Access Woodbury Property Records
Woodbury property records are managed by Washington County, which handles deed recording, property assessment, and tax administration for all parcels in the city. The City of Woodbury also maintains its own tools for special assessments and property tax information. This page explains where to search Woodbury property records online, how to get copies of recorded documents, and what the city's special assessment program covers.
Woodbury Overview
Washington County Handles Property Records
All real estate documents for Woodbury are recorded at the Washington County Recorder. This office processes deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and satisfactions of mortgage for all properties in the county. The recording fee is $46 for the first page and $4 for each additional page. Deed tax and mortgage registry tax apply to most transactions under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 287. The deed tax rate is 0.33% of the net consideration, and the mortgage registry tax is 0.23% of the principal amount secured.
The Washington County Assessor establishes market values and property classifications for all Woodbury parcels. The Assessor also maintains the city's property database as the primary source of property information for city and community use. Values are set as of January 2nd each year under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 272. For full details on Washington County recording and assessment services, see the Washington County property records page.
Minnesota's PRISM property record information system provides statewide property data that includes Woodbury parcels in Washington County.
Woodbury Property Tax Information
Property taxes in Woodbury are paid to the Washington County Auditor, which then distributes funds to the city and other taxing jurisdictions. Tax statements are mailed in March each year. Taxes are based on the estimated market value established for the previous year. The first half of taxes is due by May 15 and the balance is due by October 15. Delinquent taxes begin accruing interest under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 279. After three years of nonpayment, the state may begin forfeiture proceedings.
You can find general property tax information on the city's website at woodburymn.gov/337/Property-Taxes. The Washington County Assessor's assessment and values page provides online lookup tools for current and prior year valuations, parcel details, and ownership information. State-level tax programs, including the homestead exclusion and senior deferral, are administered through revenue.state.mn.us/property-taxes.
If you want to appeal your assessed value, start with the local Board of Appeal and Equalization in the spring. Further appeals are available at the Minnesota Tax Court.
The Minnesota Department of Revenue's property taxes portal explains state programs, refund options, and assessment standards that apply to Woodbury homeowners.
Online Property Search
Washington County provides property search tools online for all Woodbury parcels. You can look up ownership information, assessed values, tax data, and parcel details by address or parcel number. The county's GIS mapping tools show lot boundaries, zoning layers, and aerial imagery. These resources are free and available without a login. The county's property information system is updated regularly and is the primary source for online property research in Woodbury.
For special assessments specifically, Woodbury's own Assessment Lookup tool shows pending or levied assessments on any property. You can search by address or parcel identification number, and the information is continuously updated. This is the right tool to check before buying or refinancing a Woodbury property, since unpaid special assessments stay with the property. The city's Finance Division at 651-714-3519 can answer questions about specific assessments or payment options.
Note: For historical recorded documents such as deeds from decades past, contacting the Washington County Recorder directly is the most reliable approach.
Property Records and Documents
Washington County records cover all the standard real estate documents for Woodbury. Deeds transfer ownership and must be recorded to be effective against third parties. Mortgages secure lender interests when real property is used as collateral. Satisfactions of mortgage clear the lien once a loan is repaid. Plats create subdivisions and define lot lines. Liens and judgments against property owners also appear in the public record. Both abstract and Torrens title systems are used in Washington County. Abstract documents follow Minnesota Statutes Chapter 507 and Torrens records fall under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 508. Certified copies are $10 plus a per-page fee, and non-certified copies are $2 per page.
Woodbury Special Assessments
Woodbury uses special assessments to charge specific properties for the cost of local improvements that benefit them. These can include snow and ice removal, rubbish removal, weed elimination, public health hazard abatement, tree trimming, and unpaid sewer or water bills. Once levied, these charges appear on the property record and carry over to new owners if not paid before closing. Always check the city's Assessment Lookup before purchasing a property in Woodbury.
Payment options give property owners some flexibility. You can pay the full assessment interest-free within 30 days of adoption. Paying by November 15 is also allowed, though interest accrues from the date of levy. Alternatively, you can spread the assessment over 15 years with interest, with payments included in your annual property taxes starting the following year. Partial payments of at least 20% of the total or $200, whichever is greater, are accepted. The Finance Division handles collection and can be reached at 651-714-3519. More details are at woodburymn.gov/338/Special-Assessments.
Nearby Cities
These qualifying cities are near Woodbury. All have property records managed at the county level.