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1) Neighbors
2) Zoning law as it pertains to environmental protections, if any. This is where you'll get hefty fines.
For example: my brother's property is on land still considered "forest" even though there isn't a real forest for about 25 miles West. It's almost entirely flat farm land but still zoned as "forest" and subject to different laws, restrictions, etc...
As long as you're not running a commercial business on the land and provided you don't have douchebag neighbors and provided you're not compromising environmentally protected land, the worst that might happen is a cease and desist letter from the county.
I trust the land you're considering buying has long-term value over and above the short-term enjoyment value of a private motocross track.
Only hiccups would be if you destroyed some “wetlands” or messed up water drainage. EPA would be on your ass for that. Use common sense.
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I believe MN has many private MX tracks. Overall, motocross is alive and well in Minnesota compared to other states, considering how seasonal we are. That being said, send me a PM if you want to ride.
If you have a busybody neighbor (get fucked with the political stereotypes, there are shithead neighbors in every neighborhood in the country, of every ideology) who wants to call down the wrath of the zoning board, or you get one officious zoning worker, you are going to have a bad time.
Only advice I can give is, in the wise words of Gandalf "Keep it secret, keep it safe!"
Use common sense. Blasting around on a 450 with the latest aftermarket pipe reverberating across the land like the bellow of an angry god is a bad idea. My buddy had a badass mx track and woods trails in New England, in the middle of nowhere, and he'd only let you ride there if you had washers welded onto the back of your silencer to really quiet the bike down.
Don't post it on social media. Don't invite 30 of your friends over. Don't ride at weird hours and keep a low profile.
FWIW I ride around my property (gasp, in SoCal) all the time but I tend to grab the Alta more often than not because while my neighbors are fine with my loud bikes... I don't want to push my luck.
Also, check with the county to be sure whats posted online is the current version.
A sound ordinance will be hurdle one.
Use zoning hurdle two(if there is use zoning), you get a special use permit or can request a variance.
Next is silt control, if applicable.
Amount of area allowed to be disturbed without a site plan (survey and engineering).
All these details and others will be contained in the county ordinances, or not.
As said above, neighbors are almost always why you have problems.
Most municipalities have no clue what you are doing on your property.
Agnes Kravitz is your real enemy.
If it is remote and no neighbors are near, I'd do it discretely and not tell the county.
But you still should know what you're up against if you have to permit or get approval.
For those of you that do have a track and allow other people to ride it. Do you do anything with waivers and insurance?
Luckily I have some loyal friends and will just say they got hurt elsewhere, but you never know...
Anyways, a complaining neighbor is never a good thing no matter how legal.
All the private tracks/trails Ive ridden have had us sign a liability waiver each year. I have zero problem signing them and totally understand the owners trying to limit liability. Ive broke a bone at a private place and my Health insurance provider was giving me the 20 questions about how it occurred. Any time a motorized vehicle is potentially involved, insurance companies light up. Fortunately I knew enough in advance that I had a story on deck. Who knows what or how they would have gone after or tried to deny coverage
They all shoot regularly and have a group text to let others know when they plan to shoot. We use our land how we want, but we all respect each other and try to be courteous.
I love Texas.
Pit Row
I didn't get my anonymous letter until I moved a bunch of dirt. I think they were afraid what was to come. But I'm just a weekend warrior, and haven't had any complaints in almost 2 years since then. Only ride between 10am - 6pm, usually only ride the weekends I'm not racing.
Our track mainly follows the lay of the land, so did not have to move a crazy amount of dirt, track is 1.2 miles, about 150 vertical feet from the low point to high point, some big step ups, step downs, up and overs, etc. I would say only 2 jumps are completely man made, and I had to move as much dirt for those 2 as the other 12 on the track combined (and I do think 14 jumps is way too many but my boys twisted my arm). Having good terrain makes your job easy when it comes time to building the track. A dozer and a skidsteer is all I have ever had on it.
Waivers matter here in California, they may not mean much in Minnesota. I also have large insurance policies including an umbrella policy on top of liability. Also if you are thinking about asking permission from your county do it long before you buy the property. Otherwise keep it low key and be cautious about the noise, dust, etc. build good neighbor relationships, etc. Good luck whatever you decide!
As far as waivers go, they help a little and even if your best friends won't sue you, insurance companies go right over their head and sue even if they won't. I have had my gear cut off me at the hospital and always say fell off ladder at home and then answer yes I always wear this fancy safety gear when on a ladder.
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