The CC district is intended to encourage the conservation and enhancement of the environment and character of the city as a unique community within the greater Oklahoma City metropolitan area. The purposes of the district are:

A.   To identify physical, social, and economic resources within the city that are worthy of conservation, enhancement, or redevelopment that will be compatible with the character of the existing community;

B.   To maintain neighborhood character and integrity by focusing special attention on the maintenance of the physical environment, the enhancement of physical, social, and economic resources, and the accommodation of desirable change;

C.   To prevent economic obsolescence and to promote reinvestment by fostering stable property values, by promoting a high level of economic activity, and by maintaining or improving essential urban services;

D.   To promote the use of urban lands, including the encouragement of compatible development on vacant, passed over, or economically obsolete parcels;

E.   To encourage and to support rehabilitation of the physical environment including community infrastructure;

F.   To foster the harmonious, orderly, and efficient growth, development, and redevelopment of the city. (Ord. 832 §1, 1997)

The district requirements shall be in addition to the provisions of the underlying zoning district applicable to the subject parcel.

A.   This designation may be placed on any parcel of land in any zoning district within the city in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

B.   Areas, tracts, or sites within the district shall be identified on the city zoning map and in other official writings by the suffix "CC".

C.   When more than one requirement is applicable to a district, the requirements created under this chapter shall apply.

D.   An individual zoning district change within the CC district shall not alter the CC zoning classification or requirements.

E.   Amendments to the district boundaries or requirements shall only be permitted through amendment of the designation ordinance as described in this chapter. (Ord. 832 §1, 1997)

A.   The city may designate areas, tracts or sites for inclusion within the district in the same manner prescribed for the designation of other zoning districts, subject to compliance with this chapter.

B.   The initiation of an application for an ordinance of designation may be made by the planning commission, by council, or site to be designated.

C.   The application will first be reviewed by the planning commission, which may solicit and present expert testimony or documentation concerning the importance and effects of the ordinance provisions within the proposed district.

D.   As part of every amendment of a designation ordinance, the planning commission shall state, in writing, the attributes of the area designated as they relate to and comply with the review criteria for district designation provided for in this chapter. In addition, the planning commission shall state, in writing, whether or not, in its review, a proposed designation ordinance is in compliance with the city's comprehensive plan and any other prior actions or programs of the city. The city shall report to the planning commission about the existence of all plans, programs, or authorizations which might apply to the property proposed for designation and shall offer a professional opinion concerning the compliance of the proposed designation.

E.   Based on its findings, the planning commission may prepare an ordinance of CC designation for an area, schedule public hearings, and give notice to all owners of affected property in accordance with the notice requirements contained in this chapter. The notice shall include a copy of the proposed designation ordinance, a letter outlining the basis for the designation, and any obligations and restrictions which may result from such designation.

F.   The planning commission shall forward the designation ordinance and its recommendations to the city council for its consideration at public hearings. (Ord. 832 §1, 1997)

When determining a district's potential for CC designation, the planning commission and city council shall ensure that the following minimum criteria are satisfied:

A.   The need for coordinated action or treatment because of physical, social, or economic relationships, the presence of unifying elements and cohesiveness within the district, similar land uses, densities, and intensities, and any other related problems, issues, or factors;

B.   Evidence of structural deterioration, encroachment of incompatible land uses, existence of disruptive elements or other factors contributing to the decline of the area;

C.   The district's revitalization potential;

D.   District property owners', residents', or tenants' desire and support of community conservation efforts;

E.   District designation conforms to city plans and policies;

F.   Evidence that CC designation would be an appropriate and effective method for the area and the land surrounding it. (Ord. 832 §1, 1997)

A designation ordinance prepared by the planning commission shall include the following:

A.   Identification of the district boundaries;

B.   Specific standards and controls to regulate the district. These may include the following:

   1.   The permitted uses of land,

   2.   Density and/or intensity of land use, such as minimum lot size, maximum floor area, floor area ratios, number of dwelling units per acre, minimum lot area per dwelling unit, and other related provisions,

   3.   Area and bulk restrictions, including setbacks, maximum lot coverage, height controls, open space requirements and other related provisions,

   4.   Standards for accessory uses, right of way and yard utilization such as landscaping types and amounts, fencing, carports, access requirements, sidewalk and pedestrian facilities, home occupations, animal regulations, signs, and other related provisions,

   5.   Parking regulations, such as number of required spaces per type of use, the location and design of parking areas, restrictions concerning recreational vehicles, trailers, boats, large trucks, and other related provisions;

C.   Drainage and utility requirements to best serve both the principal and adjacent properties, to protect all such properties from any adjacent properties, and to protect all such properties from any adverse impacts of a development;

D.   Regulation of the conversion of existing structures, including denial of any conversion, provisions governing the use of a converted structure, minimum structural standards, minimum floor area standards, minimum volume, parking or other related provisions including conformance with all other requirements of this chapter;

E.   Special procedures and techniques for enforcement of the city's building, housing and maintenance codes;

F.   Procedures, techniques, and devices for implementation and enforcement of this chapter, including the delegation of certain responsibilities and authorities to duly constituted commissions, boards, committees, associations, or officials; and

G.   Notification methods, including the requirement that restrictive covenants be prepared, approved by the city council, and filed of record. (Ord. 832 §1, 1997)