The Christian County Commission voted to remand rezoning case 2025-0088 — a request to change about 5.7 acres at 6795 Selmore Road from AR (agricultural/residence) to C2 (general commercial) — back to the Planning and Zoning Commission so staff and the applicant can gather additional information, including input from MoDOT.

Planning staff summarized the case and public comment from a May 27 hearing, saying the applicant proposed a commercial use (applicant letters described storage for emergency supplies) but the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended denial because of “existing infrastructure deficiencies in this area.” Scott, the planning presenter, noted the property has frontage on Selmore Road, close to Highway 65, but said the stretch of Selmore in front of the site is narrow and that additional commercial development could require driveway upgrades or turn lanes handled by the road owner.

Several residents told commissioners they worry about safety on the narrow stretch of Selmore Road, flood-prone approaches, and the ability of larger trucks to pass. One resident said a pond and local sinkholes contribute to flooding in the area. A planning commissioner and others described the road width in places as roughly 14–17 feet.

At the hearing commissioners discussed options for moving forward and emphasized the distinction between rezoning (a land-use designation) and subsequent site-specific approvals. Several commissioners noted the rezoning question is not limited to the applicant’s stated use because “anything in C1 and anything in C2 is allowed,” and cautioned that approving a rezoning could allow uses with much higher traffic than the applicant’s stated plan.

Commissioners recommended the applicant consult MoDOT (or the appropriate road authority) about existing right-of-way, any planned improvements, and what road or access upgrades would be required for commercial development. Commissioners then voted to remand the application to Planning and Zoning so that body could consider any new information and provide an updated recommendation before the matter returns to the commission.

Planning staff and commissioners said they will assist the applicant in contacting the relevant highway contacts and SimCOG as needed; no rezoning was approved at the June 5 meeting.