Fond du Lac County, WI Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)

Fond du Lac County Code § 30-126(a) bars operating a bed and breakfast establishment or tourist rooming house, along with a long list of other lodging and food establishments, without first obtaining a non-prorated license from the health department; the license cannot be transferred to a new location or a new operator except to an immediate family member taking over the business. Before any license issues, § 30-126(c) requires a preinspection of the premises, and § 30-127 gives the health department 30 days to act on a complete written application.

Section 30-124(b) adds a testing requirement specific to these two lodging types: an annual nitrate sample is required for establishments licensed as a tourist rooming house or bed and breakfast, under Wis. Admin. 10, because these properties commonly rely on private wells. Fees are set on the county board of health's fee schedule under § 30-128, including a preinspection fee for new operators and a reinspection fee if a violation turns up; renewal and late fees not postmarked by June 30 are treated as operating without a license, which can trigger a closure.

A licensee or applicant denied, suspended or revoked can request review by the health officer within 30 working days, and then appeal to the county board of health, under the procedure in § 30-125.