Lake Thunderbird Watershed Overlay in Norman, OK - Stormwater Rules
Lake Thunderbird is the primary drinking-water source for Norman, Midwest City, and Del City - and is on Oklahoma's 303(d) impaired waters list. The watershed protection overlay imposes stricter stormwater rules on developments draining to the lake.
Roughly the eastern half of Norman (east of Sooner Road, generally) drains to Lake Thunderbird via Hog Creek, Little River below the dam, and direct tributaries. Verify with Norman GIS Open Data "Lake Thunderbird Watershed" layer.
What Lake Thunderbird Watershed allows
Permitted uses in Lake Thunderbird Watershed
Same uses as underlying zoning - the overlay imposes stormwater and discharge requirements, not use restrictions.
Setback rules
Lake Thunderbird Watershed setback requirements in Norman
Front setback
Per underlying district
Side setback
Per underlying district
Rear setback
Per underlying district
Height limit
Maximum structure height
Per underlying district
Max density
Allowed density
Per underlying district
Common uses in Lake Thunderbird Watershed in Norman
- Residential, commercial, industrial per underlying district
- Subject to stricter stormwater BMP requirements
ESC plan required at 5,000 sq ft disturbance (vs. 1 acre citywide). SWPPP required even for small commercial sites. Permanent BMPs sized for 90th-percentile storm. Bioretention preferred over conventional detention. Pool backwash discharge to storm drain prohibited. Pesticide/fertilizer application restrictions on commercial sites.
Verify zoning before you design
Permitly's zoning lookup cross-references Norman Code of Ordinances — Chapter 36 (Zoning, 33 districts), Chapter 11 (Buildings) against your project so you know what you can build before spending on design.
Related Norman zoning districts
Historic Overlay · Historic Preservation Overlay (Miller Historic District)
Setbacks, height & allowed uses
University District Overlay · University District Overlay
Setbacks, height & allowed uses
PUD · Planned Unit Development
Setbacks, height & allowed uses