Ellis County adopts new oversize-load permit policy with fees and bonding requirements

Ellis County commissioners voted unanimously Jan. 13 to adopt Resolution R-2026-02, creating a county permitting framework for moving houses, buildings and other oversize or overweight loads on county-maintained roads. Public Works Director Brendan Mackay told commissioners the new rules update an earlier over-height-only policy to cover overwidth, overlength and overweight moves.

The resolution sets explicit permit thresholds and administrative procedures: a permit will be required for overwidth loads wider than 16.5 feet, combinations longer than 80 feet, wheel/axle or gross weight limits that exceed statutory limits or posted bridge/road limits, and any overheight move that requires utility adjustments. Applications must be submitted to the Public Works Department at least 15 calendar days before the move, unless the Director waives the deadline for good cause. The Director of Public Works is delegated authority to approve or deny permits and to require structural analyses when overweight or non-standard axle configurations may affect bridges or culverts.

The board approved a $100 nonrefundable application fee and specified security and insurance requirements: a cashier’s check or surety bond of $2,000 for over-height/width/length permits or $5,000 for overweight permits; and minimum insurance certificates of $500,000 general liability and $500,000 auto liability. The resolution requires movers to keep the approved permit in their vehicle during the move and to notify the Director promptly of any damage. The minutes note that commissioners "agreed that the fine would be the maximum of $500." The resolution becomes effective upon publication in the official county newspaper.