NORMAN, Okla. — A grassroots effort is underway to limit residential development in east Norman as residents seek to preserve agricultural land and protect the city’s water resources.
The proposed East Norman Agricultural and Watershed Overlay District would restrict housing density and require certain developments to set aside land for farming or conservation. Supporters hope to influence Norman’s long-term land-use plans before new zoning regulations are finalized.
“We just want it to be sustainable and smart growth because we need clean drinking water,” said Teresa Elam, the east Norman farmer who drafted the proposed ordinance.
Elam operates a small cattle farm in Ward 5. Her family has lived in the Norman area for generations, and she worries continued development could change the rural landscape.
“Agriculture has been the sacrifice for rooftops,” Elam said.
Under the proposal, residential development on certain agricultural properties east of 24th Avenue would generally be limited to one home per 10 acres.
Developments involving tracts of 40 acres or more would also be required to concentrate construction on no more than 25% of the property, leaving the remaining 75% permanently designated for agriculture or conservation.
Elam said the restrictions are intended to allow continued growth while protecting the Lake Thunderbird watershed and Garber-Wellington Aquifer, which provide water to Norman and surrounding communities.
Her farm relies on private well water, and she worries further development could affect its quality.
“We want to make sure that our water is as safe and as clean as possible,” Elam said.
Norman Ward 5 Councilmember Trey Kirby shared his concerns about development moving farther east. He said the city should prioritize building within existing developed areas rather than continuing to expand into rural land.
“So if we would go more vertical and we would also look at infilling before we try to move out,” Kirby said.
He said he is gathering information and working with other councilmembers to explore reopening portions of Norman’s AIM 2045 comprehensive land-use plan.
Kirby wants to reconsider development boundaries in Ward 5, although he acknowledged that moving restrictions back to 24th Avenue, as Elam proposes, could be difficult because some properties have already been platted.
The proposed ordinance has not been formally introduced for City Council consideration.
Elam said she has distributed the draft to councilmembers and is seeking input from conservation and agricultural organizations before moving forward.
Organizers have also launched an online petition to demonstrate community support. The petition had gathered more than 140 signatures toward an initial goal of 250.
For Elam, the effort is about more than zoning restrictions. She hopes the farmland her family has known for generations can remain part of Norman’s future.
“It’s a unique situation and Norman is very unique and that they have that and it’s worth protecting,” Elam said.
For more information the petition and initial ordinance draft are available through the East Norman Agriculture Overlay District Facebook page.
