Junkyard classification
Minnesota Junkyard Law classifies junkyards into three types:
Legal junkyard
A junkyard that is:
- Located in an industrial area, or
- Located more than one-half mile from a state highway, or
- Screened from view from the state highway
Illegal junkyard
A junkyard that is:
- Established after June 30, 1971
- Not located in an industrial area
- Visible from the state highway
- Not screened from view
Legal non-conforming junkyard
A junkyard that:
- Lawfully existed on June 30, 1971
- Is not located in an industrial area
- Is located within one-half mile of a state highway
- Is visible from the state highway
Changing a junkyard classification
Illegal junkyards are designated as public nuisances, and owners of illegal junkyards must remove, relocate on-site or screen the junk that is visible from a state highway or interstate. Illegal junkyards are not eligible for funding assistance from the state. A legal non-conforming junkyard may be eligible for state funds to remove the junk, relocate it on site or screen it from view. MnDOT has the authority to acquire easements to screen a junkyard that is within one-half mile of a state highway. Once a non-conforming junkyard comes into compliance with the state junkyard law, its classification changes to legal junkyard.