Woodbury, MN Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

The City of Woodbury treats bees as livestock under its City Code rather than as a backyard hobby permitted in residential zones. The city's livestock definition expressly lists bees alongside animals such as cattle, horses, goats, sheep, pigs, poultry and others, and the keeping of livestock is allowed only on properties zoned for agricultural use that are at least five acres in size. As a result, placing a beehive in a standard residential backyard in Woodbury is not allowed; beekeeping must take place on qualifying agricultural land. City officials have explained the policy by noting that people buying homes in Woodbury's residential areas do not generally expect beehives next door, and that the city uses its zoning ordinance to keep agricultural uses such as beekeeping separate from residential neighborhoods. This contrasts with some other Minnesota cities, such as Minneapolis and Stillwater, which permit residents to keep hives in their backyards under a dedicated beekeeping ordinance. Woodbury has not, as reflected in available sources, adopted a separate residential beekeeping permit. Residents interested in keeping bees should confirm their property's zoning and acreage and contact the city's Planning Division before installing any hive, since the use is governed through the zoning and livestock provisions rather than a stand-alone hobby-bee allowance.