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

If you live in West Allis 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. West Allis has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Parking Rules

Short-term rental guests in West Allis must follow citywide on-street parking rules. West Allis prohibits on-street parking from 3:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. without a permit. Tourist rooming houses must be licensed annually through the West Allis Health Department and must satisfy the off-street parking required for the underlying residential use under the West Allis Zoning Code.

Key details: Overnight Ban: 3am-6am. License Code: Wis. Admin. ATCP 72. Zoning Parking Sec.: Sec. 19.44. State Authority: Wis. Stat. 66.1014. Local Licensing: West Allis Health Dept..

Overnight parking citations are issued by the West Allis Police Department. Repeat parking complaints tied to a tourist rooming house can be reviewed by the West Allis Health Department at annual license renewal and may result in license suspension or non-renewal. Parking that blocks fire lanes, alleys, sidewalks or hydrants can also trigger immediate towing at the owner's expense. Confirm current citation amounts with the West Allis Police Department.

Noise Rules

Short-term rentals in West Allis must follow Section 7.035 of the West Allis Revised Municipal Code. The ordinance defines 'night' as 10:00 p.m. to 6:59 a.m. and 'day' as 7:00 a.m. to 9:59 p.m. Sound reproduction devices may not be plainly audible across a property line at night, and must not be plainly audible 150 feet beyond the property line during the day.

Key details: Code Section: Sec. 7.035. Night Hours: 10pm-6:59am. Day Hours: 7am-9:59pm. Audibility Limit (Day): 150 feet. Forfeiture: $100-$500.

Violators face a forfeiture of not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00 per offense, plus costs of prosecution under Section 7.035 of the West Allis Revised Municipal Code. Repeat noise complaints tied to a tourist rooming house can be reviewed by the West Allis Health Department at annual license renewal and can result in license suspension or non-renewal. The Health Department or Police Department may also pursue abatement of an ongoing nuisance.

Taxes & Fees

West Allis STR operators must collect Wisconsin 5% state sales tax, Milwaukee County 0.9% tax (eff. Jan 1, 2024), and applicable room taxes under Wis. Stat. §66.0615.

Key details: State Sales Tax: 5%. County Tax: 0.9% (eff. Jan 1, 2024). Room Tax: Wis. Stat. §66.0615 municipal room tax. State License: DATCP TRH $110/year + $300 one-time inspection.

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

Permit Requirements

West Allis requires a Tourist Rooming House permit administered through the West Allis Health Department. Annual inspection required. State DATCP TRH license ($110/year + $300 one-time inspection) also required.

Key details: Local Permit: Required — West Allis Health Dept.. Annual Inspection: Required per ATCP 72 standards. State License: DATCP TRH — $110/year + $300 one-time inspection. Contact: City of West Allis Health Dept..

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

The Bottom Line

West Allis'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 West Allis is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from West Allis's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.