stories. Mid-Rise Office - Mid-rise office developments are characterized by higher densities and a larger number of employees per square foot of building area. In more densely developed areas, these types of buildings can have varying levels of structured parking, as well as take advantage of shared parking. This development type is generally 3-6 stories. KEY CHARACTERISTICS R&D/Tech areas provide for a concentration of industries and companies that benefit from each other’s presence, supporting ongoing education, research, entrepreneurship, business incubators, and other initiatives that seek to turn knowledge into products, processes, and services. They tend to be single-use, focusing on technology-oriented industries, and development of these areas is a part of the City’s economic development strategy to attract and grow businesses in this sector. Development is likely to be low- to medium-density, in a campus-like setting.

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Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

growth management framework

growth management framework

Business/Industrial The Business and Industrial Employment Type is applied to business parks and industrial park locations, including the Hitachi and Johnson Control sites. These areas typically have a low density development pattern, with single tenant and multitenant industrial, flex, and corporate office buildings. Policies for this Employment Type are located in Section 4: Implementation. USES

Primary – Primary uses are industrial, light industrial, and office, and may include largerscale manufacturing, warehousing and distribution, some research and development, flex space, and office space. These areas may also include large employment facilities such as corporate offices and service centers. Secondary – Business and Industrial areas may include limited support services such as restaurants, small-scale retail, and professional and medical offices. RANGE OF DENSITY/SCALE

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Development in Business and Industrial areas will vary in size and density depending on specific employer needs, however in general this development will be low- to mediumdensity (1 to 3 stories), with more parking than would be seen in a Commercial Center. Development may include:

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Suburban or Campus Office - Low density office development, often with higher parking ratios. Large Scale or Heavy Industrial - Large scale industrial development is typically located on the edges of the city and/or near major transportation routes, due to space requirements and to minimize the impact on surrounding uses. Users include larger manufacturing and warehouses and distribution centers.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS These areas have larger, contiguous sites that allow for large employment facilities, such as corporate headquarters. Office development in these areas can accommodate a wide range of business types and sizes to meet future employment needs, particularly for the City’s target industries. Industrial development in these areas is likely to be relatively low density development. These developments are typically occupied by a range of users including large scale manufacturers and smaller scale production and design tenants, and provide opportunities for more intensive industrial uses that typically require larger sites and have a greater impact on surrounding areas.

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Small Scale or Light Industrial - Small scale or light industrial is typically less capitalintensive and more employment intensive than heavy industry. Tenants may include small scale manufacturers, professional services companies that need warehouse or lab space, and even service oriented businesses that prefer open floor plans.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Residential uses in these areas are not supported due to compatibility issues; however, access to housing options and services within close proximity of business/industrial areas can play an important role in supporting live-work opportunities for the local workforce and reducing the need for cross-town trips.

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growth management framework

Institutional Institutional areas consist of large-scale single purpose developments including higher education and hospital/medical facilities. In Norman, primary institutional employment centers are the University of Oklahoma and Norman Regional Health System campus. Policies for this Employment Type are located in Section 4: Implementation. USES

Primary – Primary development in institutional areas includes hospital and school facilities, generally in a campus setting. Secondary – Secondary uses may include supportive services, such as small-scale retail, restaurants, and other commercial uses, as well as specialized housing related to the institution, such as dormitories and other student housing at educational facilities and nursing homes and rehab centers at health care campuses. RANGE OF DENSITY/SCALE

Development in institutional areas tends to be in mid- to high-rise buildings (3 stories or higher in a campus setting.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Secondary and supportive uses will vary in intensity based on the type of development.

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KEY CHARACTERISTICS Institutional development generally takes place in a campus-type setting, with low density buildings surrounded by open space.

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Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

growth management framework

growth management framework

Rural/Agriculture Rural/agriculture employment areas consist of rural land east of 60th Avenue East. Employment in these areas is intended to support commercial and agritourism in rural Norman. Specific locations for this Employment Type are not included in Figure 21. Parties interested in developing this Employment Type must work with the City of Norman to identify appropriate locations for development within the predominantly Rural Neighborhood Type areas. Policies for this Employment Type are located in Section 4: Implementation. USES

Primary – Primary development in rural areas includes agritourism uses, such as seasonal experiences (such as haunted hay rides or Christmas Tree farms), entertainment venues (for festivals or weddings), or commercial-agriculture sales (such as vineyards or fruit orchards). Secondary – Secondary uses may include supportive services, such as small-scale retail and restaurants. RANGE OF DENSITY/SCALE

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Development in rural areas tends to be in low rise and dispersed buildings. Development that supports entertainment or heavy traffic must accommodate Norman zoning and parking requirements.

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Secondary and supportive uses will vary in intensity based on the type of development. KEY CHARACTERISTICS Rural development generally takes place in agricultural or farm-like setting, with low density buildings surrounded by open space.

Lake Thunderbird is a unique asset for the City of Norman. In the past, restaurants, such as Calypso Cove, and supportive commercial and retail operations have operated along the Highway 9 corridor and adjacent to Lake Thunderbird. Employment in this area is intended to provide supportive amenities to Lake Thunderbird and travelers along Highway 9. This Employment Type is also not depicted with specific geographies in Figure 21. Parties interested in developing this Employment Type must work with the City of Norman to identify appropriate locations for development in the predominantly Rural Neighborhood Type areas. Policies for this Employment Type are located in Section 4: Implementation. USES

Primary – Primary development includes restaurant and small-scale commercial and retail operations that serve and are directed towards Lake Thunderbird visitors and Highway 9 travelers.

growth management framework

Lake Thunderbird and Highway 9

Secondary – Secondary uses may include supportive services, such as small-scale lodging. RANGE OF DENSITY/SCALE

KEY CHARACTERISTICS Lake Thunderbird and Highway 9 development generally takes place in low density buildings oriented to the Lake or Highway 9. Uses should support Lake visitors and Highway 9 travelers.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Development in this area tends to be low rise and oriented towards the Lake or Highway 9.

3.43

growth management framework Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update 3.44

Land Use Norman’s development pattern has historically embraced a culture of isolation with residential and commercial entities separated from each other. However, this traditional approach is contradictory to the vision expressed throughout the PlanNorman process in which residents have articulated a strong desire for more complete neighborhoods, with supportive amenities and an integrated live-work-play environment. In order for Norman to achieve this vision of diverse neighborhoods with a variety of uses (e.g. residential/commercial/open space, etc.), supportive amenities, and high levels of access, an updated land use approach is required. This new approach differs from the traditional parcel-based approach found in Norman and instead suggests allowed uses within each of the neighborhood and employment areas. This approach does not dictate individual parcels for each use; rather it provides a list of locational and site design considerations that guide growth to desired locations that achieve the goals of a well-connected and well-balanced neighborhood or employment area. The Land Use Chart for managing change in Norman consists of a new classification system that defines Residential; Commercial, Office, Institutional; Industrial; Open Space; and Mixed-Use uses by Neighborhood and Employment Type. Each of these higher order categories contains lower level and sub categories. For example, Residential uses are divided into ‘Single Family’ and ‘Multi-family’ lower level categories. Sub-categories for ‘Single Family’ include ‘Single Family Attached,’ ‘Single Family Detached,’ ‘Single Family with Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU),’ and ‘Mobile Home’. Locational and site design considerations are used to regulate where different uses are allowed or should be considered in certain types. This approach helps to provide flexibility, while also providing assurances that change and growth are being directed to areas that support the vision of creating well-balanced and complete areas.

Locational Conditions

• • • • •

Use is allowed if located along a major arterial; Use is allowed if adjacent to an arterial or higher classification roadway; Use is allowed if adjacent to a collector or higher classification roadway; Use is allowed if located within a ½ mile of platted or existing commercial/retail uses; and Use is allowed if located along an arterial and within 1 mile of commercial/retail uses.

Site Design Conditions

• Use is allowed if site design meets specific setback requirements; • Use is allowed if orientation of building entrances faces street level with parking located

growth management framework

Examples of locational restrictions include adjacency criteria such as allowing a use if it is located along a major arterial or located within a certain distance of compatible or supportive use. Site design considerations include requirements for minimum setbacks, screening requirements, and building orientation. The complete list of locational and site design conditions is below:

behind primary structure/s;

• Use is allowed if site design acheives maximum setback of 15’ and building entrance is Mixed-Use development on 12th Avenue South East, just south of East Lindsey Street.

oriented to street with rear parking;

• Use is allowed if site design meets screening requirements, including rows of trees or other tall landscaping; decorative fencing, wall; or other screens; berms; and/or public art; and

The Land Use Chart is located in Section 4: Implementation, starting on page 4.5. In order for this approach to be fully realized, it is recommended that Norman’s existing Zoning Code be updated to reflect the new land use system. Both the Zoning Code and Norman’s Roadway Classification Map (Figure 26 on page 4.8) should be used to guide decisions related to the locational and site design conditions.

1PlanNorman

recommends that ADU Design Standards be developed and used to guide appropriate ADU

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

• Use is allowed if site design meets ADU Design Standards.1

development. 3.45

Single family home in Norman.

Legend

City Boundary Street Centerline

City Boundary

Street Centerline Legend

Lake Thunderbird

City Boundary Lake Thunderbird Street Centerline

In this last section, a series of focus areas (see Figure 22) are used to demonstrate how specific locations in Norman can redevelop from auto-oriented corridors and centers to more pedestrian friendly and community oriented spaces. These focus areas explore best practices for creating walkable and accessible places. Each of the three focus areas was chosen with feedback and prioritization from the community, Steering Committee and City staff. The three focus areas are:

Park / Open Space / Golf Course

Focus Areas

Focus Areas

Floodplain (2013) Lake Thunderbird Park / Open(2013) Space / Golf Course Floodplain Focus/ Open Areas Space / Golf Course Park

BOYD ST

Focus Areas (Figure 22) 3.46

MAIN ST

University Of Oklahoma

12th AVE NW

48th AVE NE

FR

TEC

12th AVEAVE NE NE 12th

Focus Area #1

PORTER AVEAVE PORTER

Griffin Community Park

24th AVE NW36th AVE NE

24th AVE NE

12th AVE NE

12th AVEAVE NWNW 12th

Ruby Grant Park

36th AVE NW

35

36th AVEAVE NWNW 36th AVE NW BERRY 60th RD

MAIN ST

Ruby Grant Park Ruby Focus Area #2 Grant Park

Sutton Wilderness

48th AVE NW

35

24th AVEAVE NWNW 24th

36th AVE NW

35 Westwood Park / Golf Course

48th AVEAVE NWNW 48th

Starting on page 3.48, each focus area has a one page spread that explores what the envisioned future condition could look like. Each spread contains an existing conditions photo, a graphic sketch of the envisoned future, and a rendered illustrative future image condition photo. Along with supportive text, these images help to imagine how these locations in Norman could evolve to become more diverse and better connected places that serve the community.

48th AVE NW

12th Avenue South East.

60th AVEAVE NWNW 60th

• Focus Area #3: East Lindsey Street near

60th AVE NW

between West Robinson Street and Acres Street; and

35 72nd AVE NW

• Focus Area #2; North Flood Avenue

PORTER AVE

Ruby Grant Park

12th AVE NW

35

24th AVE NW

Focus Areas

• Focus Area #1: 12th Avenue North East

between East Main Street and Alameda Street;

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Floodplain (2013)

Park / Open Space / Golf Course Street Centerline

72nd AVE NW

Focus Areas

72nd AVEAVE NWNW 72nd

growth management framework

Lake Thunderbird

Legend City(2013) Boundary Floodplain

RO

ROB

AL

L

Focus Area #3 Sutton Westwood Wilderness Park / Course Sutton Griffin Wilderness Community Park Griffin RD CEDAR LANE Community Park Saxon Park Golf

9 Westwood Park / Golf Course Westwood Park / Golf Course

MAIN ST 77

35

BOYD

FOCUS AREA #2: NORTH FLOOD AVENUE

FOCUS AREA #3: EAST LINDSEY STREET

Existing Conditions

Existing Conditions

Existing Conditions

The 12th Avenue focus area lies directly southeast of the Griffin Memorial Hospital Campus and between the heavy commercial corridors of Alameda, on the south, and East Main Street on the north. The east side of the corridor is largely residential, however there is a disconnect between the neighborhood and 12th Avenue South East.

The North Flood Avenue focus area is surrounded by neighborhoods and is positioned just northwest of Downtown. The area has many local shops, but suffers from limited pedestrian enhancements, such as wide sidewalks and safe crossings.

The East Lindsey focus area serves Norman as a high volume commercial corridor. However, a series of setback strip centers and massive parking lots fronting the corridor detract from East Lindsey’s appearance and inhibit pedestrian access, instead promoting a condition reliant on automobiles.

