Short-term rental permit rules in Dane County, WI — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Short-term rentals in unincorporated Dane County are regulated under the county zoning ordinance (Chapter 10). Tourist Rooming Houses require a Public Health license from Public Health of Madison and Dane County.
In unincorporated areas of Dane County, short-term rentals (Tourist Rooming Houses / TRH) are addressed through county zoning (Chapter 10) and state licensing requirements. All STRs must obtain a Tourist Rooming House license from Public Health of Madison and Dane County. Additionally, operators must collect and remit Wisconsin state sales tax (5%) under Wis. Stat. §77.52 for rentals under 30 days. County zoning may require a conditional use permit or home occupation permit depending on the zoning district.
Operating an STR without required licenses can result in public health enforcement actions and zoning violations. Fines apply for unlicensed operation.
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See how Dane County's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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