Lake Geneva Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Permit & Licensing

City of Lake Geneva Short-Term Rental Annual License

This permit type does not require primary residence.

Application Process

Annual application to the City includes owner/designated-operator contact info, floor plan and site plan, City Building Code inspection with no outstanding violations, proof of property/liability insurance, the State Tourist Rooming House license, City room tax permit, City general business license, and an administrative fee set by City Council resolution; renews annually by January 31 ($250 late fee if missed).

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 13.5% of gross rental income.

Rental Limits

Lake Geneva limits short-term rentals to 180 days per year.

Occupancy & Density Limits

Maximum occupancy is set on the Annual License per Wis. Adm. Code § ATCP 72.14: at least 400 cubic feet of air space per occupant over age 12, 200 cubic feet per occupant 12 and under, and a minimum 7-foot sleeping-room ceiling height.

Zoning & Restrictions

STRs are permitted by right, as an accessory land use, in all zoning districts where "residential dwellings" are permitted (per the definition in Wis. Stat. § 66.1014). No conditional use permit is required; the land use is allowed outright wherever residential dwellings are allowed.

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Liability insurance is required for the property's use as a short-term rental, though the required coverage amount is not publicly specified.

Safety & Operating Requirements

• General Building Code inspection by the City required before licensing, with no outstanding compliance orders remaining
• Maximum occupancy limited per Wis. Adm. Code § ATCP 72.14 sleeping-room air-space and ceiling-height standards
• Knox-Box® emergency key-access system encouraged but not required

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Operating without required licenses: cited $1,000 per day
• 1st major violation (rolling 12 months): written warning, possible $250-per-day citations plus court costs
• 2nd major violation: $500-per-day citations plus court costs, and 3-month license suspension
• 3rd major violation: $1,000-per-day citations plus court costs, and 1-year license suspension
• 4th major violation: permanent revocation of the Annual License and future ineligibility for that property

Platform Requirements

STRs may not be advertised on any platform (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) until both the State of Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House License and the City Annual License have been issued, and all listings must display the assigned Lake Geneva STR License Number.

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Lake Geneva:

1. Meet safety requirements. General Building Code inspection by the City required before licensing, with no outstanding compliance orders remaining. Maximum occupancy limited per Wis. Adm. Code § ATCP 72.14 sleeping-room air-space and ceiling-height standards. Knox-Box® emergency key-access system encouraged but not required.
2. Obtain liability insurance. Required for property's use as a short-term rental.
3. Apply for City of Lake Geneva Short-Term Rental Annual License. Submit application. Contact city for fee details.
4. Register for tax accounts. Set up hotel occupancy tax accounts with the city tax authority.
5. Display your permit number. Include your permit/license number in all listings and advertisements.
6. Collect and remit taxes. 13.5% on all bookings.
7. Renew annually. Contact city for renewal fee details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Lake Geneva?

Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Lake Geneva requires a City of Lake Geneva Short-Term Rental Annual License.

Does Lake Geneva require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?

No. Lake Geneva allows non-owner-occupied short-term rentals, so investment properties can qualify provided you hold the required permit.

How many days a year can you short-term rent in Lake Geneva?

Lake Geneva limits short-term rentals to 180 days per year.

What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Lake Geneva?

Short-term rental stays in Lake Geneva are subject to a combined 13.5% in lodging taxes. This combines 5% Wisconsin State Sales Tax + 0.5% Walworth County Sales Tax + 8% City of Lake Geneva Room Tax. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.

What happens if you run a short-term rental without a permit in Lake Geneva?

Operating without a permit can cost up to $1,000 per day.