Chapter 3 - Part 5 - Junkyard and Junk Cars

Aug 27, 2026

Defines “junk” and “junkyard” for purposes of a city ordinance, including limits on what materials qualify and how motor vehicles and vehicle parts are treated. Establishes that operating a junkyard within Hayfield city limits requires a permit from the city council or its authorized representative. Sets application requirements, plans, filing copies, and an initial and annual permit fee. Requires drainage standards, screening and buffer zones, fire and burning restrictions, hazardous fuel removal, and sanitation controls, plus periodic inspections and permit revocation for noncompliance.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Definitions

Junk

Junkyard

Motor Vehicle

Motor Vehicle Part

Permit Required

Applications

Fee

Requirements

Zoning and site conditions

Screening and buffer zone

Prohibited waste and odor/vermín attraction

Fuel removal from scrapped engines/vehicles

Fires

Annual Permit

Inspections

Revocation of Permit

Part 5. Junkyard and Junk Cars 305.01. Definitions. As used in this section, the terms shall mean the following: Subd. 1. Junk. "Junk" as used in this ordinance shall mean old iron, steel, brass, copper, tin, lead, or other base metals; old cordage, ropes, rags, fibers, or fabrics; old rubber; old bottles or other glass; bones; wastepaper and other waste or discarded material which might be prepared to be used again in some form; and any or all of the foregoing; and motor vehicles, no longer used as such, to be used for scrap metal or stripping of parts; but "junk" shall not include materials or objects accumulated by a person as by-products, waste or scraps from the operation of his own business or materials or objects held and used by a manufacturer as an integral part of his own manufacturing processes. Subd. 2. Junkyard. "Junkyard" as used in this ordinance means an establishment, place of business, yard, lot, or place of storage or deposit, covered or uncovered, outdoors or in an enclosed building, which is maintained, operated, or used for storing, keeping, buying, or selling junk as defined above, where the waste, body, or discarded material stored is equal in bulk to two or more motor vehicles. Subd. 3. Motor Vehicle. "Motor Vehicle" for the purpose of this ordinance shall have the meaning ascribed in Minnesota Statutes 1961, Section 168.011, Subdivision 4, and as amended. Subd. 4. Motor Vehicle Part. "Motor Vehicle Part" for the purpose of this ordinance, "Part or Parts of Motor Vehicles" shall include any part, accessory, attachment, or piece of equipment commonly used on or in connection with a motor vehicle. 305.02. Permit Required. No person, firm or corporation shall erect or establish or maintain a junkyard within the limits of the City of Hayfield, Dodge County, Minnesota without first obtaining a permit therefore from the city council or its authorized representative. 305.03. Applications. No permit for a junkyard shall be issued by the City Council unless and until the person requesting the permit shall first make application to the city clerk and shall submit all information and data. The application shall be in writing, signed by the applicant and shall include the following: a. Name and address of applicant. b. Location and legal description of premises to be used for the junkyard. c. A complete plan of the junkyard in conformity with Section 305.05 of this ordinance. d. Plans and specifications of all buildings, improvements, and facilities constructed or tobe constructed within the junkyard. e. Such further information as the city council may request to enable the council to determine if the proposed junkyard will comply with legal requirements and will insure the protection and the best interests of the city and its citizens as to health, welfare, and public safety. The application and three copies of all accompanying plans and specifications shall be filed with the city clerk. The city council shall make such investigation of the applicant, the plans, the site, and any other related subjects as it may deem necessary and proper. 305.04. Fee. The applicant shall pay to the city a permit fee in the amount of One Hundred and no/100 ($100 .00) at the time the application is filed. 305.05. Requirements. The junkyard shall conform to the following requirements: a. The junkyard shall conform to all applicable provisions of the County Zoning Ordinance. b. The site shall be well drained, properly graded to insure prompt drainage of surface and storm waters, and to insure freedom from stagnant pools of water. c. Junk shall be kept only in enclosed buildings or in areas which are adequately screened."Adequate Screening" as used in this ordinance shall be deemed to mean a solid fence of at least six (6) feet in height surrounding the junkyard. d. The applicant shall provide a "Buffer Zone" of not less than thirty (30) feet in width, which buffer zone shall surround the perimete

FAQs

What materials are considered “junk” under this ordinance?

“Junk” includes various discarded metals, cords/ropes, rags/fibers/fabrics, rubber, bottles and other glass, bones, wastepaper, and other discarded material, plus motor vehicles no longer used as such for scrap or parts. It excludes by-products and waste from the operator’s own business and items held as integral parts of a manufacturer’s processes.

When is a permit required to operate a junkyard in Hayfield?

A junkyard cannot be erected, established, or maintained within Hayfield city limits without first obtaining a permit from the city council or its authorized representative.

What requirements must the junkyard meet regarding screening, drainage, and buffer zones?

The site must conform to county zoning, be well drained with proper grading to prevent stagnant water, and keep junk only in enclosed buildings or adequately screened areas. Adequate screening means a solid fence at least six feet high, and the operator must provide a buffer zone of at least 30 feet with landscaped grass/sod and shrubs maintained in a presentable appearance.

Aug 27, 2026

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