Backyard Chickens - Woodbury Defense Coalition

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⏰ CRITICAL: October 7 City Council Vote

The backyard chicken ordinance goes to City Council on October 7, 2026. The Planning Commission voted 6-1 against it, but that's advisory only—council can override it.

What you need to do:

Email [email protected] – Tell them to adopt the ordinance
Show up at City Council meeting – Your presence matters (especially in an election year)
Share this with neighbors – The more voices, the better

Jump to action steps below → | 📅 Download calendar reminder

Initiative Overview

Goal: Support residents' right to raise backyard chickens in Woodbury and advocate for reasonable urban agriculture regulations.

Key Issues: Restrictive zoning codes that ban backyard chickens, 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 Chickens 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 chicken keeping. Staff has recommended adoption of a backyard chicken 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-chicken 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 chicken 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]

Sample email (personalize with your own words):

Subject: Adopt the Backyard Chicken Ordinance - October 7

Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,

I'm writing as a Woodbury resident to ask you to adopt the backyard chicken ordinance when it comes before you on October 7.

The Planning Commission voted against it, but remember: the Commission is advisory only and focuses on zoning/development—not residential animal ordinances. Their expertise doesn't apply here.

What does apply: City staff studied this and recommended adoption. Residents have spoken up through the survey, petitions, and public comment. Backyard agriculture is already in the Environmental Stewardship Plan. Nearby cities allow backyard hens without problems.

The ordinance includes reasonable safeguards (health department oversight, limits on flock size). Please vote to adopt it.

Thank you,
[Your name]
[Your address]

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. In an election year, visible community support matters.

3. Key Talking Points

Planning Commission is advisory: Their vote is one input, not a veto. They don't oversee animal ordinances.
Staff recommends adoption: City staff studied this thoroughly and still recommends the ordinance.
Community support: Residents have petitioned and commented throughout the process.
It's already 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.
Reasonable safeguards: The ordinance includes health dept oversight and flock limits.

→ Join Backyard Chickens Group

🐓 Backyard Chickens