Short-term rental permit rules in Madison, WI — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Madison requires all short-term rentals to obtain a Tourist Rooming House license under MGO Chapter 32 and state DATCP. Non-owner-occupied STRs are capped at 30 nights per year unless the property qualifies as owner-occupied primary residence.
Madison General Ordinances Chapter 32 governs Tourist Rooming Houses (STRs). Operators must obtain both a state Tourist Rooming House license from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and a City of Madison license from Public Health Madison and Dane County. Under Wisconsin Act 59 and WI Stat. 66.1014, cities cannot ban STRs outright but may impose a 30-night annual cap on rentals where the host is not present. Madison requires the property to be the owner's primary residence for rentals exceeding 30 nights in a calendar year. Applications require floor plans, proof of residency, parking plans, and passing health/safety inspection. Licenses are issued annually and posted publicly.
Operating without a license is subject to MGO forfeitures up to 1,000 dollars per violation per day. License revocation is possible for repeat violations.
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