Mo. Rev. Stat. § 77.200
The council shall have sole authority, by ordinance, to grant the right to any person or persons, or corporation, to make and construct railroads or street railroads in any street or highway of the city, and to control and regulate the use thereof; provided, that no such railroad or street railroad shall be located on any street or highway in the city, or any portion of such street or highway, until a majority of the residents, owners of land abutting on said street or highway, or such portion thereof, shall first assent thereto in writing; and provided further, that no such railroad or street railroad shall be constructed or operated until all damages to such abutting lands shall have been first ascertained and paid to the owners thereof by the person, persons or corporation constructing said railroad or street railroad, and the city council shall pass suitable ordinances providing the manner and way of ascertaining any damages contemplated by this section.
§ 77.200, RSMo
RSMo 1939 § 6978