Green Bay’s zoning code was deregulated in the interest of affordable housing at the City Council’s Dec. 2 meeting in a unanimous vote.
The changes are the most substantial revisions to the city’s land use laws since 2006. The rules went through the wringer at the City Council’s prior Nov. 11 meeting, picking up tweaks along the way.
The new rules were sweeping, and generally:
- Enabled multi-family houses to be built in neighborhoods previously zoned for single-family homes.
- Allowed places like attics and garages to be turned into accessory dwelling units under certain conditions.
- Lowered minimum lot sizes.
- Reduced restrictions on dividing property.
- Allowed small businesses, like laundromats, in residential neighborhoods, under certain conditions.
Key Points
- Green Bay`s City Council unanimously approved deregulated zoning laws to address the city`s affordable housing crisis.
- The new rules allow for multi-family homes in single-family zones and accessory dwelling units like converted garages.
- The changes represent the most significant revision to the city`s land use laws since 2006.
Leo’s notes: Green Bay’s decision to modernize its zoning code is a meaningful signal that housing affordability is being treated as a citywide priority, not a niche issue. By legalizing more housing types in more neighborhoods—while still retaining targeted safeguards for sustainability, downtown vitality, and public oversight—the city is acknowledging a simple reality: today’s housing shortage can’t be solved with yesterday’s rules. Zoning reform alone won’t fix affordability, but it removes a major barrier, giving builders, homeowners, and small businesses the flexibility needed to add homes incrementally and responsibly across the community.
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- - Volume: 25 - WEEK: 51 Date: 12/15/2025 2:13:49 PM -