DNR reminds landowners to identify property lines prior to starting construction

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DNR reminds landowners to identify property lines prior to starting construction projects this spring
(Released March 22, 2012)

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds homeowners and landowners living adjacent to state of Minnesota owned lands to make sure that they know where their personal property lines are located before beginning any construction projects this spring.
“People living adjacent to state owned lands should know their property lines before beginning any type of residential construction such as homes, garages, drain fields, septic tanks, driveways or additional out-buildings,” said Dave Schuller, DNR statewide lands coordinator. “When private landowners build on public lands, it prohibits the use of these lands by the rest of the public.”

Any construction on state land is prohibited by state law. The landowner may be charged with trespass violations and resolution of these issues generally require removal and restoration of the state land at the private landowner’s expense.

To avoid these situations, the DNR urges people to do their homework before building near any publicly owned land. In addition, homeowners should contact their local zoning office to make sure they are in compliance with any property line setbacks.

People who suspect they may have already constructed buildings or encroached on lands owned by the state of Minnesota, should contact a local DNR area office.