Representative Emily Gise hosted an interim study on improving development approvals and inspections as Oklahoma faces growing demand for housing.
Developers, municipal leaders, architects, tribal representatives and fire officials discussed ways to reduce delays and costs while maintaining safety standards and local oversight.
“Oklahoma is growing, and we need processes that support that growth,” Gise said. “Our municipalities, developers and permitting officials all want safe, successful projects completed in a timely manner.”
Home Creations founder Jalal Farzaneh described a zoning dispute over an expansion of a residential development that led to more than three years of litigation. Although a judge ruled in the company’s favor, Farzaneh said legal expenses, carrying costs and rising lot prices added approximately $15,000 per home, which was passed along to buyers.
Housing Forward Executive Director Tyler Parette cited the Oklahoma Housing Needs Assessment’s projection that the state will need 372,593 housing units by 2034, including more than 105,000 affordable units.
Mike Fina of the Oklahoma Municipal League emphasized that permitting is one part of a development process that can take months or years. He said municipal officials have an important responsibility to review projects.
“I think we need to challenge the perception that municipal government is somehow the obstacle in development,” Fina said.
The study explored better communication between developers and cities, public-private partnerships and voluntary improvements that preserve local authority without imposing unfunded mandates.
Gise said the discussion will help guide consideration of potential solutions ahead of the 2027 legislative session.
“Public safety should never be compromised in the name of efficiency,” Gise said. “Our goal isn’t to eliminate safeguards or undermine local authority. It’s to identify opportunities to improve communication, reduce unnecessary delays, lower housing costs for Oklahoma families and help our communities accommodate growth.”
