By Maddie Martin
Contributing Writer
BROWN COUNTY – As Green Bay prepares for the extreme influx of visitors during the weeks surrounding the 2025 NFL Draft, many have started wondering where all of these people are going to stay.
One option that some may consider is using their home for short-term rental.
While this option is completely feasible and a great way to welcome visitors to the city, it’s important that residents know the specific rules and regulations for short-term rental in their area.
The process for getting a home approved and fit for short-term rental is similar across several Brown County municipalities, but knowing the specific expectations of your area can help save you from trouble or confusion down the road.
De Pere
The short-term rental process in the city of De Pere was designed to be a two-step process.
The first step, as one may guess, is simply making sure that your home or property qualifies for short-term rental. Becoming aware of what type of property you live on and the specific specifications for that type of property is an essential step of the short-term rental process.
“This process is important to be aware of early on,” says Senior Planner and Zoning Administrator of De Pere, Peter Schleinz, “because people may pay the short-term rental fee before they even know if they are eligible, which we want to avoid.”
For those looking to apply for short-term rental specifically during the 2025 NFL Draft, it’s especially important to look into what type of property you are looking to rent out, as it may affect the amount of days people are allowed to stay.
For instance, those looking to rent out their single-dwelling detached house, or two-unit home, it’s important to note that there is a rental period minimum of seven days.
That is, anyone renting the property must stay for at least seven days.
Alternatively, there is also a rental period maximum of 28 days for all short-term rental periods, regardless of property type. Anyone who plans to rent out their home for longer than 28 days would no longer qualify for short-term rental.
Another important thing to consider is the nature of the neighborhood your property stands on.
With the massive scale and excitement that is bound to come along with the draft, it’s important to take into account the livelihoods of the properties surrounding yours.
“You don’t always know who is coming to your house, so make sure you establish a good set of rules for whoever your guests are going to be,” says Schleinz, “Make sure that whoever is staying in your house is aware that they may be staying in a quiet neighborhood, or a place of business.”
If short-term rental sounds like a good fit for your property at this point, the short-term rental application would be the next step. This application also asks applicants to register with the De Pere Health Department. This license involves two fees, as well as an inspection of the property.
For more information on short-term rentals in De Pere, visit www.deperewi.gov.
Green Bay
In order to obtain a short-term rental permit in the City of Green Bay, there are a few required actions that must be taken before renting out a property.
The Green Bay short-term rental application includes a first-time fee of $500. A renewal, which is required each year, is $250. Applicants will also have to register with both the Brown County Health Department, as well as the City of Green Bay Treasurer.
Those interested will also have to provide an example of a lease agreement, as well as provide a local representative.
It is required that for all short-term rentals, there is a representative in the area who can be to the property in about 30 minutes.
The representative doesn’t necessarily have to be the homeowner, but they do have to agree to the responsibility.
Homes must also display the required placard with the representative identified on the front.
Apart from the placard, no other advertising or signage is permitted on the property.
It’s important to keep in mind that while the draft may only last a few days, it can be expected that many people will come earlier and stay late.
Therefore, anyone renting for longer than 28 days is no longer considered short-term rental.
“We want people to come early and enjoy [what Green Bay has to offer],” says Principal Planner of Green Bay, David Buck, “We have a great community, and people who aren’t familiar with it may not realize that.”
The city of Green Bay also emphasizes the importance of respect between neighbors.
Making sure that tenants are aware of any rules, such as noise restrictions or garbage days, is a great way to protect your property, as well as follow the “good neighbor policy,” as Buck puts it.
“People reaching out to people… it goes a really long way,” he added.
Permits can take about a week to two weeks to be processed, but can sometimes take longer in July, as that is when the most applications are sent in.
Those interested in applying can find the application, as well as more information at greenbaywi.gov.
Ashwaubenon
In order to obtain a short-term rental license in the village of Ashwaubenon, there is an application process involved, as well as a few notable factors that may affect the decision to rent.
In Ashwaubenon, if someone is planning to rent their home out for less than 10 days in the entire year, they do not need a short-term rental license, explains Aaron Schuette, Community Development Director.
So, those only planning to rent during the draft may not need to obtain an Ashwaubenon license depending on the amount of days the tenants are planning to stay.
Those renting for less than ten days, though, will still need a license from the Brown County Health Department.
If the rental exceeds 10 nights, both permits are required.
If the rental exceeds 29 nights, it is no longer considered short-term.
Another important piece of advice is to make sure your insurance company is aware that you are going to rent out your home.
As Schuette explains, there is usually a rider added on to your homeowners insurance to account for the short-term rental.
Additionally, in Ashwaubenon the amount of people permitted to stay in a home is not based on the amount of beds, but rather the amount of bathrooms.
There are four guests permitted per bathroom.
For any questions about short-term rental in the village of Ashwaubenon, contact Aaron Schuette.
For more information, as well as the short-term rental application, visit ashwaubenon.gov.