Common Ordinance Questions

Animal Control

The Police Department staff includes Community Service Officers responsible for control of domestic animals and pets. A city ordinance forbids allowing dogs, cats or other domestic animals to run at large beyond the land limits of the owner. This means your pets must be leashed and under your control when off your property.

Also, owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pet when walking it off their property. Call 651-714-3600 to register a complaint with the animal control officer or request service online.

More information about animal ordinances can be found in Chapter 5 of the City Code.

Burglar & Fire Alarms

Burglar and fire alarms are regulated by the city ordinance. Audible alarms must have an automatic shutoff, which will silence the audible alarm within 20 minutes. Persons with an audible alarm must post a notice containing the name and telephone number of the person to be notified to render repairs or service. This notice must be posted at the main entrance and be kept current.

For more information, view City Ordinances Relating to Burglar and Fire Alarms.

Residential False Alarm Fines

• 1st through 2nd false alarm: $0 each
• 3rd and 4th false alarm: $75 each
• 5th and subsequent false alarms: $100 each

Commercial False Alarm Fines

• 1st through 2nd false alarm: $0 each
• 3rd and 4th false alarm: $100 each
• 5th and subsequent false alarms: $200 each

Hunting Ordinances & Regulations

Most of Woodbury is designated as no hunting. However, there are still limited locations or "open areas" in the city where hunting is allowed. To use these areas, hunters are required to obtain landowner permission and complete a Hunting Permit.

For more information, visit the Hunting and Shooting Permit page.

Noise Ordinance

Woodbury has a noise ordinance to protect the overall quality of life in our community. Chapter 13 of the City Code protects and promotes "public health, safety and general welfare by restricting activities which emit noise that unreasonably annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace, safety or welfare of any person or persons, or precludes their enjoyment of property, or adversely affects their property's value."

Barking Dogs

Barking dogs also can negatively impact a neighborhood's quality of life. Chapter 5 of the City Code prohibits "the owning, keeping, or harboring of any animal which shall by any noise, unreasonably and/or excessively disturb the peace and quiet of any person in the vicinity."

Talk to Your Neighbor

If you experience a noise or nuisance issue, we encourage you to talk to your neighbors about it. Often they don't know that the noise is bothersome.

If you can't work it out directly with your neighbor, call the non-emergency dispatch number at 651-439-9381. This will allow a police officer to observe the behavior, and make direct and timely contact with the potential offender. The Woodbury Public Safety Department can help eliminate this behavior when residents are aware they are disturbing others' peace at the time the action is occurring.

Additional noise and nuisance ordinance details are available in the City Code.

Noise Ordinance Questions

Questions about the noise ordinance should be directed to the Woodbury Public Safety Department at 651-714-3600 or by email.

Non-Domestic Animal Ordinance

No person shall own, care for, or have custody or control of any non-domestic animals (such as tigers, lions, bears and primates) in Woodbury.

In 2004, the Minnesota Legislature passed a law to regulate the sale and ownership of such animals. The state law, which became effective January 1, 2005, makes it illegal for most individuals to obtain regulated animals. Woodbury's ordinance further regulates the possession and purchasing/obtaining of regulated animals in Woodbury.

There are a few exceptions when non-domestic animals are allowed in Woodbury including for a traveling circus, zoo, exhibit, etc.

Snowmobile Rules

Snowmobile operators, preparing to hit the trails after a fresh snowfall, need to be aware of the regulations that govern snowmobile use in Woodbury. While snowmobiles are permitted in the city, local ordinances restrict their use. The city's goal is to protect everyone's safety and to reduce the number of complaints we receive about snowmobiles.

In particular, snowmobiles are prohibited in city parks including HealthEast Sports Center and the Eagle Valley Golf Course. They also are not allowed on walking paths, bike paths, and on school sites.

In a nutshell, city regulations stipulate that:

• You may operate a snowmobile only between the hours of 7 am and 11 pm.
• In residential areas, you may operate a snowmobile on the right hand side of the road while obeying all traffic laws. Riding on the boulevard of city streets is prohibited.
• Snowmobiles are prohibited in parks, on walking paths, bike paths and trails unless specifically designated as a snowmobile trail.
• In Woodbury, snowmobiles generally are ridden in the ditches along county roads and trunk highways. After dark, be sure to ride on the same side of the road and in the same direction as traffic is flowing.
• Operation of snowmobiles while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance is illegal (Minnesota Statute 84.91, 169A).
• Snowmobiles must be equipped with a muffler or other device which effectively prevents loud or explosive noise and complies with state laws and regulations.
• Towing a person or an object with your snowmobile is not allowed except with the use of a rigid tow bar attached to the rear of the snowmobile.
• When using the snowmobile trail maintained by the Washington County Star Trail Association, you must stay within the marked and groomed trail area. The trail generally runs east of Manning Avenue, north of Valley Creek Road, and east of County Road 19 between Bailey Road and Cottage Grove. Trail maps are available online and from the Parks and Recreation Department at City Hall. The speed limit for all trail systems in Minnesota is 50 miles per hour.
• Snowmobiles may be operated on any public waterway for which there is public access. (There is no access for snowmobiles on Powers, Colby, Wilmes and Carver Lakes, which are surrounded by city park land.) Please use extreme caution if you ride on frozen lakes.
• You may operate a snowmobile on your own property or on other private property if you have the written and dated permission of the land owner.
• You must be 18 years of age or older to operate a snowmobile on public roads and/or public property. Persons under 18 must follow Department of Natural Resources restrictions regarding snowmobile use.
• Snowmobile riders born after December 31, 1976, need a snowmobile safety certificate or driver's license with a snowmobile qualification indicator.

Additional Obstacles / Dangers

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has warned snowmobile operators to watch out for construction-related materials, such as soil stockpiles, pieces of unused concrete culverts, wooden survey stakes and steel right-of-way markers that might be buried beneath the snow.

Silt fences, which control water runoff during the spring, also pose a threat to snowmobile riders. The fences are made of black fabric reinforced with woven wire and held in place by steel posts. They are usually placed across ditch bottoms located near culverts, bridges, streams and lakes.

Registering Your Snowmobile

All snowmobiles must be registered with the state, even if they are operated only on private property. The Washington County License Bureau, located at 2150 Radio Drive, can assist you with registration.

Solicitors / Peddlers / Mobile Vendors (Door-to-Door Sales)

The City of Woodbury requires that any person engaging in door-to-door sales apply for a license (peddlers) or registration (solicitors) from the city. Mobile vendors are required to apply for a license for their vehicles, and drivers are required to apply for registration. The license or registration must be received before business can be conducted in the city.

Visit the Solicitors/Peddlers/Mobile Vendors (Door-to-Door Sales) page to learn more.

Watering Restrictions

For more information, view the Lawn Watering Policy page.

Winter Parking

For more information, view the Snow & Ice Control page.