Green Bay Bylaws: Storm Drains & Broadband Poles

Utilities and Infrastructure Wisconsin 4 Minutes Read ยท published March 01, 2026 Flag of Wisconsin

Green Bay, Wisconsin residents and contractors must follow city rules when maintaining storm drains or installing broadband poles in public rights-of-way. This guide summarizes where to find the controlling municipal code, department responsibilities, permitting pathways, and practical steps to comply and report problems. It links to the city code and Public Works information so you can verify requirements and submit permits or complaints directly.Official municipal code[1] and city stormwater resources are cited below for reference.Stormwater utility and program[2]

Overview of Applicable Rules

The City of Green Bay regulates stormwater infrastructure, drainage connections, and work in the public right-of-way through its municipal code and Public Works permitting. Utility and communications poles placed in streets or sidewalks generally require right-of-way or excavation permits and coordination with the city engineering or permitting office. For permit steps and submission, consult the city permits and licensing pages.Permits and licensing[3]

Penalties & Enforcement

City code provisions assign enforcement authority to the Department of Public Works and the designated code enforcement officers for violations affecting storm drains, drainage, and unauthorized work in the right-of-way. Specific monetary fines and daily forfeitures for violations are not specified on the cited code and program pages; see the municipal code link below for the controlling ordinance language and any listed penalties.[1]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; consult the municipal code for exact amounts and forfeiture language.[1]
  • Escalation: the municipal code or enforcement orders describe first, repeat, and continuing offense treatment; specific ranges are not specified on the cited program pages.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, removal or correction orders, lien or abatement actions, and referral to municipal court are enforcement tools under city authority (see municipal code for procedures).[1]
  • Enforcer and complaints: Department of Public Works handles inspections and complaints; use the Public Works or permitting contacts to report blocked drains or unauthorized pole work.[2]
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits are set in the municipal code or permitting rules; specific appeal periods are not specified on the cited program pages and must be confirmed in the ordinance text.[1]
Always check the cited municipal code section before acting to confirm current fines, procedures, and deadlines.

Applications & Forms

Required permits commonly include right-of-way or excavation permits, utility permits, and stormwater connection permits where applicable. The city publishes permit applications or online submission instructions on its permits and licensing pages; exact form names, numbers, fees, and submission portals should be confirmed on the official permits page referenced above.[3]

Common Violations and Typical Outcomes

  • Obstructing a storm drain or failing to remove debris: enforcement may require immediate cleanup and follow-up inspection; monetary penalty amounts are not specified on the cited pages.[2]
  • Installing poles or conduits in the ROW without a permit: may trigger stop-work orders and mandatory removal or permit retroactive application.[3]
  • Failure to follow approved erosion or sediment controls during work: corrective orders and conditions on future permits are typical enforcement steps.
When in doubt, apply for the right-of-way permit before starting work to avoid enforcement actions.

How-To

  1. Identify the work type: determine whether the activity is routine storm drain maintenance or new pole installation in the public right-of-way.
  2. Obtain permits: submit a right-of-way or excavation permit application and any stormwater management submissions required by the city permits portal.[3]
  3. Schedule inspections: coordinate with Public Works for pre-construction site checks and post-work inspections as required.
  4. Report issues or violations: contact Public Works using the city contact pages for blocked drains or unauthorized pole work.[2]
Keep documentation of permits, plans, and inspections to defend against or appeal enforcement actions.

FAQ

Who enforces storm drain and right-of-way rules in Green Bay?
The Department of Public Works and designated code enforcement officers enforce municipal code provisions related to storm drains and right-of-way permits; see the municipal code and Public Works pages for contact details.[1]
Do I need a permit to install broadband poles in a street or sidewalk?
Yes. Installing poles or making excavations in the public right-of-way generally requires a right-of-way or excavation permit from the city; consult the permits and licensing page for application steps and requirements.[3]
How do I report a blocked storm drain or illegal work?
Report blocked drains or suspected illegal work to the Department of Public Works through the city contact or stormwater reporting pages linked above.[2]

Key Takeaways

  • Confirm permit requirements with the city before work to avoid stop-work orders.
  • Keep permits, plans, and inspection records to support compliance and appeals.
  • Contact Public Works for reporting and enforcement assistance.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Green Bay Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances
  2. [2] City of Green Bay - Stormwater utility and program
  3. [3] City of Green Bay - Permits & Licensing

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data