Visitability Program
Visitability Program
The City of Norman City Council permanently implemented the Visitability Program on August 12th 2025, through Ordinance No. O-2526-1. Originally launched as the Visitability Pilot Program in August 2021, the initiative was created to encourage builders to construct homes that are more accessible for individuals with mobility impairments and those wishing to age in place. A Visitable Dwelling is defined as a home designed with features that allow people with limited mobility to live in or visit with fewer constraints than traditional dwellings.
The program applies to new one- and two-family homes as well as townhomes with fewer than four units. Builders who wish to participate must submit their application at the time they apply for a building permit. As an incentive, building permit fees charged under Section 5-106 of the City of Norman Code may be adjusted or satisfied for dwellings that achieve specific Visitability standards established in ICC Section A117.1-2009. At the time of the building’s final inspection, a Visitability final inspection must also be requested to determine whether the home passes or fails compliance with the program requirements.
Applicants can apply to participate in the Visitability Program through the City of Norman’s Online Permitting Portal by checking the designated Visitability Program box during the building permit application process. Additional information, including the Visitability Program FAQs and Ordinance O-2526-1, can be found on the City of Norman’s website.
Visitability Ordinance O-2526-1
Home Energy Rating System (HERS)/Energy Rating Index (ERI) Incentive Program
Adopted at the June 11, 2024 Norman City Council meeting by Ordinance O- 2324-55, the HERS/ERI pilot program has become a permanent program in the City of Norman.
The HERS/ERI pilot program was created to encourage energy efficient residential home construction by offering credits to builders who build above Residential Energy Code minimums. The program started in July of 2018 and has been renewed multiple times with a current HERS/ERI benchmark of 57. Ordinance No. O-2324-55 below provides the history of the program.
Applicants may apply to participate in the HERS/ERI program when applying for building permits via the City’s On-Line Portal by checking the designated box.