Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Boone County, MO Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Permit required
Yes, from Public Works Director
Governing section
Road Regs § 2.9
Exemption
Private easement, no road impact
Fee
$150 deposit, individual permits

Summary

Boone County requires a Public Works permit before any private construction or excavation in county road right-of-way, unless the work stays inside a private easement and won't touch the road.

City-specific rules exist: Columbia has its own encroachment permits rules that differ from Boone County's county-level regulations. If you live in Columbia, check the city-specific page instead.

No person shall perform any construction within a right of way for any purpose except upon issuance of and in conformity with a permit issued by the Director pursuant to the provisions of these regulations: provided, however that construction work within private easements located within or adjacent to county maintained road right of way which does not alter or damage road surface, road drainage ditches or structures, signage or other road improvements and which will not interfere with road traffic shall not be subject to the permit requirements contained herein. The issuance of a permit in accordance with these regulations does not relieve the permittee of the responsibility to properly plan, design, construct, install, modify, or maintain the construction or the area in which construction is authorized pursuant to the permit. Issuance of the permit shall not relieve the permittee from compliance with any other applicable laws, rules or regulations, including but not limited to identification or location of underground utilities, compliance with erosion control standards, pollution control standards or Floodplain Management Ordinance.

2.9.1 Permit Requirements - Any person seeking a permit for construction within a right of way shall submit a written application on forms provided by the Director. The Director in his discretion may issue general or blanket

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

Under the county's Road, Bridge & Right of Way Regulations, no one may build, dig, or place improvements within a county-maintained right-of-way without a permit issued by the Director of Public Works (§ 2.9). The only exception is construction confined to a private easement within or beside the right-of-way that doesn't alter the road surface, drainage, signage, or other road improvements and won't interfere with traffic. Applications, plans, and fees are further governed by the county's Right of Way Work Permits policy, which sets four permit types for excavation, driveway, and utility work.

Violations & Fines

Building, excavating, or placing private improvements in county right-of-way without the Director's permit is a violation; the county can deny, modify, or require the work corrected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to build something in the road right-of-way?
Yes, in nearly every case. Boone County requires a construction permit from the Public Works Director for any work within county-maintained right-of-way under § 2.9, with a narrow private-easement exception.
What if my project stays inside a private easement?
It's exempt only if it won't alter the road surface, drainage, signage, or other road improvements and won't interfere with traffic, per § 2.9.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Boone County

All Boone County rules

Compare Boone County to another location·View the Missouri sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview

Get notified when Encroachment Permits in Boone County, MO changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Encroachment Permits in Cities Across Boone County