Kansas City, MO asked in Intellectual Property, Land Use & Zoning and Criminal Law for Kansas

Q: are parking lots private property in missouri? Asking in regards to dumpster diving/ abandoned property.

My friend was walk through a parking lot and a cop approached her telling her to stay out of all parking lots because they are private property. We dumpster dive and want to remain in standing with the law.

1 Lawyer Answer
Gregory Byrnes
Gregory Byrnes
Answered
  • Real Estate Law Lawyer
  • New York, NY

A: Yes. However, there is a gray area because they can be available to the public for their appropriate use (ie. using Walmart's parking lot to purchase goods at Walmart). Additionally, dumpster diving is also also a gray area and can be private or public depending on the jurisdiction and specific facts.

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