E Main Street

growth management framework

FOCUS AREA #1: 12TH AVENUE SOUTH EAST

E Lindsey Street

Acres Street

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

12th Ave SE

N Flood Avenue

12th Avenue SE

The camera symbol and arrow indicate the location and direction of the existing condition photos used as a base to create the illustrative future condition examples. The illustrative examples start on page 3.48

3.47

growth management framework

12TH AVENUE SOUTH EAST

Figure 23, of the current Cleveland County Health Campus located on 12th Avenue South East between East Main Street and Alameda Street re-envisions how a pedestrian oriented mixed-use space could take shape in the future. In this vision, a multimodal (bike and pedestrian) off-street path provides a safe place for residents to travel between the current Griffin Memorial site and commercial corridor on Alameda Street. A setback and protected public plaza faces active commercial, such as a restaurant or cafe, and provides a spot for rest and entertainment. In the distance a mixed commercial/residential building helps support the adjacent commercial and office uses.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

CURRENT CONDITION PHOTO

3.48

FUTURE CONDITION SKETCH

ILLUSTRATIVE FUTURE CONDITION (FIGURE 23)

3.49

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

growth management framework

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

growth management framework

NORTH FLOOD AVENUE

Figure 24, of a locally serving commercial corridor located on North Flood Avenue between West Robinson Street and Acres Street re-envisions how this street could evolve to become a more pedestrian oriented corridor in the future. In this vision, mixed-use buildings with a combination of commercial, office and residential uses have been built. Wide sidewalks and amenity strips, areas with narrow strips of grass, trees or spaces for benches and other public amenities, help buffer the pedestrian environment from North Flood Avenue. Cross walks help to facilitate safety for pedestrians as they meander along the corridor. Integrated Low Impact Development (LID) techniques, such as the rain garden in the lower left of the image, help to reduce and filter runoff from impervious surfaces.

CURRENT CONDITION PHOTO

3.50

FUTURE CONDITION SKETCH

ILLUSTRATIVE FUTURE CONDITION (FIGURE 24)

3.51

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

growth management framework

growth management framework

EAST LINDSEY STREET

Figure 25, re-envisions how a busy commercial corridor, currently dominated by setback strip centers, can transform into an active pedestrian mixed-use space in the future. In this vision, a dedicated bike lane that starts on West Lindsey, and could run through the University of Oklahoma Campus, continues and connects to a trail network that heads towards Lake Thunderbird. Mixed-use commercial and office buildings help to frame the corridor and provide a more human scaled environment. Parking is located behind and adjacent to the buildings. Trees help provide shade to patrons and buffer the shops and offices from traffic on East Lindsey.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

CURRENT CONDITION PHOTO

3.52

FUTURE CONDITION SKETCH

ILLUSTRATIVE FUTURE CONDITION (FIGURE 25)

3.53

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

growth management framework

4

Implementation The Implementation Strategies in this section will provide guidance for the City to achieve the long-term vision and goals of PlanNorman over the next 25 years. This section summarizes the implementation tools, policies and actions set forth in the PlanNorman process. These tools are designed to provide guidance to the City and potential partners when implementing the land use and element goals, policies and actions, and Neighborhood and Employment Types, outlined in Sections Two and Three. The Implementation Plan includes:

• PlanNorman Amendment Process - A set of guidelines for how and when amendments to the Change Framework will be allowed;

• Land Use Chart - A chart to use for guidance when determing appropriate land uses and locations in different neighborhood and employment areas;

• Transportation Strategies Implementation - A list of strategies and funding

guidelines that will help focus transportation investments in the neighborhood and employment areas;

• Municipal Services Strategies Implementation - A list of strategies and funding

guidelines that will help focus municipal service investments in the neighborhood and employment areas;

• Summary of Plan Element Policies and Actions - A comprehensive list of all policies and actions identified in Section Two; and

• Employment Type Policies - A comprehensive list of policies that will help guide and realize growth in key employment areas.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

4

SECTION FOUR

4.1

implementation

PlanNorman Amendment Process In order to successfully implement PlanNorman, developments need to be consistent with the Preferred Growth Direction (Figure 3, page 3.7), the Neighborhood Types (Figure 4, page 3.9), and the Land Use Chart (beginning on page 4.5) contained within PlanNorman and described in Section Three of this document. Developments shall be reviewed using the following:

• Applications for subdivision of land or a zone change shall be consistent with the Growth

Management Framework described in Section Three of this document which is comprised of the Preferred Growth Direction, the Neighborhood and Employment Types, and the Land Use Chart. Exceptions require the filing of an amendment to PlanNorman.

• Consistency with PlanNorman is desirable; therefore, the applicant must provide a sound

justification for the amendment to the Growth Management Framework. The burden is on the applicant to show how the amendment would meet the Vision, Goals and Policies set out in PlanNorman.

Development requests, found to be inconsistent with the PlanNorman Growth Management Framework, Vision Goals and Policies as well as other City Master Plans that have been adopted by the City must request an amendment. Amendments to the Growth Management Framework shall be reviewed using the following criteria: 1. Change in the neighborhood or community conditions justify the change.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

2. The amendment would be more advantageous to the community as articulated in the PlanNorman Vision, Goal or Policies or other City Master Plan.

4.2

3. The amendment is not increasing intensity of Neighborhood Type by “leapfrogging” over a less intense Neighborhood Type. 4. The amendment doesn’t significantly deviate from the Vision, Goals, and Policies set out in the PlanNorman, or allow significantly different uses from those allowed in the Neighborhood Type or Employment Type.

It is important to recognize that proposals that do not meet the Growth Management Framework could be an improvement for a particular area than what is shown in PlanNorman. If a proposed amendment change meets the above criteria; and especially if there is significant benefit to the City of Norman, then those proposed amendments may be appropriate.

“...developments need to be consistent with the Preferred Growth Direction (Figure 3, page 3.7), the Neighborhood Types (Figure 4, page 3.9), and the Land Use Chart (beginning on page 4.5)...”

4.3

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

implementation

implementation Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update 4.4

Land Use Chart Section Three introduced a new land use tool. This tool defines appropriate land uses in each of the Neighborhood and Employment Types and defines a set of parameters and conditions that provide guidance on appropriate locations and site design considerations in each of the designated neighborhood and employment areas. The locational and site design considerations will be used by the City Council and City staff to regulate where different uses are allowed or should be located within each Neighborhood and Employment Type. New development in Norman should use this tool and the Neighborhood and Employment maps (Figures 4 and 21), and the Neighborhood and Employment Type descriptions, to determine what is allowed and envisioned for each area. This approach helps to provide flexibility for the City and its partners, while also providing assurances that change and growth are being directed to areas that support the Neighborhood and Employment Types vision of creating well-balanced and complete neighborhoods and districts.

Norman’s Zoning Code and the Roadway Classification Map (Figure 26, page 4.8) should be used to guide decisions related to the locational and site design conditions. The complete list of locational and site design conditions used is below. Locational Conditions

• AL¹ Use is allowed if located along a major arterial

• AL² Use is allowed if adjacent to

an arterial or higher classification roadway

• AL³ Use is allowed if adjacent to

a collector or higher classification roadway

• AL4 Use is allowed if located within 1/2 mile of platted or existing commercial/retail uses

• AL5 Use is allowed if located along an arterial and within 1 mile of commerical/retail uses

Site Design Conditions • AD1 Use is allowed if site design meets specific setback requirement

• AD² Use is allowed if orientation of

building entrance faces street level with parking located behind primary structure/s

• AD³ Use is allowed if site design

acheives maximum setback of 15’ and building entrance is oriented to street with rear parking

• AD4 Use is allowed if site design

meets screening requirements, including rows of trees or other tall landscaping; decorative fencing, wall; or other screens; berms; and/or public art

• AD5 Use is allowed if site design meets ADU Design Standards

Other • A Use is allowed without conditions

• N Use is not allowed

Mixed Use

Compact Attached

Compact Detached

Suburban

Residential Estate

Rural

Commercial Center

R&D and Technology

Business/ Industrial

Institutional

Single Family- Attached

A

A

A

A

A

A

N

N

N

N

Single Family- Detached

N

A

A

A

A

A

N

N

N

N

Single Family w/ ADU

N

AD

AD

AD

AD

A

N

N

N

N

Mobile Home

N

N

N

N

A

A

N

N

N

N

Apartments (5+units)

A

A

A

A

N

N

A

N

N

N

Rooming House (Boarding, Frat)

A

A

A

A

N

N

N

N

N

N

Single Family Converted Into Multiple Units

N

A

A

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

Duplex

N

A

A

AL5

N

N

A

N

N

N

Triplex

AD²

A

A

AL5

N

N

A

N

N

N

Four-plex

AD

A

A

AL

N

N

A

N

N

N

Mixed Use

Compact Attached

Compact Detached

Suburban

Residential Estate

Rural

Commercial Center

R&D and Technology

Business/ Industrial

Institutional

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

A

N

Open Storage

N

N

N

N

A

A

N

N

A

N

Mini-warehouse (self-storage units)

N

N

N

A

A

A

N

N

A

N

Kennels

N

N

N

AL2

AL3

AL3

N

N

A

N

Land Use Single Family

5

5

5

5

implementation

RESIDENTIAL

Multi-Family

2

5

Land Use Heavy Light

Key: A = Use is allowed without conditions N = Use is not allowed AL = Use is allowed if certain location criteria are met (see Page 4.4 for details) AD = Use is allowed if certain design criteria are met (see Page 4.4 for details)

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

INDUSTRIAL

4.5

implementation

COMMERCIAL, OFFICE, INSTITUTIONAL Mixed Use

Compact Attached

Compact Detached

Suburban

Residential Estate

Rural

Commercial Center

R&D and Technology

Business/ Industrial

Institutional

Auto Service (oil changes, tire sales, etc)

AD3

AD1

AL4

AL4

AL4

A

A

N

N

N

Gas Stations

AL1

AL2

AL2

AL2

AL2

AL3

AL1

N

N

N

N

N

N

A

A

A

A

N

N

N

Bed & Breakfast

A

A

A

A

Hotel

A

A

A

AL

AL

AD

N

N

A

A

A

Retail

A

A

Food/Restaurant

A

A

AD3 A

Land Use Open Lot Services

Vehicle/Boat Sales Lodging

Hotel/Conference Motel

3

A

A

N

N

N

N

3

N

A

N

N

N

AL

3

AL

N

A

N

N

N

A

AL3

N

A

N

N

N

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

AL3

AL3

AL5

A

A

A

N

N

N

A

A

A

A

A

A

N

N

N

5 5

General Retail/Food

Large Format Grocer Corner Grocer Gym/Yoga/Fitness

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

N

A

A

Open Display

N

N

AL1

A

A

A

A

N

N

N

AD3

AL2

AL3

A

A

A

A

N

N

N

Veterinary Clinic

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

N

A

N

Banks

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

N

N

N

Daycare

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

N

N

A

Office/Medical Building

A

A

AL2

AL2

AL4

AL3

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

N

N

N

N

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Recreation, Amusement

4.6

Professional Services

Institutions Churches Government

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

N

A

Medical Campus

N

N

N

N

N

N

A

N

A

A

Schools

A

A

A

A

AL

A

A

N

A

4

AL

4

Transportation and Utilities Airport

N

N

Utilities

AD

4

AD

N 4

N

AD

4

N

AD

4

N

AD

4

N

AD

4

A

AD

4

AD

A 4

AD

N 4

AD4

Mixed Use

Compact Attached

Compact Detached

Suburban

Residential Estate

Rural

Commercial Center

R&D and Technology

Business/ Industrial

Institutional

Active Agriculture

N

N

N

N

A

A

N

N

N

N

Active Agriculture w/ Single Family

N

N

N

N

A

A

N

N

N

N

Active Agriculture w/ Mobile Home

N

N

N

N

A

A

N

N

N

N

Agriculture w/ Multiple Residential

N

N

N

N

A

A

N

N

N

N

Active Agriculture w/ Single Family w/ ADU

N

N

N

N

A

A

N

N

N

N

Agritourism

N

N

N

N

A

A

N

N

N

N

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

N

N

A

Park

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

Golf Course

N

N

N

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

Platted Open Space

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

Mixed Use

Compact Attached

Compact Detached

Suburban

Residential Estate

Rural

Commercial Center

R&D and Technology

Business/ Industrial

Institutional

Residential/Commercial Ground Flr Mixed-Use

A

A

AL2

AL2

N

N

A

N

N

N

Commercial Mixed-Use

A

AL³

AL3

AL2

AL2

AL2

A

N

A

A

Craft Industrial Mixed-Use

A

AL³

AL

AL

N

A

N

A

A

N

Civic Mixed-Use

A

N

N

N

N

N

A

N

N

N

Land Use Rural Agriculture

implementation

OPEN

Urban Agriculture Community Garden

MIXED-USE Land Use Mixed-Use

3

2

Key: A = Use is allowed without conditions N = Use is not allowed AL = Use is allowed if certain location criteria are met (see Page 4.4 for details) AD = Use is allowed if certain design criteria are met (see Page 4.4 for details)

