Finding answers in the Charter and City Code without needing inside knowledge.
Neosho’s Charter and City Code are public documents. Anyone can access them,
search them, and understand how local rules are supposed to work.
Key idea: You don’t need to be a lawyer or a council member
to find reliable answers — you just need to know where to look and what to read.
Start with the right question
Most confusion comes from jumping to conclusions too quickly. Start by asking:
- Is this a policy question or an enforcement issue?
- Does this involve authority, process, or a specific rule?
- Is the issue citywide or specific to a property, permit, or case?
Where to look first
-
Missouri state law
If state law controls the issue, local rules must follow it.
-
The City Charter
Use this when the question is about authority, structure, or process.
-
The City Code
Use this when the question is about a specific rule, requirement, or prohibition.
How to search effectively
- Use plain keywords (dog, fence, parking, zoning, permit)
- Check the definitions section if a term seems unclear
- Search broadly first, then narrow down
- Read the entire section — not just one sentence
Tip:
If you can’t find something by browsing titles, try searching the exact word
a resident or official is using — the Code often mirrors that language.
Understanding what you’re reading
- The main text is the law as it exists today
- “Shall” usually means mandatory
- “May” usually means discretionary
- History notes explain how a rule evolved but are not enforceable themselves
Important reminder:
If something isn’t clearly authorized, it usually means there’s a required process
— or that the City may not have authority at all.
When to ask for clarification
Sometimes the documents won’t give a clear answer. When that happens, the correct
next step is clarification — not assumption.
- Ask staff for procedural clarification
- Request legal review for ambiguous authority
- Allow formal processes to play out
Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only. It reflects my understanding as a citizen
and public servant and is not an official City of Neosho publication or legal advice.