The Ozark City Planning and Zoning Commission on July 28 voted to recommend that the Board of Aldermen approve two rezoning applications converting Lots 6 and 7 of Collins Point to R‑3 (medium‑density multifamily). The two motions passed by roll call, 7–0, with two commissioners absent; the items will proceed to a public hearing before the Board of Aldermen on Aug. 18 and a scheduled second reading on Sept. 2.

City planning staff presented both cases together, noting the lots are adjacent and that the Ozark Comprehensive Plan supports multifamily housing and walkable corridors in the area. Mr. Whitman, planning staff, said utilities are adjacent to Fifteenth Street, the southern lot contains a large sinkhole, and combining the parcels could concentrate development on Lot 6 while preserving sensitive areas on Lot 7. “Staff does recommend approval,” he said.

The proposed rezones would change Lot 6 from C‑2 (general commercial) and Lot 7 from A‑1 (general agricultural) to R‑3. Mr. Whitman explained the R‑3 district permits multifamily development at roughly 17.5 dwelling units per acre; both lots together are about 40,000 square feet and, if combined, could yield an estimated 16 dwelling units based on that density. He also said required buffer yards would apply along the north side of Lot 6 and the south side of Lot 7, and a buffer would be required between any R‑3 development and adjacent commercial property if only one lot develops.

John Torgerson, representing the developer and Torgerson Design Partners, told the commission the owner (listed in the application as J K L plus 3 LLC) had previously sought commercial zoning but determined multifamily is more practical: “It just is more practical for more of a medium density residential, especially what's adjacent.” Jeff Hammonds, for Enterprise Land Development, said his firm is pursuing a small multifamily project and indicated interest in providing some affordable units: “We want to try to get some affordable housing.”

Commissioners asked staff about the trail and future street shown in an earlier traffic study; Mr. Whitman said the trail/street alignment is approximate and would be resolved at site‑plan stage and that any required stub street would typically be built to the property’s western right‑of‑way line and could be incorporated into a development. Commissioners also asked about erosion and water quality protections for the sinkhole; staff said standard land‑disturbance controls and detention with water‑quality features would be required and noted a 50‑foot buffer yard around the sinkhole under the city’s recently adopted water‑quality protections (referred to in the meeting as the Findlay River water protection ordinance).

No members of the public spoke during the public‑comment periods for either application. After closing the public portions, the commission approved zoning amendment 25‑00006 (Lot 6) on a motion seconded and approved by roll call (7 yes, 0 no, 2 absent). The commission later approved zoning amendment 25‑00007 (Lot 7) by the same tally. Both recommendations will be forwarded to the Board of Aldermen for final action.

Next steps noted in the meeting: applicants will file development plans if the Board of Aldermen approves rezoning; land‑disturbance permits, detention and water‑quality measures, and any required sinkhole study would be reviewed during permitting and site plan review.