Crow Wing County adopts changes to solid-waste ordinance, keeps limits on inoperable vehicles

Crow Wing County commissioners adopted revisions to the county’s solid-waste ordinance that clarify how many abandoned, inoperable or unlicensed motor vehicles and vehicle parts are allowed on private property in the county’s zoning areas.

During a public hearing the board heard from several citizens. Brett Layman of Brainerd urged the board to remove all limits on inoperable or unlicensed vehicles from county ordinance, calling the restrictions an overreach and arguing property owners should be free to use their land as they wish. Layman said the proposed changes were a step in the right direction but urged full repeal.

After the hearing closed, county staff explained the revisions the board was being asked to adopt. Staff said the proposed ordinance language (Article 4.1 of the resolution) would state that two inoperable or non-licensed motor vehicles, abandoned vehicles or parts are still allowed unless restricted pursuant to Articles 12, 14, or 16 of the land-use ordinance. Staff also said that in specified zoning categories — for example, rural residential, agricultural/forested, and certain commercial zones — the ordinance would allow up to 10 unlicensed vehicles (one per acre) where that standard applies.

Board members opened and closed the hearing by motion and later moved to adopt a resolution authorizing the ordinance revisions. The board voted to adopt the changes by voice vote. Staff characterized the action as making the solid-waste ordinance and the land-use ordinance language congruent so county and land-use rules match.

Why it matters

The adopted language determines where and how many inoperable or unlicensed vehicles property owners can keep without triggering enforcement under county ordinance. The changes were discussed both as a countywide solid-waste issue and in the land-use context where zoning can impose different limits.

Key public comment

Brett Layman, who introduced himself as residing at 19210 Spencer Road, Brainerd, and speaking for himself, argued the county should eliminate restrictions entirely and trust property owners, saying the ordinance “assumes the county knows better than the individuals how their land should function.” Layman’s remarks were part of the public hearing record; no other public speakers testified at the hearing.

Board action and next steps

- The public hearing on the solid-waste ordinance was opened and closed by motion; the board then voted to adopt the resolution revising the ordinance. - Staff will update ordinance text to ensure the solid-waste ordinance and land-use ordinance use consistent language and will publish or file the revised ordinance as required.

Ending

Commissioners framed the changes as aligning county ordinances and clarifying enforcement; public comment called for broader reform but the board adopted the targeted revisions that make the two ordinances congruent.