http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/home-building-gb-s446.pngNew regulations reduce barriers for variety of housing options.

GREEN BAY, WI - New zoning reforms that expand housing options throughout Green Bay are now in effect, following Common Council and Mayoral approval at the end of 2025. The amendments modernize residential, mixed-use, and commercial zoning districts to streamline regulatory barriers, encourage diverse housing development across the city, and reduce costs.

“Zoning can be complicated, but our mission is simple: to create high quality housing options for all Green Bay residents,” said Mayor Eric Genrich. “Thanks to the work of our staff, the input of stakeholders, and the support of our Common Council, Green Bay is leading the way on a housing agenda that reduces the cost of construction, creates new housing opportunities and construction jobs, and spurs private investment and economic growth.”

The zoning updates create more attainable housing through several key changes, effective immediately:

1. Duplexes and two-family homes are now permitted by-right in traditionally single-family neighborhoods;
2. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) can be approved through a conditional use permit in all residential areas, allowing homeowners to add rental units to their properties;
3. Minimum lot size requirements are reduced by 20 to 50 percent across various districts, making it more affordable to build new homes;
4. Minimum lot widths have been reduced from 75 feet to as low as 50 feet in some districts, while setbacks for principal structures have been decreased by up to 80 percent.

City officials are now focusing on implementation and community outreach. The Department of Community & Economic Development will work with developers, builders, and residents to support new housing construction. Staff training and process updates are underway, and a public information campaign will launch in the coming weeks to help residents understand how these changes might affect their properties and neighborhoods.

“Our Community and Economic Development staff are ready to spread the news on these welcome code changes,” said Genrich. “I’d encourage anyone with questions to give us a call or send us an e-mail, because we’re very interested in putting these reforms to work to benefit the community.”

For questions about the new zoning regulations, contact Jon LeRoy, Zoning Administrator, at 920.448.3405 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Full zoning code details are available on the City of Green Bay website.