Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Green Bay public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
16 issues in zoning with low priority
Privacy fencing on through lots along Lakeside Place
Homes fronting both Lakeside Place and East Shore Drive can't legally build tall privacy fences facing Lakeside. The board granted one, treating Lakeside Place as functionally an alley — a precedent relevant to other bay-side through lots.
920 Crooks Street single-family use in OR zone
A single-family home that predates the office-residential zoning needs a conditional use permit so its owner can sell. Commissioners noted this will keep happening along South Webster and discussed getting ahead of it citywide.
Residential use in Office-Residential district at 920 Crooks Street
Ann Larscheid received a conditional use permit letting her single-family home continue in the Office-Residential zone, with conditions if the use lapses.
Conditional use permits for homes in the S-RLI district
Five permits allow single-family homes within a special residential-light-industrial district on S. Chestnut Avenue and S. Broadway, with conditions.
Residential variance standards and application form
Board members flagged a 'bait and switch' problem: the variance application form lists the three-step statutory test, but the board judges on five different factors. Staff noted the five factors already appear on page four of the seven-page form.
Rethinking the comprehensive plan's land use map
Staff floated replacing the parcel-by-parcel future land use map with a district-level matrix rating uses desirable, allowable or undesirable — which could mean fewer time-consuming comp plan amendments for applicants. It's early; no action yet.
Oversized metal shed at 2265 Ironwood Drive
A homeowner got permission for a metal shed bigger than the 120-square-foot residential limit, with a promise to fix corrosion or remove the building.
Metal shed permit rules under scrutiny
Commissioner Miller argued the $375 CUP requirement for any metal-sided shed over 120 square feet is arbitrary — vinyl is fine, metal isn't — and asked staff to look at an easier path for homeowners.
Zoning code changes for animal boarding facilities, kennels and shelters
The city is updating its zoning rules for animal boarding facilities, kennels and shelters, and the commission approved the text amendments.
Taller industrial storage buildings near I-43
GLC Minerals can now build mineral storage structures up to 70 feet tall on its Bylsby Avenue site — a big lift from the standard 35-foot cap. Since the whole area is industrial and largely shielded from homes, the commission saw little downside.
Front-yard parking at 1300 Edgewood Drive
A homeowner sought a variance to the rule that driveways must lead directly to a garage or legal parking stall. The board's unanimous denial keeps the standard setback requirement in place for this R1 Low Density Residential property.
Valvoline Instant Oil Change at 895 S. Military Avenue
A Valvoline Instant Oil Change wanted to open at 895 S. Military Avenue, which needs a conditional use permit for minor motor vehicle repair in the C3 commercial zone. The commission approved it with conditions.
Vehicle repair use at 895 S. Military Ave.
Valvoline wants to run an instant oil change and minor auto repair shop in a commercial condo on Military Avenue — staff saw it as a fit for the corridor, and nobody objected.
JBS site boundary cleanup with Bellevue
A land swap with the Village of Bellevue means the former JBS site parcel is now fully in Green Bay's PUD, and the Walmart parking lot officially belongs to Walmart. Mostly paperwork.
East Shore Circle lakefront addition and setback
A narrow lakefront lot got permission to extend the home toward the street for a second garage stall and more living space, with neighbor support and no objection to views or the bay.
Front yard setback enforcement on Spence Street
A homeowner's unpermitted front porch exceeds the neighborhood setback by 9.7 feet. The board denied the variance, meaning the porch must come down and be rebuilt smaller or as a permitted structure.