Executive Overview

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The City of Green Bay has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for STRs through Ordinance 44-1580(j). Short-term rentals are permitted in the city but require a City-issued Short-Term Rental Permit (STRP). Important: The City considers STRs a privilege, not a right, and maintains strict oversight of operations.

Properties rented for more than 28 consecutive days are exempt from the short-term rental ordinance, but any accommodation offering lodging for less than 28 consecutive days requires proper permitting.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Green Bay

Step 1: Understand the Application Process

The City of Green Bay requires a separate STRP for each property used as a short-term rental. Application review and approval may take up to 14 business days, assuming all required information is supplied. All required materials must be submitted simultaneously - incomplete applications will be returned without processing.

Step 2: Complete Initial Application Requirements

Submit the following to the Community and Economic Development Department:

• Completed STRP application with identified local representative
• $500 application/review fee
• All supporting documentation (see Required Documents section)
• Proof of property owner consent (if applicable)
• Proof of insurance

Step 3: Obtain Required Health and Tax Registrations

• Register with Brown County Health Department for annual health inspection
• Register with City of Green Bay Treasurer for Brown County room tax requirements

Step 4: Prepare Your Property

• Install the issued STRP placard visibly from the street right-of-way
• Ensure compliance with all building and safety codes
• Designate a local representative who can respond within 30 minutes of the property

Step 5: List and Operate

• No on-site advertising permitted except for the required placard
• Comply with all operational requirements (see regulations section)
• Renew annually during the May 1-June 30 renewal period

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Municipal Permits (City of Green Bay)

1. Short-Term Rental Permit (STRP) - $500 initial fee, $250 renewal fee

   • Initial application requires comprehensive documentation
   • Permit is non-transferable between properties or owners
   • Valid July 1 through June 30 annually

2. Room Tax License - Required through City Treasurer

   • Submit separate application to Finance Department
   • Authorization for examination of books and records
   • Email: room.tax@greenbaywi.gov

Health and Safety Requirements

1. Brown County Health Inspection

   • Annual inspection required
   • Initial inspection fee: $492
   • Renewal inspection fee: $350
   • Contact: (920) 448-6400
   • Must be completed before permit approval

2. Insurance Requirements

   • Proof of adequate insurance coverage
   • Specific coverage requirements not detailed in provided materials

State Requirements (Wisconsin)

1. Seller's Permit - Wisconsin Department of Revenue
   • Required if earning $2,000+ annually from STRs
   • Not required for earnings under $2,000 in a calendar year

Additional Documentation

• Lease agreement example with city ordinance compliance language
• Condominium association approval (if applicable)
• Property owner consent to rent (if applicable)
• Building permits as required by Chapter 44, Sec. 44-1580(j)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Operational Requirements

1. Occupancy Limits

   • No minimum number of rental days required (currently)
   • Maximum occupancy based on square footage requirements
   • 70 sq ft minimum floor space per single occupancy sleeping room
   • 60 sq ft floor space per occupant in multi-occupancy rooms

2. Basement Restrictions

   • Cannot use basement as sleeping space without proper egress
   • Must comply with existing City or State Building Codes

3. Local Representative Requirement

   • Must designate representative within 30 minutes of property
   • May be property owner or licensed property management company
   • Must be reasonably available to handle problems

4. Advertising Restrictions

   • No on-site advertising permitted except for required STRP placard
   • Violation results in fines

5. Temporary Lodging Prohibition

   • No RV's, campers, tents, or temporary lodging permitted for STR occupancy

Residential Compliance Standards

1. Parking Regulations

   • No parking on grass or unpaved areas (except Packer game day)
   • No parking on public streets 3 a.m. - 5 a.m.
   • All vehicles must be licensed and operable

2. Noise and Nuisance

   • Quiet hours: 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
   • Noise limit: 80 dB(A)
   • No unreasonable odor interference

3. Waste Management

   • Garbage, recycling must be in enclosed structures or covered containers
   • No storage in front of building or within 15 feet of right-of-way
   • Must be screened from street view

4. Animal Regulations

   • No animals left unattended within 5 feet of public right-of-way
   • Immediate cleanup required for animal waste
   • Maximum 72 hours accumulation of waste permitted

Enforcement and Violations

• Both owners and renters held accountable for violations
• Violations result in financial forfeiture
• Could result in permit revocation
• Property must have owner's/landlord's permission for STR use

Proposed Changes (2025)

Important Update: As of October 2025, Green Bay's Equal Rights Commission has proposed significant changes to STR regulations:

• 7-day minimum stay requirement (currently no minimum)
• 180 consecutive day maximum rental period annually
• Increased permit fees: $1,000 initial/$500 renewal
• Three-strikes policy for documented violations within 12 months

These changes are currently under review and would take effect in July 2026 if approved by the Common Council.

Contact Information

Primary Authority

Community & Economic Development Department

• Physical Address: 100 N Jefferson Street, Room 608, Green Bay, WI 54301
• Phone: (920) 448-3300
• Email: STR@greenbaywi.gov
• Fax: (920) 448-3426

Compliance Inspector

Mike Boutott

• Title: Compliance Inspector - Short-Term Rental Program
• Phone: (920) 448-3397
• Email: mike.boutott@greenbaywi.gov

Room Tax Registration

Finance Department

• Address: 100 N Jefferson Street, Room 105, Green Bay, WI 54301
• Phone: (920) 448-3020
• Email: room.tax@greenbaywi.gov

Health Department (Brown County)

• Phone: (920) 448-6400
• Website: Brown County Public Health

Emergency Contacts

• Life-threatening emergencies: 911
• STR Urgent complaints: Police (920) 391-7450

Source Links

1. City of Green Bay - Short-Term Rentals
2. STRP Ordinance - Chapter 44, Sec. 44-1580(j)
3. STRP Initial Application Form
4. STR Address Lookup
5. FAQs - City of Green Bay
6. Discover Green Bay - 6-Step STR Guide
7. Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 72
8. Wisconsin Seller's Permit Information

Note: This guide is current as of the provided information. Regulations can change, and investors should verify current requirements with the City of Green Bay before making investment decisions. The proposed 2025 changes, if adopted, will significantly impact the STR landscape in Green Bay.