Support Residents' Right to Urban Agriculture
Woodbury residents are advocating for the right to raise backyard hens. This initiative seeks to update restrictive zoning codes and allow residents to maintain small flocks for eggs, pest control, and sustainable food security.
Critical Vote Coming October 7, 2026: City Council will decide on the backyard hen ordinance. Your action matters.
Initiative Overview
Support residents' right to raise backyard hens and advocate for reasonable urban agriculture regulations.
Learn More →Why Hens Matter
Food security, pest control, sustainability, education, and community building benefits of backyard agriculture.
Discover →Ordinance Status
Current zoning restrictions, Planning Commission decision, and the path forward to City Council vote.
Review Status →Take Action
Email City Council. Attend October 7 meeting. Share talking points. Make your voice heard on urban agriculture.
Get Involved →⏰ CRITICAL: October 7 City Council Vote
The backyard hen ordinance comes before City Council on October 7, 2026.
The Planning Commission voted 6-1 against it, but that's advisory only. Council can override. Your action can make the difference.
Initiative Overview
Goal: Support residents' right to raise backyard hens in Woodbury and advocate for reasonable urban agriculture regulations.
Key Issues: Restrictive zoning codes that ban backyard hens, lack of community food security, missed opportunity for sustainable urban gardening.
Status: Active advocacy to change city ordinances and allow residents to raise small flocks for eggs and pest control.
Why Backyard Hens Matter
Community benefits include:
- Food Security: Fresh eggs from your own backyard
- Pest Control: Natural management of insects and garden pests
- Sustainability: Reduced food waste through composting and local production
- Education: Kids learn about animal care and food production
- Community Building: Connection between neighbors around shared interests
Current Zoning Status & Recent Developments
Woodbury ordinances currently restrict backyard hen keeping. Staff has recommended adoption of a backyard hen ordinance.
Planning Commission Vote (September 2026): The Planning Commission voted 6-1 to recommend AGAINST the ordinance. However, this is an advisory vote only. The Commission rejected multiple versions including reasonable safeguards (4-hen cap with health department registration). City staff continues to recommend adoption.
What's Next: City Council will vote on October 7, 2026. The outcome is uncertain—council may pass the ordinance or defer. This is a critical moment for community action.
Take Action Now: October 7 City Council Vote
The backyard hen ordinance goes before City Council on October 7, 2026. Here's what you can do:
1. Email City Council
Send your message to: [email protected]
2. Attend City Council Meeting
Show up on October 7 at Woodbury City Hall. Public comment shows council members that people care about this issue.
3. Key Talking Points
- Planning Commission is advisory: Their vote doesn't override council authority.
- Staff recommends adoption: City staff studied this and recommends the ordinance.
- Community support: Residents have petitioned and commented throughout the process.
- It's in the plan: Backyard agriculture is in Woodbury's Environmental Stewardship Plan.
- Other cities do it: Neighboring Minnesota cities allow backyard hens without major problems.
Resources & Information
Facebook Community Group - Connect with neighbors and stay updated
Download Calendar Reminder - October 7 City Council meeting