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

130 requires a permit from the Road/Bridge Department before performing clearing, grading, shaping, excavation or any other work within a publicly dedicated right-of-way, though a property owner may mow, clear or cut brush on the county right-of-way directly adjacent to their own property without a permit. The department may require a bond or cash security in an amount it establishes to guarantee the right-of-way is repaired to its original condition, and the permit fee itself is set by the Cass County Commission rather than fixed in the code.

120 explains the underlying purpose: permits let the department identify who is responsible for work on a right-of-way, enforce the county's construction best-management practices consistently, and answer questions about ongoing work. Permit fees and bonding do not apply to public utilities or other public agencies, but private contractors working under contract with a utility or public agency are not exempt. A 2025 amendment (Ord. No. 25-06) added liability rules for utility facilities in the right-of-way during routine county maintenance: vaults and handholes must sit flush with final grade unless the county approves otherwise in writing, above-ground pedestals must stay visible and unobstructed, and right-of-way users assume the risk of incidental damage from routine mowing, grading, snow removal or drainage work and must indemnify the county for it.