RS-3 Zoning in Tulsa — Setbacks, Height, and Use Rules
RS-3 is the smallest-lot conventional single-family district in Tulsa. It is used in Brady Heights, Owen Park, and other early 20th-century streetcar neighborhoods (most of which also carry HP overlays).
RS-3 requires a 5,400 square-foot minimum lot, 50-foot width, and 50% maximum lot coverage. The 20-foot front setback and 5-foot side setbacks reflect the historical streetcar-era development pattern.
ADUs are permitted on RS-3 lots only when lot area is at least 5,000 sq ft and primary structure setbacks are met. Many RS-3 properties in Brady Heights also fall in HP overlay, requiring COA review for exterior work.
What RS-3 allows
Permitted uses in RS-3
Single-family detached dwellings, accessory dwelling units (with lot-area minimum), home occupations.
Setback rules
RS-3 setback requirements in Tulsa
Front setback
20 feet from front property line
Side setback
5 feet each side (10 ft on street side of corner lots)
Rear setback
15 feet from rear property line
Height limit
Maximum structure height
35 feet for principal structures
Max density
Allowed density
~8.0 dwelling units per acre
Common uses in RS-3 in Tulsa
- Single-family detached home (Craftsman bungalow common)
- Accessory dwelling unit (with lot area minimum)
- Detached garage
- Front porch (typical character feature)
Brady Heights HP overlay applies to most RS-3 properties in north-central Tulsa. Demolition of contributing structures requires full Tulsa Preservation Commission review.
Verify zoning before you design
Permitly's zoning lookup cross-references Tulsa Zoning Code (Title 42) & Building Regulations (Title 51) against your project so you know what you can build before spending on design.
Related Tulsa zoning districts
RS-2 · Single-Family Residential Medium Density
Setbacks, height & allowed uses
RS-4 · Cottage Court / Small Lot Single-Family
Setbacks, height & allowed uses
RS-1 · Single-Family Residential Low Density
Setbacks, height & allowed uses