Owning property is a point of pride for most people in Minnesota and elsewhere. Of course, even if they consider themselves the owners, local governments often enforce ordinances on how property can be used. Unfortunately, some property owners may find themselves at odds with local government over how property is being used, and it is possible for land use disputes to result.
It was recently reported that father and son property owners in another state are facing a lawsuit from the town government over the use of their property. The town reportedly believes that the men are running a logging business from their private property and are contributing to pollution problems. This has apparently been an ongoing issue for the property owners since 2006.
The son stated that despite the town’s claims, he is not running a business from his private property, though he does park his commercial vehicle on his property. Additionally, he and his father use heavy machinery on the property because his father owns over 90 acres and needs the machinery to maintain the acreage. The land use dispute will be going to court, but the son believes the dispute is simply an example of living in a small town and the problematic regulations landowners face.
Land use disputes and regulation issues with local government can be exhausting for business owners and private property owners alike. It is not unusual to feel as if the government is overstepping its bounds and trying to exert unnecessary control. When such issues arise, Minnesota residents may want to remember that they can defend against claims of violations and work toward continuing to use their land as they see fit.