Nichols Hills leaders decide against design review panel

NICHOLS HILLS — Members of the city council and planning commission decided after meeting in joint session last week that no need exists for a design review committee to oversee Nichols Hills construction projects.

The two panels arranged the joint meeting to discuss the desirability of forming a committee that would govern a design review process, a system in effect in other communities, including neighboring Oklahoma City.

Mayor Steven J. Goetzinger said they met for about two hours, and after reviewing a proposed design review ordinance prepared by city staff members, decided without taking a formal vote that the ordinance is not appropriate for Nichols Hills.

He said the staff was directed instead to present an alternative plan that would not involve formation of an advisory committee.

City Manager Shane Pate said no timetable has been set for having a recommendation ready to be considered, but the issue likely will be revisited this year.

Goetzinger said members of the council and planning commission heard comments from two local architects, who said design review procedures in other cities they had looked at had created systems whereby “the homes that were being built were all the same.”

Pate said the consensus was that the eclectic mix of architectural styles in Nichols Hills should be protected, but that any new regulations should ensure materials used in construction are of the highest quality.

Goetzinger said those present also felt it was important to regulate outdoor LED lighting to guard against excessive light pollution.

The mayor said any regulations would govern new residential construction primarily, but that often a project presented as a remodel instead becomes new construction.