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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

Christian County MS4 Permit Public Comment Period

Under rules promulgated by the EPA through its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), Christian County is classified as a small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4). As a permittee of this program the County is required to provide a 30 day public notice period to allow the public to review the draft permit and MS4 Stormwater Management Program.

Please follow the links below to review these documents:

Please direct any comments or questions to: jbird@christiancountymo.gov

A public informational meeting will also take place on

Tuesday May 4, 2021
3:00PM
1106 W. Jackson St.
Ozark, MO

The purpose of this meeting will be to provide information and answer any questions related to this permit and the Stormwater Management Program

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 are on track to take effect in early 2023.

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 will include some areas being added to the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and other areas being removed.  SFHAs are areas subject to inundation by the base (1-percent-annual-chance) flood.

The following link provides additional information to help understand this process:

As part of this updating process, preliminary floodplain maps referred to as FIRMs have been provided 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 online by utilizing the links below.

Preliminary FIS & FIRM Appeal Period

From March 16, 2022, until June 14, 2022, community members are encouraged to participate in the appeal period by reviewing the Preliminary Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) panels either online or in the Planning and Development office.

If there is an objection to the proposed flood hazard determinations, technical information or comments should be delivered to:

The Honorable Ralph Phillips
Presiding Commissioner, Christian County
100 West Church Street
Room 100
Ozark, MO 65721

Comments on other aspects of the FIRM and FIS report will also be considered.  Appeals and comments must be received by June 14, 2022.

Preliminary FIS & FIRM Panels

The revised preliminary FIS and FIRM Panels can be viewed at the link below by searching for Christian County, Missouri or by visiting the Resource Management Department office located at 1106 W Jackson Street, Ozark, MO.

Informational Brochures