Minnesota § 394.21 - AUTHORITY TO CARRY ON COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 394.21 — AUTHORITY TO CARRY ON COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 394.21. AUTHORITY TO CARRY ON COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING
Subdivision 1.Except most populous counties.
For the purpose of promoting the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the community any county in the state having less than 300,000 population according to the 1950 federal census is authorized to carry on county planning and zoning activities.
Subd. 1a.Amortization prohibited.
Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, a county, regardless of population, under this chapter or under a special or local law, must not enact, amend, or enforce an ordinance providing for the elimination or termination of a use by amortization which use was lawful at the time of its inception. This subdivision does not apply to adults-only bookstores, adults-only theaters, or similar adults-only businesses, as defined by ordinance.
Subd. 2.
MS 1971 [Repealed, 1974 c 571 s 51]
Subd. 3.Nuisance.
Subdivision 1a does not prohibit a county from enforcing an ordinance providing for the prevention or abatement of nuisances, as defined in section 561.01, or eliminating a use determined to be a public nuisance, as defined in section 617.81, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (2), items (i) to (x), without payment of compensation.
History:
1959 c 559 s 1; 1999 c 96 s 1,2; 2011 c 76 art 1 s 55
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 394.21
What does Minnesota Statutes § 394.21 cover?
Section 394.21 ("AUTHORITY TO CARRY ON COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 394.21?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 394.21" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 394.21 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.