Short answer: If your dumpster sits entirely on private property (your driveway or yard), the City of Green Bay does not require a permit. If it needs to sit on a public street or right-of-way even for a day, you need a free Obstruction Permit, which typically takes about 3 business days to process. Requirements vary by suburb — see below.
Last verified: August 30, 2026. We recheck this page quarterly against the City of Green Bay’s published requirements — if a rule changes, we update it here first.
How the City of Green Bay Obstruction Permit Works
Placing a dumpster on a public street, curb lane, or right-of-way in the City of Green Bay requires an Obstruction Permit from the Department of Public Works. Here’s what that actually involves:
- Cost: $0 — the permit itself is free.
- Bond or insurance requirement: None required from the homeowner for a standard residential dumpster placement.
- Turnaround time: Typically around 3 business days, so plan your delivery date accordingly if the dumpster will touch the street.
- Where to apply: Through the City of Green Bay Department of Public Works.
- DPW phone: (920) 448-3000
Placement entirely within your own driveway or yard, with no part of the container touching the street, curb, or sidewalk, generally does not require this permit. When in doubt, call the DPW directly — rules get enforced based on exact placement, not intent.
How to Apply for a Dumpster Obstruction Permit (Step by Step)
- Confirm your dumpster delivery will touch the street, curb lane, or public right-of-way. If it’s staying fully on your driveway, you likely don’t need this step at all.
- Contact the City of Green Bay Department of Public Works at (920) 448-3000 at least 3 business days before your planned delivery date.
- Provide your address, the dates you need the dumpster on the street, and the container size.
- Receive permit confirmation before your delivery date — keep it on hand in case of any questions from the city or your neighbors.
- Let your dumpster rental company know the dumpster will be placed on the street so they can plan truck access accordingly.
We can usually place your dumpster on your driveway or yard instead, which skips this process entirely. Call (920) 600-9925 and we’ll help you figure out what’s realistic for your property before you commit to a street placement.
Permit Rules by Suburb: Green Bay Isn’t the Only City With a Process
Brown County isn’t one municipality — it’s several, and each of the following suburbs runs its own right-of-way and permitting office, separate from the City of Green Bay. If your project is in one of these communities, don’t assume Green Bay’s rules apply. Call that suburb’s public works or clerk’s office directly before placing anything on a public street.
De Pere
De Pere has its own Department of Public Works separate from Green Bay’s. If your dumpster is going anywhere near the street in De Pere — common on the tighter, older lots near downtown — check with the City of De Pere before delivery day. Full details on our De Pere dumpster rental page.
Ashwaubenon
Ashwaubenon is a village, not part of the City of Green Bay, and it handles right-of-way permitting through its own Public Works department. This matters most around Lambeau Field and Titletown during Packers season, when street access and parking rules tighten up. See our Ashwaubenon dumpster rental page for delivery-logistics detail.
Howard
The Village of Howard manages its own street and obstruction permitting, separate from Green Bay. This comes up often with new-construction subdivisions, where a dumpster may need to sit curbside during a build. More at our Howard dumpster rental page.
Suamico
Suamico is its own village with its own public works contact for street obstructions. Many properties here have enough driveway or yard space to skip a permit entirely — worth checking before you assume you need one. Details on our Suamico dumpster rental page.
Bellevue
The Village of Bellevue runs its own permitting process independent of Green Bay. Bellevue’s larger residential lots often mean a dumpster never has to touch the street at all. See our Bellevue dumpster rental page for specifics.
Allouez
Allouez has its own village government and permitting office, separate from Green Bay. Its older housing stock and narrower lots make street placement more common here than in newer suburbs, so it’s worth a call before delivery. More on our Allouez dumpster rental page.
Quick Permit FAQ
Do I need a permit if the dumpster is only on my driveway?
Generally no. Permits in Green Bay and the surrounding suburbs are tied to street and right-of-way placement, not private property. If the entire container sits on your driveway or yard, you typically don’t need one.
What happens if I place a dumpster on the street without a permit?
You risk a citation or a request to move it, which can delay your project. Since the Green Bay permit is free and takes about 3 business days, it’s worth applying ahead of time rather than risking a mid-project scramble.
Who do I call with permit questions?
In the City of Green Bay, call the Department of Public Works at (920) 600-9925. In De Pere, Ashwaubenon, Howard, Suamico, Bellevue, or Allouez, contact that municipality’s public works or clerk’s office directly, since each runs its own process.