Commission recommends rezoning of 13-acre parcel near East Elementary from R1A to RSF-1

The Ozark Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval Sept. 22 of zoning amendment 25-0009, a request to change the zoning of a roughly 13-acre parcel abutting East Hartley Road and located south of East Elementary from the older R1A single-family estate district to the newer RSF-1 single-family district.

City planning staff (Megan) told commissioners the proposed zoning aligns with the future land-use map’s single-family designation, that utilities (water and sewer mains) are adjacent to the property and that required neighborhood buffers would apply where the site abuts commercial or industrial uses. Staff also noted that traffic impact and stormwater reports will be required during the development review process and that neighborhood meeting comments included concerns about pedestrian safety, traffic and buffering. Staff recommended approval.

Applicant representative John Sayer introduced himself and said he represented the property owner and had no additional comments. Commissioners asked about pedestrian crossing plans for schoolchildren; the applicant said pedestrian safety has been discussed and that detailed measures will be addressed at preliminary plat review. A motion to approve was made and carried on roll call.

What happens next: zoning approval was recommended by the commission and will move to the Board of Aldermen for final action. Further technical design — traffic controls, stormwater detention, sidewalks and buffer details — will be determined through subsequent plat and public-improvement plan reviews.

Key facts:

• Parcel size: approximately 13 acres.

• Existing zoning: R1A (legacy single-family estate district).

• Requested zoning: RSF-1 (updated single-family district).

• Developer/owner: Lindell Preston Bennett Williams and Rhonda Marie Williams (as stated by staff).