Before You Build in Green Bay, WI: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Under Green Bay's zoning ordinance (historically Code 1984 Sec. 13.602, now codified in Chapter 13/Chapter 44 Article V Division 6 of the Code of Ordinances), fences and walls in residential areas may generally be built up to 8 feet tall. Within a required front yard or corner side yard setback, a solid fence may not exceed 3 feet, but it may be increased to 4 feet if the fence is open, decorative, ornamental fencing material that is less than 50% opaque, and to 5 feet if it is less than 20% opaque. Barbed wire and similar dangerous materials are prohibited on residentially zoned property and within 4 feet of any public street, sidewalk, or alley. A city fence permit is required before construction.

WI Stat. §90.02 to 90.14 provides line fence cost-sharing for rural/agricultural land. Urban residential fences: each owner responsible for their own.

Green Bay requires building permits for pools, spas, and hot tubs. WI Uniform Dwelling Code governs. Inspections required.

Green Bay requires pool barriers to prevent unsupervised child access. Minimum 48-inch height. Self-closing, self-latching gates. WI Stat. §145.17.

Green Bay enforces pool safety requirements including anti-entrapment drain covers (VGB Act), barriers, and depth markers. WI Stat. §145.17 governs.

The City of Green Bay regulates accessory dwelling units under Chapter 44 of the Code of Ordinances (Zoning), adopted under the city's zoning authority in Wis. Stat. Sec. 62.23. Following a December 2025 rewrite of the zoning code (the first major update since approximately 2006), accessory dwelling units are allowed in all residential districts with an approved Conditional Use Permit (CUP). An ADU on the same parcel as a single-family, two-family duplex, or two-family semi-detached dwelling provides complete independent living facilities for one family consistent with the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code. With an approved CUP, the ADU does not count as an additional accessory structure for the lot.

Sheds in Green Bay are detached residential accessory structures regulated under Section 44-590 and Table 44-4 of the Green Bay Municipal Code. Sheds under 50 square feet are exempt from a building permit but must still meet zoning. Detached sheds in one- and two-family districts must sit behind the principal building (or in the side yard not abutting a street) with a 4-foot side and 4-foot rear setback (2-1/2 feet on narrow lots), a 55-foot front setback, and at least 3 feet between accessory structures.

Green Bay allows recreational fires in approved containers on private property. Fire pits must be at least 25 feet from structures. Open burning of yard waste prohibited within city limits. Campfires require a fire ring or pit.