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Recreation Land

4.7

implementation

Legend

Norman Roadway Classifications Freeway

City Boundary Legend

Street Centerline

Highway

Norman Roadway Classifications Freeway

Lake Thunderbird

City Boundary

Street Centerline

Arterial

Highway

Floodplain (2013)

Lake Thunderbird

Arterial

Floodplain (2013)

Collector

Collector

Park / Open Space / Golf Course

Park / Open Space / Golf Course

180th AVE NE

FRANKLIN RD

168th AVE NE

156th AVE NE

48th AVE NE

36th AVE NE

24th AVE NE

12th AVE NE

PORTER AVE

Ruby Grant Park

12th AVE NW

35

24th AVE NW

INDIAN HILL RD

4.8

BOYD ST

77

Westwood Park / Golf Course

Norman’s Roadway Classification Network (Figure 26)

Griffin Community Park

132th AVE SE

120th AVE SE

Sutton Wilderness

108th AVE SE

CEDAR LANE RD

9

96th AVE SE

9

84th AVE SE

Saxon Park

72nd AVE SE

University Of Oklahoma

60th AVE SE

36th AVE NW

FRANKLIN R

TECUMSEH R

LINDSEY ST BERRY RD

48th AVE NW

60th AVE NW

35

ALAMEDA ST

Lake Thunderbird

48th AVE NE

MAIN ST

36th AVE NE

Ruby Grant Park

ROBINSON RD

24th AVE NE

Griffin Community Park

ROCK CREEK RD

12th AVE NE

Sutton Wilderness

PORTER AVE

12th AVE NW

24th AVE NW

36th AVE NW

48th AVE NW

60th AVE NW

35 Westwood Park / Golf Course

72nd AVE NW

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

72nd AVE NW

TECUMSEH RD

ROCK CREEK

POST OAK RD

ROBINSON R ETOWAH RD

4.9

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

implementation

implementation

Transportation Strategies Implementation To accommodate and plan for the change and growth in Norman over the next 25 years, the City’s Thoroughfare Plan (CTP) should be updated, as appropriate, to incorporate the projected growth pattern reflected in the neighborhood and employment areas.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

New development in any part of the City may warrant the reclassification of some roadway segments to accommodate additional vehicular/bicycle/pedestrian traffic. Figure 27 identifies the Norman Thoroughfare Plan that was adopted in the Comprehensive Transportation Plan in 2014. This Plan will be reevaluated as development expands in Norman.

4.10

The Rural Collector roadway section is aimed at serving development in rural areas. Additional rural estate development (to the east and north) would increase trip generation in these areas. This increase would not necessarily warrant an increase in the number of travel lanes. However, it may be desired to provide an improved roadway for rural estate development (with sidewalks, curb and gutter) instead of only travel lanes and borrow ditches for drainage. Therefore, the Rural Collector roadway segments shown east of 36th Avenue NE and north of Franklin Road could potentially change to Urban Collectors.

Planned Suburban and Mixed Use developments northwest of Franklin Road and I-35 may significantly increase anticipated traffic counts in this area. Additional travel lanes may be necessary to serve higher traffic volumes and more intense circulation. A reclassification of roadway segments adjacent to these new development areas would help the City of Norman plan for the preservation of additional right-of-way to add travel lanes. Additional intersection improvements should also be considered in conjunction with any roadway reclassifications. The ability for the roadway network to operate effectively relies on the ability of intersections to efficiently process traffic. Identifying locations for potential intersection improvements can help Norman plan for the preservation of additional right-of-way for these future intersections.

FUNDING AND COORDINATION

It will be beneficial for the City of Norman to continuously collaborate with regional and state agencies to assist with the coordination and funding of current and future transportation system projects. The City does provide periodic transportation project updates to the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) for incorporation into the regional Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). Incorporation of Norman’s projects into these programs will open the door to receive federal roadway funding. Through coordination with Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), MAP-21 is a viable federal funding source for bicycle/ pedestrian projects.

Legend 2014 CTP Roadway Classifications Freeway

Legend

Street Centerline Lake Thunderbird

City Boundary

Potential Classification Change to CTP Principal Urban Arterial

Rural Highway 2014 CTP Roadway Classifications Freeway

Street Centerline

Floodplain (2013)

Minor Urban Arterial

Potential Classification Change to CTP

Principal Urban Arterial

Principal Urban Arterial

Rural Highway

Urban Collector

Minor Urban Arterial

Lake Thunderbird

Principal Urban Arterial

Floodplain (2013)

Minor Urban Arterial

implementation

City Boundary

Minor Urban Arterial

Urban Collector

Principal Rural Arterial Park / Open Space / Golf Course

Principal Rural Arterial

Park / Open Space / Golf Course

Minor Rural Arterial

Potential Commuter Rail Station

Minor Rural Arterial

Collector Potential Commuter RailUrban Station Rural Collector

Urban Collector Rural Collector

BOYD ST

Tecumseh

180th AVE NE

168th AVE NE

TECUMSEH RD

LINDSEY ST

77

Griffin Community Park

Westwood Park / Golf Course

132th AVE SE

120th AVE SE

Sutton Wilderness

108th AVE SE

CEDAR LANE RD

9

96th AVE SE

9

84th AVE SE

Saxon Park

SH 9

72nd AVE SE

University Of Oklahoma

60th AVE SE

36th AVE NW

Lindsey/ Brooks

BERRY RD

48th AVE NW

60th AVE NW

72nd AVE NW

35

FRANKLIN RD

ROCK CREEK RD

POST OAK RD

ROBINSON RD ETOWAH RD

Norman Thoroughfare Plan with Future Classification Changes (Figure 27)

MAIN ST

Amtrak/ Downtown

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Lake Thunderbird

48th AVE NE

ALAMEDA ST

36th AVE NE

MAIN ST

ROBINSON RD

24th AVE NE

Ruby Grant Amtrak/ Park Downtown

ROCK CREEK RD

12th AVE NE

Griffin Community Park Westwood Park / Golf Course

INDIA

PORTER AVE

Sutton Wilderness

12th AVE NW

35

24th AVE NW

36th AVE NW

48th AVE NW

60th AVE NW

FRANKLIN RD

TECUMSEH RD

Tecumseh

72nd AVE NW

156th AVE NE

48th AVE NE

36th AVE NE

24th AVE NE

12th AVE NE

PORTER AVE

Ruby Grant Park

12th AVE NW

35

24th AVE NW

INDIAN HILL RD

ALAMEDA ST

4.11

implementation Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update 4.12

Municipal Services Strategies Implementation In addition to implementing the City’s water, wastewater, and stormwater master plans, Norman must provide the infrastructure necessary to accommodate future development practices demonstrated in the neighborhood and employment type graphics. It is important to study the existing system in all areas proposed for new growth to determine if improvements are needed. The Utility Improvement Study Area map, Figure 28, shows planned neighborhood and employment development/ redevelopment areas that would result in an increase in housing units. Along with existing capacities of the current water/ wastewater systems, both the types of developments planned, and their proposed locations will influence what improvements (if any) are needed. The planned development types vary from rural large lot estates and standard suburban subdivisions to more urban compact residential and high density mixed use developments. Each of these Neighborhood Types may place different demands on the water/wastewater systems. For example - in lower density suburban neighborhoods there will be less user demand on the water system than for high density mixed-use development.

However, there may be more irrigation demand in lower density suburban neighborhoods than in high density mixed-use areas. System improvements in new development areas (such as southeast and north Norman) may consist of a combination of new groundwater wells, elevated storage tanks, distribution water lines, gravity sewer lines, lift stations, and force mains. Improvements in redevelopment areas (such as core Norman) may consist of any of the new system improvements previously listed and/or the upsizing of existing system infrastructure. FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

As Norman plans its municipal services to serve both current residents and future populations, it will be important to continue to find ways to fund improvements, expansions, and additions.

Grants Federal funding for municipalities (either direct or dispersed through State agencies) is often available in the form of grants through the Departments of the Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture, Transportation, and the Environmental Protection Agency. These opportunities are typically a part of federal agency initiatives.

As Norman further solidifies its municipal services plans it is recommended that the City identify and pursue available funding opportunities. As an example, the Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program (issued by the US Department of Agriculture) provides federal funding (loans and grants) to develop “essential community facilities” in rural communities. This may be a beneficial program to apply to the eastern portion of Norman.

Bonds Bonds are generally the most common source used by cities for the purchase of land and the funding of capital improvements. Debt financing through the issuance of municipal bonds is one of the most common ways to fund city operations, parks, facilities, roadway projects, and special initiatives like public art. This type of funding is a strategy wherein a city issues a bond, receives an immediate cash payment to finance projects, and must repay the bond with interest over a set period ranging from a few years to several decades.

Cost Sharing Cost sharing is generally understood as payments required by local governments for the purpose of providing new or expanded public facilities and services required to serve a development.

Legend

Mixed Use

City Boundary Street Centerline Types of Neighborhoods

Legend City Boundary

Development Fees

Street Centerline Lake Thunderbird

• Required of a developer for all or a portion of the

Floodplain (2013)

Compact Attached

Mixed Use

Compact Detached

Compact Detached

Suburban

Residential Estate

Residential Estate

Lake Thunderbird Compact Attached Floodplain (2013) Suburban

Park / Open Space / Golf Course

cost to provide public services

Rural / Golf Course Park / Open Space

Utility Improvement Study Areas

• Based on a methodology and calculation derived

Rural

Other Prominent Areas

Employment Area

Utility Improvement Study Areas

from the cost of the facility and the nature and size of the development

implementation

Three of the most common cost sharing mechanisms are listed below.

Types of Neighborhoods

Other Prominent Areas

Employment Area

• Used to finance improvements offsite that also benefit the development

48th AVE NE

12th AVE NE

ALAMEDA ST

77

POST OAK RD ETOWAH RD

Utility Study Area (Figure 28)

MAIN ST

4.13

96th AVE SE

CEDAR LANE RD

84th AVE SE

9

72nd AVE SE

9

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

ROBINSON RD

LINDSEY ST

36th AVE NW

60th AVE NW

72nd AVE NW

BOYD ST BERRY RD

35

fees, and tolls

48th AVE NW

• Examples include admission fees, membership

PORTER AVE

35

MAIN ST

ROCK CREEK RD

60th AVE SE

for the facility or piece of infrastructure

12th AVE NW

• Payment received by individual users helps to pay

24th AVE NW

use a service

The City currently has development fees for roadways, water, and wastewater; pro rata fees for parks, water, and wastewater; and user fees for park facilities and programs in place. The State of Oklahoma, OK Statutes 62-895, allows municipalities to collect development fees for “public infrastructure systems” including: public safety systems and rescue facilities; public transportation systems and facilities; and public capital improvement communications facilities. It may be beneficial for the City to determine its eligibility to collect additional fees.

36th AVE NE

24th AVE NE

12th AVE NE

36th AVE NW

• Payment made only by individuals who choose to

48th AVE NW

User Fees

60th AVE NW

infrastructure such a water line or roadway

FRANKLIN RD

TECUMSEH RD 72nd AVE NW

• Based on a methodology of direct proportionality • Assesses impact of an adjacent piece of

35

PORTER AVE

share of the cost of public improvements

12th AVE NW

• Required of a developer for the proportionate

24th AVE NW

INDIAN HILL RD

Pro Rata Fees

implementation

Summary of Plan Element Policies and Actions Section Two introduced the 12 Plan Elements that support this plan. Each element’s policies and actions are listed in Section Two following the individual elements discussions. Following is a complete list of all 12 Plan Element Policies and Actions. Actions indicated with bold text, were identified by the PlanNorman Steering Committee as high priority. PLACES: UNIQUE AND CONNECTED NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS Community Character and Design (CCD) CCD Policies CCD 1

Integrate new compatible development, infill development, and/or redevelopment into existing neighborhoods.

CCD 2

Preserve and promote the distinct character of each of Norman’s neighborhoods, buildings, open spaces, streetscape, and gateways.

CCD 3

Integrate green spaces, public spaces, and design elements to create identity, encourage interactions and build a sense of community.

CCD 4

Promote housing options, design elements, and services compatible with each neighborhood’s character that support seniors, families, and people of all ages and abilities. (See also Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Policy #1; Future Land Use Policy #4; Equity Policy #5)

CCD 5

Identify and support restoration and adaptive reuse of significant existing structures and properties.

CCD 6

Promote green infrastructure and low impact development (LID) in all neighborhoods.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

CCD Actions

4.14

CCD A1

Update the zoning code and include considerations for architectural design overlay districts or other innovative concepts for development.

CCD A2

Explore implementation of a Development Code which combines zoning and subdivision ordinances.

CCD A3

Utilize a cost benefit analysis to evaluate connection fees, application fees and incentives for development.

CCD A4

Update the Engineering Design Criteria and Standards with consideration of making LID stormwater design mandatory.

