Green Bay, WI Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Issuing authority
- Director of Public Works
- Insurance & bond
- Certificate of insurance plus bond required
- Approval timeline
- Deemed granted after 30 days
- Penalty
- Forfeiture up to $1,000 per day
- Sidewalk work exemption
- Sidewalk construction/replacement excluded from this permit
Summary
Digging up the curb strip, running a utility line, or connecting a service pipe under a Green Bay street or sidewalk requires an excavation permit from the Director of Public Works, backed by insurance and a bond.
No cut, excavation, or service connection shall be made in any right-of-way unless a permit therefor is obtained from the Director. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the construction or replacement of public sidewalks.
Full Breakdown
Section 34-5 requires anyone cutting, excavating, or connecting a service line within the public right-of-way, the street, alley, sidewalk, or bike lane, to first obtain a permit from the Director of Public Works. Applicants must file a certificate of liability insurance and a cash or performance bond with the City Clerk before work begins, and pay a permit fee covering the City's inspection costs. The Director must act on an application within 30 days or it's deemed granted. Sidewalk construction and replacement itself is exempt from this permit, that's covered separately under Section 34-7.
Violations & Fines
Excavating or occupying the right-of-way without a permit, or violating permit conditions, carries a forfeiture of up to $1,000, with each day of continued violation treated as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to dig up the parkway strip in front of my house in Green Bay?
What does a Green Bay excavation permit application require?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Green Bay
Compare Green Bay to another location·View the Wisconsin sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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Encroachment Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Brown County handle encroachment permits.