Woodbury Council explores new rules for door-to-door solicitors
The Woodbury City Council held a workshop on March 11 to discuss how to manage a surge in solicitor permit applications and related public safety concerns. Staff presented three options for changing city rules, recommending either banning solicitation with exceptions or charging permit fees.
Woodbury's solicitor permit process is straining city resources. Applications have more than doubled in two years—from 195 in 2023 to 397 in 2025—creating administrative headaches for staff who process permits and track uncollected badges. Police responded to 43 calls for service related to solicitors last year, and the city has struggled to conduct thorough background checks on out-of-state applicants, with 40 percent of 2025 applicants coming from outside Minnesota.
City Administrator Jeffrey J. Dahl explained the financial impact: "Currently, the fiscal implication of allowing solicitation to occur in Woodbury is in the form of administrative and operational costs." Staff presented three paths forward. Option one would amend the city code to prohibit soliciting with certain exceptions. Option two would implement a permit fee, similar to systems used in nearby cities like Oakdale, Blaine, and Stillwater. Option three would maintain the existing ordinance. Dahl said options one or two "may help address the growing administrative and enforcement burden, resident complaints, and gaps in background checks for out-of-state applicants."
No formal vote was taken during the workshop, which was designed to gather council input and build consensus before any ordinance changes move forward.
In a separate informational session, staff showcased two new public safety vehicles funded through the city's capital improvement plans. The Police Division's new armored vehicle, which cost $205,000, will help officers respond safely to high-risk situations involving weapons. The Fire Division's new 100-foot ladder truck, funded over three years for $2.1 million, will serve the city's growing number of multi-story residential and commercial buildings, enhancing rescue and fire suppression capabilities. Both vehicles were presented for informational purposes only, with no votes required.
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Votes (2)
Discussion of Solicitor Permits and Proposed Ordinance Changes
Staff provided an overview of the City’s current solicitor permit process, highlighting operational challenges, increasing application demand (397 in 2025, up from 195 in 2023), and public concerns. Key issues included 43 police calls for service in 2025 related to solicitors, administrative workload due to processing permits and uncollected badges, and significant background check gaps for out-of-state applicants (40% in 2025). Three policy options were presented: an ordinance amendment to prohibit soliciting (with exceptions), an ordinance amendment to implement a solicitor permit fee (with examples from other cities like Oakdale, Blaine, and Stillwater), or maintaining the existing ordinance. Staff recommended options one or two to mitigate the administrative and enforcement burden.
Public Safety Vehicle Showcase: Police Armored Vehicle and Fire Ladder Truck
Staff facilitated an informational walkthrough of the Police Division’s new armored vehicle and the Fire Division's new ladder truck. The Police Armored Vehicle, funded by the 2024 Capital Improvement Fund for $205,000, enhances capabilities for responding to high-risk situations, providing ballistic protection, and enabling protected rescue efforts. The Fire Ladder Truck, funded over three years (2024-2026) for $2,100,000 through the Capital Improvement Fund, features a 100-foot reach for EMS, rescue, elevated fire suppression, and technical rescue operations, addressing the needs of Woodbury's expanding multi-level residential and commercial properties. The purpose was to inform the Council about these essential public safety resources.
Notable Quotes (6)
Staff will provide an overview of the City’s current solicitor permit process, outlining key operational challenges and public concerns.
Options one or two are recommended by staff as they may help address the growing administrative and enforcement burden, resident complaints, and gaps in background checks for out-of-state applicants.
Currently, the fiscal implication of allowing solicitation to occur in Woodbury is in the form of administrative and operational costs.
Staff will provide an informational walk through of the Police Division’s armored vehicle and the Fire Division's ladder truck.
The Police armored suburban will enhance our ability to respond to high‑risk situations safely and efficiently by providing rapid deployment to incidents where weapons may be present, while also offering ballistic protection against firearm threats.
The Fire ladder truck is designed with the latest technology and improved operator-friendly functions that increase efficiency and safety.
Ordinances & Resolutions (7)
The current city code regulating door-to-door sales and canvassing activities, subject to proposed changes.
Staff report detailing the discussion points and recommendations for solicitor permits and ordinance changes.
Staff report providing information on the public safety vehicle showcase.
Funding source for the Police Armored Vehicle.
Plan whose adoption included funding for public safety vehicles.
Plan whose adoption included funding for public safety vehicles.
Plan whose adoption included funding for public safety vehicles.
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Other Topics from This Document
Public Safety Vehicle Showcase: Police Armored Vehicle and Fire Ladder Truck
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