In 1886 Bassett graduated from Columbia and was admitted to the bar, and began practicing law in Buffalo, New York.

In 1907 Bassett was appointed by Governor Charles Evans Hughes to the New York Public Service Commission, where he served until 1911.

Two articles written to commemorate the centennial of the first New York zoning ordinance in 1916 highlighted his role in its creation."

Carl Weisbrod, the current chairman of the City Planning Commission,] credited Mr. McAneny and Mr. Bassett with creating a revolutionary document couched in accepted common-law and constitutional doctrines: that landowners are not entirely free to create nuisances to those around them; and that local governments may police conduct in the name of public health, safety and welfare.

"[6] Most of Bassett's work, both private and on committees, concerned city planning, zoning and the legal issues surrounding these fields.