County Ordinances

Utility Ordinance (Effective date: December 4, 2019). Purpose: authorizes Randolph County to regulate utility line construction and operation across county roads, to empower the county to provide regulations and penalties for misuse that blocks or endangers roads. Definition: a utility is an electrical line that is overhead or underground or pipe line used for the transmission and distribution of a controlled utility product. Core requirements: utilities must obtain county approval before operating across county roads; emergency repairs blocking traffic for over 5 minutes require notification to the sheriff within 10 minutes; construction permits must be approved before work begins. Penalties: up to $500 fine for blocking crossings beyond 5 minutes without authorization; up to $1,000 fine for reckless operation or unpermitted construction; minimum $5,000 fine for repeat offenses. Exceptions: emergency operations directed by law enforcement or government agencies complying with federal, state, and local safety regulations are exempt.

Randolph County – Ordinance for UTV/Golf Cart Use. Effective date: July 1, 2018; expiration July 1, 2023. Regulates operation of utility vehicles and golf carts on Randolph County roads. Permit requirements: valid driver's license; current property tax payments; proof of active liability and uninsured motorist insurance; $15 + $3 administration fee payable to Randolph County. Operating specifications: operators must be at least 16 years old; vehicles need functional roll-over protection and seat belts; bicycle safety flag, which extends not less than seven feet above; speed limit less than 20 mph for golf carts; minimum insurance $25,000.00 for bodily injury or death to one person. Prohibited: operating under alcohol or controlled substance influence; exceeding designed seating capacity; operating on federal/state highways except crossing; missing required permits or safety equipment. Enforcement: violations subject to $100 dollar fine + court cost; vehicle seizure possible with $250 impound release fee. Applications: Randolph County Collector's Office, Courthouse, 372 HWY JJ, Suite 1G, Huntsville, MO, 844-277-6555 (ext. 310).

Drone (Unmanned Aircraft) ordinance. Effective date: September 18, 2019. Purpose: to encourage the safe and responsible use of Unmanned Aircraft while balancing innovation with public safety. Definition: an unmanned aircraft is an aircraft operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft, encompassing drones and remote-controlled devices. Notification: operators must electronically notify the County Clerk for drones weighing over 250 grams, providing operator contact information, takeoff/landing location, and intended duration. Restrictions: operators cannot fly below 100 feet over private property or hover above buildings without explicit owner consent. Penalties: operating without notice up to $100; reckless operation up to $500; flying below 100 feet over private property up to $100 first offense, $500 multiple; hovering over buildings up to $500. Exemptions: government and professional surveillance operations complying with federal regulations.

Randolph County On-Site Wastewater Treatment System Ordinance (Ordinance Number RCRV-12202011). Authority: Missouri Revised Statute Section 192.300 (1986), authorizing county commissions and health boards to establish regulations that enhance the public health while avoiding conflicts with state Department of Health and Senior Services rules. Adopts minimum construction standards for on-site wastewater systems per Missouri State Statute Sections 701.025-701.059. Notable exceptions to state law: applies to all properties regardless of size; mandatory inspections before connecting structures to existing systems, with compliance required to current state codes; flexibility regarding soil analysis for lagoon systems if county soil surveys support compatibility; establishes a five-member review board for variances and grievances; administrative authority vested in Randolph County Health Department; violations classified as misdemeanors referred to the Prosecuting Attorney. Incorporates definitions from the Decentralized Wastewater Glossary (Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment), deferring to state statute definitions when conflicts arise.