Rezoning debate over Ralph’s Ranch divides north Oklahoma City neighborhood
A rezoning request for Ralph’s Ranch in north Oklahoma City has sparked a dispute between the property owner, who seeks agricultural zoning, and neighbors concerned about its impact on their residential area.
A rezoning request for Ralph’s Ranch in north Oklahoma City has sparked a dispute between the property owner, who seeks agricultural zoning, and neighbors concerned about its impact on their residential area.
A rezoning request for Ralph’s Ranch in north Oklahoma City is dividing neighbors, with the property owner seeking agricultural zoning and some residents opposing the move over concerns about its use as an event venue.
To Ben Birdwell, the owner of Ralph’s Ranch, the 10-acre property is a farm where he grows vegetables and flowers and has created an inclusive space.
“What that would allow us to do is to continue to grow our row crops, so our vegetables and our flowers, and then also allow us to have our farmstand,” Birdwell said.
However, some neighbors, including James Pickel, view the property differently.
“He’s disguising a commercial event center by calling it a farm,” Pickel said.
The rezoning request has raised concerns about weddings, community events, and short-term rentals that have taken place on the property. Neighbors fear agricultural zoning would give Birdwell too much freedom to expand.
“I’m truly scared of the carte blanche permission of AA zoning it provides,” said Rose Bemo, a concerned neighbor.
Birdwell acknowledged that early events caused issues, such as cars parking along the narrow road, but said steps have been taken to address those problems.
“The reality is what they’ve said is noise and parking, and I feel like we’ve solved both those problems to the best of our ability,” Birdwell said.
Pickel emphasized the neighborhood’s concerns about preserving its residential character.
“What we’re trying to do is to prevent commercial enterprises from being introduced into a residential neighborhood,” he said.
Not all neighbors share these concerns. Rachel Smith, who lives across the street from Ralph’s Ranch, expressed support for the property.
“I’ve lived across the street from this property for eight years,” Smith said. “We have not had noise loud enough to keep our 8-year-old son awake, and we live directly across the street.”
The Oklahoma City Planning Commission has recommended the agricultural rezoning, but the final decision now rests with the Oklahoma City Council.