Fitchburg, WI Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)

Section 10-284(a) requires every person who wishes to establish, operate, or maintain a short-term rental within the city to file an annual license application with the city clerk for each short-term rental. Beyond the basic application, § 10-284(d) requires proof of a valid and current tourist rooming house license, as required by Wis. Stats. a, issued by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, and § 10-284(e) requires proof the property passed an annual city building inspection department inspection to ensure compliance with Fitchburg Ordinances and Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP Chapter 72, with any violations corrected before the license issues.

The application fee is set in the annual budget fee schedule under § 10-284(f). Once the common council grants the license under § 10-285, it is not transferable and must be displayed at the rental. Under § 10-284(i), every license expires June 30 each year regardless of the issue date, so operators renew annually rather than on a rolling anniversary. The public safety and human services committee hears any denial appeal under § 10-286, with the common council making the final call.