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.

Occupancy Limits

Green Bay caps how many people can stay in a short-term rental by tying occupancy to the number of bedrooms under the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code and county and city housing rules, rather than a flat headcount written into the zoning code. The cap applies to every licensed STR under Municipal Code § 44-1580(i)(3), and violations risk a $500 fine plus permit suspension or revocation.

Key details: Occupancy basis: Bedroom count, not a fixed headcount. Governing standard: Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code + county/city rules. Max fine: $500 per violation plus court costs. Enforcement: CED Director and Plan Commission. Permit term: STRP expires annually July 1.

Exceeding the bedroom-based occupancy cap is a violation of § 44-1580(i), subject to a fine of up to $500 per violation, including court costs, under § 44-1580(i)(12). The Community and Economic Development Director or Plan Commission can open a compliance review at any time, and repeated or unresolved overcrowding can lead to STR permit suspension or outright revocation on top of the fine. Owners facing revocation may appeal to the Plan Commission and Common Council.

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.

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, where we track updates as they happen.