Bartlesville Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Bartlesville Zoning Overview
Bartlesville is located in Washington County in northeastern Oklahoma and serves as the county seat. The city has strong historic ties to the oil industry, having been the longtime headquarters of Phillips Petroleum Company (now ConocoPhillips). This corporate heritage has shaped the city's development patterns, architectural character, and economic base. Bartlesville is also known for its Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Price Tower, a significant architectural landmark.
The city's zoning code is managed by the Community Development Department and reflects a traditional small-city pattern with a historic downtown core, surrounding residential neighborhoods, and highway commercial corridors. Bartlesville faces challenges common to many Oklahoma cities of its size, including downtown revitalization and managing development at its edges.
Key Zoning Districts
Bartlesville uses a conventional zoning structure with residential districts (R-1 through R-4), commercial districts (C-1 through C-4), and industrial zones. The downtown area has its own zoning designation that encourages mixed-use development and rehabilitation of historic commercial buildings.
ADU Regulations
Bartlesville does not have specific ADU provisions in its zoning code. Oklahoma has no statewide ADU law, so any ADU policies are determined locally. Contact the Community Development Department for guidance.
Development Process
The Community Development Department processes development applications. Zoning changes go before the Planning Commission and City Council. Building permits are issued through the city's building inspection division.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Bartlesville
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Oklahoma
- Building Code: No mandatory statewide residential code; local adoption
County — Washington County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 7,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- 2,500 sq ft per unit
- Max Height
- 40 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 10 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
ADU Rules in Bartlesville
- Max Size
- N/A
- Max Height
- N/A
- Rear Setback
- N/A
- Side Setback
- N/A
- Parking
- N/A
- Owner Occupancy
- N/A
- Permit Timeline
- N/A
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Bartlesville are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Bartlesville permit fees →