Learn About Historic Preservation in Ozark

Ozark Historic Preservation 

To promote the protection and enhancement of buildings, structures, or land of special historic, aesthetic, or architectural significance in the interest of promoting the educational, cultural, economic, and general welfare of the City of Ozark.

For a Historic District Permit complete the application on the Portal. 

What is the Ozark Historic Overlay District and What Does It Do?

The Historic Overlay District is authorized through City Ordinance 405.472 to promote the protection of buildings, structures, and landscapers that are deemed aesthetically or architecturally significant in the interest of promoting the educational, cultural, and general welfare of the City.

This is accomplished in a number of ways, as listed in the ordinance, but one of the most notable ways is by identifying some of the most historically significant properties and districts in Ozark and listing them on the local Ozark Register of Historic Places. Staff also assisted in the designation of the Ozark Courthouse Square National Register District.

Why is Preservation in Ozark Important?

  • Safeguarding the City's historic, aesthetic and cultural heritage
  • Providing a mechanism to identify and preserve the distinctive archaeological, historical, and architectural characteristics of Ozark which represent elements of the city's cultural, social, economic, political and architectural history
  • Fostering civic pride in the beauty and noble accomplishments of the past as represented in Ozark landmarks and historic districts
  • Conserving and improving the value of property or areas designated as landmarks or within historic districts
  • Protecting and enhancing the attractiveness of the City to home buyers, tourists, visitors, and shoppers; and thereby supporting and promoting business, commerce, industry and providing economic benefit to the City
  • Fostering and encouraging preservation, restoration and rehabilitation of structures, areas and neighborhoods

Standards & Guidelines

The Historic Overlay District follows the tenets of the U.S. Secretary of Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Staff also refer to the Ozark Design Standards and Guidelines in their review of Historic District Permit applications.

How Do I Get My Property Listed on the Local Register of Historic Places?

By downloading an application online or pick one up at the Planning and Zoning Office at City Hall. Staff can answer questions you may have about filling out the application, or refer to the guidance publication used to evaluate the historical significance and integrity of properties.

Why Should I List My Property On the Local Register of Historic Places?

Having your property listed on the local register signifies and fosters civic pride in the cultural distinctiveness of our town, furthering our attractiveness to visitors, prospective home buyers, and customers of local businesses. Nationally, the property values of buildings listed under the protection of local designation are stabilized or, more often increase in value even in an economic downturn.

How Do I Know if a Property is on the Local Register of Historic Places or in a Historic District?

The City of Ozark has created a historic properties and districts map that lists historic properties located within the historic district. This map can also be viewed in the Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall, 205 North 1st Street, Ozark MO.

Historic District Permit

The City ordinance mandates review of exterior alterations in order to obtain a Historic District Permit. The application for a Historic District Permit is available on the Portal. Important to note is that even if a building permit is not required for a proposed project, a Historic District Permit is always required for exterior alterations on properties on the local Register of Historic Places or properties located within a historic district.