Before You Build in Woodbury, MN: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Woodbury does not publish a separate residential retaining-wall height table in its fence summary. Under the Minnesota State Building Code, retaining walls not over 4 feet high (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall) do not require a building permit unless they support a surcharge or impound certain liquids; taller walls do.

Woodbury limits fences to 6 feet along rear and side lot lines (returning to the nearest front corner of the house), 4 feet on side lot lines forward of that corner, and 30 inches across front yards in residential platted areas. A chain-link or non-opaque fence up to 10 feet may enclose a recreational facility.

Woodbury regulates fences through its zoning Fence Ordinance, so owners should confirm requirements with the city before building. Under the Minnesota State Building Code, a state building permit is not required for fences not over 7 feet high, but the fence must still meet Woodbury's zoning height, placement and material rules.

Woodbury allows fences to be placed up to the property line, and the owner must verify that line's location. The finished (face) side of the fence must face the adjoining property, and every fence must be properly maintained for appearance and safety.

Woodbury's published fence rules focus on installation and safety rather than a fixed list of approved materials. Barbed wire is prohibited in platted areas; chain-link and non-opaque fences are allowed (up to 10 feet around recreational facilities). Any material must show its finished side to the neighbor and be properly maintained.

Woodbury requires a permit from the building official before you construct, alter, or repair any private swimming pool. Applications need complete plans showing the pool type and location relative to lot lines, plus a fee set by city resolution. Permits can be revoked for code non-compliance after written notice.

Every private pool in Woodbury must be completely surrounded by a fence or wall at least 4 feet high, with no openings, holes, or gaps larger than 4 inches, and built so it can't be readily climbed by children. Gates must be self-closing, self-latching, lockable, and kept locked when the pool is not in use.

Beyond fencing, Woodbury requires every private pool to keep life-saving equipment on hand: a ring buoy with rope and a 10-foot shepherd's-crook pole, plus emergency flood lighting on a separate circuit. Pools must also meet setbacks, drainage, filtration, water-quality, and electrical standards under Chapter 22.

Above-ground pools in Woodbury are treated as private swimming pools and need a permit. They must be protected so access points are equipped with self-closing, self-latching gates or doors. An above-ground pool whose wall is taller than 4 feet does not need a separate fence if that wall cannot be readily climbed by children.

Woodbury's pool ordinance applies to any structure retaining water deeper than 18 inches, so most hot tubs and spas count as private swimming pools. That means a permit and the same fencing, gate, and safety standards generally apply, unless the city council grants a modification. Installation must also meet the Minnesota State Building Code.

Woodbury's zoning code does not establish a dedicated accessory dwelling unit (ADU) permitting category for detached second living units. Single-family residential districts are built around one principal dwelling per lot, so anyone considering an ADU should confirm current options directly with the Planning Division before designing one.

Woodbury's zoning code limits both attached and detached garages to no more than 1,000 square feet (or a percentage of the main floor area), requires a five-foot side/rear setback for detached garages, and requires exterior materials to match the principal building. Converting garage space involves building permits and zoning review.

Woodbury does not publish a separate carport category; a carport is treated as an accessory structure under Chapter 24 zoning. That means setback, height, placement and matching-material standards apply, and notably the code prohibits tarp, canvas and similar materials for exterior use in platted residential areas.

In Woodbury, a building permit is required for accessory buildings larger than 200 square feet. Sheds must sit at least five feet from side and rear property lines, may not exceed a 12-foot wall height, and tarps, canvas and similar materials are prohibited for exterior use.

Woodbury's published code has no dedicated tiny-home or movable-tiny-house category. A tiny home on a foundation would be reviewed as a dwelling subject to the Minnesota Residential Code and local zoning, while a tiny house on wheels would likely be treated like a recreational vehicle and not as a permanent residence. Confirm with Planning before pursuing one.

Woodbury allows backyard recreational fires without a permit but sets firm limits under City Code Section 15-1, subd. 1: fires no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in flame height, at least 5 feet from property lines and 25 feet from structures, only clean dry natural wood, and no fires when wind exceeds 10 mph.

Open burning of brush in Woodbury requires a free brush fire permit under City Code Section 8-3, available only to single-family homeowners; commercial burning is prohibited. Permits are issued for up to three days, require an inspection, and limit fires to 6 feet in diameter during daylight hours. Leaves, grass and treated wood may never be burned.

Woodbury does not require homeowners to obtain a permit to prune trees on their own private property. The city's Forestry Division maintains boulevard trees in certain older subdivisions; residents are responsible for trimming trees in other boulevards and on private land, and the city offers pruning guidance.

Woodbury does not publish a permit requirement for removing healthy trees on private residential property. Boulevard (right-of-way) trees are different and may be city-managed in some subdivisions. The city runs a Private Ash Tree Removal Assessment Program to help homeowners finance ash removal driven by emerald ash borer.

Woodbury enforces a year-round Lawn & Landscape Watering Policy. Residential properties may irrigate only two days per week based on an assigned irrigation zone, and never between noon and 5 p.m. Violations bring a $50 administrative citation that doubles with each repeat offense in the same calendar year.