Community Planning & Transportation Committee, 5/22/25

The City of Norman's Community Planning & Transportation Committee met on May 22, 2025, to discuss public transit ridership, budget considerations, and service adjustments. The committee reviewed a positive increase in transit ridership and discussed the microtransit contract with VIA, including potential modest fare increases to improve revenue and reduce demand. They considered extending the microtransit service contract into the next fiscal year with a budget amendment. Additionally, the committee addressed operational issues such as app functionality and transit center amenities. The meeting also covered the visitability pilot program for residential construction, which offers a building permit fee credit to encourage homes designed for mobility challenges. Staff recommended making the program permanent to provide certainty for developers, while also discussing challenges such as program participation rates and potential funding sources. Lastly, the committee debated repealing an outdated zoning ordinance restricting unrelated occupants in a single dwelling, with consensus leaning toward removal and reliance on existing codes addressing parking, noise, and safety concerns. No formal votes were recorded, but action items included exploring budget amendments for transit services and advancing the visitability program as a permanent incentive.