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East Gull Lake Today
By the People, for the People
Judge Rules Against Man Landing Helicopter at Minnesota Lake Home
Neighbors complained about noise from the CEO's private helipad on public waters.
Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:42pm
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A court ruling against a CEO's private helicopter use on public waters underscores the ongoing tensions between property rights, noise pollution, and community concerns in residential lake areas.East Gull Lake TodayA Cass County District Court judge has ruled against a Twin Cities man who wanted to continue using his private helicopter to land on his property on East Gull Lake in central Minnesota. The city argued the helipad was not allowed, and the state transportation department supported the city's position. The man, who is the CEO of a concrete company, said he would appeal the decision to the Minnesota Supreme Court if the judge ruled against him.
Why it matters
The case highlights ongoing tensions between private property rights, public waterways, and community concerns over noise pollution in residential lake areas. The ruling sets a precedent for how local governments can regulate private aircraft use near homes, especially when it impacts neighboring residents.
The details
The judge agreed with the city of East Gull Lake that Doug Schieffer, the CEO of a concrete company, cannot continue using a helipad on his lakefront property. Neighbors had complained about the noise from Schieffer's private helicopter landings. Schieffer argued the water in front of his home is a public seaplane base, but the state transportation department supported the city's position against the private helipad.
- The Cass County District Court judge ruled against Schieffer on April 10, 2026.
The players
Doug Schieffer
The CEO of a concrete company who owns a lakefront home in East Gull Lake and wanted to continue using a private helipad on his property.
East Gull Lake
The city in central Minnesota that argued against Schieffer's use of a private helipad on his lakefront property, citing noise concerns from neighbors.
What they’re saying
“If the judge ruled against him, he'd appeal to the Minnesota Supreme Court.”
— Doug Schieffer, CEO
What’s next
Schieffer has indicated he plans to appeal the judge's ruling to the Minnesota Supreme Court.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing tensions between private property rights, public waterways, and community concerns over noise pollution in residential lake areas. The ruling sets an important precedent for how local governments can regulate private aircraft use near homes, especially when it impacts neighboring residents.