Short-Term Rentals in Wausau, WI (2026)
4 verified short-term rentals rules for Wausau, Wisconsin, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Wausau Short-Term Rental Rules
Some RestrictionsWis. Stat. § 66.1014 — Limits on residential dwelling rental prohibited
66.1014(2)(d)2. 2. Any person who maintains, manages, or operates a short-term rental, as defined in s. 66.0615 (1) (dk) , for more than 10 nights each year, shall do all of the following: 66.1014(2)(d)2.a. a. Obtain from the department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection a license as a tourist rooming house, as defined in s. 97.01 (15k) . 66.1014(2)(d)2.b. b. Obtain from a political ...
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.
STR Noise Rules in Wausau
Some RestrictionsTaxes & 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.
Wausau STR Taxes & Fees
Some RestrictionsParking 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.
STR Parking Rules in Wausau
Some RestrictionsLooking for Marathon County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Wausau city rules.
Short-Term Rentals in Marathon County →