Mo. Rev. Stat. § 71.580

Before granting any franchise for constructing and operating any elevated, underground or other street railroad on, over or under any street or alley of any incorporated town or city, the authorities of such town or city shall, by ordinance duly enacted, establish the route and clearly define the terms and conditions of such franchise, and locate all depots, stations, turnouts and switches of such railroad. The party to which said franchise may be granted shall be an incorporated company, organized under the laws of this state, to construct, maintain and operate a street railroad in the town or city by which such franchise is granted.