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Houston County adopts ordinance allowing ATVs, UTVs and similar vehicles on county roads via permit
Summary
The Houston County Board of Commissioners approved a special-use vehicle ordinance that creates a three-year, revocable permit allowing ATVs, UTVs and golf carts on county roads outside the April 1–Aug. 1 agricultural restriction without stickers or fees; the permit requires proof of registration and insurance and can be revoked for unsafe use.
The Houston County Board of Commissioners voted to adopt a special-use vehicle ordinance that allows operation of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility task vehicles (UTVs or “side-by-sides”) and similar off‑road vehicles on designated county roadways under a county-issued permit.
Sheriff Swedberg, who presented the ordinance to the board, said the proposal responds to a long-standing ambiguity in state statute (cited in the presentation as Minn. Stat. § 84.92 and related subdivisions) about operation of such vehicles on road right-of-way. “The state defines public right of way … center of the ditch to center of the ditch,” Swedberg said, and the county ordinance and permit are intended to clarify where and when these vehicles may be used locally.
The ordinance requires applicants to provide current DNR registration, insurance information and a driver’s license. County staff explained the application will be available online from the Houston County website and that applicants would receive immediate email confirmation; the county will not charge a fee or issue decals for the permit. The permit may be issued for up to three years and can be revoked if the permit-holder operates unsafely.
The board discussed enforcement and the limits of local authority. Swedberg said deputies can still enforce careless operation and traffic laws but that a county permit creates a mechanism to revoke the privilege to use county roads, which does not exist without an ordinance. Commissioners and staff also noted that the permit will recognize valid municipal permits (for example, Caledonia or Spring Grove), making those town permits acceptable countywide.
Commissioners raised safety and operational issues. One commissioner referenced the statute’s agricultural restriction, noting that “from April 1 to August 1, nesting season,” operation in the agricultural zone is restricted; that restriction remains in the statute and will be enforced. Board members confirmed minors must wear helmets under state rules and that drivers must meet licensing requirements.
The permit form discussed by staff asks applicants to identify vehicle type and provide DNR registration and insurance; staff said scanned photos of insurance or an insurance app screenshot would suffice. The county intends to keep the permitting process streamlined; applicants may apply on a phone at the roadside and will receive immediate confirmation.
After discussion, a motion to adopt the ordinance carried. The roll call recorded on the transcript shows affirmative votes by District 2, District 4 and District 5 commissioners; the ordinance passed and the county will publish permit instructions and frequently asked questions on the county website.
Why it matters: the measure clarifies local rules that had been ambiguous under state law, creates a revocable permit to address unsafe operation, and aligns county practice with municipalities that already issue local permits. Supporters argued the change will help tourism and local businesses that benefit from recreational riders; others emphasized enforcement and public‑safety concerns.
