Woodbury Council Approves Backyard Chicken Ordinance
The city will permit up to six hens per lot for R-4 residential district homeowners starting in 2027.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in City Hall
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Woodbury City Council has officially approved an ordinance allowing residents in the R-4 residential district to keep backyard chickens. The new rules authorize up to six hens per lot at single-family detached homes while strictly prohibiting roosters.
Why it matters
The council designed this policy to balance the desire for individual resident choices with the potential impact on neighbor comfort regarding odors and nuisances. It establishes a structured oversight process for urban poultry keeping within the city.
Residents may keep up to six hens per lot, with coops required to sit at least 15 feet from property lines. Permits are valid for a two-year cycle and require an approved poultry-keeping course plus property inspections.
The players
Woodbury City Council
This is the governing legislative body responsible for establishing municipal ordinances and land-use policies for the city of Woodbury.
The details
To qualify, applicants must submit coop and site plans, complete a city-approved course, and consent to property inspections. Renters must provide property owner permission, and HOA members are required to secure written approval from their association.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: The Woodbury City Council voted to approve the new backyard chicken ordinance.
January 1, 2027: The city will begin accepting applications and issuing poultry-keeping permits.
Political Context
Opponents or skeptics of the ordinance often point to potential impacts on neighborhood aesthetics and the enforcement difficulty of maintaining animal density limits. These groups frequently emphasize the need for strict HOA oversight to prevent property value depreciation.
Residents in the R-4 district must verify their lot status and secure necessary HOA or landlord approvals before investing in coop infrastructure. Homeowners should also prepare for mandatory city inspections as a condition of their two-year permit.
The takeaway
Interested residents should prepare by researching the specific site requirements and space limitations before the permit portal opens in January. Maintaining compliance with the 15-foot property line setback is essential to avoid potential code enforcement penalties.
What happens next
The city will begin issuing poultry-keeping permits on January 1, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on local legislation, visit the City Hall section.
Live Poll
Should local governments restrict the types of animals residents can keep in their backyards?
