Green Bay Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Green Bay, Wisconsin?

Green Bay, Wisconsin, imposes specific regulations on short-term rentals, including those listed on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. These regulations are essential for individuals considering venturing into the short-term rental market. The city's zoning code, Chapter 44, Sec. 44-1580 (j), applies to all existing dwelling units, regardless of their legal conforming or nonconforming status and zoning districts.

The ordinance requires a Short-Term Rental Permit (STRP) for properties rented for fewer than 28 consecutive days. However, if the property is the primary residence and the owner is present while renting a room, the ordinance may not apply. It's important to note that under certain circumstances, the use may be considered a bed and breakfast, necessitating further details from the Community & Economic Development Department12.In addition to Green Bay, other nearby areas, such as Ashwaubenon, have their own set of regulations. For instance, Ashwaubenon limits rentals to 180 days but does not have a consecutive day requirement, providing permit holders with greater flexibility35.

To ensure compliance and a smooth entry into the short-term rental market in Green Bay, individuals should thoroughly understand these regulations and obtain the necessary permits. It's also advisable to stay informed about any updates or changes to the existing regulations to avoid potential issues.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Green Bay

Starting a short-term rental business in Green Bay, Wisconsin, requires a few essential steps. First, it is crucial to familiarize oneself with the local zoning code, Chapter 44, Sec. 44-1580 (j), which applies to all existing dwelling units, regardless of their legal conforming or nonconforming status and zoning districts. If the home is the primary residence and the owner is present while renting a room, the STR ordinance may not apply. However, under certain circumstances, the use may be considered a bed and breakfast, requiring further details from the Community & Economic Development Department1.

Once the zoning requirements are understood, the next step is to obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit (STRP) from the city. The City of Green Bay ordinance requires that those wishing to rent their property on a short-term basis obtain a City of Green Bay Short-Term Rental Permit2. The permit application process includes a first-time fee of $500 and a renewal fee of $250, which is required each year1.

It is important to note that short-term rentals apply to all existing dwelling units, and if the home is the primary residence and the owner is present while renting a room, the short-term rental ordinance may not apply. However, under certain circumstances, the use may be considered a bed and breakfast, requiring further details from the Community & Economic Development Department2.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Green Bay

Short-term rental licensing requirements in Green Bay are straightforward. The City of Green Bay ordinance requires that those wishing to rent their property on a short-term basis obtain a City of Green Bay Short-Term Rental Permit (STRP) 1.

A short-term rental is defined as an accommodation for transient guests where, in exchange for compensation, a residential dwelling unit is provided for lodging for a period less than 28 consecutive days12. The STRP application process includes a first-time fee of $500 and a renewal fee of $250, which is required each year3.

A separate application must be submitted for each short-term rental property/unit1.To obtain an STRP, applicants must complete the STRP application and identify a local representative who permanently resides within the City of Green Bay or a licensed property management company with a physically staffed office within the City of Green Bay who manages a short-term rental1. The local representative must be able to respond to issues on the property within 30 minutes1.

Applicants must also acknowledge receiving a copy or being aware of the short-term rental requirements of Chapter 44, Sec. 44-1580 (j), Green Bay Zoning Code, and agree to comply with such requirements1. Additionally, applicants must agree to assure that the use of the premises by short-term rental occupants will not disrupt the neighborhood and will not interfere with the rights of neighboring property owners to the quiet enjoyment of their properties1.

It is important to note that Green Bay requires a permit if you rent your house, but not a spare bedroom2. Ashwaubenon, a village near Green Bay, requires property owners who rent their homes to visitors for 11 nights or more a year to obtain a permit5.

Required Documents for Green Bay Short Term Rentals

When applying for a short-term rental permit in Green Bay, Wisconsin, there are specific documents that applicants must provide. These documents include proof of property owner consent to rent the unit, if applicable, and proof of insurance. Additionally, applicants must provide necessary permits and proof of registration as required in Sec. 44-1580 (j) of the Green Bay Zoning Code1.The short-term rental permit application process requires applicants to submit a separate application for each short-term rental property or unit. The application also requires information about a local representative who must be able to respond to issues on the property within 30 minutes.

The local representative can be a property owner or their designee who permanently resides within the City of Green Bay or a licensed property management company with a physically staffed office within the City of Green Bay who manages a short-term rental. The application also requires information about the property owner, including their name, address, 24-hour contact phone number, and email address

Green Bay Short Term Rental Taxes

In Green Bay, Wisconsin, individuals interested in operating short-term rentals (STRs) must adhere to specific tax requirements. The Green Bay short-term rental application involves a first-time fee of $500, with a renewal fee of $250 required annually1. Additionally, hosts must provide proof of registration with the City of Green Bay Treasurer regarding Brown County room tax requirements2. This tax requirement is in line with the state-wide regulations, as short-term rentals in Wisconsin are subject to state sales tax and local taxes, depending on the jurisdiction4. Hosts are responsible for collecting applicable taxes from guests and remitting them to the authorities4. Failure to comply with tax laws can result in fines and interest penalties4.

