Housing (Building Codes)

HB 3913 allows Oklahoma municipalities to permit apartment buildings with a single stairway, provided they meet strict fire safety requirements. It directly affects apartment developers and city building departments by setting conditions like maximum height (six stories), unit limits (four per floor), fire-resistant stair enclosures (two-hour rating), automatic sprinklers, and specific exit pathways. Key provisions require sprinklers in all stairways, doors that swing correctly for exits, corridors with one-hour fire protection, and smoke detection systems in common areas. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026, and does not override existing building codes but gives cities authority to adopt this exception.

HB 2147 creates a new legal process for Oklahoma municipalities to place liens on non-owner-occupied properties for unpaid housing and building code violations, including fines, penalties, and enforcement costs. The bill allows cities to enforce these liens through judicial foreclosure, requiring property owners to pay the full "lien payoff" (including interest and fees) to avoid losing the property. It specifically excludes owner-occupied homes (such as homesteads or properties occupied by residents) from this enforcement. Municipal code liens rank above most other property claims but below tax liens, and the law establishes clear redemption procedures for owners seeking to retain their property.

HB 1051, the "Fair Zoning Act of 2025," requires cities with over 20,000 residents to update zoning laws to allow multi-family housing (like apartments and duplexes) alongside single-family homes in all residential zones, ending exclusive single-family zoning. Cities must submit detailed 5-year reports to the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency on zoning changes, new housing units, affordability efforts, and community partnerships. The bill prohibits height restrictions on multi-family buildings that meet state safety standards and historical preservation guidelines, while allowing citizens to sue noncompliant local governments. It takes effect November 1, 2025, aiming to increase housing diversity and accessibility in Oklahoma communities.