Building Setbacks & Zoning in Green Bay, WI

Green Bay maintains 101 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with building setbacks & zoning. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Green Bay falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Lot Coverage Limits

Green Bay caps impervious surface, buildings, driveways, and paved areas, between 40% and 70% of a lot, with the limit set by zoning district: 40% in RR, 50% in R1, 60% in R2, and 70% in R3.

Key details: RR District cap: 40% impervious max. R1 District cap: 50% impervious max. R2 District cap: 60% impervious max. R3 District cap: 70% impervious max. Small pre-2015 lots: up to 80% allowed.

Site and building plans that exceed the district's impervious cap won't get zoning approval, and a lot already over the limit is nonconforming: it can't add more paved or built area without a variance.

Setback Rules

Green Bay sets residential building setbacks in Table 44-2 of Municipal Code § 44-554. Front yards are 10 feet in the RR, R-1 and R-2 districts and 20 feet in R-3. Side yards are 5 feet each in RR, R-1 and R-2 and 6/8 feet each in R-3. Rear yards are 5 feet, or 25 feet in R-3. Attached garages sit 18 feet back, or 25 feet in R-3.

Key details: Front yard (RR, R-1, R-2): 10 feet. Front yard (R-3): 20 feet. Side yard: 5 feet each in RR, R-1, R-2; 6/8 each in R-3. Rear yard: 5 feet in RR, R-1, R-2; 25 feet in R-3. Attached garage: 18 feet in RR, R-1, R-2; 25 feet in R-3.

A violation of Chapter 44 carries the penalty set in Section 1-6 of the code, and under Section 44-198 each day a violation exists or continues counts as a separate violation. An owner whose building misses a setback can ask the Zoning Board of Appeals for a variance under Section 44-141, but only after a site plan denial, a formal application filed with the Zoning Administrator, and a public hearing with mailed notice to owners within 100 feet.

Structure Height Limits

Green Bay's Table 44-2 caps residential buildings at 35 feet and 2.5 stories in the RR district, 35 feet and 3 stories in R-1, and 35 feet and 2.5 stories in R-3, while the R-2 cell prints 55/5. Section 44-361 exempts items such as chimneys and flagpoles from the limit, measures height to the mid-point of the roof, and limits excluded roof equipment to 25 percent of the roof area.

Key details: RR district limit: 35 feet and 2.5 stories. R-1 district limit: 35 feet and 3 stories. R-3 district limit: 35 feet and 2.5 stories. R-2 cell in Table 44-2: Prints as 4 55/5 (feet/stories). Excluded roof elements: No more than 25 percent of roof area.

Section 44-197 makes it unlawful to use or improve any structure in violation of Chapter 44. A building erected above its district limit is declared a nuisance per se, and the City can ask a court to restrain or abate it. If a Zoning Administrator order goes unmet, or no written compliance agreement exists within 15 days after written notice is mailed, the Common Council, Zoning Administrator or City Attorney starts legal action. Section 44-198 applies the penalty in Section 1-6, and each day the violation continues counts as a separate violation.

The Bottom Line

Green Bay's building setbacks & zoning rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Green Bay is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Green Bay's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.