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Community Corner

"Junk Yard" vs "Junky" Yard


In New Hampshire, there can be a fine line between properties categorized as a “junk yard” versus what is simply a “junky” yard.  However, it’s very important to note the difference because a junk yard requires town approvals while a “junky” yard does not.

Few junk yards in the State are the classic commercial facility that you might picture with rows of old cars, parts, crushed metals and heavy machinery used for processing these materials.  It’s obvious that these types of facilities are junk yards and that they require town approval. 

Less obvious are the junkyards that come in the form of a private property whose owner collects unlicensed vehicles, parts, scraps, or other materials for personal use. If the amount stored out of doors equals the bulk of two or more motor vehicles, the property is considered to be a junk yard.  “Junky” yards may contain the same types of material; however, in a smaller amount. 

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A “junky” yard requires no town approvals and is not prohibited from any zoning districts in town.  The only places where a property owner is not permitted to have a “junky” yard are in neighborhoods with restrictive covenants that prohibit such usage.

“Junk Yards”, on the other hand, are highly regulated.  They are prohibited from all residential districts, and permitted only in the Limited Industrial District zone.  They require screening, odor control, and buffering from other properties.  A “junk yard” operator must to obtain a series of approvals to obtain a license and maintain legality in the Town of Windham.

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For more information on junk yards and the regulations governing them in Windham, refer to, Section 708 of the Zoning Ordinance and Land Use Regulations.  These can be found on the town website: www.windhamnewhampshire.com.  If you have any questions feel free to contact the Community Development at 432-3806 or stop by during normal business hours 8am-4:00pm.

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