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.
Wausau enforces noise complaints under Title 9 of the Wausau Municipal Code. Chapter 9.04 (General Offenses) and Chapter 9.24 (Nuisances) are the primary tools the Wausau Police Department uses to address loud parties, amplified music, and disturbances at residential properties, including tourist rooming houses licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) under Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 72. Wisconsin Statute 66.1014 (the 'right to rent' law) caps the kind of restrictions Wausau can place on the rental contract itself - the city cannot prohibit short-term rentals of seven consecutive days or longer - but the same statute preserves municipal authority to enforce noise, parking, building, health, and nuisance codes against STR hosts and their guests on the same terms as any other residence. Wausau hosts should confirm the current decibel limits and any quiet-hours window with the Wausau Police Department non-emergency line at (715) 261-7792 or the Inspections, Zoning and Electrical Systems Division at (715) 261-6780, because Title 9 references general 'loud and disturbing' standards rather than a single fixed dBA limit and is updated periodically. Repeated noise complaints tied to a tourist rooming house can also be referred to DATCP for review of the state TRH license, separate from any municipal forfeiture.
Noise violations are enforced by the Wausau Police Department under Title 9 and may result in a municipal forfeiture under the schedule in Chapter 1 of the Wausau Municipal Code. Repeated complaints may also be referred to DATCP under ATCP 72 for review of the property's state Tourist Rooming House license.
Wausau, WI
Wausau considers excessive barking a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. WI Stat. §174 covers dog regulation statewide.
Wausau, WI
Wausau enforces quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM. The paper mill city along the Wisconsin River manages industrial noise from Verso and other mills under Wisco...
Wausau, WI
Wausau regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. WI Stat. §947.01 applies.
Wausau, WI
Wausau requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
Wausau, WI
Wausau restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight, size, and signage limits apply. Overnight heavy truck storage prohibited.
Wausau, WI
Wausau enforces a strict winter parking ban from November 1 through April 1. Alternate-side parking is required during snow events. With over 50 inches of an...
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