CCD A5

Update Historic District Guidelines.

CCD A6

Explore creation of neighborhood preservation or conservation districts where appropriate

Future Land Use (LU) LU Policies LU 1

Achieve a mix of land uses that balances Norman’s development needs, the natural environment, and the preservation of Norman’s rural areas.

LU 2

Provide opportunities for higher density residential and mixed use infill developments in designated areas.

LU 3

Promote a mix of retail and other commercial uses that are both desired by Norman residents and will supply the essential tax base for City facilities and services.

LU 4

Promote a variety of residential dwelling types that accommodate the housing needs of a diverse and growing population. (See also Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Policy #1; Community Character/Design Policy #4; Equity Policy #5)

LU 5

Integrate amenities citywide that are dedicated to outdoor recreation and the appreciation of nature.

LU 6

Identify and maintain appropriate land with adequate infrastructure and amenities to support future economic and employment opportunities.

LU Actions LU A1

Coordinate with the Norman Economic Development Coalition (NEDC) to study options for identifying employment lands and the types of employment desired.

LU A2

Update the zoning code to promote a mix of land uses that creates a balance of live-work-play features in areas throughout Norman.

LU A3

Create mechanisms to protect employment land (e.g. Economic Development Trust or Industrial Land Trust).

LU A4

Develop a program to fund infrastructure for employment lands.

implementation

PLACES: UNIQUE AND CONNECTED NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization (HNR) HNR Policies HNR 1

Promote a diversity of housing types to accommodate residents of various incomes, household sizes, lifestyles, ages, and levels of ability and mobility. (See also Community Character/Design Policy #4; Future Land Use Policy #4; Equity Policy #5)

HNR 2

Preserve and enhance the value of Norman’s housing stock by reinvestment in and maintenance of the City’s existing neighborhoods.

HNR 3

Protect and enhance the character of Norman’s neighborhoods by requiring compatible infill development, as well as compatible redevelopment in adjacent areas and corridors.

HNR 4

Promote the development of livable neighborhoods that encourages active lifestyles and provides a range of amenities. (See also Community Health and Recreation Policy #1)

HNR 5

Promote access to parks and other public spaces in new development and redevelopment. (See also Community Health and Recreation Policy #1)

HNR A1

Create incentives in new developments to encourage a diverse range of housing options.

HNR A2

Investigate a land bank fund and other strategies to purchase, renovate and preserve properties in areas undergoing rapid change.

HNR A3

Investigate an ‘Early Warning System’ and other strategies for threats to affordable housing at risk of converting.

HNR A4

Create a housing renovation and weatherization fund.

HNR A5

Update Neighborhood Plans.

HNR A6

Increase code compliance.

HNR A7

Improve or replace street lights in older neighborhoods as funds are available.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

HNR Actions

4.15

implementation

PLACES: UNIQUE AND CONNECTED NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS Transportation and Mobility (TM) TM Policies TM 1

Provide integrated street, trail, bicycle and sidewalk networks that accommodate pedestrians, bicycles, automobiles, and public transportation facilities.

TM 2

Require and improve street, sidewalk, bicycle and trail connectivity and access between residential and nonresidential areas.

TM 3

Integrate regional, state and federal transportation efforts with adopted Comprehensive Transportation Plan and its implementation.

TM 4

Align PlanNorman land use goals with the Comprehensive Transportation Plan to effectively coordinate the City’s transportation infrastructure and planned land uses.

TM 5

Promote universal design that supports all needs and abilities in infrastructure and new facilities.

TM 6

Actively work with the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) and neighboring municipalities to promote regional connectivity.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

TM Actions

4.16

TM A1

Establish and increase public options and funding for transportation projects.

TM A2

Continue to actively participate in the development of commuter rail service in Norman while also investigating ways to provide enhanced transit service within Norman.

TM A3

Adopt Complete Street Guidelines and establish funding sources.

TM A4

Continue to implement trail, bike lane, sidepath, and bicycle/pedestrian crossing improvements identified in the Comprehensive Transportation Plan and Greenways Master Plan.

TM A5

Investigate other transit options beyond CART’s current offerings that are more expansive, creative and flexible (look to Iowa City, Boulder, State College and Ithaca).

TM A6

Updates to PlanNorman and the Comprehensive Transportation Plan should be coordinated to align and be compatible with each other.

TM A7

Implement the ADA Transition Plan.

TM A8

Update the City of Norman Engineering Design Criteria and Standards specifications to incorporate multimodal/context sensitive crosssections from the Comprehensive Transportation Plan.

TM A9

Continue to implement context sensitive improvements and aesthetic enhancements to core Norman roadways, as identified in the Comprehensive Transportation Plan.

TM A10

Continue to implement street improvements, identified in the Comprehensive Transportation Plan, in the area beyond the core of Norman that support the effective movement of vehicles around rather than through the core of Norman.

TM A11

Continue to investigate ways to provide a modern, corridor-focused transit network that has enhanced frequency and hours of service and efficient connectivity to current and future regional transit services.

TM A12

Continue to implement the Sidewalk Completion Plan.

Equity (EQ) EQ Policies EQ 1

Increase inclusive resident engagement especially with traditionally underrepresented groups through communication and collaboration with community groups, organizations, and neighborhoods.

EQ 2

Continue to ensure fair, efficient, and strategic distribution of municipal resources and services.

EQ 3

Enhance existing and promote new initiatives and programs that provide needed services to residents.

EQ 4

Support businesses and economic development initiatives that increase the range of employment opportunities which would support a diverse workforce.

EQ 5

Support the creation of a diverse range of housing types that serve residents of various incomes, household sizes, lifestyles, ages, and levels of ability and mobility throughout Norman’s neighborhoods. (See also Community Character/Design Policy #4; Future Land Use Policy #4; Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Policy #1)

EQ 6

Ensure universal design and access for all ages and abilities in future development, public facilities and transportation investments.

implementation

PEOPLE: HEALTHY, INNOVATIVE, AND INCLUSIVE

EQ A1

Prioritize and coordinate City investments in and around transit corridors and work with developers to provide affordable housing near transportation stops (both regional and local).

EQ A2

Incentivize ‘zones’ for affordable multi-family development.

EQ A3

Develop a ‘scattered housing’ approach/program.

EQ A4

Create a tiered incentive system that awards points to developers who create affordable housing in well-connected and amenity rich areas.

EQ A5

Support niche developments with affordable components (artists lofts, live/work spaces for young professionals, commuters, etc.).

EQ A6

Investigate amending the zoning ordinance to allow Acessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) in all neighborhoods.

EQ A7

Create a policy to address ‘walk and roll’ access requirements.

Community Health and Recreation (CHR) CHR Policies CHR 1

Make all of urban Norman walkable by providing sidewalks and multi-use paths.

CHR 2

Ensure that all neighborhoods have convenient access to parks, open spaces, trails, schools, and neighborhood services. (See also Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Policy #4 and 5)

CHR 3

Partner with community organizations to implement and expand health and wellness initiatives throughout the City.

CHR 4

Increase access to health and wellness services through mobility improvements and investments.

CHR 5

Expand the community’s access to nutritious and affordable food by identifying appropriate locations for farmer’s markets, community gardens and grocery stores.

CHR 6

Continue to require parkland dedication for new development through parkland dedication, fee in lieu or development of private parks, and secure sufficient resources to develop, maintain and operate the overall parks and recreation system.

CHR 7

Continue investing in the development of the Legacy Trail to serve as a major spine connecting other trails, paths and parks in Norman.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

EQ Actions

4.17

implementation

PEOPLE: HEALTHY, INNOVATIVE, AND INCLUSIVE CHR Actions CHR A1

Analyze the current and projected Norman Forward locations and amenities of both city and neighborhood parks and recreation facilities to determine the extent to which they provide equitable access (geography, transportation, ADA, age-appropriate, etc.) and varied opportunities (structured and unstructured, water feature, community garden, sports and fitness facilities, etc.).

CHR A2

Coordinate private and public (city, county, state, federal) health and recreation resources to identify current and projected gaps in capacity to meet residents’ needs.

CHR A3

Identify and promote free health, wellness, and recreation programs broadly to all community members..

CHR A4

Encourage connections to sidewalks and trail systems.

CHR A5

Work with developers to enhance connectivity between parks and neighborhoods in new developments and redevelopments.

CHR A6

Explore upgrading recreation center facilities and funding and construction of a new City Recreation Center.

CHR A7

Partner with Cleveland County to develop a Public Health Plan Strategy.

CHR A8

Create a menu of park and recreation amenities that residents can request to have added to their local parks.

CHR A9

Conduct park amenities (neighborhood) surveys every 5 years to continually evaluate if new or different amenities would be supported or desired by residents.

CHR A10

Work with developers to identify potential future park sites early in application and permitting process to help preserve natural spaces and retain unique site topography.

CHR A11

Create standards for drainage way parks.

CHR A12

Explore a ‘health’ fund to help neighborhoods develop and support community gardening.

CHR A13

Partner with local institutions, such as hospitals and schools, to offer free health and wellbeing courses.

CHR A14

Create a street design guide that accommodates addition of trees to create tree-lined street canopies.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Culture and Arts (CA)

4.18

CA Policies CA 1

Continue to collaborate with OU, community organizations and institutions to support Norman’s unique artistic and cultural character.

CA 2

Promote existing and new festivals and events that foster community pride and support Norman’s economic development.

CA 3

Invest in spaces, facilities, and supportive infrastructure that enable the continuation and expansion of Norman’s artistic community, festivals, and events.

CA 4

Continue City investment in and support of public art.

CA 5

Collaborate with neighboring municipalities to develop and support events and programs that celebrate the region’s history and traditions.

CA Actions CA A1

Explore expanding the Percent for Art Program to include all future infrastructure improvements projects (including new parks and city buildings). (Tulsa, OKC, and Enid have programs that can be looked at for guidance.)

CA A2

Continue to coordinate with the Norman Public Arts Board to encourage more art in public facilities and in public infrastructure.

CA A3

Identify and protect potential lands to be used for festivals or other large venue space activities.

CA A4

Explore funding options for a new community arts center.

Education (EDU) EDU Policies EDU 1

Continue to partner with the University of Oklahoma, Moore Norman Technology Center and other institutions to advance pursuits in innovation, higher education, lifelong learning opportunities, and community outreach efforts.

EDU 2

Capitalize on the educated workforce and the innovative initiatives of the University of Oklahoma to attract and foster new technology and other businesses. (See also Economic Development Policy #4)

EDU 3

Promote safe walking and biking access to schools for all ages and ability levels by collaborating with regional school districts and institutions.

EDU 4

Enhance access to educational opportunities for vulnerable populations and underrepresented residents by partnering with regional school districts and institutions.

implementation

PEOPLE: HEALTHY, INNOVATIVE, AND INCLUSIVE

EDU Actions EDU A1

Support the expansion of enrichment programs for education to enable opportunities for lifelong learning.

EDU A2

Coordinate with public school systems and other educational institutions to identify future sites for facilities.

EDU A3

Support the development of quality public and private early childhood education opportunities.

EDU A4

Conduct a sidewalk infrastructure access report around schools to determine future sidewalk upgrades which coordinate with the ‘Safe Routes to School’ program.

SYSTEMS: SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT Sustainability (SUS)

SUS 1

Identify opportunities to implement more efficient energy and water use, onsite energy generation, and water collection at city facilities and properties.

SUS 2

Develop and support programs that enable Norman residents and businesses to more efficiently use water and energy, generate onsite energy, and harvest and reuse rainwater.

SUS 3

Encourage the integration of sustainable design practices in new development and redevelopment efforts.

SUS 4

Strengthen the collaborative relationship with neighboring municipalities as well as regional, state, and federal environmental agencies to protect Norman’s waterways and Lake Thunderbird.

SUS 5

Protect Norman’s floodplain and natural areas through land use policies and Low Impact Development (LID) policies.

SUS 6

Ensure PlanNorman and other policies align with the City’s 2060 Strategic Water Supply Plan.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

SUS Policies

4.19

implementation

SYSTEMS: SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT SUS Actions SUS A1

Conduct a comprehensive energy audit for all existing city facilities.

SUS A2

Establish a funding source and programs to improve stormwater quality in Norman with particular attention paid to the Lake Thunderbird watershed.

SUS A3

Consider training for City staff on Envision rating system and other programs and tools for sustainable infrastructure design.

SUS A4

Implement recommendations of Strategic Water Supply Plan.

SUS A5

Develop incentives for new construction and redevelopment for energy efficiencies and sustainable designs that reduce the carbon footprint.

SUS A6

Consider ways to encourage more widespread use of Low Impact Development standards in the total context of development including the following: water; energy; smart systems; and design approaches.

SUS A7

Continue to provide funding for renovations of existing city facilities to make them more energy efficient.

