Planning commission approves Special Use Permit for 30-unit residential development on commercial parcel

The Osage Beach Planning Commission on an unrecorded voice vote approved Special Use Permit No. 416, authorizing Richard R. Ellerman to construct a residential development of up to 30 rental units on a 2.3-acre parcel currently zoned commercial.

City Planner Carrie Patterson told the commission the project would follow R-3 multifamily standards and that units would be designed as individual buildings on separate foundations, with unit sizes reported by the developer at about 800 square feet. "I know it must feel like we're having a special or a sale on these SUPs for residential uses in commercial zones," Patterson said, adding the site is a "second tier" property that can serve residential demand.

Patterson said the proposal would allow a maximum of 30 units if the existing dwelling on the lot is demolished; if the owner keeps the existing house, the project would consist of 28 new units plus the existing home, which could be used for a manager. She said the development would use city water and sewer and include a requirement that Lions Road be upgraded to a hard-surfaced condition for access.

City Attorney Cole Bradbury, reading a memo in his absence, told the commission he had reviewed the file and had no legal concerns. "The application is in proper form, and I have no concerns on behalf of the city. I concur with the city planner's recommendations in this case," Bradbury said.

Patterson said the SUP will include a minimum rental period of 30 days to prevent short-term vacation rentals and that once the development is converted to residential, commercial uses on the parcel would no longer be permitted without returning to the planning commission for an amendment. She also said the final development plan — to follow approval — will address stormwater, utilities, setbacks and other technical details.

Commissioners asked whether Lions Road would become a city street and were told it would remain private; the applicant will be required to upgrade the roadway but surrounding property owners are not financially obligated to participate unless they agree to a separate arrangement with the special road district. After a motion and a second, the SUP was approved by voice vote; the transcript records no roll-call tally.

The meeting also included a procedural vote to approve minutes from the Dec. 10, 2024 meeting, which was adopted by voice vote. The commission chair noted there may not be a meeting next month but reminded members to watch for an invitation to the commission dinner in March.