Oklahoma City, OK Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Downtown Design Guide (2026)
Key Facts
- Districts covered
- DBD, DTD-1, DTD-2, Bricktown Core
- Staff-level threshold
- Under 20,000 sq ft
- Commission size
- 9 mayor-appointed members
- Certificate validity
- Expires 2 years from issuance
- Violation class
- Class A offense (Class B repeat)
Summary
New construction, demolition, and signage in the DBD, DTD-1, DTD-2, and Bricktown Core districts require a Certificate of Approval from the Downtown Design Commission or staff before work begins.
Certificate of Approval Required.(1)A Certificate of Approval is required for all projects, public and private, located in the DBD, DTD-1, and DTD-2 Districts.(a)Exceptions.1.A Certificate of Approval shall not be required for Ordinary Maintenance and Repair that involves no change in materials, dimensions, design, configuration, texture, surface coating, or visual appearance for work meant to remedy damage or deterioration of site elements, structures, or their appurtenances.2.A Certificate of Approval shall not be required for A-frame, sandwich or springer signs.3.A Certificate of Approval shall not be required for the installation of additional equipment on existing poles if the equipment is at least eight feet above the sidewalk.(2)The Downtown Design Commission shall review and issue Certificates of Approval for the following unless administrative approval is permitted as referenced in this section:(a)New construction, additions, or exterior modifications to an existing structure and the associated sites.(b)Demolition of a structure or site and site elements except structures declared dilapidated and approved for demolition by City Council.(c)Signage, including Electronic Message Display (EMD) signs greater than 25 square feet.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Oklahoma City's Downtown Design Districts (DBD, DTD-1, DTD-2) and the Bricktown Core Development District require a Certificate of Approval under Municipal Code § 59-7200 before new construction, additions, exterior modifications, demolition, or most signage. Staff can approve projects under 20,000 square feet or minor revisions affecting less than 20 percent of a site; larger or more visible projects go to the nine-member Downtown Design Commission, appointed by the Mayor. The code sets specific design rules too: vinyl, aluminum, and sheet-metal siding are banned except on accessory structures, chain-link fencing is prohibited on street frontages, and EIFS synthetic stucco is capped at 20 percent of ground-floor cladding.
Violations & Fines
Violating the design review requirement or building code is a Class A offense; a third or later violation becomes a Class B offense, with each day counted separately under § 59-4350.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need approval to repaint a downtown building?
Which areas of Oklahoma City does this cover?
How long does a Certificate of Approval last?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oklahoma City
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