Planning Commission
The Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (TMAPC) is a joint city-county cooperative planning commission authorized by Oklahoma Statutes, Title 19, Section 863. It was created in 1953 by the City of Tulsa and Tulsa County. TMAPC is a recommending body for zoning requests within the Tulsa city limits and the unincorporated areas of Tulsa County.
Mission
TMAPC’s mission is to provide unbiased advice to the Tulsa City Council and the Tulsa County Board of Commissioners on development and zoning matters; to provide a public forum that fosters public participation and transparency in land development and planning; to adopt and maintain a comprehensive plan for the metropolitan area; and to provide other planning, zoning, and land division services that promote the harmonious development of the Tulsa Metropolitan Area and enhance and preserve the quality of life for the region’s current and future residents.
Duties
TMAPC sets a broad vision for growth and development for the area. It has the responsibility of adopting the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Tulsa. The Comprehensive Plan serves as the basis for evaluating all zoning requests. It sets forth the adopted planning and development policies Tulsa wants to achieve as a community.
The original Comprehensive Plan was adopted by TMAPC in 1960, with major updates in 1978, 2010, and 2023. Elements of the Comprehensive Plan, such as the Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan, are updated periodically, and amendments to the map and text of the Comprehensive Plan occur as the need arises. In addition, specific planning studies are authorized by TMAPC each year as part of their Annual Work Program. TMAPC is also responsible for the adoption and maintenance of several ordinances and codes regulating planning and zoning, along with subdivision plats and lot splits.
Composition
According to Oklahoma Statutes, the City of Tulsa appoints six members to TMAPC, and Tulsa County appoints three members. In addition, the Tulsa Mayor and the Chair of the County Commission (or their designees) serve as ex-officio members, bringing the total TMAPC membership to eleven. Appointed members serve without compensation for terms of three years. Members serve until their terms expire or a successor has been appointed. The Tulsa Planning Office is the primary provider of professional planning staff for TMAPC.