Short-Term Rentals in Dane County, WI (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Dane County, Wisconsin.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Dane County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Short-Term Rental Permits

A Dane County tourist rooming house permit issued under ch. 46.33 runs on the annual cycle set out in ch. 46.34 and ch. 46.35: fees are set in the county's Public Health fee schedule, a 25% late fee applies once a renewal payment is overdue, and the department stops renewing lapsed permits after July 31 each year.

Dane County STR Permit Renewal Rules

Some Restrictions

Dane County Code of Ordinances, ch. 46.35(1)-(2)

46.35(1) In each instance where a fee required under subsections (1) through (4), inclusive, of section 46.34 is not paid when due, the director of environmental health shall collect a late fee equal to 25% of the applicable permit fee. (2) As used in this subsection, permit refers to any annual permit required by section 46.34 and permitted facility refers to any facility the operation of whic...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Taxes & Fees

Operators of tourist rooming houses, Wisconsin's regulatory term covering short-term rentals, in unincorporated Dane County need a Public Health Madison and Dane County permit under ch. 46.33, and ch. 46.34 sets the fee schedule: a $25/day inspection fee for transient operators, a reinspection fee tied to permit type, and an extra charge for operating without a license.

Dane County Short-Term Rental Permit Fees

Some Restrictions

Dane County Code of Ordinances, ch. 46.34(1)(a), (3)

(1) Public Health Department license fees shall be determined by the Board of Health. County fees for permits required by s. 46.33 shall be established by the County Board and published in the Public Health Madison and Dane County Fee Schedule... (a) Inspection. Public Health Madison and Dane County may charge a transient operator licensed with the State of Wisconsin or another Wisconsin munici...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Short-Term Rentals by City in Dane County

3 cities in Dane County have their own short-term rentals rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

MadisonPop. 269,840

7 verified rules • Host Platform Liability, Host Presence Rule

FitchburgPop. 29,609

5 verified rules • Night Caps, Occupancy Limits

MiddletonPop. 21,827

4 verified rules • Occupancy Limits, Short-Term Rental Parking Rules

All Dane County ordinances

See every category we cover for Dane County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

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