The Tulsa Preservation Commission has partered with RDG Planning & Design to update the Unified Design Guidelines for Historic Preservation (HP) Overlays.
Read the draft Unified Design Guidelines
Comment on the draft by November 25, 2026
What are the Unified Design Guidelines?
The Unified Design Guidelines provide guidance for exterior work on historic properties. They apply to properties within HP overlays. The Tulsa Preservation Commission uses the guidelines as the basis for decisions on HP permit applications. The guidelines are also intended to be a valuable resource for historic property owners and residents, as well as contractors, architects, realtors, and other professionals working with historic buildings.
Why the update?
The goals for the update included improving usability and readability of the document; adding photos, graphics, and charts; including resources for owners; and better explaining important preservation concepts. Overall, the preservation commission wanted the guidelines to be a better resource for those using it.
What is changing?
Several changes have been made to the Unified Design Guidelines. These changes include the following:
- Reorganization of guidelines to reduce redundancy;
- Updated branding;
- Updated and new graphics, charts, and photographs;
- Helpful hints for applicants throughout the guidelines;
- Additional information about windows, roof, porches, and accessories; and
- More guidance on what types of projects require an HP permit.
Additionally, the following new chapters have been added:
- Masonry, including a repair checklist;
- New or Replacement Materials, with a replacement materials guide;
- Background & History of Tulsa and its HP overlay districts;
- Architectural styles, focusing on those styles most common in Tulsa;
- Resources, including information about federal standards, energy efficiency, and building codes; and
- Glossary of important terms.
Next Steps
You can review and comment on the draft guidelines through November 25, 2026. After that date, the guidelines will be revised and considered by the preservation commission in December 2026 or January 2027. The planning commission will then make a recommendation before the guidelines are considered by the city council.
Questions
If you have any questions about the proposed guidelines, you may email preservation commission staff at planning@cityoftulsa.org, call 918-596-7526, or send written comments to: Tulsa Planning Office, 175 E. 2nd St., 4th Floor, Tulsa, OK 74103. Please reference the Unified Design Guidelines.