Page 5 - Broken Arrow, OK Residential District Design Guidelines

I. INTRODUCTION

PURPOSE OF THE DOWNTOWN RESIDENTIAL OVERLAY DISTRICT (DROD)
The Downtown Residential Overlay District (DROD) is intended to continue the implementation
of the Downtown Master Plan by promoting compatible, high quality mixed-use and residential
design in the area bounded by Elm Place, Houston Street, 9th Street (Lynn Lane), and Kenosha
Street. For the purposes of this document, the DROD is sometimes referred to as “Downtown.”
The DROD standards promote protection of sensitive established residential neighborhoods
while also accommodating residential infill that contributes to an active and walkable area. The
DROD is intended to facilitate residential and mixed-use conservation of residential character
in stable neighborhoods, while also accommodating increased residential densities, mixed-use
development and commercial activities in targeted areas to enhance activity and commerce.
The DROD standards are intended to ensure that all new development and renovations promote
the urban design principles established in the Downtown Master Plan, including:

Implement the Comprehensive Plan
The DROD Design Standards support the goals of the Broken Arrow Comprehensive Plan,
particularly for areas designated as Downtown Area and Urban Residential. The Design
Standards promote compatible residential infill development that exhibits good urban design
principles, as called for in the Comprehensive Plan, as well as the Downtown Master Plan.

Promote High Quality Urban Design and Walkability

The DROD Design Standards promote development that enhances the public realm in
Downtown, including streets, alleys, sidewalks and other public spaces. The Design Standards
are intended to facilitate residential and mixed-use development that is visually interesting,
pedestrian-friendly and of a quality that benefits the Downtown experience and its design
character. Thus, new development should employ design features to break up large masses
and avoid monotonous walls in order to increase comfort for the pedestrian and the overall
appearance of Downtown.

Respond to Context and Key Features
The DROD Design Standards are tailored to respond to existing development patterns and
neighborhoods in different parts of Downtown. The Design Standards are customized to
respond to the degree of change that is appropriate in a given area or in some cases a desire to
maintain the current character.

Respect Established Development Patterns
The DROD Design Standards respond to the design traditions throughout each individual
neighborhood within the DROD. Development patterns, including lot size and depth, typical
building widths, and the presence of architectural features, are all important in determining
a neighborhood’s design traditions and physical characteristics. Creative and contemporary
designs, as well as increases in density, are promoted in certain areas, provided design features
are included to promote compatibility.

Broken Arrow Downtown Residential Overlay District (DROD) Design Standards 1