Commission approves rezoning of Selmore Road parcel to C‑2 despite resident flooding and safety concerns

The Christian County Commission voted to approve a rezoning request on May 7 to change a 2.01‑acre parcel at the southeast corner of Selmore Road and State Highway EE from R‑1 to C‑2 to permit commercial development.

Planning staff presented case 2026‑0067, saying the parcel is adjacent to existing commercial zoning and that the county comprehensive plan contemplates commercial uses along major corridors such as U.S. Highway 65. The applicant, identified in the staff packet as Dennis Zimmerman, plans to develop a canvas/boat‑cover business and said the operation typically fits and finishes boats on site and could employ up to about 20 people.

At the Planning and Zoning Commission hearing on April 20 the item was recommended for approval by a 6–1 vote (the P&Z chair did not vote), staff said. During the county meeting several residents and a Selmore Special Road District representative expressed concerns about stormwater and drainage—one resident said his yard floods and showed photos of standing water, saying the problem can last a month or more. Others warned that an additional access point near a hill and curve could reduce sight distance for vehicles and school buses.

The applicant and planning staff said the development will be required to meet county stormwater and erosion controls and that access and driveway placement will be finalized with MoDOT and the Selmore Special Road District during site‑development review. Staff said county regulations prohibit producing more runoff than currently exists and argued that on‑site retention and a northern detention location would likely reduce runoff to low spots south of the parcel.

Commissioners discussed safety, traffic and drainage concerns and asked staff to ensure both MoDOT and the Selmore Special Road District are involved in access decisions. A motion to approve the rezoning was made, seconded and carried; the commission recorded the passage as 3–0.

The commission directed staff and the applicant to coordinate with Modot and road‑district officials on driveway placement and stormwater controls as the project proceeds to site plan review.