Short-Term Rentals in Green Bay, WI

If you live in Green Bay or are thinking about moving there, short-term rentals are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Green Bay has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Short-Term Rental Permits

Green Bay requires a City short-term rental permit before advertising or renting a dwelling for under 28 days, plus proof of Brown County room-tax and health department registration.

Key details: Permit: City STRP required before advertising. County registration: Room tax + health dept registration. Renewal: Annual, expires July 1. Max fine: $500 per violation. Alcohol: Not permitted to be sold on site.

Operating an unpermitted STR, exceeding occupancy limits, or violating noise and lease terms is a Code violation punishable by fines up to $500 per violation, plus permit suspension or revocation.

Compared to other cities, Green Bay takes a harder line on short-term rental permits. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Taxes & Fees

Green Bay requires a short-term rental permit with an application fee, plus registration with the City Treasurer for Brown County room tax before advertising or renting a dwelling under 28 days.

Key details: Application fee: Set by City Fee Schedule. Room tax: Register with City Treasurer. Renewal: STRP expires every July 1. Max penalty: Up to $500 per violation.

Operating without a valid STRP, or letting a lapsed permit go unrenewed past July 1, violates § 44-1580(i); violations carry penalties up to $500 per offense plus court costs and can trigger permit suspension or revocation.

Occupancy Limits

Green Bay sets short-term rental occupancy by reference, not with its own head count. Under § 44-1580(i)(3), the occupants of an STR cannot exceed the limits in the State of Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code and other County and City housing regulations, scaled to the number of bedrooms in the unit. Any stay under 28 calendar days counts as an STR, and RVs, campers and tents cannot add sleeping capacity.

Key details: Occupant cap: Uniform Dwelling Code and County and City housing limits, by bedrooms. STR defined as: Paying guests, stay under 28 calendar days. Banned extra lodging: RV, camper, tent or other temporary lodging on site. Permit term: One year, expires July 1. Maximum penalty: $500.00 per violation, including court costs.

Failure to comply with the requirements of § 44-1580(i) is a violation, and so are disturbances or nuisances caused by tenants of an approved STR, including outdoor events and noise violations. Penalties for each violation are capped at $500.00, including court costs, and can also bring permit suspension or revocation. Before a formal hearing, the Police Department runs a correction meeting that the permit holder must attend in person. A revoked holder cannot reapply for the same property for not less than 12 months unless the Common Council decides otherwise.

The Bottom Line

Green Bay's short-term rentals 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.

Keep in mind that Green Bay can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, which shows when its source was last checked.