Dane County and its municipalities (Madison, Sun Prairie, Fitchburg, Middleton, Verona, Stoughton) do not mandate a specific STR liability minimum, but Wisconsin tourist rooming house licensing under Wis. Stat. §97.605 and Madison General Ordinances (MGO) Ch. 32 expect hosts to carry adequate coverage. Standard Wisconsin homeowner policies typically exclude commercial rental activity.
Wisconsin regulates short-term rentals as tourist rooming houses under Wis. Stat. §97.605 and Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 72, administered by DATCP (or by Dane County/Madison as agent inspection authorities). Neither the state nor Dane County Code sets a minimum liability policy amount, but Wis. Stat. §66.1014 allows municipalities to require licensing, and Madison (MGO §32.03) and Fitchburg require proof of insurance on the Tourist Rooming House application. Industry practice is $500,000 to $1,000,000 per occurrence. Wisconsin OCI Bulletin guidance warns that standard homeowner HO-3 policies exclude business pursuits and short-term rental activity, so hosts usually need a commercial dwelling, landlord (DP-3), or STR-specific endorsement. Platform coverage (Airbnb AirCover, VRBO Liability Insurance) is excess-only and does not replace primary coverage. Failure to maintain coverage can result in permit denial, revocation under MGO §32.05, and personal liability for guest injuries on Yahara lakefront properties where drowning and boating claims are common.
Operating without proof of insurance on a Madison or Dane County Tourist Rooming House license renewal triggers denial or revocation under MGO §32.05. Forfeitures typically $200 to $1,000 per violation under Wis. Stat. §97.72. Uninsured hosts face unlimited personal liability for guest injuries.
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Middleton, WI
Middleton regulates amplified music under its general noise ordinance. The Good Neighbor Festival and Hubbard Avenue Diner summer events have special noise p...
Middleton, WI
Middleton considers excessive barking a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. WI Stat. §174 covers dog regulation statewide.
Middleton, WI
Middleton enforces quiet hours typically 10 PM to 7 AM. Noise disturbances enforceable under WI Stat. §947.01 (Disorderly Conduct).
Middleton, WI
Middleton enforces alternate-side parking November 15 through March 15 and 48-hour maximum street parking year-round. Snow emergencies trigger full parking b...
Middleton, WI
Middleton restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight, size, and signage limits apply. Overnight heavy truck storage prohibited.
Middleton, WI
Middleton requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
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