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Christian County Missouri

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Environmental

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The Environmental Division administers the County’s Stormwater, sinkhole, erosion & sediment control, and floodplain management regulations. This Division reviews proposed development plans and plats for compliance with environmental regulations, performs field inspections and provides information to developers, consultants and the general public regarding environmental issues.

If you would like to report a problem with any of the following issues, please call our office at (417) 581-7242.

  • Water Pollution
  • Floodplain management
  • Illicit Discharge
  • Sinkhole Collapse or Erosion

Forms Available

Soil Erosion Control (Grading) Permits

A Soil Erosion Control Permit Application is required for any non-agricultural land disturbance. Land disturbance includes all activity that disturbs the root zone of existing vegetation (for example, clearing trees with a dozer requires a grading permit but clearing trees with a chainsaw does not). Construction of ponds is considered an agricultural activity unless the soil leaves the property (which would require a grading permit) or is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (which would require a floodplain development permit). For a complete copy of the regulations, see the Christian County Storm Water & Erosion Control Standards or contact the Environmental Division office at (417) 581-7242.

The following items must be submitted prior to issuance of a Soil Erosion Control permit:

  • Completed Permit Application signed by the property owner or their legally authorized agent.
  • Permit fee. Checks must be made payable to Christian County
  • An approved sediment and erosion control plan.
  • Security Agreement for Grading Permit, performance bond or other required security.
  • Copy of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources – Land Disturbance Permit for sites over 1 acre.
  • Approved Floodplain Development Permit Application if any part of the grading will occur in the Special Flood Hazard Area.
  • Other State or Federal permits, if required.

Floodplain Development Permits

A floodplain development permit is required for any soil disturbance or development activity taking place within the Special Flood Hazard Area (often referred to as the mapped floodplain) designated on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps for unincorporated Christian County. A Floodplain Development Permit Application must be submitted to the Environmental Division office along with plans for the proposed activity and the appropriate fee.

On-Site Wastewater Systems

On-site wastewater systems are commonly referred to as “septic systems” but include all systems not connected to public sewer. A permit is required for installation of a new system and for repair or replacement of an existing system. Permits may be obtained from the Christian County Health Department located 301 E. Brick St. near the Historic Courthouse square in Ozark. For a complete copy of the regulations pertaining to on-site wastewater systems, contact the Health Department office at (417) 581-7285.

In order to obtain a building permit for construction of any building, verification must be provided from the Health Department that an appropriate method of wastewater treatment has been approved through their office. In some cases, older existing systems may require inspection to be performed by a State qualified inspector.

Flood Insurance

Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM Index) panels are being updated and revised for all areas of Christian County and will take effect in 2020.

Our County was selected by FEMA for a DFIRM mapping update in 2018.  Utilizing recent LiDAR data, a new and more accurate Flood Insurance Study (FIS) was performed.  Changes seen in these new maps will include some areas being added to the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and other areas being removed.

FEMA has provided us with information which can help in understanding this process:

As part of this updating process, preliminary floodplain maps referred to as FIRMs have been forwarded to the County for review.  Paper copies of these maps are available for review at the Resource Management Department Office or you may view them on line by utilizing the links below.

2020 Flood Insurance Study

Informational Brochures