SUS A8

Consider utilizing Envision principles for infrastructure projects and LEED principles for City building projects.

SUS A9

Encourage “Oklahoma Proven” plant materials for new development and City projects.

SUS A10

Establish tree replacement requirements to help preserve the urban tree canopy.

SUS A11

Continue the Greenbelt fund to provide incentives for conservation easements.

SUS A12

Continue to encourage public access along utility easements

SUS A13

Continue funding renovations in existing City facilities that increase energy efficiency.

SUS A14

Continue to pursue virtualization technology and outsourcing data storage to continue energy saving methods.

Resiliency (RES)

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

RES Policies

4.20

RES 1

Develop, coordinate and implement risk management practices and Emergency Operations Management Plans.

RES 2

Integrate risk management practices into capital improvement and development decisions.

RES 3

Continue to update and maintain Norman’s emergency communication and emergency management plans and procedures.

RES 4

Update the City’s emergency plans to account for the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events.

RES 5

Maintain capital reserves to ensure that public finances and sufficient levels of public investment are maintained through economic downturns.

RES 6

Collaborate with businesses, institutions and economic partners to diversify Norman’s employment opportunities.

RES 7

Continue to coordinate with regional, state and federal agencies, as well as neighboring jurisdictions, to regularly update emergency preparedness and recovery plans for catastrophic events.

RES 8

Adopt development and building standards to better withstand environmental changes, including wildfires, droughts, ice storms, and earthquakes.

RES Actions RES A1

Update Hazard Mitigation Plan every five (5) years.

RES A2

Complete the update of the Emergency Operations Plan based on the Comprehensive Preparedness Guide – Version 2.0 guidelines.

RES A3

Conduct/update capability assessment and gap analysis to keep emergency management plans current. Identify new hazards/emergencies that have occurred or pose a threat and update the Hazard Mitigation Plan and Emergency Operations Plan accordingly. Examples of new hazards/emergencies include: Tornados/wind; Flood; Drought; Earthquakes; Ice/snow Storms; Wildfire; Hazardous Material Spills; Explosion/Fire; Transportation Accidents; Building /Structure Collapse; Utility/Technology Interruption or Failure; and Terrorism (including Cyber).

RES A5

Pursue partnerships to acquire a secondary internet service provider connection in order to reduce internet service interruptions for municipal services.

RES A6

Adopt a regional incident management plan with neighboring municipalities and ODOT for the IH 35 corridor.

RES A7

Continue community outreach and education for preparing for disasters and sheltering in place for certain conditions.

RES A8

Continue to build the Storm Shelter Registration program so that it is a searchable database for responders.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

RES A4

• • • • • • • • • • • •

implementation

SYSTEMS: SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT

4.21

implementation

SYSTEMS: SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT Municipal Services (MUN) MUN Policies MUN 1

Provide additional public facilities and services (including fire, police, libraries, etc.) as necessary to maintain current high levels of service as Norman continues to grow and redevelop.

MUN 2

Provide the infrastructure necessary for Norman’s continued growth and implement the City’s water, wastewater, and stormwater master plans by identifying stable, reliable sources of funding.

MUN 3

Develop and implement an ongoing public information and education program to increase awareness about proactive investment in municipal infrastructure.

MUN 4

Direct urban growth to locations that leverage economic efficiencies and cost savings from existing public facilities.

MUN 5

Ensure optimal utilization of existing utilities, infrastructure and support services.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

MUN Actions

4.22

MUN A1

Continue to extend technology infrastructure to keep up with City needs and demands.

MUN A2

Develop a Telecommunications Master Plan with regulations and guidelines on wireless technologies.

MUN A3

Collaborate with OU, Independent School Districts and neighboring entities to share technology infrastructure.

MUN A4

Conduct study for all City fees every five years.

MUN A5

Establish a fee to maintain water lines similar to the wastewater maintenance fee.

MUN A6

Update water and wastewater master plans after PlanNorman adoption.

MUN A7

Develop two fire stations to serve growth in the southern and northeastern edges of the City to preserve or increase ISO rating.

MUN A8

Establish a process/system to manage utility franchise operations within City rights-of-way (tree removal, placement of utilities).

MUN A9

Continue to pursue 100% central computerized traffic signalization system.

MUN A10

Implement projects as identified and prioritized in the Library Master Plan.

MUN A11

Update and maintain City offices and facilities as the community grows.

Economic Development (ECD) ECD Policies ECD 1

Continue to work collaboratively to support local employers, attract new business, and grow and diversify the employment base through NEDC and other business development organizations.

ECD 2

Protect and increase employment opportunities by supporting the local business community and individual small businesses by working with Chambers of Commerce and other business development organizations.

ECD 3

Work collaboratively with the University of Oklahoma and its Research Campus on technology transfer and commercialization of university related research and to attract private businesses and industries with a desire to collaborate with University research capabilities.

ECD 4

Support the development of facilities in select locations throughout Norman, including OU Research Campus, that will help attract high tech and other innovative industries, entrepreneur start-ups, incubators, etc., making Norman an innovation hub of the South-Central Plains. (See also Education Policy #2).

implementation

SYSTEMS: SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT

ECD A1

Partner with NEDC to craft an economic development strategy to identify and validate target industries for the City and to formulate economic development goals and strategies for the next 5-10 years.

ECD A2

Confirm/validate that larger scale industry and large office users (for which there is currently a lack of adequate sites) are not target industries for the City.

ECD A3

Develop public infrastructure as a way to attract industry.

ECD A4

Continue to work on public/private parking solutions in central Norman.

ECD A5

Study the effect of the internet on sales tax and investigate uses that are less retail and more experience driven.

ECD A6

Investigate how to support the commercialization of the research being conducted at OU and other organizations in order to expand business in Norman.

ECD A7

Support local businesses.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

ECD Actions

4.23

implementation Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update 4.24

Employment Type Policies The Employment Types presented in Section Three, help to augment Norman’s Neighborhood Types and direct future employment growth to areas and employment sectors that will help to create a resilient and strong economic base for Norman. The six Employment Types (Commercial Centers, Research & Development and Technology, Business/Industrial, Institutional, Rural/Agriculture, and Lake Thunderbird and Highway 9) can best be realized with the following strategic policy directions: EMPLOYMENT TYPES Commercial Centers (CC) CC 1

Identify investments that enhance Norman’s quality of life to attract and retain businesses and a talented workforce.

CC 2

Encourage mixed-use development to increase the attractiveness to office users by creating a live/work/play environment, with retail and entertainment opportunities for workers and residential uses to increase day and night time vitality.

CC 3

Support local businesses in efforts to revitalize commercial centers through the establishment of business improvement districts and/or main street programs.

CC 4

Encourage targeted infill and/or redevelopment to reduce surface parking, promote a broader mix of uses, create gathering places for people, and accommodate higher density, pedestrian, and transit-supportive uses over time.

CC 5

Facilitate the development, rehabilitation, and/or adaptive reuse of outmoded properties to meet the contemporary needs of emerging businesses while making a positive contribution to the appearance of the City.

CC 6

Provide business incentives where needed to support expansion of existing businesses in targeted industries, as well as to recruit and attract other desirable employers.

CC 7

Develop a standard set of incentives to encourage infill and redevelopment in priority growth areas. These may include reduction or waiver of development fees, offset of sewer fees, and/or use of tax increment financing.

CC 8

Encourage the integration of complementary uses within the same building (i.e., residential or office above retail) or on the same site (i.e., residential adjacent to employment and/or retail uses) as a way of revitalizing centers, corridors, and employment areas and improving access to services.

CC 9

Encourage a range of secondary uses that benefit employees, but do not hamper the ability of existing businesses to operate—such as public gathering spaces, parks, trails, and recreational facilities, retail and restaurants, and multifamily housing.

CC 10

Support the incorporation of multifamily housing and live/work opportunities to increase the number of households located near employment and potential transit corridors.

CC 11

Conduct a study to evaluate the capacity for and impact of additional development east of Lake Thunderbird.

Research/Development & Technology (RDT) RDT 1

Coordinate with the NEDC to promote resources available to new and small businesses, address barriers to starting businesses in Norman, and assist businesses that are either expanding or relocating within or to Norman to make the process as simple and straightforward as possible.

RDT 2

Evaluate and revise, as appropriate, the City’s fee and tax structure, economic development incentive programs, and public/private partnership opportunities based on the economic climate, market conditions and project opportunities.

RDT 3

Support the development of technology incubator space to support new businesses in technology transfer and commercialization.

RDT 4

Proactively invest in infrastructure and amenity projects that will enhance the attractiveness of high priority employment areas in coordination with public and private partners, when possible.

RDT 5

Work with local and regional partners to align education programs with target industries.

RDT 6

Explore and work with partners on the creation or sponsorship of central gathering places that provide space and resources to aspiring/ start-up businesses.

Business/Industrial (BI) BI 1

Protect existing business and industrial areas from encroachment by potentially incompatible land uses.

BI 2

Preserve larger contiguous sites to accommodate larger employer recruitment efforts.

BI 3

Proactively invest in infrastructure and amenity projects that will enhance the attractiveness of high priority employment areas in coordination with public and private partners, when possible.

BI 4

Coordinate with the NEDC to promote resources available to new and small businesses, address barriers to starting businesses in Norman, and assist businesses that are either expanding or relocating within or to Norman to make the process as simple and straightforward as possible.

implementation

EMPLOYMENT TYPES

Institutional (INS) INS 1

Provide for sufficient land to accommodate major institutional growth plans.

INS 2

Align zoning with the Future Land Use Plan to ensure desired development patterns and densities can be readily achieved; update zoning districts (or develop new zoning districts) and design standards as necessary to address desired mix of uses; height, massing, and scale; housing types; transitions to existing neighborhoods; and pedestrian, bicycle, and transit accessibility, and other considerations outlined in the goals and policies contained in this Plan.

Rural/Agriculture (RA) RA 1

Support local businesses that contribute to Norman’s rural cultural and local economy.

RA 2

Explore ways to reduce regulatory barriers to agribusiness pursuits.

RA 3

Develop standards and guidelines pertaining but not limited to traffic, parking, noise and liquor sales for events, concerts and other public gatherings in rural areas.

LT 1

Encourage commerical uses oriented towards and targeted to Lake Thunderbird and its users.

LT 2

Work with interested parties to identify appropriate locations and allowed uses in these locations.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Lake Thunderbird and Highway 9 (LT)

4.25

Appendix The Appendix consists of the following sections:

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

• Emergency Management Assessment (starts on page A.2); • Utilities Infrastructure Assessment (starts on page A.6); and • Norman’s Community Profile (starts on page A.9).

A.1

appendix

Emergency Operations and Management Assessment A community’s capability to respond to and recover from disasters is not easily measured, and the successful response to past disasters is not a guarantee for success in the future. The way communities prepare for disasters has a direct impact on the ability to respond and recover. The focus of this emergency operations and management assessment is on key plans and other documents provided by public officials from the City of Norman and the Cleveland County Health Department.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

REVIEW OF EXISTING KEY PLANS AND DOCUMENTS

A.2

Hazard Mitigation Plan Local governments are required to develop and maintain Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-approved hazard mitigation plans (HMPs) to qualify for Public Assistance (PA) to repair damage to infrastructure and publicly owned buildings following a disaster and to qualify for other grants associated with hazard mitigation. The current Cleveland County Hazard Mitigation Plan covers the years 2014 through 2019, and it includes the City of Norman. Therefore, the City of Norman is currently eligible for FEMA assistance and grants that require an HMP.

The hazard mitigation planning process is lengthy, and it is important to have a new plan approved by FEMA before the current plan expires. Officials from the City of Norman should continue the collaboration with Cleveland County and the surrounding municipalities to ensure FEMA-approved HMP is in place on a continuing basis. Emergency Operations Plan The City of Norman’s Emergency Operations Plan was authorized and approved in October of 2003. The plan follows the All Hazards Concept of planning and formatting. The FEMA recommended Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 101 Version 2, dated November 2010 is the current planning guidance regarding structure and formatting of a plan. The City of Norman has completed converting roughly 50% of the existing plan to the recommended format. This format will support an easier process for future updates and eliminates the plan containing volumes of information that is constantly subject to frequent changes such as telephone lists, rosters of personnel that frequently change and other purely administrative data.

Public Health-Related Plans The City of Norman relies on the Cleveland County Health Department for public health-related plans. The Local Emergency Response Coordinator for the Cleveland County Health Department provided the following plans for review: the Cleveland County Public Health and Medical System Emergency Response Plan created December 2014 and updated September 2016; Cleveland County Pandemic Response Annex, September 11, 2016 update; Cleveland County and McClain County Mass Immunization/Prophylaxis Strategy (MIPS) Plan; Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Public Health & Medical System Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Response Annex dated 2017; and Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State of Oklahoma Operational Policy – 080300: Mass Fatality Plan. These plans are well organized, contain sound response protocols, are generally up to date, and play a key role in the City of Norman’s resilience. The Cleveland County Public Health and Medical System Emergency Response Plan, Pandemic Response Annex, and the Oklahoma Public Health & Medical System CBRNE Response Annex have been developed or updated within the last 13 months.

