The Green Bay Plan Commission on Nov. 17 advanced two changes to the city’s short‑term rental (STR) ordinance and declined to move forward at this time with a proposed 180‑day annual cap.

Staff described three directives from the Common Council and the Equal Rights Commission advisory: add owner contact information to the public placard on permitted STRs; adopt a three‑strike nuisance policy tying enumerated nuisance code violations to permit revocation; and limit rental days to 180 per year (with an alternative 6‑ or 7‑night minimum stay also discussed). Staff said the city currently has about 450 STR permits on file (Oct. 2025) and outlined existing permit fees and Brown County health inspection requirements.

Hundreds of residents and owners addressed the commission. Professional operators and members of the newly formed Green Bay Short Term Rental Alliance warned a 180‑day cap would eliminate income for local owners and dozens of local jobs — cleaners, landscapers, maintenance technicians — and reduce tourism tax revenue. "A strict 180‑day annual cap would cause real harm to Green Bay families and small businesses," said Tyler Cabot, a local operator; he said his portfolio averages about 220 booked nights per property and that a cap would reduce wages and local contracts.

Neighbors and other residents told the commission they have experienced nuisance behavior at some STRs — loud parties, frequent turnover, parking on residential streets and safety concerns in cul‑de‑sac neighborhoods. Several witnesses described high‑occupancy listings that drew repeated police calls. "This property now functions more as a boutique hotel," said Steve Wilcox, describing a local house advertised for large groups and saying it generated multiple complaints and safety concerns.

After deliberation, the commission voted to forward language to City Council that would (1) require that short‑term rental placards include the owner’s name and phone number when the local representative differs from the owner, and (2) add a three‑strike nuisance provision under which an STR permit could be revoked if an accumulation of qualifying violations listed in the nuisance code (chapter 24‑75) or the STR code occurs within a 365‑day period. The commission specifically did not advance the 180‑day cap at this time; staff and commissioners cited difficulty tracking cumulative and consecutive days across hundreds of permits and concerns about enforceability.

Staff and commissioners discussed appeals and implementation: existing nuisance abatement and appeal processes were cited, and staff suggested reapplication and revocation details (for example, a 365‑day bar before re‑application) be worked out with the City Attorney and presented to Council. The commission’s recommendations will be considered by the City Council on Dec. 2.

Key issues remaining include whether council will adopt a day‑cap in some form, the precise list of violations that trigger the three‑strike rule, timing and process for reapplication after revocation, and how permit and room‑tax revenue could be used to fund enforcement or affordable‑housing initiatives.