Woodbury, MN Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

The City of Woodbury's Fence Ordinance Summary deals with fences and does not set out a residential retaining-wall height limit, so the controlling rule for when a permit is needed comes from the Minnesota State Building Code, which Woodbury enforces. Minnesota Rules 1300.0120, subpart 4, exempts from a building permit any retaining wall that is not over 4 feet (1,219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless the wall supports a surcharge (such as a load above it) or impounds Class I, II, or III-A liquids. In practical terms, a retaining wall taller than 4 feet measured from footing to top, or one carrying an added load, generally needs a building permit and engineered plans. The permit exemption for shorter walls does not waive other requirements: a retaining wall must still respect drainage, grading and any applicable zoning or stormwater rules, and on lots near protected waters it may also be subject to Woodbury's shoreland and stormwater standards. Because grading near property lines can affect a neighbor's drainage, owners should confirm engineering and permit needs with Woodbury's Building Inspections Division before constructing a tall wall. Verify your property line first, since the city does not survey.