Water Conservation Plan The City of Norman City Council adopted the City of Norman Water Conservation Plan on May 31, 2011. The plan was amended and adopted by the city council on January 14, 2014, and again on May 10, 2016. The plan is well organized and contains information about water sources and potential future limitations. Future limitations may occur because the sources are unable to keep up with demand or the United States Environmental Protection Agency or other governmental authority establishes new rules or regulations. The Water Conservation Plan references the 2060 Strategic Water Supply Plan that outlines potential long-term solutions to meeting the water supply needs of customers, including the University of Oklahoma. The plan includes information about supply, demand, and population growth. The plan includes information about education programs, as well as the way the public can reduce their water use. The plan also includes the Drought Contingency Plan that outlines mandatory conservation measures.

Disaster Debris Management Plan The City of Norman, Oklahoma Disaster Debris Management Plan dated February 2009 contains the plan elements found in the FEMA Alternate Procedures Pilot Program Guide for Debris Removal, Version 5, dated June 28, 2017. The plan contains a background section that serves as the overview, events and assumptions section, debris collection and removal plan, debris removal from private property, public information, health and safety requirements, environmental considerations and other regulatory requirements, temporary debris management sites and disposal locations, force accounts or contracted resources and procurement, monitoring of debris operations, and at least 1 pre-qualified debris removal contractor.

The plan contains an authority section, but it is not clear if the plan was formally approved or adopted. The plan contains some information that has probably changed since 2009, such as the key personnel list in Section 3 and the resource list in Appendix N. The plan contains additional information about contractors, recycling sites, and an invitation to bid that may also be outdated.

appendix

There are four stages to the Drought Contingency plan. The City of Norman is currently in Stage 1. The Drought Contingency Plan contains triggers, goals, and required conservation steps for Stages 2, 3, and 4. The Water Conservation Plan is well maintained and contains important information about how the Norman Utility Authority operates and works to meet the needs of their customers today and in the future.

Two important documents pertaining to disaster debris management that potentially affect this plan have been published since 2009: FEMA-327 Debris Monitoring Guide, dated October 2010, and the Public Assistance Alternate Procedures Pilot Guide for Debris Removal, Version 5, dated June 28, 2017. City Ordinance The Norman City Ordinance No. 1137 dated April 14, 1959 approved the creation of the local department of Civil Defense. This outdated ordinance established powers, authorities, and an organization that no longer exists.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

The Cleveland County and McClain County MIPS Plan contains comments and appears to be under development.

A.3

appendix

Local Emergency Planning Committee The Cleveland County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) maintains copies of Tier 2 forms that contain information about chemicals stored in fixed facilities within the county boundaries, including the City of Norman. City officials are active participants in the LEPC. They attend meetings on a regular basis and sometimes host the meetings. The Cleveland County LEPC has established by-laws, announces meetings to the public, maintains sign-in sheets, tracks attendance, and maintains minutes. The Cleveland County LEPC also interacts with appropriate state officials and forwards TIER 2 information to local fire departments.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

FUTURE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENT CONSIDERATIONS

A.4

Hazard Mitigation Plan To ensure the City of Norman is eligible for FEMA PA to repair damage to infrastructure and publicly owned buildings following a disaster and to qualify for other grants associated with hazard mitigation, a FEMA-approved HMP needs to be in place on a continuing basis. City of Norman should continue the collaboration with Cleveland County and the surrounding municipalities to establish realistic timelines to keep this plan approved every five years.

The HMP planning team should use the FEMA Local Mitigation Planning Handbook dated March 2013 to guide their efforts. Emergency Operations Plan The City of Norman should continue the process of converting the format of the existing plan. It is recommended the planning team utilize the National Preparedness Goal, Second Edition dated September 2015 as a basis for the functional annexes. The Department of Homeland Security CPG 201, Second Edition dated August 2013 is recommended for any hazard specific annexes identified as relevant. It is recommended following the six-step process in the CPG 101. Public Health-Related Plans Officials from the City of Norman should work with officials from the Cleveland County Health Department and other planning partners to ensure the public health-related plans they develop stay up to date. The plans should contain response concepts and responsibilities that are understood and agreed upon. The Cleveland County and McClain County MIPS Plan that appears to be under development should be completed and adopted.

Water Conservation Plan The City of Norman Water Conservation Plan has been updated twice since it was originally adopted. The planning cycle of updates should continue as conditions change. Disaster Debris Management Plan The City of Norman, Oklahoma Disaster Debris Management Plan should be reviewed and revised. When updating the plan, consider maintaining information that changes frequently, such as the personnel list in Section 3 and the resource list in Appendix N, in a separate document. The update should align with FEMA-327 Debris Monitoring Guide, dated October 2010. Officials from the City of Norman should submit the updated plan to FEMA under protocols established in the Public Assistance Alternate Procedures Pilot Guide for Debris Removal, Version 5 dated June 28, 2017. The submittal to FEMA would confirm the plan meets FEMA’s plan requirements and has a potential cost savings if approved. The plan contains an authority section that should be updated to make it clear that the plan has been formally approved or adopted.

Emergency Management Strategic Plan The City of Norman is the third largest municipality in the State of Oklahoma. As such the needs of the City for Emergency Management operations has continued to grow as well. Currently the Emergency Management program is a Division of the Fire Department with the Fire Chief as the Director of Emergency Management. This assignment is in conflict with Oklahoma Ordinance 11-29-102. Previous to 2003 the duties and responsibilities were absorbed within the department. In 2003 a position was added for an Emergency Management Coordinator.

The planning team should consider developing a Multi-year Training and Exercise program as outlined in the DHS Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program. The planning team should also consider developing a Pre-Disaster Recovery Plan based on the FEMA Pre-Disaster Recovery Planning Guide for Local Governments.

The City of Norman should develop, adopt, and implement an Emergency Management Strategic Plan that gives consideration to future growth of the program in terms of adequate staffing and proper placement within the City management structure. The strategic plan should include an emergency management mission statement and/or a vision statement, goals, and objectives.

appendix

Elected officials and department heads from the City should actively participate in the planning process. The plan should include short-term and long-term goals that involve emergency management planning, organizing, equipping, training, and exercising. The plan should be implemented based on the objectives that support the goals and updated annually.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

Local Emergency Planning Committee Officials from the City of Norman should continue their active roles with the Cleveland County LEPC. They should attend meetings on a regular basis and volunteer to host meetings annually. They should also ensure TIER 2 information is forwarded to and maintained by local fire departments.

A.5

appendix Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update A.6

Utilities Infrastructure Assessment The Norman Utilities Authority (NUA) on behalf of the City of Norman provides water treatment and distribution, and wastewater collection, treatment and reuse for its customers. Numerous detailed technical studies can be used to analyze the current and future needs for the City in each of these areas. The purpose of the Comprehensive Plan is to determine whether the City has made or plans on undertaking these types of efforts. This infrastructure assessment is intended to provide a broad overview of Norman’s water and wastewater infrastructure systems and assess general recommendations for future system infrastructure planning, operations and maintenance, and extension of services to support growth. WATER SYSTEM: EXISTING SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS

Water Supply and Treatment The City currently owns and supplies treated drinking water from the Vernon Campbell Water Treatment Plant (WTP) on the east side of the City. The raw water conveyance infrastructure is owned by the Bureau of Reclamation with the intake pump station located approximately 8.5 miles east of the WTP at Lake Thunderbird.

The WTP was originally constructed by the City in 1965 and upgraded in 1981 and 2009 to its present capacity of 17.0 million gallons per day (MGD). The plant is currently undergoing upgrades to address new regulatory requirements and improve water quality. In addition to treated surface water, the City operates 34 groundwater wells, 10 of which were recently constructed, that pump directly into the water distribution system. The City also relies on treated water from Oklahoma City for distribution through an interconnection on the northwest side of Norman. Water Storage and Distribution Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) regulation OAC 252:62619-1 (a) requires that the water distribution system have the ability to maintain “a minimum of 25 pounds per square inch (psi) throughout the distribution system under normal operating conditions including peak demand and fire flows where fire protection is provided”. The City operates on two pressure planes with 5.5 million gallons of elevated storage. The City fills the elevated tanks in both pressure planes using high service pumps at the WTP.

The City is able to pump approximately 5 million gallons per day (MGD) into the upper pressure plane and 17 MGD into the main pressure plane. The City also has pressure sustaining valves between the two pressure planes to maintain pressure. The City currently has 37,000 water service connections. Additionally, the City owns and maintains 570 miles of water lines ranging in size from 4-inch distribution lines to 36-inch transmission lines. WATER SYSTEM: CONSIDERATIONS

The City of Norman currently has a Water Model and a 2060 Strategic Water Supply Plan to identify current and future water supply and distribution network needs. Regarding water supply, the City should continue to implement the projects and recommendations in the Strategic Water Supply Plan. In terms of distribution, the Water Model was recently updated to incorporate the future development pattern reflected in the Future Land Use Plan for the identification and prioritization of water infrastructure projects. Continued monitoring of the current water system should be conducted to ensure system equipment (distribution lines, valves, etc.) is maintained and/or expanded as the City develops and ages. It would also benefit the City to adopt a monthly water maintenance fee for water line rehabilitation and maintenance.

Wastewater Treatment Wastewater flows generated in the Norman Utilities Authority (NUA) are treated at the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF), located at 3500 South Jenkins Avenue. The CITY completed an upgrade to the facility in 2017, expanding the treatment capacity to 17 million gallons per day (MGD) of annual average wastewater flow and 36 MGD of wet weather flow. The previous three-year average annual daily wastewater flow was 10.3 MGD. A portion of the treated effluent from the WRF is utilized for a reuse program, with the remaining treated effluent being discharged to the Canadian River. The wastewater collection system has a current service population of approximately 107,500 people, and includes 480 miles of gravity lines and 14 miles of force mains. Water Reuse Program The City has a water reuse program, utilizing treated effluent from the WRF to supply non-potable water to several beneficial use recipients including the WRF and the University of Oklahoma’s Jimmy Austin Golf Course.

Sewer Rehabilitation and CMOM Program The City currently assesses a $5/ month sewer maintenance fee for sewer rehabilitation. This fee was approved by the City of Norman voters in 2001, and the funds must be utilized for rehabilitation activities within the collection system. The City has been utilizing these funds to systematically replace the oldest collection system pipes and manholes throughout the City at a rate of 20,000 - 25,000 linear feet per year. The City has an active capacity, management, operation & maintenance (CMOM) program. As part of this program, approximately 1,000,000 linear feet of wastewater collection lines are televised each year.

WASTEWATER SYSTEM: CONSIDERATIONS

appendix

Wet Weather Peak Flow Facilities The City utilizes storm water holding ponds at the WRF to temporarily store peak wet weather flows until they can be treated by the facility.

The City’s last Wastewater Master Plan was completed in 2001, and the City has completed the majority of the projects identified in that plan. The City should consider updating the plan to identify and prioritize collection system and/ or treatment infrastructure projects as well as to integrate the projected growth pattern reflected in the Future Land Use Plan. In addition, continuation of the sewer replacement/rehabilitation program would be beneficial to the City. A sanitary sewer evaluation survey (SSES) may enhance this program and further inform prioritization of line and manhole rehabilitation.

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

WASTEWATER SYSTEM: EXISTING SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS

A.7

appendix Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update A.8

Community Profile The following pages contain the Norman Community Profile created in October 2016.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE

Community Profile

October 21, 2016

Economic & Planning Systems Freese and Nichols , Inc.

Table of Contents Introduction

1

Norman Today

3



Demographic Profile



Existing Community Character



Urban Form



Transportation and Mobility

Looking Forward

Existing Vision Elements



Managing Population Growth

Assets and Opportunities

Lake Thunderbird



Parks and Recreation



“Small Big Town”



Strong Neighborhoods



Arts, Culture, and Education



University of Oklahoma



Max Westeimer Airport

13

15

Challenges

Housing Affordability and Choice



Water Utilities and Stormwater Management



Pedestrian and Bicycle Connectivity

25

Next Steps

Looking Ahead

27

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE

With a growing population of 120,000, Norman is part of the dynamic Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area, which has over one million residents. As the third largest city in Oklahoma and the largest city within Cleveland County, we have a healthy employment rate, strong neighborhoods, quality schools, and beautiful natural spaces. Formally incorporated on May 13, 1891, Norman was settled during the Land Run of 1889. Named after Abner Norman, the city’s first land surveyor, over the decades Norman has grown from a small community of 150 residents to a thriving city. Our city is home to a nationally recognized institute of higher education, the University of Oklahoma. Norman also serves as a valuable station stop along the Amtrack’s Heartland Flyer, connecting Oklahoma City to Fort Worth, Texas. Additionally, we are home to the National Weather Center (NWC) attracting experts in meteorology, climatology and weather radar. What is PlanNorman? PlanNorman is the effort that will help us prepare our new Comprehensive Plan that provides a community vision, long-term goals, and an implementation framework to guide future development. The Comprehensive Plan is envisioned as both a physical plan and policy guide for Norman moving forward and will serve as a framework for future associated planning documents as well as a policy guide for staff and decision makers.

