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Historic Districts in Norman
The Norman Depot
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Historic
District Ordinance
With the adoption of the Historic District Ordinance in
1993, the City of Norman joined thousands of other cities across the
United States who are working to preserve their local history and culture.
The stated purposes of the Historic District Ordinance of the City of
Norman are to:
Safeguard the heritage of the City by preserving and
regulating historic landmarks and districts which reflect elements of
its cultural, social, political, and architectural history
Preserve and enhance the environmental quality of the
neighborhoods
Strengthen the City’s economic base by stimulation of
conservation and reuse
Establish and preserve property values
Ensure the harmonious, orderly, and efficient growth
and development of the municipality
Promote the use of historic landmarks and districts for
the culture, prosperity, education, and welfare of the people of the
City and visitors to the City
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The Cleveland County Historical Museum
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Historic District Commission
Subsequent to the establishment of the Historic District Ordinance was the
creation of the Historic District Commission. This commission is responsible for
insuring that exterior alterations, additions, and repairs maintain the
qualities and characteristics of the surrounding district. This is accomplished
by the review of proposed projects, and if approved, the issuance of
Certificates of Appropriateness.
A Certificate of Appropriateness is required whenever the work will require a
building permit, whenever the work includes the construction or enlargement of a
driveway or parking area, and whenever such work includes the erection, moving,
demolition, reconstruction, restoration, or alteration of the exterior of the
structure or site. The one exception is when such work satisfies all the
requirements for "ordinary maintenance and repair".
The term "ordinary maintenance and repair" is defined as "any
work affecting the exterior of a structure for which a building permit or any
other City permit is not required and where the purpose of such work is
stabilization and further, where such work will not alter the character of the
exterior appearance of the resource. Items falling into this category
typically include painting and re-roofing.
Norman currently has two areas zoned as Historic Districts.
The Chautauqua Historic District
The Chautauqua Historic District was established in 1995. It encompasses an
area roughly bounded by Symmes Street on the north, Brooks Street on the south,
Chautauqua Avenue on the east and Lahoma Avenue on the west.
The Chautauqua Historic District is made up of approximately 153 residential
structures. Most of these homes were built in the period between 1915 and 1935,
with the majority of the development occurring in the 1920’s. The architecture
and environment of the Chautauqua District represents a unique time period in
Norman’s history. Stately residences reflect the character of the university
deans, faculty, and other prominent individuals who assisted in the development
of the City. The mature trees, which line the streets, reveal Norman’s
dedication to turn a town on the prairie into a garden setting. In this
six-block area almost every architectural style prevalent during the first
quarter of the 20th century is represented. It is this variety, which
also characterizes the heritage of Norman and western settlement, that is
significant in the district.
Chautauqua District Residence
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The Miller Historic District
The Miller Historic District was established in 1997. Its area is roughly
bounded by Symmes Street on the north, Classen Avenue on the east and Miller
Avenue running northwest to southeast.
Comprised of approximately 148 structures, the Miller Historic District is
predominately a residential area as well. Part of the Classen-Miller Addition
which was originally platted in 1903, the area did not become fully developed
until a growth spurt doubled the size of Norman following World War I.
Convenient to the business district, the railroad, and the University, the area
developed into a neighborhood for faculty members and business leaders. Thus the
historical significance of the Miller District is two-fold: the district is
significant for the role it played in the urban development of the City of
Norman, and it is architecturally significant for its excellent collection of
eclectic residential architecture built between 1910 and 1938. The Bungalow, a
nationally popular subtype of the Craftsman style, represents the predominate
architecture of the District. The majority of these homes were built in the 1920’s.
How to Apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness
The Historic District Commission meets the first Monday of every month. The
filing deadline is 24 days prior to the meeting date. Application forms are
available through the Revitalization Division of the Planning & Community
Development Department, 201-A W. Gray Street, (405) 366-5322.
An application must generally include photographs of the property, a copy of
the deed, a plot plan, building plans & specifications, and the names and
addresses of property owners within the proximity. A $75.00 filing fee is
imposed.
The reviews take place during the regularly scheduled meetings. All meetings
are open to the public. The Commission will vote as to whether each
application is to be approved or rejected. The Commission may recommend
changes and suggest alternative materials and details. In some cases the
Commission will request that the plans be amended in some way.
If approved, the Certificate of Appropriateness will be forwarded for
inclusion in the building permit application. A ten-day waiting period is
imposed before work can begin.
If rejected, the applicant may submit a revised proposal or appeal the
Commission’s decision directly to the City Council.
Certain projects, including such items as fencing, storm windows, and small
storage buildings may be approved by City staff without going through the
formal review process. For eligible projects of this type, the filing fee is
waived.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
- What types of work require a Certificate of Appropriateness?
- In general, any outside work, which would result in a change to the
exterior appearance of the structure or site, requires a Certificate of
Appropriateness.
- Are there any exceptions?
- Yes. Items deemed "ordinary maintenance and repair" do not
require a Certificate of Appropriateness. This includes re-roofing with
identical materials, painting non-masonry surfaces, replacing deteriorated
exterior features with identical materials, and landscape maintenance.
- Are paint colors controlled?
- No. Property owners are encouraged however; to consider the style of the
structure when selecting paint colors.
- Do interior alterations require a Certificate of Appropriateness?
- No. The interiors of individual structures are not governed by the
Historic District Ordinance. However, ordinary building permit requirements
must still be followed.
- Do demolitions require a Certificate of Appropriateness?
- Yes. Demolition can permanently alter the character of historic structures
and may have a significant impact to the remaining structures and
surrounding areas.
- I am still unsure as to how to begin. Where can I seek help?
- Design guidelines for the Historical Districts are available to the
public. City staff is available to assist you throughout the process. If you
have any questions about Norman’s Historic Districts or would like
additional information about the City’s Historic District Ordinance,
please contact the Revitalization Division of the Planning and Community
Development Department at 366-5322.
For more information regarding this
program, you may contact the Revitalization Division during regular business
hours at 405-366-5322 or by e-mail at: revitalization@NormanOK.gov
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