Historic Preservation Guidelines - Adopted January 2022

Historic District Overview Map

The Chautauqua Historic District was established in 1995. It encompasses an area roughly bounded by Symmes Street on the north, Brooks Street on the south, Chautauqua Avenue on the east and Lahoma Avenue on the west.

The Chautauqua Historic District is made up of approximately 153 residential structures. Most of these homes were built in the period between 1915 and 1935, with the majority of the development occurring in the 1920’s. The architecture and environment of the Chautauqua District represents a unique time period in Norman’s history. Stately residences reflect the character of the university deans, faculty, and other prominent individuals who assisted in the development of the City. The mature trees, which line the streets, reveal Norman’s dedication to turn a town on the prairie into a garden setting. In this six-block area almost every architectural style prevalent during the first quarter of the 20th century is represented. It is this variety, which also characterizes the heritage of Norman and western settlement, that is significant in the district.

Chautauqua Historic District Map

The Miller Historic District (Drop down menu)

The Miller Historic District was established in 1997. Its area is roughly bounded by Symmes Street on the north, Classen Avenue on the east and Miller Avenue running northwest to southeast.

Comprised of approximately 148 structures, the Miller Historic District is predominately a residential area as well. Part of the Classen-Miller Addition which was originally platted in 1903, the area did not become fully developed until a growth spurt doubled the size of Norman following World War I. Convenient to the business district, the railroad, and the University, the area developed into a neighborhood for faculty members and business leaders. Thus the historical significance of the Miller District is two-fold: the district is significant for the role it played in the urban development of the City of Norman, and it is architecturally significant for its excellent collection of eclectic residential architecture built between 1910 and 1938. The Bungalow, a nationally popular subtype of the Craftsman style, represents the predominate architecture of the District. The majority of these homes were built in the 1920’s.

Miller Historic District Map

The Southridge Historic District was established on October 11, 2016, and expanded on June 26, 2018.  It encompasses an area roughly bounded by Macy Street on the north, Shawnee Street on the south, Classen Boulevard on the west and Oklahoma Avenue on the east. The Southridge Historic District is comprised of 120 properties and Earl Sneed Park. The Southridge neighborhood was platted in 1922 with the majority of development occurring between the 1920s and 1950. The dominant architectural styles in Southridge Neighborhood are Tudor Revival and Colonial Revival, which were popular in the 1920s and 1930s across Oklahoma. Convenient to the University of Oklahoma and downtown business district, the Southridge neighborhood attracted many notable citizens of Norman and the University of Oklahoma. Today Southridge continues to be a vibrant residential neighborhood with charming historic character.

Southridge Historic District Map

A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is an official document issued by the Historic District Commission approving alterations to a historic site. The COA is issued by either the Historic District Commission or Historic Preservation Officer through an Admin Bypass process.

In general, any exterior work, which would result in a change to the exterior appearance of the structure or site, requires review and the issuance of an approved Certificate of Appropriateness. This includes replacement of doors and windows; installation of fences, accessory structures and swimming pools; installation of concrete areas, parking, or paving. Please be in contact with the Historic Preservation Officer at (405)366-5392 prior to the start of any construction to discuss.

Yes. Projects deemed "ordinary maintenance and repair" do not require a Certificate of Appropriateness. This includes re-roofing with identical materials, painting non-masonry surfaces, replacing deteriorated exterior features with identical materials, and landscape maintenance.

No. However property owners are encouraged to consider the style of the structure when selecting paint colors. Additionally, please note that the painting of brick or other masonry is prohibited in Historic Districts. 

No. The interiors of individual structures are not governed by the Historic District Ordinance. However, interior changes to windows or doors that affect the exterior appearance are regulated. Additionally, it should be noted that the building permit process must still be followed.

Yes. Demolition can permanently alter the character of historic structures and may have a significant impact to the remaining structures and surrounding areas. A Certificate of Appropriateness must be sought for the demolition of any structure on a lot in a designated Historic District.

Preservation Guidelines for the Historic Districts are available to download and City staff is available to assist you throughout the process. If you have any questions about Norman’s Historic Districts or would like additional information about the City’s Historic District Ordinance, please contact Anaïs Starr in the Planning and Community Development Department at (405)366-5392.

1. The Historic District Commission meets the first Monday of every month. The filing deadline is 24 days prior to the meeting date. Application forms are available here. For assistance please call (405)366-5392.
2. An application requires the submission of photographs of the property, a copy of the deed, a site plan, building plans & specifications, and the certified property ownership list. A $75.00 application fee is required. Applications must be submitted on the City of Norman portal system.
3. Reviews of the Certificate of Appropriateness takes place during the regularly scheduled Historic District Commission meetings of which the applicant is required to attend. All meetings are open to the public. The Commission will vote to approve, reject, postpone, or amend each application. 
4. If approved, the Certificate of Appropriateness will be issued to the applicant after the 10-day appeal period following the meeting.
5. If rejected, the applicant may submit a revised proposal or appeal the Commission’s decision to the Board of Adjustments.
6. Certain projects, including such items as fencing, storm windows, and small storage buildings may be approved by City staff through the Administrative Bypass process.

 For property owners, residents, and contractors, the Preservation Guidelines provide clear guidance in planning projects that are appropriate to the character of Norman’s designated Historic Districts. For Historic District Commissioners and City staff, the Preservation Guidelines provide guidance by which to evaluate proposed changes to historic structures. In reviewing applications, the Commission and staff consider the property itself, the property’s setting and context, and the special character of the entire Historic District.