Permit Requirements: Madison vs Middleton
How do permit requirements rules compare between Madison, WI and Middleton, WI?
Middleton has fewer restrictions than Madison.
Madison, WI
Dane County
Madison requires all short-term rentals to obtain a Tourist Rooming House license under MGO Chapter 32 and state DATCP. Non-owner-occupied STRs are capped at 30 nights per year unless the property qualifies as owner-occupied primary residence.
View full Madison rules →Middleton, WI
Dane County
Middleton regulates but cannot ban STRs under WI Act 59 (2017). DATCP tourist rooming house license may be required. WI Stat. §66.1014.
View full Middleton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Madison | Middleton |
|---|---|---|
| Code | MGO Chapter 32 | - |
| State License | DATCP required | - |
| Non-Owner Cap | 30 nights/year | - |
| Primary Residence | Required for more | - |
| Fine | Up to 1,000/day | - |
| Licensing | - | Check Middleton rules |
| Bans | - | Prohibited by WI Act 59 |
| DATCP | - | Tourist rooming house license |
| State Law | - | WI Stat. §66.1014 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Madison FAQ
Can I Airbnb my Madison second home all year?
No. If the property is not your primary residence, Madison limits rentals to 30 nights per calendar year under MGO Chapter 32.
Do I need both state and city STR licenses in Madison?
Yes. You need a DATCP Tourist Rooming House license and a City of Madison license from Public Health Madison Dane County.
Middleton FAQ
Can my city ban STRs?
No. WI Act 59 prohibits cities from banning STRs outright. They can regulate with licensing and safety rules.
Do I need a DATCP license?
Tourist rooming house licensing through DATCP may be required in addition to city permits.
Compare other topics
See how Madison and Middleton compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool