UCD Q&A
Photo by Jan Fischer Bachman
By Stacey Chubbuck
Greetings, neighbors! I am the newly-elected Cleveland UCD Compliance Officer. As I took on this role, I quickly learned that there was not an abundance of publicly available information regarding UCDs generally, or Cleveland UCD specifically. In the interest of improving that situation, I have set forth some frequently-asked questions regarding Cleveland UCD and the UCD program, along with the answers to those questions.
Q: What is a UCD?
A: “UCD” stands for Urban Conservation District. UCDs are special zoning districts within the City of Oklahoma City. Through the UCD program, a neighborhood can recommend specific regulations to meet its particular needs. When the City Council accepts the neighborhood as a UCD, the neighborhood’s regulations become part of the Planning and Zoning Code and affect all properties within the neighborhood boundaries. Cleveland has been designated as a UCD since March 9, 1982. Other UCDs include Linwood Place, Northeast Gateway, Silver Lake, Hillsdale, Mesta Park, Heritage Hills East, Jefferson Park, Wilde Oaks, Gatewood, and Mayfair Heights.
Q: What are the boundaries of Cleveland UCD?
A: The center lines of NW 30th Street on the north, Villa on the east, NW 23rd Street on the south, and May Avenue on the west.
Q: What regulations apply to residential properties within Cleveland UCD?
A: Trash cans must be stored “completely to the rear of the front wall” of each residence. For residences on corner lots, trash cans must be screened from view of the side street. Additionally, vehicles may not be parked on private property anywhere other than a permanent, hard-surfaced driveway no wider than 24 feet.
Q: What regulations apply to commercial properties within Cleveland UCD?
A: (1) All commercial properties must be screened from abutting residential properties with sight proof screening, (2) all new hard-surfaced parking areas must be designed so additional runoff does not flow onto abutting properties, (3) signs may not exceed the height of the commercial building, (4) flashing signs may not be located where they can be seen from residential lots, (5) high intensity lighting must be shielded so it does not create a nuisance for abutting residential property, and (6) waste cans and dumpsters must be screened from residential view.
Q: Do other regulations apply to properties within Cleveland UCD?
A: Yes. Cleveland’s UCD ordinance is not intended to replace any other OKC ordinance. Cleveland UCD residents are responsible for complying with all City ordinances that may apply to their property and obtaining all necessary City permits for renovation and construction.
Q: What should I do if I observe violations of Cleveland’s UCD ordinance?
A: Communicate your specific concerns to the OKC Action Center by calling (405) 297-2535 (M-F, 8:30 to 11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m to 4:30 p.m.), emailing action.center@okc.gov, or texting (405) 252-1053.
Q: What does the Cleveland UCD Committee do?
A: The UCD Committee serves as Cleveland UCD’s official advisory representative to the City of Oklahoma City. The committee will have the opportunity to comment on City plans, proposed capital improvements, applications for rezoning, variances, special exceptions and permits, and other City matters relevant to the neighborhood.
Q. What should I do if I’m interested in serving on the Cleveland UCD Committee?
A. Contact Stacey Chubbuck at staceysheely@gmail.com or 405-834-6450.