It's important for hosts to address compliance to avoid potential repercussions in the sharing economy, which is under increased scrutiny4. Green Bay also requires hosts to acquire state-level permits, such as a tourist rooming house permit and a sales and use tax permit5. These tax and permit requirements are essential for individuals looking to engage in short-term rentals in Green Bay, ensuring compliance with state and local regulations.

Wisconsin wide Short Term Rental Rules

In Wisconsin, short-term rentals are subject to state sales tax as well as local taxes, depending on the jurisdiction. If you receive payment from short-term guests renting out a residential dwelling and your taxable sales amount to more than $2,000 in a calendar year, you're likely responsible for collecting, filing, and remitting short-term rental tax to Wisconsin tax authorities1. Vacation rental hosts are required to collect applicable taxes from guests and remit them to the authorities. Failure to comply with tax laws can result in fines and interest penalties1.

Additionally, in Green Bay, hosts are required to acquire state-level permits such as a tourist rooming house permit and a sales and use tax permit2. In Ashwaubenon, village ordinances require property owners who rent their homes to visitors for 11 nights or more a year to obtain a permit5.

It's important for hosts to be aware of and comply with these tax and permitting regulations to avoid potential penalties and ensure a smooth operation of their short-term rental business.

Does Green Bay strictly enforce STR rules?” Is Green Bay Airbnb friendly?

Green Bay's stance on enforcing short-term rental (STR) rules and its overall Airbnb friendliness can be pivotal for potential hosts. The city's regulations, outlined in the Green Bay Zoning Code, Chapter 44, Sec. 44-1580 (j), are essential for anyone considering venturing into the short-term rental market1.The city requires hosts to obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit (STRP) for properties rented for fewer than 28 consecutive days. However, there are exceptions, such as when the property is the host's primary residence and they are present while renting a room. In such cases, the ordinance may not apply, or the use may be considered a bed and breakfast, necessitating further clarification from the Community & Economic Development Department3.

While Green Bay has clear regulations, the enforcement and the city's overall friendliness towards Airbnb and similar platforms can vary. Some hosts may operate in Green Bay despite the rules. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the local landscape, potential hosts should be well-informed about the specific regulations and their implications4.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Green Bay

To start a short-term rental business in Green Bay, you need to follow a few key steps and be aware of the associated costs. Here's a straightforward guide:

• Understand the Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the local zoning code, specifically Chapter 44, Sec. 44-1580 (j), which applies to all existing dwelling units, regardless of their legal conforming or nonconforming status and zoning districts14.
• Obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit (STRP): The City of Green Bay requires a Short-Term Rental Permit (STRP) for properties being rented on a short-term basis. The initial fee for the permit is $500, and the renewal fee, required annually, is $25012.
• Renewal and Validity: The permit is valid for 12 months, starting on July 1 and ending on June 30. It must be renewed annually2.
• Compliance and Responsibilities: As part of the application process, applicants must agree to comply with the short-term rental requirements and ensure that the use of the premises by short-term rental occupants will not disrupt the neighborhood or interfere with the rights of neighboring property owners2.
• Local Representative: A property owner or their designee who permanently resides within the City of Green Bay or a licensed property management company with a physically staffed office within the city must be designated as a local representative. This representative must be able to respond to issues on the property within 30 minutes2.
• State-Level Permits: In addition to the local permit, hosts are required to acquire state-level permits, such as a tourist rooming house permit and a sales and use tax permit5.

By following these steps and ensuring compliance with the regulations, you can start and operate a short-term rental business in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Who to contact in Green Bay about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

If you have any questions about short-term rental regulations and zoning in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the Community & Economic Development Department is the best place to start. They can provide guidance on the application process and specific requirements. You can find their contact information on the official website of the City of Green Bay. It is important to note that a separate application must be submitted for each short-term rental property/unit, and a local representative must be able to respond to issues on the property within 30 days. If you are renting out your primary residence and residing in the home while a room is rented, the short-term rental ordinance does not apply.

However, under certain circumstances, the use may be considered a Bed & Breakfast, and you should contact the Community & Economic Development Department for more details. The requirements for short-term rentals are stipulated in Chapter 44, Sec. 44-1580 (j), Green Bay Municipal Code, which can be found on the official website of the City of Green Bay.

What do Airbnb hosts in Green Bay on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

Airbnb hosts in Green Bay have varying opinions on local regulations. According to the Green Bay Municipal Code, a permit is required for renting a house, but not for a spare bedroom. The code defines a short-term rental as any period less than 28 days4. Some hosts on real estate forums like Bigger Pockets and Reddit have expressed frustration with the regulations, citing the cost and time required to obtain a permit1.

Others have reported positive experiences with the city's permit application process and have found the regulations to be reasonable and necessary for maintaining the quality of life in their neighborhoods2.Despite the regulations, some hosts continue to operate in Green Bay without obtaining the necessary permits. However, it is important for potential hosts to be fully informed about the local regulations and their implications. Hosts who violate the regulations may face fines or other penalties1.

Overall, Green Bay's regulations on short-term rentals are in line with those of other municipalities in Wisconsin. For example, Ashwaubenon, a village near Green Bay, requires property owners who rent their homes to visitors for 11 nights or more a year to obtain a permit3.