Woodbury, MN Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- Minnesota State Building Code, via Sec. 6-19(a)
- Base fee, $1-$2,000 value
- $30.00 (Sec. 6-19(b))
- Plan review fee
- 65% of permit fee (Sec. 6-19(c))
- No-permit repair threshold
- Under $3,000, six conditions (Sec. 6-19(g))
- Unpermitted work penalty
- Investigation fee equal to permit fee
- Exterior completion deadline
- 6 months from start of construction
Summary
Woodbury requires a building permit for construction, additions and alterations under the Minnesota State Building Code, with fees set by the value of the work. Minor repairs under $3,000 to one- and two-family homes can skip a permit if they meet six narrow conditions in City Code Sec. 6-19.
(a)The issuance of building permits, conduct of inspections and collection of fees shall be as provided for in Minnesota State Building Code.(b)Building permits fees shall be established by ordinance. No permit as required by the building code shall be issued, until the fees prescribed have been paid...(g)Building permits shall not be required for alterations and modifications of one and two family dwellings and U class buildings, provided the construction:(1)Does not increase the physical size of the building.(2)Does not involve the structural frame.(3)Does not constitute a change in use.(4)Does not include removal or replacement of siding or windows.(5)Does not include removal or replacement of roofing.(6)And the value is less than $3,000.00.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 48).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 6-19(a) ties permit issuance, inspections and fees to the Minnesota State Building Code, and Sec. 6-19(b) bars issuance of any permit, or approval of an amendment adding cost, until the prescribed fee is paid. 00. Plan review under Sec. 6-19(c) costs 65 percent of the permit fee, or 25 percent for similar/repeat plans under Sec. 6-19(e). Sec. 00. Sec. 6-19(d) requires a certified survey showing setbacks for new structures (except Class U accessories). Sec. 6-19(i) gives builders six months from the start of construction to finish exterior siding, with extensions for large projects or hardship, and Sec.
6-19(j) bars occupancy of new, remodeled or moved structures until the building official issues a certificate of occupancy. New residential construction outside the R-1 and R-2 districts must post an escrow under Sec. 6-19(l), covering grading certification, boulevard turf, curb-stop access and a WaterSense-certified irrigation controller, refundable once those items are verified within six months of the start of construction.
Violations & Fines
Starting work without a permit triggers an investigation fee under Sec. 6-19(c) equal to the full permit fee, on top of the permit fee itself. Occupying a structure before the building official issues the required certificate of occupancy under Sec. 6-19(j) violates the section outright. Escrow funds posted under Sec. 6-19(l) are forfeited toward city completion of unfinished grading, turf or irrigation-controller items if the work is not done within six months (excluding November 1 to April 1), the contractor is abandoned for 30+ days, or the builder files bankruptcy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Woodbury require a permit for a deck or basement finish?
Can I skip a permit for a small home repair in Woodbury?
What happens if I start construction without a Woodbury building permit?
How long do I have to finish exterior siding after starting construction?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Woodbury
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