Woodbury, MN Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

City Code Sec. 20-71(a) bars any person from obstructing or excavating a right-of-way without first obtaining the appropriate permit from the city, and splits the requirement into two permit types. An excavation permit covers digging in the described part of the right-of-way and placing facilities there for the duration stated in the permit. An obstruction permit covers hindering free passage over a specified part of the right-of-way by placing equipment there, though it is not required if the person already holds a valid excavation permit for the same project, and is waived for obstructions of eight hours or less done to repair or maintain previously installed facilities.

Before that, Sec. 20-68 requires anyone who occupies, uses, or seeks to use the right-of-way, or place equipment or facilities in it, to register with the city and pay a registration fee; the section separately allows boulevard plantings, irrigation systems and underground pet fences without a permit or registration unless they connect to city utilities, in which case a permit becomes necessary. Sec. 20-71(b) requires a supplementary application before an initial permit expires if work will run past the permitted dates. Sec. 1000 subp. 3, for unreasonable delays in excavation, obstruction, patching or restoration, though force majeure delays such as inclement weather or labor disputes are excused.

Sec. 20-71(d) requires the permit to be conspicuously displayed at the work site at all times and available for city inspection. Sec. 20-72 lists what a complete application must include: registration, a permit application form with scaled drawings dimensioned to the back of curb or edge of pavement and property lines, and payment of permit fees, restoration costs and any money owed for prior obstructions.