43. Rules and Regulations to Run a Airbnb
Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course
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Episode Summary
In this episode, I break down Wisconsin’s short-term rental rules from the top down—statewide requirements (DATCP Tourist Rooming House license and inspections), the county layer (zoning, room tax, and when conditional use permits come into play), and the township layer (minimum night stays, resident agent requirements, occupancy limits, and other quirky rules). I also share our real-life CUP hearing story in Columbia County, why HOAs are risky, what “annexation” or jurisdiction changes can mean for you, and the #1 mistake that can get you shut down before you ever launch.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House (TRH) license through DATCP before listing—period.
- County rules vary: some are light-touch, others require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) with hearings and neighbor notices.
- Township rules can be the strictest: night-minimums, local resident-agent radius, spacing from other STRs, owner-occupancy, and bizarre self-management limitations.
- Always confirm legal guest capacity (septic size, bedrooms, or square footage can control it).
- HOAs can change the rules overnight—avoid if you plan to operate an STR.
- If a small town is being annexed (e.g., to a nearby city), get “grandfathering” status in writing.
Why Listen to This Episode?
If you’re eyeing a Wisconsin Airbnb, this is the playbook for staying compliant, avoiding fines, and protecting your investment before you hit “Publish.”
Mentioned in the Episode
- Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb?: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $50 with the Promo-code: 5STARPODCAST
- Connect with Me on Instagram: Follow me @airbnbroadmappodcast for behind-the-scenes
Let’s Connect
Thinking about Wisconsin STR rules & permits? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share your progress! I’d love to cheer you on and help you out.
Work With Me
Want step-by-step guidance? My self-paced Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator is under $500 and covers everything from setup to scaling. If you close on your first STR with an agent I connect you to, you’ll get a 100% refund at closing.
Chapters
00:00 Life update + property under contract
05:46 State level: DATCP Tourist Rooming House license (what it is, inspections)
12:39 County level: zoning, room tax, and when CUPs are required
15:35 CUP story time: neighbor letters, hearings, and outcomes (Columbia County)
24:46 Township level: night minimums, resident agents, spacing/ownership quirks
31:51 HOAs: why they’re risky for STRs
33:05 Annexation & grandfathering: small town becoming part of a city
35:28 Legal occupancy: how towns/counties calculate guest limits
36:50 Don’t list before permits; protecting your launch
38:10 Course + free-at-closing offer
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