How Kaukauna Handles Short-Term Rentals: A Practical Guide

Kaukauna maintains 26 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with short-term rentals. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Kaukauna falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Taxes & Fees

Wisconsin state room tax is 5% (WI Stat. §77.98). Kaukauna 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.

Noise Rules

Short-term rentals in Kaukauna must comply with the citywide noise ordinance, which prohibits any radio, music or audio system, machine or device, speakers, amplifiers and similar devices for the producing or reproducing of sound 'in a loud and unnecessary manner.' The operation of any radio, stereo or other similar device 'in a manner as to be heard outside a 75-foot radius of the source from which it is projected shall be prima facie evidence of a violation.' Wisconsin Statute 66.1014 preserves Kaukauna's authority to enforce noise ordinances against tourist rooming houses.

Key details: Audibility Rule: 75-ft radius. Standard: Prima facie evidence. Permit: Amplified music app. State Authority: Wis. Stat. 66.1014. License Code: ATCP 72.

Violations of Kaukauna's noise rule are enforced by the Kaukauna Police Department (920-766-6300). Operating a sound device audible outside the 75-foot radius is prima facie evidence of a violation and exposes the operator to a municipal forfeiture under the Kaukauna Municipal Code's general penalty schedule. Public-nuisance enforcement under Chapter 10 may include inspection by the chief of police, fire chief, building inspector, code enforcement officer or health officer, followed by abatement and forfeiture. Repeated noise complaints documented at a tourist rooming house can also be referred to Outagamie County Public Health and DATCP at annual ATCP 72 license renewal.

Parking Rules

Kaukauna prohibits parking on any city street between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. from December 1 through March 31 each winter. Outside winter months, vehicles may park on any non-posted city street for up to 24 hours. Trailers and campers cannot be parked on city streets overnight at any time of year. Wisconsin Statute 66.1014 preserves Kaukauna's authority to regulate parking even though it caps how restrictively the city can regulate the rental itself.

Key details: Winter Ban: 2am-6am. Ban Dates: Dec 1 - Mar 31. Off-Season: 24-hour limit. Trailers: Banned overnight. State Authority: Wis. Stat. 66.1014.

Overnight parking citations are issued by the Kaukauna Police Department under the city's parking schedule of forfeitures, and during winter weather emergencies the department may have a vehicle towed at the owner's expense. Trailer and camper violations carry the same forfeiture exposure. The city does not separately license STRs at the municipal level (state DATCP licensing applies), but documented parking complaints at a tourist rooming house can be raised at the annual ATCP 72 license renewal inspection conducted by Outagamie County Public Health.

Permit Requirements

Kaukauna 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 Kaukauna 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

Kaukauna'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 Kaukauna is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Kaukauna's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.