Wisconsin Dells Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Permit & Licensing

Overnight Lodging - STR License (requires Conditional Use Permit and Room Tax Permit)

The property must be your primary residence. This means investment properties are not eligible for this permit type.

Overnight Lodging - TRH License (requires Conditional Use Permit and Room Tax Permit)

This permit type does not require primary residence. Zoning restriction: Conditionally permitted in C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4 and M-1 (commercial/mixed-use) districts.

Tourist Rooming House License (Wisconsin DATCP, under Wis. Admin. Code ch. ATCP 72)

The property must be your primary residence. This means investment properties are not eligible for this permit type.

Application Process

File CUP, Overnight Lodging License and Room Tax Permit applications with the City simultaneously; CUP reviewed by Zoning Administrator then Plan Commission then Common Council; License/Room Tax reviewed by City Clerk then Legislative Committee then Council; a completed Fire Inspection Report dated within 60 days is required before issuance; renewals issued within 10 days if complete; electronic filing permitted

Note: Document requirements vary by permit type. See individual permit sections above for eligibility details.

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 12.25% of gross rental income.

Collection: Room tax self-remitted to the City of Wisconsin Dells Treasurer, or collected and remitted by Marketplace Providers; state sales tax and premier resort area tax remitted to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue

Filing: Room tax filed monthly, due the 20th of the month following the month being reported, with the City of Wisconsin Dells Treasurer

Rental Limits

Wisconsin Dells annual day limit: 180 days–unlimited (varies by permit type). Individual-stay rule: Fewer than 30 consecutive days (rentals must be more than 6 days).

Occupancy & Density Limits

150 sq ft floor space for the first occupant plus 100 sq ft for each additional occupant; maximum 2 people for any premises without a separate enclosed bedroom; at least 1 bathroom per 6 occupants

Zoning & Restrictions

Residentially-zoned single family and duplex homes may not be rented for periods of less than 7 days; STRs allowed by CUP in all districts (owner primary residence); TRHs allowed by CUP in C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4 and M-1 districts

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Wisconsin Dells does not require short-term rental operators to carry specific insurance. Standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity, so many hosts obtain dedicated short-term rental or landlord liability coverage.

Safety & Operating Requirements

• At least 1 bathroom per 6 occupants
• Functional smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors per Wis. Admin. Code ch. SPS 321.09
• Safe, unobstructed means of egress to open space at ground level
• Wood-burning fireplaces require an inspection certificate (NFPA 211) dated within 30 days
• No hibachi, gas-fired or charcoal grill on any balcony/deck, under any overhang, or within 10 feet of a structure
• At least 1.25 off-street parking spaces per 4 occupants
• Annual inspection by the State and the City Fire Inspector; Fire Inspection Report dated within 60 days of issuance required

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Fines/forfeitures under Code Sec. 30.04; each day a violation continues is a separate offense; repeated unabated violations or 3+ justified nuisance calls in 12 months may result in suspension/revocation of the Conditional Use Permit and Room Tax Permit. Unpaid room tax: $50/month late fee plus 1% interest per month.

Platform Requirements

Marketplace Providers (e.g., Airbnb/VRBO) must collect and remit room tax and file a Marketplace Providers Monthly Room Tax Report with the City Treasurer

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Wisconsin Dells:

1. Determine your permit type. Wisconsin Dells has 3 permit types. Identify which applies to your property (Overnight Lodging - STR License (requires Conditional Use Permit and Room Tax Permit), Overnight Lodging - TRH License (requires Conditional Use Permit and Room Tax Permit), Tourist Rooming House License (Wisconsin DATCP, under Wis. Admin. Code ch. ATCP 72)).
2. Meet safety requirements. At least 1 bathroom per 6 occupants. Functional smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors per Wis. Admin. Code ch. SPS 321.09. Safe, unobstructed means of egress to open space at ground level. Wood-burning fireplaces require an inspection certificate (NFPA 211) dated within 30 days. No hibachi, gas-fired or charcoal grill on any balcony/deck, under any overhang, or within 10 feet of a structure. At least 1.25 off-street parking spaces per 4 occupants. Annual inspection by the State and the City Fire Inspector; Fire Inspection Report dated within 60 days of issuance required.
3. Apply for your STR permit. Submit application. Fees vary by type: Overnight Lodging - STR License (requires Conditional Use Permit and Room Tax Permit) $1,400; Overnight Lodging - TRH License (requires Conditional Use Permit and Room Tax Permit) $1,400; Tourist Rooming House License (Wisconsin DATCP, under Wis. Admin. Code ch. ATCP 72) $296. See permit types above to determine which applies.
4. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with City of Wisconsin Dells Treasurer (room tax); Wisconsin Department of Revenue (state sales tax and premier resort area tax).
5. Collect and remit taxes. 12.25% on all bookings.
6. Renew annually. Renewal fees vary by permit type ($500 / $296). See permit types above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Wisconsin Dells?

Yes. Wisconsin Dells requires a short-term rental permit to operate an Airbnb or Vrbo, and there are 3 permit types — one requires the property to be your primary residence, and another allows non-owner-occupied (investment) use. See the permit types above to find which applies to your property.

How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Wisconsin Dells?

Permit costs in Wisconsin Dells vary by type: owner-occupied $1,400; non-owner-occupied $1,400; general $296.

Does Wisconsin Dells require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?

It depends on the permit type. At least one Wisconsin Dells permit requires the property to be your primary residence, while another allows non-owner-occupied (investment) use — see the permit types above.

How many days a year can you short-term rent in Wisconsin Dells?

Wisconsin Dells's annual rental limit depends on the situation: 180 days–unlimited (varies by permit type).

What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Wisconsin Dells?

Short-term rental stays in Wisconsin Dells are subject to a combined 12.25% in lodging taxes. This combines 5.5% City Room Tax (Occupancy Tax) + 1.25% Premier Resort Area Tax + 5% Wisconsin State Sales Tax + 0.5% County Sales Tax. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.

What happens if you run a short-term rental without a permit in Wisconsin Dells?

Operating without a permit can cost up to $1,000.00 per offense (per day for continuing violations), plus costs of prosecution.