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Story County approves Resolution 26‑20 to designate rural road as Level C to limit mudding
Summary
The Story County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 16 approved Resolution 26‑20 to designate a 1.2‑mile segment near the Jasper County line as a Level C roadway, adding a gate and limited access intended to reduce off‑road 'mudder' damage; Jasper County approved its portion last week.
The Story County Board of Supervisors voted on Sept. 16, 2025, to approve Resolution 26‑20 designating a stretch of county road near the Jasper County line as a Level C roadway. The resolution adds a gated, limited‑access designation to a segment of existing Level B road to prevent recreational vehicles from tearing ruts in the surface and to preserve access for landowners who rely on the road.
Darren, a county roads staff member, told the board the change covers roughly 1.2 miles that crosses the county line and connects to a Jasper County road. Jasper County approved a companion resolution the previous week and will place a gate at the south end; Story County will place a gate at the north end. "All Level C adds to a Level B is a gate and limited access," Darren said.
The county said the change responds to heavy erosion and repeated damage from off‑road users. A closed bridge in Jasper County at the south end of the route means the public cannot reach through traffic, but some Story County property owners along the segment depend on the route for access and would be landlocked if the road were vacated. There are three Story County landowners along the segment; county staff said two would be landlocked without the road.
Darren said the county will erect signage reading, in part, "No trespassing, Level C service, limited maintenance" and initially does not plan to lock the gate. He warned that locking a gate would require keys for emergency responders and law enforcement and complicate access. The county said it retains legal authority to ticket people who trespass and damage the road.
Landowners have signed approvals for the change, the county said, and one landowner has agreed to help repair the road with his own equipment, on the condition that the road be closed afterward to prevent immediate re‑damage.
The board approved the resolution after a motion and second; Merkin, Basil and Edens recorded "aye" votes during roll call. No dissenting votes were recorded in the meeting transcript.
Next steps: Story County will install the north gate and signage; Jasper County will install the south gate. The county said it will consider locking the gates only if trespass and damage continue.
