GREEN BAY — Green Bay's public safety agencies will host an informational workshop about renting your home on sites like Airbnb for the 2025 NFL draft amid a surge in interest and questions.
The city's Police, Metro Fire, Law and Community & Economic Development departments will host a training session from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Dick Resch and Family Learning and Conservation Center at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, 1600 East Shore Drive.
The draft is creating a "whole new interest" in renting a spare room or whole house to visitors as a way to make extra money, said Mike Boutott, the city of Green Bay's short-term rental compliance inspector. The event will answer common questions and teach property owners the city's processes, ordinances and policies related to renting your property on vacation rental sites, according to a Facebook event page. You can register online to attend.
It comes at a time when Green Bay area municipalities have kicked draft planning and preparations into high gear with a little more than eight months to go. The draft, scheduled for April 24 to 26, is expected to draw as many as 250,000 people to the Green Bay area and contribute more than $20 million to the local economy.
Most hotel rooms in the region have already been booked, so tourism and municipal leaders have encouraged people to rent their homes to visitors to maximize the local economic impact. Property owners see homes for rent for thousands of dollars and continue to consider the opportunity to make some extra money themselves, but aren't always sure of the rules, regulations and work involved.
Not to mention that communities can change their regulations, too. One just did last month.
Here's the latest happenings in Green Bay area short-term rentals and some helpful resources for those who still might be on the fence.
More:Want to rent your home during the 2025 NFL draft in Green Bay? Tips from area pros, officials
Ashwaubenon's minimum stay requirement goes into effect for most vacation rentals
Ashwaubenon in spring 2023 rankled many short-term rental operators in the village when it proposed to change its short-term rental rules to include a minimum six-night stay requirement for non-owner-occupied properties. Vacation rental operators called the rule change "unfair" at the time.
The village ultimately delayed the rule going into effect until July 1 of this year.
Aaron Schuette, the village's community development director, said any vacation rental operator or property owner with questions about the change can call him at 920-593-4405.
More:Brown County plans to open campgrounds, offer football-related museum exhibits for 2025 NFL draft
A lot of home owners are unsure about renting their homes for the draft. Could a 2024 Packers season tryout help?
The Airbnb or VRBO opportunity has picked up steam with property owners, but there's still a fair amount of hesitation from property owners unsure about what it will be like.
Boutott suggested property owners think about a trial run for once or twice during the Green Bay Packers season. He said it will "help them get a feel" for what's involved before the draft next year.
"The season is a great time to try it and see if you like it before the draft. Work the kinks out. Understand the process. Make a little extra income as well. Introduce people to our great city," Boutott said.
Green Bay area vacation rental manager gets asked a lot about the draft. Here's how he answers 2 frequently asked questions
Property owners see homes for rent for thousands of dollars and continue to consider the opportunity to make some extra money themselves but remain unsure whether it's for them.
Mark Danen, of short-term rental property manager Powerhouse Properties 920, said a lot of Green Bay area homeowners have contacted the company with questions about vacation rentals and the draft. He said some "common themes" have emerged that can help households better understand whether putting their home on Airbnb is right for them.
- Make sure your household's aligned: If you're already filling out the application and your partner is not about the idea, it can lead to problems and stress. "You have to be on the same page otherwise it's not going to go well," Danen said.
- Manage your profit expectations: Some prime properties may ask for $5,000, $10,000 or more per night, but Danen notes they're still available. The company put a few of its own properties on the market at higher-than-usual prices to test the waters, but has received no inquires. He said homeowners need to understand fans and families coming to the draft probably won't spend thousands on lodging and should adjust their expectations accordingly.
"Once you commit, you have to be all-in," Danen said.
You need more than a Brown County Public Health Department inspection and permit to rent your home
The city hired Boutott earlier this year to focus on short-term rental permits and strengthen its enforcement efforts. His early work turned up several, basic problems.
- Your short-term rental permit requires annual renewal. Boutott said several existing short-term rental operators he's contacted only got their license the first year and have not renewed it.
- A Brown County Public Health inspection doesn't replace a municipal permit: Many short-term rental operators have gotten a Brown County Public Health inspection and permit, but do not realize they in most cases also will need a permit from their city, village or town, too. "A lot of them don't take that next step and maybe they just don't know," Boutott said.
- Get your permits before you list your property: Green Bay, for example, requires you to get a short-term rental permit "prior to occupancy or advertising a property" for rent on sites like VRBO and Airbnb. Brown County Public Health has a similar requirement.
Live in Bellevue and not sure about the rules? Who can help in Hobart? Discover Green Bay's got a guide for that
The rules and requirements to rent your home on Airbnb or similar sites can vary widely between individual cities, villages and towns. It's important you understand those rules and follow them to protect yourselves, your property and your guests, said Nick Meisner of Discover Green Bay.
To that end, the region's tourism marketing agency published a 6-step Guide to Short-Term Rentals that will connect you to state of Wisconsin, local public health and local municipal contacts, applications and information.
"It's to protect yourself and your visitors. It's the number one thing. That process is so important to protect yourself, for the safety and enjoyment of you and your guests," Meisner said. "Go through the process. It may seem like a lot but it will be worth it in the end."
Contact Jeff Bollier at (920) 431-8387 orjbollier@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JeffBollier.
