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

Cass County Code § 510.130 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.

Section 510.120 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.