R-1 Zoning in Oklahoma City — Setbacks, Height, and Use Rules
R-1 is the backbone residential zoning district in Oklahoma City, covering most of the city's traditional single-family neighborhoods — from The Village-adjacent areas down through Putnam Heights, much of northwest OKC, and large swaths of south OKC. It is governed by the OKC Unified Development Code (UDC) in Chapter 59 of the Municipal Code.
The R-1 classification is designed for low-density single-family residential use on moderately sized lots. Minimum lot size is 7,000 sq ft with a minimum width of 65 feet, though grandfathered smaller lots exist throughout older neighborhoods. Two-family dwellings, townhomes, and multifamily are not permitted by right — those uses require R-2, R-3, or higher.
R-1 accommodates accessory uses commonly associated with single-family living: detached garages, sheds, swimming pools, and home occupations with restrictions. Short-term rentals (STRs) in R-1 are regulated separately under OKC's STR ordinance and require a specific operating license.
What R-1 allows
Permitted uses in R-1
Single-family detached dwellings, accessory structures, home occupations with strict operating standards, and institutional uses (schools, places of worship) by special permit. Prohibits two-family, multifamily, and most commercial uses.
Setback rules
R-1 setback requirements
Front setback
25 feet from front property line
Side setback
5 feet from interior side lot lines (corner lots: 15 ft from the street side)
Rear setback
25 feet from rear property line
Height limit
Maximum structure height
35 feet for principal structures; 14 feet for detached accessory structures
Max density
Allowed density
1 dwelling unit per 7,000 sq ft of lot area
Common uses in R-1 in Oklahoma City
- Single-family detached home
- Detached garage (max 750 sq ft or 30% of rear yard)
- Swimming pool
- Shed (under 200 sq ft without building permit)
- Home occupation (limited)
Overlays can modify R-1 rules. Historic districts (Heritage Hills, Mesta Park, Jefferson Park, etc.) layer design guidelines on top of R-1. Floodplain overlays can restrict lot coverage or foundation type. Always verify the overlay when planning improvements.
Verify zoning before you design
Permitly's zoning lookup tool cross-references OKC UDC standards against your project so you know what you can build before spending on design.
Related OKC zoning districts
R-2 · Two-Family Residential
Setbacks, height & allowed uses
R-3 · Multifamily Residential (Low Density)
Setbacks, height & allowed uses
PUD · Planned Unit Development
Setbacks, height & allowed uses