Frequently Asked Questions
How might this annexation occur?
Annexation as being proposed can only be by consent of the property
owners of a majority of property being annexed by area (acreage).
The City of Tulsa has received consent to annex from land owners
within the annexation area comprising 447 acres, or 71 percent of
the area proposed to be annexed.
The City Council will receive public comment at a public hearing
required by State Statute. At this time, the date for the
public hearing is not scheduled. An ordinance will be written
at the time or after public comment has been heard.
Councilors will vote on the ordinance after they have given the
matter sufficient study and have considered the views of their
constituents.
Why is the City of Tulsa seeking to annex this fence
line?
In 1998, the City continued the planning efforts for the Gilcrease
Expressway segment from Interstate 44 to L.L. Tisdale Parkway. The
Gilcrease West Expressway will enhance the transportation
infrastructure in western metropolitan Tulsa according to the
State's long-range transportation plan for the Tulsa metropolitan
area.
Following the Major Investment Study, an Environmental
Assessment (EA) was prepared in 1999 for the segment from the
Interstate 44/Interstate 244 interchange to Edison Street. The
roadway alignment was established and right-of-way plans were
completed shortly after in 2002. The City has since expended over
$12 million in acquiring the necessary right-of-way and preparing
functional design drawings. The City is now contemplating the
future funding to acquire the remaining right-of-way and to build
the expressway from Edison Street to 51st Street.
The purpose for establishing this fence line is, at a minimum,
to preserve areas identified for long-term planning and
development, including Tulsa's transportation system. The
City's water infrastructure has already been extended to serve the
entire Berryhill community.
What is the status of the Gilcrease
Expressway?
Major Investment
Study - completed
Environmental Assessment - completed
Right-of-way plans - approved by ODOT / FHWA
Functional plans - completed
Construction plans (preliminary and final) - pending funding
Will this affect the schools that my children attend?
Will my children be able to stay in school district they now
attend?
The proposed annexation by the City of Tulsa will not affect the
school district where your children attend. The Berryhill School
District boundary remains independent of municipal boundaries. Your
children would continue to attend Berryhill Schools if they are
currently enrolled there. An example of school district boundaries
differing from city boundaries is the Jenks School District, whose
students live within both the Jenks School District and the City of
Tulsa.
Will my police and fire protection
change?
No. Tulsa Police Department and the Tulsa County Sheriff's
Department have cooperative arrangements for law enforcement in
your area. The Tulsa County Sheriff's Department will remain the
first responder in your area, and the Tulsa Police Department will
provide support when needed.
Depending on where you live, Berryhill Fire Protection District
will remain the first responder for your fire and emergency
services. Tulsa Fire Department, through a mutual aid agreement
with Berryhill FPD, will provide support when needed. A portion of
your property tax supports Tulsa County Sheriff's Department and
for fire protection you pay an assessment to Berryhill Fire
Protection District.
Will gravel driveways have to be paved?
City ordinances do not require driveways to be paved. There are
graveled driveways at many residences throughout Tulsa. There is a
hard-surface requirement for vehicle parking areas, or parking
lots, but not for driveways. Parking areas graveled prior to
annexation will be grandfathered into the City as an existing use
and condition.
Can I shoot my pistol, rifle, or shotgun on my
property?
Discharging, or firing, a weapon within the City limits is
forbidden, with certain exceptions.
Can I shoot fireworks on my property?
Fireworks are regulated within the City limits by Title 14 TRO,
which includes by reference the International Fire Code, 2006
Edition (the "IFC"). See Section 3308 in the IFC, "Fireworks
Display". Generally, this Code requires that fireworks displays be
permitted, inspected etc. by the City's Fire Department, after
certain conditions are met (including training, insurance etc.).
Permit fees are found in Title 49 TRO, Section1414. Fireworks may
not be kept or sold within the City limits, without a permit. The
Fire Department has stated that it does occasionally issue annual
fireworks permits if a user has specific dates and times, and meets
other criteria.
Can I burn trash, grass, or trees on my
property?
Controlled burns and bonfires are likewise regulated by Title 14
TRO and the IFC. See Section 307 of the IFC, entitled "Open
Burning and Recreational Fires" and specifically sub-section
307.4.1 and 307.4.2. Permit fees are as found in Title 49 TRO,
Section 1431. Any person that wishes to have a controlled burn or
bonfire must get a burn permit from the City.
Will I be able to keep horses on my
property?
Yes. If the zoning of your property has allowed you to keep
livestock, it will remain the same when your area is annexed into
the City of Tulsa.
What will be the mowing requirements on my
property?
Land zoned other than Agricultural (AG): Grass, weeds or
other uncontrolled vegetation greater than 12-inches is considered
a nuisance. AG zoned land is exempt from the ordinances if the land
is used for AG purposes.
Will my taxes go up?
If this fence line is approved by the City Council, your property
will be taxed at a slightly higher rate than properties located in
unincorporated Tulsa County corresponding to a higher level of
service. The City's portion of the property tax is $16.98 per
$1,000 of net assessed valuation for 2011.
However, your home or business will also receive in-city water
rates, which are lower than those for customers outside the city
limits. This reduction in water rates will offset some or all of
the ad valorem tax increase based on your water usage.
What is the exact locations and size of the proposed
sewer line extensions and when?
In 2003 the Tulsa Metropolitan Utility Authority (TMUA) adopted a
comprehensive plan for the wastewater system. The study
included the extension of sanitary sewer lines to serve the
Berryhill community. Conceptual drawings were prepared in
order to size lines and develop cost estimates for TMUA's capital
improvement program. The lines range in size from 30-inches at the
base of the watershed (south side of the Arkansas River near 21st
Street) to 11-inches near 41st Street. Although an exact
alignment has not been determined, generally sewers will extend
along the creeks and streams.
Projects totaling $13.3 million are included in the adopted
15-year capital improvement program. It is anticipated that design
will begin in FY2018. Whether the gross area is annexed, or not,
may determine if this schedule is maintained.
What is the cost of water?
The annexation area is currently served by the Tulsa Metropolitan
Utility Authority (TMUA). Outside city customers pay a
monthly meter charge of $5.57 plus $3.99 for each thousand gallons
of water used. Customers within the annexed area will be charged
"inside city" rates, or $4.50 plus $2.75/1,000 gallons, after
annexation, a 30 percent reduction. After annexation, those TMUA
customers located within the 300-foot strip or annexed tract of
land will pay the lower inside city rates as opposed to the outside
city rates.
(Rates effective October 1, 2011)
