The Bartlesville City Council made significant strides in urban development during its June 2, 2025 meeting, approving two key rezoning requests aimed at enhancing local infrastructure and residential options.

The council unanimously passed a motion to rezone 0.72 acres at 125-136 Southeast De Bell Avenue from residential multifamily and neighborhood shopping to general commercial with a Planned Unit Development (PUD). This decision, presented by Larry Curtis of Kelleher Architects, aims to resolve split zoning issues and expand development opportunities while maintaining the character of the surrounding residential area. The approved site development plan includes provisions for office and warehouse layouts, with specific standards to limit outside storage and parking requirements for residential uses.

In a related discussion, the council also approved a request to rezone 0.48 acres at 521-529 South Seneca from neighborhood shopping to residential multifamily with a new PUD. This project, led by Richard Smith of American Bison Construction, will introduce eight dwelling units and four duplexes to the area, aligning with the city’s comprehensive plan for transitional neighborhoods. The development will feature access via an alley and include sidewalks connecting to major thoroughfares, enhancing community connectivity.

Both projects received strong support from the Planning Commission, which highlighted their consistency with the city’s long-term development goals. The council's decisions mark a proactive approach to urban planning, aiming to balance commercial growth with residential needs in Bartlesville.