Page 1 | Plan Norman

Our proximity to Oklahoma City, combined with our high quality of life, have made our community a destination for those working in the big city but wanting a small town lifestyle. From 2011 to 2016 we captured 11 percent of the Metro area’s population growth and have one of the fastest growth rates in the area – behind only Oklahoma City, Edmond, and Moore. As our community continues to grow we will face increased challenges related to land use, housing, infrastructure and environmental protection. PlanNorman will help us address all these challenges by identifying strategies that will improve and enhance our community’s assets – including our great parks, arts and cultural venues, our historic and existing neighborhoods, and our connection to the University and surrounding communities. This profile serves to recognize our assets while also identifying potential opportunity areas to aid in our future development.

Community Profile | Page 2

norman today

Population and Housing

Commuting

Norman today has a population of 120,000 and approximately 47,900 households. Since 2000, our community has grown by 1.4 percent per year (over 24,000 new residents) and added 9,000 households. We have the highest percentage of non-family households (45%) in the Metro area, representative of our large student population. In comparison, Moore has only 28% non-family households and Oklahoma City has 38% non-family households.

More people commute out of Norman than work in the city. Only 33% (15,900) of people who live in Norman also work within the City limits (Figure 2). An additional 29,500 people work in Norman but live outside our city limits. The majority of these people live in Oklahoma City (17%).

Additionally, we have the lowest average household size in the Metro area, with an average of only 2.36 persons per household, compared to an average 2.51 persons per household in Oklahoma City and 2.71 persons per household in Moore.

Age, Race and Ethnicity The median age of our residents is 30 years old. Over 16% of the population is aged 20 to 24 years, a reflection of our large student population (Figure 1). About 47% of the population are in the prime working age range of 25 to 64 years, while 11% is aged 65 or older. Our residents are 86% white (6.4% identify as Hispanic or Latino), 7% American Indian or Alaskan Native, 5% African American and 5% Asian.

Educational Attainment Our community boasts good schools and a high level of educational attainment among our residents – 43% of our population aged 25 years and older holds a bachelor’s degree or higher and only 7% of our population over 18 years does not have a high school diploma.

Page 3 | Plan Norman

We have a large percentage of workers in our community who commute to other towns for employment – 31% travel to Oklahoma City; 3% to Moore; 3% to Tulsa. While we have a high number of commuters, many of our residents (47%) commute less than 10 miles to reach their place of employment. The majority of our residents (80%) commute 24 miles or less to work.

Income In 2014 Norman had a median household income of $50,700 and an average household income of $70,500 Figure 3). This is compared to a median household income of $47,000 and an average houshold income of $66,000 in Oklahoma City. In the Metro area the median income is $51,000 and the average is $69,000. Just over a quarter of our households (26%) earn less than $25,000 per year, while close to 22% earn more than $100,000.

Figure 1: Norman Population by Age, 2014 Source: US Census (2000, 2010), ESRI (2016)

Employment The University of Oklahoma is the largest employer in Norman with almost 12,000 employees. Norman’s top employers are: 1. University of Oklahoma: 11,900 employees 2. Norman Regional Health System: 2,800 employees 3. Norman Public Schools: 1,900 employees 4. Johnson Controls: 1,200 employees 5. Walmart: 800 employees

Figure 2: Norman Resident Commute Pattern

Figure 3: Household Income Source: US Census (2000, 2010), ESRI (2016)

Community Profile | Page 4

norman today

Existing Community Character Norman has a total land area of 189.5 square miles. Our development was historically concentrated in the downtown core and main street areas. With the completion of Interstate 35 in 1959, Norman became an ideal bedroom community for those working in Oklahoma City but desiring small town living, and spurred the development of our core historic neighborhoods. Even with a growing population and a housing boom, our growth remained constrained with little or no development occurring east of 36th Avenue East. Over time we have started to extend beyond these boundaries, with new residential developments occurring out towards Lake Thunderbird and in areas to the west. Many of the houses being built in these areas occupy large lots (of an acre or more) and are not typically designed as part of a planned community with sidewalk infrastructure or supporting amenities. Figure 4 illustrates Norman’s built environment and clearly shows the higher density built environment of our core contrasted with the less dense eastern portion of our community.

Page 5 | Plan Norman

Norman has many strong neighborhoods that offer residents a diversity of housing options, amenities, and levels of access. Residential areas in the core of Norman offer a more traditional neighborhood, with smaller parceled lots and multiple homes on a street (top images). New developement in the far eastern and western reaches of our city offers larger lots, frequently an acre or more, in a more traditional country setting (bottom images).

Figure 4: Existing Development

Community Profile | Page 6

norman today

Urban Form Norman’s small block grid design in and around the downtown core has helped establish walkable and pedestrian-oriented districts. It also has contributed to higher levels of connectivity, making the area easily accessible to all residents. Even with the amount of space dedicated to parking in downtown (see Figure 6), the district remains well connected because of the high concentration of intersections (see Figure 5). High intersection density supports walkability and increased levels of connectivity. In contrast, the areas adjacent to Interstate 35 (which are heavily commercialized with large areas of land dedicated to parking) are disjointed and challenging for pedestrians to navigate. These areas have lower levels of intersection density and are not as well connected or as easily accessible. Potential Implication: As our community expands we should be cognizant of development patterns that support higher levels of intersection density, such as smaller walkable blocks, thereby allowing for more pedestrian-friendly and well-connected districts. We also should explore the potential for redevelopment of space dedicated to parking into other uses, such as residential or mixed-use.

Figure 5: Intersection Density

Page 7 | Plan Norman

Figure 6: Surface Parking Lots

Community Profile | Page 8

norman today

Transportation and Mobility Norman enjoys a well-connected and accessible downtown core – with walkable streets, reasonable sidewalk infrastructure, and access to public transit services, including regional and local services. Cleveland Area Rapid Transit (CART), operated by the University of Oklahoma, provides fixed-route bus, CARTaccess, and weekday express bus service to Norman citizens. The city is also served by two intercity bus lines that provide connections to several metropolitan areas in other states. Furthermore, daily Amtrak passenger rail service connects us to Oklahoma City and Fort Worth, TX. We have a well-developed sidewalk infrastructure linking many of our neighborhoods to local amenities. While our community offers good walkability and connectivity via our sidewalk infrastructure, there is always room for continued improvement, particularly along collector and arterial streets that serve as critical connections between neighborhoods and nearby schools, parks, and retail opportunities. Figure 7 identifies these ‘high priority’ sidewalk investments as well as other missing sidewalks along arterial and collector streets. Development of sidewalks that connect bus stops to places people live, work and play will add to our community’s long list of assets. The Transit Access Map (Figure 8) shows levels of accessibility to existing CART bus stops. Areas of light blue indicate a bus stop is within a half mile walking distance, the darker blue indicates areas where a bus stop can be reached in a quarter mile or less. Our existing routes provide good east to west cross-city connectivity and good access in the downtown core and areas adjacent to OU. However, several crucial areas do not have bus stops, such as the west side Wal Mart and Sooner Fashion Mall. While there is a strong transit framework in place, it needs expansion both in frequency, area coverage, and bus stops (see the map of exisiting and proposed routes in Figure 9). The proposed Porter-Classen Corridor and North Norman/ Jail/Technology Center routes will help expand the transit network to provide needed north to south cross-city connectivity.

Page 9 | Plan Norman

Figure 7: Sidewalk Completion Plan

Community Profile | Page 10

norman today Figure 8: Transit Access

Page 11 | Plan Norman

Figure 9: Existing and Proposed Transit Routes

Community Profile | Page 12

looking forward

Existing Vision Elements Previous plans and policies developed for our community, such as the Norman 2025 Land Use and Trasnportation Plan, speak to our values and vision for the future. We want to retain our unique character and protect our existing neighborhoods and the natural environment surrounding us. We desire to enhance the quality of economic growth in Norman by attracting new and cutting-edge businesses and employees to support these industries. We want all residents in our community to live in a safe environment and have access to a diversity of housing types. Our Parks and Recreation Plan and Greenways Plan call for the development of additional parks, trails, and greenways so that all of our residents have access to recreation facilities and the opportunity to live healthy, active lifestyles. The Stormwater Masterplan stresses the value of our natural waterways and watersheds and works to preserve them while continuing to identify ways to protect our neighborhoods from the threat of flooding, reduce erosion and protect area streams and the Canadian River, and protect Norman’s main drinking water source, Lake Thunderbird. Our Transportation Plan supports the vision of well-balanced networks that enhance our residents’ ability to safely and easily navigate our community via bus, personal vehicle, bike, and by foot.

Page 13 | Plan Norman

Managing Population Growth Norman is constantly changing and evolving. As we evolve and grow we must continue to assess our residents’ needs and our community’s capabilities. By 2040 the city is projected to grow by almost 50,000 people (see Figure 10) or 21,400 households. Annually that equates to roughly 1,800 additional people or 770 households. This population growth translates to approximately 23,500 new housing units by 2040, or 940 units per year. Based on these forecasts, we will require 15,000 new single family detached homes, 1,400 single family attached homes, and 7,500 apartment units. This level of new development is estimated to require approximately 5,500 acres of land not currently developed. Since 2002, we have experienced an average of 826 new units per year. If not planned for, the additional 114 new housing units per year Norman Population Trend and Projection, 2000-2040 compounded over the next 24 years will create stress on our existing infrastructure and neighborhoods. In order to absorb this growth and meet these residential development needs, we either need to add housing and increase density in the core of the city, or expand into open land to the east.

Population

180,000

163,369

160,000 140,000 118,294

120,000 100,000

96,782

80,000

60,000 40,000 20,000 0

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2025

2030

2035

2040

Source: US Census; ESRI; ACOG; Economic & Planning Systems Figure 10: Norman Population Trend and Projection 2000-2040 Source: US Census, ESRI, ACOG, Economic & Planning Systems

Community Profile | Page 14

assets and opportunities

Lake Thunderbird

Parks and Recreation

“Small Big Town”

Strong Neighborhoods

Arts, Culture, and Education

University of Oklahoma

Max Westeimer Airport

Existing assets and opportunities were identified during the first PlanNorman Steering Committee Meeting and Stakeholder interviews.

Page 15 | Plan Norman

Lake Thunderbird Lake Thunderbird is a man-made reservoir constructed between 1962-1965 to help provide water to Norman and other neighboring communities. Today the 6,000-acre lake serves not only as the largest water source for our community, but also as a source of recreation for fisherman, hikers, and water enthusiasts. Lake Thunderbird is currently recognized as a Warm Water Aquatic Community (WWAC), but is in danger of losing this designation due to decreasing water quality.

Lake Thunderbird State Park The Lake Thunderbird State Park is both a natural asset and economic generator for our community. • Lake Thunderbird State Park is 1,874 acres • The State Park attracted 637,000 visitors in 2011

While Lake Thunderbird is a tremendous asset for our community, it faces a severe threat from phosphorus entering the lake, estimated at 18,000 kg of phosphorus per year. The result is a green appearance and odoriferous reputation. The color and smell has contributed to decreased use and has the potential to affect the economic vitality the lake offers our community. In addition to the high phosphorous levels, high nutrient levels have led to eutrophication in the lake, turbidity, and low dissolved oxygen, causing decreased fish populations and resulting in decreased use of the lake by fisherman.

• The Park offers two marinas, campgrounds, hiking and biking trails, and numerous boat ramps. Community Profile | Page 16

Parks and Recreation Norman has a robust park system with 64 parks covering 1,146.9 total acres of parks and green space (see Figure 11). Our community’s largest park is Griffin Memorial Park (160 acres) located at East Robinson Street and 12th Avenue NE, northeast of downtown Norman. Our smallest park is Centennial Park (0.2 acres) located a few blocks northwest of Campus Corner.

Figure 11: Norman Parks Inventory

Our neighborhood parks offer 2.6 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents. That is 25% higher than the national standard set by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). In addition to our parks we also have five recreation centers totaling 53,584 square feet. Norman’s 64 parks also offer over 6.5 miles of walking, jogging and biking trails (see Figure 13). Griffin Park offers the longest paved trail (1.89 miles) and Sutton Wilderness offers the longest native soil and rock trail (1.5 miles). Additionally, our parks offer multiple recreation opportunities including baseball fields, soccer fields, pavillions and playgrounds.

