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Rock County, WI Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions

Verified 2 weeks ago|Source: Rock County Public Health – Licensed Facilities →

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Key Facts

County Numeric Cap: None published; set per-property via TRH license
Governing Code: Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 72
State Right-to-Rent: Wis. Stat. §66.1014
Inspection Authority: Rock County Public Health
180-Day Cap Option: Permitted under §66.1014(2)(d) for 7-29 day rentals

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Rock County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Summary

Rock County publishes no county-wide STR occupancy cap. Maximum guests are set per-property through the Tourist Rooming House license under Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 72, established during the Rock County Public Health pre-inspection based on bedrooms, egress, and life-safety features.

Full Breakdown

Wis. Stat. §66.1014 prohibits Wisconsin local governments from outright banning rentals of 7 or more consecutive days, but allows enforcement of safety, occupancy, and licensing standards. Rock County does not adopt a separate numeric occupancy cap. Instead, the licensed occupancy is determined property-by-property when Rock County Public Health (the DATCP agent) inspects the dwelling for ATCP 72 compliance. Inspectors evaluate bedroom count, egress windows, smoke and CO detector placement, ventilation, and bunk-bed compliance — all of which constrain how many guests the TRH license permits. STRs in unincorporated towns that opted into county zoning under Wis. Stat. ch. 91 may face additional density rules; cities of Janesville and Beloit set their own occupancy standards within city limits.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding the licensed occupancy can trigger ATCP 72 enforcement, including forfeitures under Wis. Stat. ch. 97 and possible TRH license suspension or revocation by Rock County Public Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many guests can stay at a Rock County short-term rental?

Rock County does not set a single numeric cap. Occupancy is determined property-by-property through the Tourist Rooming House license under ATCP 72, based on bedroom count, egress, and life-safety features verified during the Rock County Public Health pre-inspection.

Can Rock County limit how many days I can rent my home?

Not for stays of 7 or more consecutive days — Wis. Stat. §66.1014 protects those from outright bans. Local governments may cap rentals of 7 to 29 days at no fewer than 180 days per year, and may regulate stays shorter than 7 days more strictly.

Do bunk beds count toward my occupancy?

Yes. Rock County Public Health applies ATCP 72 standards to all sleeping surfaces, including bunk beds. Confirm with the inspector how each bed counts toward your licensed occupancy before listing the property.

How does Rock County compare?

See how Rock County's occupancy limits rules stack up against other locations.

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Rock County, WI Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

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Related Rock County Ordinances

Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours

Fence Regulations: Height Limits

Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws

Fire Regulations: Fireworks

Environmental Rules: Flood Zones

Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements

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