Planning Boards and Commissions
Boards & Commissions
Board of Adjustment
The Board of Adjustment of the City of Norman is composed of seven citizens appointed to serve three-year terms. The Board functions as a quasi-judicial body with authority granted by state and local law.
The Board may grant variances to zoning regulations when strict enforcement would create an unnecessary hardship and would not be consistent with the spirit and intent of the ordinance.
The Board’s authority is limited to three areas:
- Appeals – To hear and decide appeals alleging an error in the interpretation or enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance.
- Special Exceptions – To hear and decide special exceptions as provided in the Zoning Ordinance and Sign Code.
- Variances – To hear and authorize variances as permitted by the Zoning Ordinance and Sign Code.
Meeting Schedule:
The Board meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 4:30 p.m., except in November (held the first Wednesday of December) and in December (held the fifth Wednesday). Meetings are held in the Council Chambers, 201 W. Gray St. Meeting agendas and minutes are available on the Agendas and Minutes page.
Board of Adjustment Calendar Zoning Ordinance
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is responsible for reviewing matters related to the development and improvement of Norman and making recommendations to the City Council. Commissioners consider items such as:
- Land matters, including parcels, plats, and replats
- Proposed zoning changes
Planning Commissioners are appointed by the City Council for three-year terms. The Commission is a recommendatory body, sending recommendations to City Council on applications.
Meeting Schedule:
The Commission meets the second Thursday of each month at 5:30p.m. Meetings are held in the Council Chambers, 201 W. Gray St. Agendas and minutes are available on the Agendas and Minutes page. Current members and additional information are available on the Boards and Commissions page.
Agendas and Minutes2025 Planning Commission Story Map
Historic District Commission
Historic Norman Tour Map App: Historic Norman Tour App
The Norman Historic District Commission is made up of nine members and serves as the City Council’s official advisory body on historic preservation, helping to identify, protect, and educate the public about Norman’s historic resources.
The Commission reviews proposed exterior changes in these districts and issues Certificates of Appropriateness (COA) if projects align with the Preservation Guidelines. A COA allows work to proceed after obtaining required building permits.
Certificates of Appropriateness (COA)
A COA is required for most exterior work that changes the appearance of a structure or site, including:
- Replacing doors, windows, or exterior features
- Installing fences, accessory structures, or pools
- Adding concrete, parking, or paving
- Demolition of any structure in a Historic District
Exceptions: Ordinary maintenance and repair do not require a COA, including:
- Re-roofing with identical materials
- Painting non-masonry surfaces (brick/masonry may not be painted)
- Replacing deteriorated features with identical materials
- Landscape maintenance
- Interior changes are not regulated unless they affect the exterior appearance.
Preservation Guidelines:
Guidelines (shown below) provide clear direction for property owners, residents, contractors, and Commissioners to ensure projects are appropriate to the character of Norman’s Historic Districts. Applications are evaluated based on the property, its context, and the overall district character.
Meeting Schedule:
Meetings are typically held the first Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building, Council Chambers, 201 West Gray St. (locations subject to change).
Historic Preservation Guidelines (adopted January 2022)
Historic District Overview Map