Figure 12: Norman Parks Access Page 17 | Plan Norman

Figure 13: Norman Trails and Bike Facilities Community Profile | Page 18

“Small Big Town” Norman residents love our city for its sense of community. It appeals to those who appreciate the safe, friendly, generous, and supportive nature of a small town while still enjoying the opportunities and amenities afforded by proximity to a major research university and Oklahoma City. Our parks and trails, great neighborhoods, and robust culture of arts, festivals, and education all further contribute to our city’s desirability. We hear from many residents that they value the inclusive and diverse nature of our city. Norman’s progressive mindset, its approach to social service provision, and cultural diversity are all lauded as points of pride for our community. The relatively small scale of Norman makes it easy to get around, and the strong “shop local” atmosphere contributes to the small town feel that you know everyone. A sense of civic pride engages residents in many active local groups and organizations across a diverse range of interests. Our transparent public processes and inclusive community initiatives increase our sense that we have a role in shaping our great city and that each person can make a difference.  

Page 19 | Plan Norman

Strong Neighborhoods Our community is full of great neighborhoods and local districts. Each offers a unique character, diverse residents, and special history. We have three historic districts: the Miller Historic District (bounded by Symmes Street, Classen Avenue, and Miller Avenue); the Chautauqua Historic District (bounded by Symmes Street, Brooks Street, Chautauqua Avenue, and Lahoma Avenue); and the Southridge Historic District (bounded by Classen Boulevard, Macy Street, Oklahoma Avenue, and Shawnee). These districts contain homes built between 1903 and 1935 and contain a variety of architectural styles including American Craftsman. In addition to the architectural intrigue, our neighborhoods in the core of Norman offer high levels of walkability, parks access, and convenience to a multitude of amenities including arts and culture, restaurants, and local shops.

Community Profile | Page 20

Arts, Culture, and Education Norman has a diversity of arts, culture and educational assets. Our downtown core offers multiple venues within a short walk of the adjacent neighborhoods including art centers, museums, libraries, galleries, and live performance theaters (see Figure 14). Additionally, the university campus has many sculptures and historic and architecturally interesting buildings in addition to live performance venues, galleries and museums including the Sam Noble Museum and the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. Art is a true treasure and should be enjoyed by all our residents. To help make art visually accessible to everyone in our community, the Norman Arts Council and Norman Public Arts Board in 2010 launched the SAMO Ducky Project – an endeavor to empower local artists while simultaneously adding works of art to our community’s parks. The project has placed 21 painted large scale ducks in parks throughout our community. The original duck resides in Lions Park. We also have 13 artistic bike racks located in our downtown. These unique assets help to enhance our residents’ experience while providing functional utility.

Page 21 | Plan Norman

City of Festivals Norman is known as the ‘City of Festivals’ offering our residents a variety of family fun activities throughout the year. Community favorites include the Norman Music Festival (an annual three-day American music fest in April); the Norman Medieval Fair (which will celebrate its 41st anniversary in 2017); the Aviation Festival at Max Westheimer Airport; May Fair; the Fall Festival; the Jazz in June Festival; and the Chocolate Festival.

Figure 14: Arts, Cultural, and Educational Assets

Community Profile | Page 22

University of Oklahoma (OU) Established in 1890 (approximately 18 years before Oklahoma became the 46th state in the Union), the university hosts a total student body of 30,834 students (2015). The university employs nearly 12,000, including 3,000 faculty members representing 152 baccalaureate programs, 160 master’s programs, and 75 doctorate programs. OU is classified as a center with “very high research activity” and is consistently top ranked among public universities with National Merit Scholars and Rhodes Scholars. In addition to serving as an institution of academic excellence, OU also supports a NCAA Division I football team, two renowned museums (Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art and Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History), and a strong partnership with the National Weather Center. With its beautiful campus, excellent academic reputation, and successful sports programs, OU is a tremendous asset for our community.

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Max Westheimer Airport The University of Oklahoma Westheimer Airport (OUN), also known as Max Westheimer Airport, is owned and operated by the University of Oklahoma and located in an area of Norman known as The University of Oklahoma Research Campus - North, three miles northwest of the Central Business District. The campus is delineated by Robinson Street on the south, Tecumseh Road on the north, Flood Avenue on the east, and airport property on the west. The University of Oklahoma Research Campus - North contains approximately 1,120 acres, with 727 acres attributed to airport property and 393 acres attributed to a Research Park. The airport currently operates as a two runway system, and is classified as a Reliever by the Federal Aviation Administration. Reliever airports provide additional capacity and handling of general aviation flights in areas to assist the operations at larger commercial airports. As of July 2016, the airport is home to 111 based aircraft. The airport operates 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, with a manned Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) from 8am to 10pm that accommodates approximately 60,000 aircraft operations per year. In 2015, aircraft operations averaged 133 per day with over 50 percent of traffic being general aviation and less than 1 percent being commercial traffic. The University owns and operates 40 T-hangars and 7 corporate size hangars with an additional 22 hangars that are privately owned. The City of Norman maintains a Height Hazard Zoning Ordinance that protects the airport from encroaching activities and restricts land uses and height limits that can be erected within a certain distance of the facility. In addition to aircraft activity, the airport campus is a destination point for existing businesses and facilities, which include the YMCA, the National Weather Center Annex, the University’s classroom building for aviation students, airframe and power plant maintenance providers, and aircraft owners requiring access to their hangar area. The heaviest aviation traffic occurs during the fall when the University of Oklahoma hosts a football game. These games attract significant business jet operations and increase the volume of traffic in the area until the game day event ends.

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challenges

Housing Affordability and Choice As Norman’s population increases and adapts to demographic shifts, housing affordability and choice will become increasingly important issues for us to address. Median household income increased by $14,000 between 2000 and 2014, an average annual rate of 2.3%. Yet, over that same time, the median home sales price increased by $46,500, an average annual rate of 2.9%. Additionally, area developers of affordable workforce housing express concern that the current boundaries of the urban area and utility provision decrease the availability and increase the costs of land on which they can continue building economically inclusive homes. Costs for our city’s renters are also increasing; median rent is $780 per month and only 8% of units rent for less than $500 per month. A related issue is the provision of a wider variety of housing options that will appeal across the spectrum of Norman’s current and future residents. Since 2002, over 10,000 new housing units have been permitted in Norman, and 60% of that new construction was single family homes. Like many cities across the country, we compete for residents and businesses and must strive to remain a vibrant and desirable option, particularly for two growing segments of our population: aging baby boomers at or nearing retirement; and younger millennials in the 18-34 age range. Both groups have generally demonstrated preferences for smaller housing units that are located in more compact, walkable, and amenity-based communities. These higher density neighborhoods do not always require mid- or high-rise apartments. In fact, a range of “missing middle” housing types (including duplexes, carriage houses, townhomes, courtyard apartments and others) can provide higher density options that are compatible and integrate with our more traditional neighborhoods comprised of single-family detached homes. Policies and incentives that support and encourage a broader range of housing unit sizes, configurations, and prices will provide more choice for Norman residents and may help alleviate pricing pressures at desirable locations in our City.

Page 25 | Plan Norman

However, a more proactive and thoughtful approach to locating these higher density options must balance the benefits with protecting the quality of life in our central neighborhoods and pressures from the student housing market. An update to our 62-year old zoning code and enforcement protocols; consideration of policies allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs); and careful planning of the Griffin Memorial Hospital site can all support well-considered strategies that increase density and housing choice in the core of our city without placing undue pressure on our existing neighborhoods.

Water Utilities and Stormwater Management The City of Norman currently has two major water supply sources including Lake Thunderbird and more than 35 municipal groundwater wells. During periods of peak demand, Norman has the ability to purchase additional supplies from Oklahoma City. Recognizing the challenges that a growing population presents to maintaining a water supply portfolio of adequate quality and quantity, in 2014 the City of Norman developed its 2060 Strategic Water Supply Plan. The Strategic Water Supply Plan addresses regulatory uncertainties, water quality, and anticipated costs of new projects. The plan outlines a portfolio of projects that were vetted by City leaders and the community to ensure a sustainable water supply through 2060. Water distribution and wastewater collection infrastructure also pose potential challenges for future growth in Norman. Our water system currently exceeds capacity on peak-use summer days. Norman continues to invest in its water resources with the planned expansion of the water treatment plant and the targeted replacement of aging water line infrastructure. Additionally, the current expansion of the Water Reclamation Facility provides for adequate wastewater treatment capacity for 15 years of growth. It is important to note, however, that most city utilities stop at 36th Avenue East; therefore, the eastern part of the city is generally on septic and well water.

Funding for existing and proposed infrastructure continues to be a challenge. While many water lines may need to be replaced, the city does not have an adequate maintenance fee for water lines. In addition, the City’s water tap connection fees are still quite low compared to other large cities (even with recent increases), and importantly are much lower than the real cost to connect utilities. Potential Implication: With our City unable to cover current infrastructure maintenance costs, let alone provide funding for new growth areas, the city often relies on developers to fund utility extensions. This can lead to circumstances in which outside parties influence our growth patterns. Stormwater infrastructure also faces maintenance and funding challenges. According to the 2009 Storm Water Master Plan, approximately 30 of the City’s 190 square miles have been developed to accommodate our current population. Impervious surface sectors include 15% single family, 22% multi-family, 27% commercial/industrial/office, 2% agriculture, 20% University of Oklahoma and 39% miscellaneous. Norman’s stormwater conveyance system consists of approximately 320 miles of existing streams and channels, and 140 miles of underground stormwater pipes carry the stormwater to Lake Thunderbird and the Canadian River. Recent stormwater infrastructure concerns have led to the following discussions: • reduction of flooding in neighborhoods; • reduction of erosion and pollution in area creeks, streams, and the Canadian River; • compliance with federal and state regulatory mandates; and • protection of Norman’s drinking water source, Lake Thunderbird. In an effort to address stormwater issues, the City Council voted on June 7, 2016, to establish an ordinance that proposes a utility cost increase. Funds generated by the utility would be used by the City to establish practices to address these concerns. Unfortunately, the effort failed, leaving the future of our stormwater management system with continued funding and logistics challenges.

Our City’s requirement by Charter to have a citizen’s vote on all utility increases, which is unique in Oklahoma, poses a significant obstacle to building and maintaining sustainable infrastructure.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Connectivity Our trail system and walkable urban core are cited as assets earlier in this Profile. Yet, there is room for improvement, and enhancing pedestrian and bicycle connectivity in our city is a key challenge for the next 25 years. Many Norman residents do not live within a half mile trip of a safe multiuse path or bike lane (as shown in Figure 13 on page 18). Gaps in our sidewalk and bicycle networks limit safe and comfortable walking and biking throughout the City. The well-used Legacy Trail provides good multimodal access from north to south through portions of the City. Safe east to west routes are generally more difficult to navigate. Norman has a Bike Route Map to assist residents traveling by bike for work commutes, recreation, or other tips. However, many of the most direct routes are considered “Advanced Rider Routes” and very few designated routes in Norman are able to utilize a dedicated on-road bike facility or off-street trail. Some new striped bicycle lanes are being installed and many more are proposed. Nevertheless, a clearer vision and more robust hierarchy of facilities is needed, depending on the type of road that bicyclists and automobile drivers are sharing. Facilities ranging from signed, shared routes; bicycle boulevards that slow or limit vehicular through traffic; striped bike lanes; and protected bike lanes and cycle tracks are needed to provide safe bicycle mobility for all potential riders in our City. Finally, Interstate 35 serves as a major barrier between western and central Norman for pedestrians and bicyclists. Many residents note their frustration with the limited opportunities to cross Interstate 35. Even in cases like the Main Street bridge which itself provides a safe and comfortable way to cross the interstate, the approaches to the bridge from the east and west are deemed mush less hospitable for walking and biking. 

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next steps

Looking Ahead Norman is a beautiful community with strong neighborhoods, friendly people, and a well-established arts and education environment. We have a low cost of living and a well-educated population. All of these things make us an attractive place to live. In order to retain our small town and friendly character as our population increases we must actively participate in and shape the growth and change experienced by our community. We will have to make challenging decisions – where should growth be directed and what kind of growth is appropriate, among others. The current comprehensive plan update is our opportunity to define our future. Over the next year our community will have the opportunity to be engaged on various levels with planning for our future. We have already established a Steering Committee to help guide and inform the PlanNorman effort. Additionally, we will be hosting several community meetings (including workshops and outreach events at public functions such as festivals and sports games) to provide opportunities for our residents to share their vision of Norman. In addition to delivering this Community Profile, the PlanNorman process will: • Work with residents to identify community character, values specific to Norman, and a future vision; • Identify areas with growth potential and provide examples of appropriate development; • Provide scenario growth maps and plans; • Craft policies that support the identified goals and visions for Norman; • Construct an implementation plan to help enact the policies, plans, and visions; and • Share with the community a Comprehensive Plan that will support Norman and our residents and continue to make our community a wonderful place to live.

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A.9

Plan Norman Comprehensive Plan Update

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