Burlington's Short-Term Rentals: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles short-term rentals a little differently. In Burlington, Wisconsin, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Taxes & Fees

Wisconsin state room tax is 5% (WI Stat. §77.98). Burlington levies additional local room tax. Platforms auto-collect in many jurisdictions. Total 10 to 14% typical.

Key details: State Room Tax: 5%. Local Tax: 6 to 8% typical. Platforms: Auto-collect in many areas. State Law: WI Stat. §77.98.

Non-remittance: penalties + interest per WI Dept. of Revenue. Tax evasion: misdemeanor charges.

Parking Rules

The City of Burlington has not adopted parking rules unique to short-term rentals. STR guests must follow the City's general parking ordinance in Chapter 293 (Vehicles and Traffic), including alternate-side parking, the 2:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. Central Business District ban, and the snow-emergency 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. restriction. Wis. Stat. §66.1014(2)(d) preserves the City's authority to apply these neutral rules to STRs.

Key details: Local STR Parking Code: None specific - general code applies. General Parking Ordinance: City Code Chapter 293. Alternate-Side Parking: 365 days a year - even/odd dates. Central Business District Ban: 2:00 a.m. - 5:00 a.m. nightly. Snow Emergency: 10:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m. (3+ in. snow).

Vehicles parked on the wrong side under the alternate-side rule, parked in the Central Business District between 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., parked during a declared snow event between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., or left in a municipal lot beyond 24 hours without a permit, are subject to citation, fine, and tow at the owner's expense under Chapter 293. Persistent guest-parking complaints at a particular STR may also be aggregated as evidence of nuisance and supplied to DATCP in connection with the property's Tourist Rooming House license under ATCP 72.

Noise Rules

The City of Burlington has not adopted a short-term-rental-specific noise ordinance. STR guests and operators are bound by the City's general noise ordinance (Chapter 219 of the City Code) and the disorderly-conduct provisions of Chapter 238 (Peace and Good Order). Under Wis. Stat. §66.1014, the City may apply these neutral noise ordinances to STRs.

Key details: Local STR Noise Code: None specific - general code applies. General Noise Ordinance: City Code Chapter 219. Amplified Sound Curfew: 10:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m.. State Authority: Wis. Stat. §66.1014(2)(d). State STR License: DATCP TRH (ATCP 72).

Noise that meets the unreasonable-disturbance standard in Chapter 219, or that violates the 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. amplified-sound restriction, can be enforced by Burlington Police Department citations. Repeated noise complaints at an STR can also be aggregated as a public nuisance under Chapter 238 and may be grounds for adverse action against the operator's DATCP Tourist Rooming House license under Wis. Stat. §97.65. Forfeitures and court costs are assessed under the City's standard non-criminal-disposition schedule.

Permit Requirements

Burlington regulates but cannot ban STRs under WI Act 59 (2017). DATCP tourist rooming house license may be required. WI Stat. §66.1014.

Key details: Licensing: Check Burlington rules. Bans: Prohibited by WI Act 59. DATCP: Tourist rooming house license. State Law: WI Stat. §66.1014.

Operating without license: $200 to $1,000/day varies by city. DATCP violations: separate enforcement. Safety violations: correction notice.

The Bottom Line

Burlington's short-term rentals rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Burlington is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Burlington's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.