Madison MGO §28.151 caps tourist rooming house occupancy at 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. Wis. Stat. §66.1014 preempts outright STR bans but allows reasonable occupancy limits. Dane County unincorporated areas apply Ch. 10 standards.
Short-term rentals (STRs) in Wisconsin are governed primarily by Wis. Stat. §66.1014, which preempts municipalities from banning rentals of 6 nights or fewer for at least 7 consecutive days per month but permits reasonable regulation including occupancy caps, licensing, and nuisance controls. The state also licenses STRs as 'tourist rooming houses' under Wis. Stat. §97.01(15k) and Ch. ATCP 72, requiring a state license from DATCP or delegated local health departments. Madison General Ordinance §28.151 applies zoning standards to tourist rooming houses: in most residential districts, maximum occupancy is 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional, with a hard cap typically at 8 guests total. Dane County (unincorporated), Fitchburg, Middleton, Verona, Sun Prairie, Stoughton, and Monona apply similar formulas with cap ranges from 6 to 10 guests. Hosts must post occupancy limits in the unit, and listings must accurately state maximum occupancy. Operators need a Wisconsin seller's permit to remit 5% state sales tax, county sales tax, and the local Room Tax (typically 10% in Madison).
Exceeding occupancy: $250-$1,000 forfeiture per violation per night. License revocation for repeat offenders (typically 3+ violations in 12 months). Operating without state or city license: up to $500 per day.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Fitchburg, WI
Fitchburg regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. WI Stat. §947.01 applies.
Fitchburg, WI
Fitchburg considers excessive barking a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. WI Stat. §174 covers dog regulation statewide.
Fitchburg, WI
Fitchburg enforces quiet hours typically 10 PM to 7 AM. Noise disturbances enforceable under WI Stat. §947.01 (Disorderly Conduct).
Fitchburg, WI
Fitchburg enforces street parking restrictions locally. Winter alternate-side parking critical. No statewide consecutive parking limit. WI Stat. §346.503 app...
Fitchburg, WI
Fitchburg restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight, size, and signage limits apply. Overnight heavy truck storage prohibited.
Fitchburg, WI
Fitchburg requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Dane County.
See how Fitchburg's occupancy limits rules stack up against other locations.
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