Kaukauna, WI Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)

Kaukauna regulates short-term rentals indirectly: under Wisconsin Statute 66.1014 (the Wisconsin 'right to rent' law), the city cannot prohibit residential rentals of seven or more consecutive days, but the statute expressly preserves municipal authority to enforce noise, health and safety ordinances against rental operators and their guests. Kaukauna's general noise rule prohibits the use, operation or permitting to be played of any radio receiving set, musical instrument, music or audio system, machine or device, speakers, amplifiers and similar devices for the producing or reproducing of sound in a loud and unnecessary manner. The 75-foot radius standard provides a clear, enforceable benchmark: if a stereo, speaker, instrument or other sound device at a tourist rooming house can be heard outside a 75-foot radius of the source, that audibility is prima facie evidence of a violation, except for activities specifically allowed by a permit issued by the city. Kaukauna's Health and Recreation Committee administers an Amplified Music Application for private events where loud music or noise will take place; an STR host who wishes to host an event with amplified music must apply in advance through the City Clerk. Kaukauna's broader public-nuisance framework in Chapter 10 of the Municipal Code declares any 'thing, act, occupation, condition, or use of property which shall continue for such length of time as to substantially annoy, injure, or endanger the comfort, health, repose, or safety of the public' to be a public nuisance. Section 10.05(10) specifically addresses the keeping or harboring of any animal or fowl which, by frequent or habitual howling, yelping, barking, crowing or making of other noises, greatly annoys or disturbs a neighborhood. STR hosts whose guests bring pets must therefore manage barking dogs in addition to amplified sound. State licensing for tourist rooming houses is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) under Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 72; Outagamie County Public Health is the local agent for inspections in Kaukauna.