Short-Term Rentals in Wausau, WI: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Wausau or are thinking about moving there, short-term rentals are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Wausau has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Taxes & Fees

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

Short-term rentals in Wausau must comply with citywide parking rules under Wausau Municipal Code Chapter 10.20. Most notably, on-street parking is allowed only on an alternate side basis between 2:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Wisconsin Statute 66.1014 caps how restrictively Wausau can regulate the rental itself but expressly preserves the city's authority to enforce parking ordinances against STR guests.

Key details: Parking Code: Ch. 10.20. Alt-Side Hours: 2:30am-6:00am. Standard Forfeiture: $25. Snow Emergency Forfeiture: $100. State Authority: Wis. Stat. 66.1014.

Alternate-side and snow-emergency parking violations are enforced by the Wausau Police Department under Chapter 10.20 of the Wausau Municipal Code, with a $25.00 forfeiture rising to $100.00 during a snow emergency. Repeated parking complaints tied to a tourist rooming house can be referred to DATCP for review of the state TRH license under ATCP 72.

Noise Rules

Short-term rentals in Wausau must comply with Title 9 of the Wausau Municipal Code (Peace, Safety and Morals), including the general offenses in Chapter 9.04 and the public nuisance provisions in Chapter 9.24. Wisconsin Statute 66.1014 prevents Wausau from banning rentals of seven days or longer but expressly preserves the city's authority to enforce noise and nuisance ordinances against STR operators and their guests.

Key details: Noise Code: Title 9, Ch. 9.04/9.24. State Authority: Wis. Stat. 66.1014. State STR License: ATCP 72 (DATCP). Police Non-Emergency: (715) 261-7792. Inspections Phone: (715) 261-6780.

Noise violations are enforced by the Wausau Police Department under Title 9 and may result in a municipal forfeiture under the schedule in Chapter 1 of the Wausau Municipal Code. Repeated complaints may also be referred to DATCP under ATCP 72 for review of the property's state Tourist Rooming House license.

Permit Requirements

Wausau regulates short-term rentals through its zoning code and business licensing requirements. Operators need a city business license and must collect Wisconsin room tax. Ski season and Granite Peak visitors drive winter STR demand.

Key details: License: City business license. Room Tax: WI room tax required. Demand: Ski season peak. Zoning: Residential zone rules.

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

The Bottom Line

Wausau'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 Wausau is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Wausau can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.