Stone County is working with the Southwest Missouri Council of Governments (SMCOG) on a review and update of the county’s zoning regulations, including gathering public input, identifying needed changes, drafting updates, revising as needed, and moving toward public hearings and formal adoption. Current work includes auditing existing regulations, creating a digital zoning map, facilitating public listening sessions, and providing an online survey.
Working With Experts
SMCOG
SMCOG is the region’s planning commission and serves 10 counties and 78 municipalities, and it operates as a political subdivision and a federally designated Economic Development District.
SMOCOG's portion of the Planning & Zoning reform process began in January of 2026, and the timeline for completion is within 5-6 months.
Stone County is actively moving planning and zoning reform forward.
The effort began in 2025 with a closer review of the County’s existing codes and where changes were needed. In 2026, the Stone County Commission pushed that work further by listening to residents, business owners, and stakeholders across the county about the updates they believe are needed to help Stone County grow at a measured pace while staying mindful of the needs of agricultural and tourism areas.
To support that work, the County brought in an experienced third-party expert to help review the current system, gather public input, and guide the update process.
Planning and zoning affects how land is used, how growth is managed, and how clear the process is for property owners, residents, businesses, and developers. The County’s focus is on creating a system that is easier to understand, more consistent, and better equipped to serve Stone County now and in the future.
What is happening now
The County is actively reviewing current regulations, maps, and processes while also gathering feedback from citizens, communities, and stakeholders across Stone County. That work is helping identify areas that are unclear, outdated, or difficult to follow so updates can move forward in a clear and practical way.
2026 progress at a glance
April
Findings from listening sessions and the online survey are presented to the Stone County Commission. Revisions begin on sections of the regulations based on community feedback, and the Planning and Zoning Director position is posted.
May
Interviews are held for the Director position. The first phase of revisions is expected to move forward for public review. Topics include lot splits, accessory dwelling units, multiple homes on single lots, platting requirements, RVs and camping, clear definitions, staff and board training, and streamlining procedures such as building permits and lot splits.
June
After public review, the first phase of revisions is expected to be considered for adoption. A second phase is then expected to move forward for public review, including general provisions, agritourism, and operational updates to Director, Board, and Commission duties.
July
After public review, the second phase is expected to be considered for adoption. A third phase is expected to move forward, including short-term and nightly rentals, individual zoning districts, and special provisions.
August
After public review, the third phase is expected to be considered for adoption. A final phase is expected to move forward, focusing on subdivision regulations and the remaining zoning regulations.
September
The final round of revisions is expected to remain open for public review before being considered for adoption.
Moving forward
This reform effort is not sitting still. It is moving step by step through public input, expert review, phased revisions, and adoption consideration. The Stone County Commission is working to create a planning and zoning system that is clearer for the public, more workable for the County, and better prepared for the future growth of Stone County.