Green Bay, WI Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- District
- Conservancy District (Article XI)
- Fertilizer use
- Not allowed on permitted farmland
- Livestock
- Not a permitted or conditional use
- Impervious coverage cap
- 35% of parcel
- Waterway setback
- 50 feet from high water mark
Summary
Green Bay's Conservancy District permits farming, plant nurseries and crop production by right, but excludes livestock and animal husbandry and bars fertilizer use on that land.
Table 44-17. Principal Uses in the Conservancy District
Use Dev. Stds. Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and recreation P Agricultural uses that do not involve the use of fertilizer, including field crops, specialty crops, and similar uses but not livestock or animal husbandry P
Forest nurseries, tree and forest product gathering P Fish hatcheries and preserves C Hunting, trapping, and game propagation P Campgrounds, public or private P x
Arboreta, wildlife preserves, botanical gardens, trails for non-motorized use, and similar non-intensive or passive recreational facilities C Community gardens P x Public Service and Utility Uses Docks, piers, and boat landings P Drainage ditches, canals, irrigation systems, and stormwater management facilities P
Pipelines for natural gas, water supply, etc. C Public utilities, streets, roads, and bridges P Substation/distribution equipment C Telecommunication tower, wireless communication facility C x
(Code 1984, § 13.1102; Ord. No. 10-15)
Full Breakdown
The Conservancy District (Zoning Code Article XI) is Green Bay's only zoning district that lists farming as a permitted use outright. Table 44-17 allows agricultural uses "that do not involve the use of fertilizer," including field crops and specialty crops, plus forest nurseries and hunting/trapping, without a conditional use permit. Livestock and animal husbandry are not permitted uses in this district. Because agricultural uses are largely unbuilt, no minimum lot area applies, but a 50-foot waterway setback and 35 percent impervious coverage cap still govern any structures on the parcel.
Violations & Fines
Establishing a prohibited use, such as livestock keeping or fertilizer-based farming, in the Conservancy District without Zoning Administrator approval can trigger a stop-work order and municipal citation under the zoning code's enforcement provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep livestock on Conservancy-zoned land in Green Bay?
Does a farm in the Conservancy District need a zoning permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Green Bay
Compare Green Bay to another location·View the Wisconsin right to farm overview
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Agricultural Zoning Protection in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Brown County handle agricultural zoning protection.