Commission approves rezoning for Ozark Mountain Church property at 4619 Selmore Road

Christian County commissioners voted March 6 to rezone a 1.85‑acre tract at 4619 Selmore Road from C‑1 (neighborhood commercial) to C‑2 (general commercial). The applicant is Ozark Mountain Church; John Crum spoke as the church representative at the Planning & Zoning hearing.

County staff told commissioners the property fronts Selmore Road with existing access and is near Highway 65. The parcel has been used by the church since the late 1990s; staff said nearest public utilities are more than two miles away to the north, so the property is not compact and contiguous with the City of Ozark for annexation or utility service. Staff noted that rezoning from C‑1 to C‑2 would reduce the required open‑space ratio on the lot from 40% to 30%, effectively allowing up to 10 percentage points more lot coverage for buildings or parking.

Planning and Zoning forwarded a unanimous recommendation of approval at its Feb. 24 hearing. At the county meeting staff cautioned that rezoning makes additional commercial uses permissible and could increase development options if the church later sells or relocates. Commissioners approved the request by voice vote.

Why it matters: Changing from C‑1 to C‑2 allows a wider array of commercial uses on a parcel along a transportation corridor. Staff framed the location as consistent with corridors where commercial uses are typical but flagged utilities and future development review as outstanding issues.

Details: Case number 2025‑0008; applicant: Ozark Mountain Church (representative John Crum); location: 4619 Selmore Road; approximate area: 1.85 acres. Staff recommended approval with the understanding that any future development would require building‑inspection review, landscaping/buffering and stormwater calculations as appropriate.

Action taken: The commission approved the rezoning (voice vote).