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 City Code does not have a separate hot tub or spa section; instead, Sec. 22-16 defines a "private swimming pool" as any pool, tank, depression, or excavation, in or above ground, that retains water deeper than 18 inches and/or has a water surface larger than 150 square feet, used for swimming, wading, or immersion. Because typical hot tubs and spas hold water well over 18 inches deep, they generally fall within this definition and are subject to Chapter 22, including the Sec. 22-17 permit requirement and the Sec. 22-21 fencing and self-closing, self-latching gate rules. The city council may grant modifications in individual cases for good cause regarding fence height, nature, location, gates, or latches, as long as the degree of protection is not reduced, and may approve substitute protective devices or structures that provide equal protection (Sec. 22-19). In practice, this gives owners a path to use a lockable, code-rated spa safety cover as a substitute barrier, but only with council approval. Spa and hot tub installation must also comply with the Minnesota State Building Code and electrical requirements. Note that Minnesota Rules Chapter 4717 (the state pool code, including spa standards) governs public spas and pools, not private residential ones; private spas in Woodbury are governed by Chapter 22 and the state building code. Owners should confirm specifics with the building official.
Installing a qualifying hot tub or spa without a permit or required barrier is unlawful and subject to administrative or court citation; substitute safety covers require city council approval under Sec. 22-19.
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