Animal Ordinances in Woodbury, MN (2026)
5 verified animal ordinances for Woodbury, Minnesota, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Woodbury allows up to six chicken-hens on lots of 3.99 acres or less, and two per acre on larger lots, in the R-1 and R-2 districts under City Code § 5-17. Other livestock needs at least five acres of agricultural-zoned land, and § 24-285 requires each coop to sit 50 feet from neighboring dwellings, 20 feet from property lines, in the rear yard only.
Woodbury Backyard Chicken and Livestock Rules
Some RestrictionsWoodbury City Code §§ 5-17, 24-285
The keeping of livestock, with the exception of chicken-hens, as defined in section 5-16 is allowed on properties zoned for agricultural use of at least five acres in size. The keeping of more than one livestock animal per acre shall require a conditional use permit... The keeping of chicken-hens shall be allowed on all properties within the R-1 and R-2 zoning districts. The number of chickens ...
Dog Leash Laws
Woodbury bans letting any animal run at large beyond its owner's property or on public streets and sidewalks under City Code Sec. 5-23. "At large" is defined in Sec. 5-16 as off the owner's premises and not restrained by leash, cord, or chain.
Woodbury Leash Law: No Animals at Large
Some RestrictionsWoodbury City Code Sec. 5-16, Sec. 5-23
At large means off the premises of the owner and not under the custody and control of the owner or other person, either by leash, cord, chain, or otherwise restrained or confined. ... No person who owns, keeps or harbors an animal shall allow the animal to run at large at any time beyond the limits of land owned by or possessed by the owner, keeper or harborer or upon the public streets, sidewa...
Beekeeping
Woodbury classifies bees as livestock, not a domesticated pet, under City Code Sec. 5-16. Sec. 5-17 confines livestock-keeping, bees included, to properties zoned agricultural of at least five acres, with more than one livestock animal per acre needing a conditional use permit.
Woodbury Beekeeping Requires Ag-Zoned Land
Significant RestrictionsWoodbury City Code Sec. 5-16, Sec. 5-17
Livestock means domesticated animals being: alpacas, bees, dairy and beef cattle, deer, donkeys, goats, horses and ponies, llamas, mules, sheep, pigs, hogs, chickens, turkeys, ducks and other poultry, fish, mink, and game birds. ... The keeping of livestock, with the exception of chicken-hens, as defined in section 5-16 is allowed on properties zoned for agricultural use of at least five acres ...
Exotic Pets
Woodbury bans keeping non-domestic animals within city limits entirely. City Code Sec. 5-50 prohibits owning, caring for, or having custody of any wild or inherently dangerous animal, with narrow carve-outs for service animals, traveling zoos, veterinary clinics, and licensed exhibitions.
Woodbury Ban on Non-Domestic Wild Animals
Heavy RestrictionsWoodbury City Code §§ 5-49, 5-50
Non-domestic animals are defined as those animals considered to be naturally wild and not naturally trained or domesticated; or which are considered to be inherently dangerous to the health, safety, and welfare of people. Unless otherwise defined, non-domestic animals shall include:...(5)Any poisonous, venomous, constricting, or inherently dangerous member of the reptile or amphibian families i...
Pet Limits
Woodbury allows up to three domesticated pets per property under City Code Sec. 5-17, with no limit on aquarium fish. A fourth pet turns the property into a "kennel," which is prohibited unless the owner obtains an interim conditional use permit.
Woodbury Caps Households at Three Pets
Some RestrictionsWoodbury City Code Sec. 5-17
The keeping of domesticated pets as defined in section 5-16 is allowed provided such pets are for personal use and enjoyment and not for any business or production purpose. Up to three domestic pets are permitted per property except that there are no limits on the number of aquarium fish. The keeping of four or more domesticated pets is considered a kennel and is prohibited except by interim co...
Looking for Washington County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Woodbury city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Washington County →