Green Bay Bonds and Excavation Permit Guide

Utilities and Infrastructure Wisconsin 3 Minutes Read ยท published March 01, 2026 Flag of Wisconsin

In Green Bay, Wisconsin, capital project bonds and excavation permits are governed by municipal ordinances and administered by city departments. This guide explains where authority for bonds and excavation work comes from, which departments issue permits and enforce rules, how to apply, and what penalties or remedies may follow noncompliance. It is aimed at contractors, developers, property owners, and municipal staff who need clear steps to obtain approvals, post required bonds, and meet inspection and restoration obligations.

Confirm permit triggers with Public Works before digging.

Overview of Authority

The City of Green Bay adopts ordinances that authorize issuance of bonds for capital projects and regulate excavation in public rights-of-way; the municipal code contains the controlling provisions for procedures, permits, and enforcement.[1]

Permits and Bonds: What Typically Applies

  • Excavation permit required for work in streets, sidewalks, and public right-of-way; permit conditions commonly include restoration, traffic control, and insurance.
  • Capital project bonds fund municipal infrastructure and are approved by the Common Council according to ordinance and state law.
  • Performance or restoration bonds may be required for excavation or construction affecting public property.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is typically carried out by the Department of Public Works (Engineering/Right-of-Way) and code enforcement officers; official contact and permit intake are handled by Public Works.[2]

Failure to secure a permit can result in stop-work orders or citation.

Penalty details under the municipal code are summarized below as published in the City ordinances or department rules. Where the municipal code or department pages do not list specific dollar amounts or escalation rules, this guide notes that the figure is not specified on the cited page.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page for exact amounts; see the municipal code for statutory fine ranges and ordinance references.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences are addressed by ordinance text; exact escalation schedules are not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, mandatory restoration, bonds forfeiture, administrative orders, and referral to municipal court are available enforcement tools under city ordinances.[1]
  • Inspection and complaint pathways: submit complaints or request inspections through Public Works; use the department contact listed on the city site.[2]

Applications & Forms

Application names, form numbers, fees, and submission instructions for excavation permits or bond postings are published by the Public Works or Engineering division; specific form names or fees are not specified on the cited municipal code page, so applicants should use the Public Works permit portal or contact the office directly.[2]

Some permits allow work windows to limit traffic impacts.

Common Violations

  • Failure to obtain an excavation or right-of-way permit.
  • Poor or incomplete restoration of pavements and sidewalks.
  • Working outside approved hours or without required traffic control.
  • Failure to post required performance or restoration bonds.

Action Steps

  • Confirm whether your work is in public right-of-way and requires a permit.
  • Contact Public Works to request the excavation permit application and fee schedule.[2]
  • Obtain and post any required bonds or insurance certificates before work begins.
  • Schedule required inspections and document restoration completion.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to dig on my property?
If digging affects public sidewalks, streets, or the public right-of-way you likely need an excavation permit; contact Public Works to confirm and apply.[2]
How are capital project bonds approved?
Bonds for capital projects are authorized by city ordinance and approved by the Common Council as part of project financing; see municipal code for ordinance procedures.[1]
What happens if I dig without a permit?
Possible outcomes include stop-work orders, restoration orders, fines, and bond forfeiture; exact fines are not specified on the cited page.[1]

How-To

  1. Determine permit need: review project scope and contact Public Works.
  2. Obtain application: request excavation permit form and fee schedule from Public Works.
  3. Submit documentation: insurance, traffic control plan, and bond or fee as required.
  4. Schedule pre-construction meeting and inspections as directed by the permit.
  5. Complete restoration and close out the permit by submitting inspection results.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact Public Works early to confirm permit triggers and bond requirements.
  • Posting bonds and carrying insurance are common prerequisites for excavation in public ways.
  • Noncompliance can result in orders, citations, and restoration obligations.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Green Bay Municipal Code - Codes and Ordinances
  2. [2] City of Green Bay - Public Works Department and Permits

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