Green Bay commission forwards short-term rental restrictions to City Council after public testimony

The Green Bay Equal Rights Commission voted Oct. 27 to forward recommendations to the City Council proposing changes to the city's short-term rental ordinance, including a 7-day minimum stay and a 180-day annual cap on short-term rental use in residential properties. The measure will be considered by the Planning Commission and City Council in the coming weeks.

Supporters of short-term rentals told the commission the proposed limits would threaten local businesses and workers. "On average, between my three properties, we spend between 4 and 5,000 a month on cleaning," said Brook Tassell, a Green Bay investor and host, adding that the cleaning and maintenance work supports local subcontractors and single parents who rely on turnover income. Several other owners described significant investments in renovations, local hiring, and room-tax revenue.

Short-term rental owner Melissa Peterson said recent property tax increases and restrictions would "put people right out of the rental business," and noted many of her bookings are for a few days for Packers games or short visits to Green Bay. Other speakers described owner-occupied arrangements and uses for medical stays, extended work assignments and interim housing.

Commissioners framed the recommendations as one tool among several to address an affordability and availability problem documented in a city report. Commissioners cited city data showing a growing number of short-term rentals and a shortage of lower-cost housing units. During deliberations, commissioners emphasized equity concerns and the need to balance economic benefits from tourism with housing access for local residents.

The commission voted to refer its recommendations to the City Council for consideration. One commissioner voted against the referral and one abstained. Commissioners and staff said any ordinance changes would be implemented as part of the next permitting cycle if council and later steps approve them; staff and the chair directed the public to forthcoming Planning Commission and City Council hearings for additional comment.

The Planning Commission is scheduled to consider related zoning and permit changes Nov. 3; City Council consideration is scheduled for Nov. 11. Commissioners said, if adopted by council, changes to the short-term rental permit program would likely go into effect with the next permit round (the commission indicated July 1 as a likely implementation date tied to the permitting cycle).