If you want a Colorado (state-level or city-specific) guide, you’ll need to provide the relevant Colorado sources. Otherwise, the following guide reflects the only jurisdiction covered by the provided content: Bayfield County, Wisconsin, including note of the Town of Bayfield’s recent repeal of its STR licensing ordinance.

Title: STR Regulatory Guide: Bayfield County, WI (and Town of Bayfield, WI) Note on Scope: The provided sources relate exclusively to Bayfield County, Wisconsin (and the Town of Bayfield). No Bayfield, Colorado content was provided.

Overview

• Are short-term rentals allowed in Bayfield County, WI?
  • Yes, but only with the required state lodging license and, in most cases, a Bayfield County Short-Term Rental (STR) permit. “Tourist Rooming House” licensing is required statewide in Wisconsin for STRs. Bayfield County requires an STR permit for properties located on unincorporated lands. Properties located within certain municipalities (City of Bayfield, City of Washburn, Town of Pilsen) must follow the local municipality’s rules; the county’s STR permit is generally not required within those municipalities. Town of Bayfield (Wisconsin) repealed its STR licensing ordinance in March 2025; a Town STR license is no longer required there.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Bayfield County, WI

1. Confirm your property’s jurisdiction

• Unincorporated Bayfield County: You need a Wisconsin lodging license (“Tourist Rooming House”) and a Bayfield County STR permit.
• City of Bayfield: Contact the City for zoning/permit requirements (they require a permit for nightly/short-term rentals); also obtain the state lodging license.
• City of Washburn: Short-term rentals in residential districts require a conditional use permit; also obtain the state lodging license.
• Town of Pilsen: Contact the Town for local permits (if any); also obtain the state lodging license.
• Town of Bayfield (WI): STR licensing by the Town is repealed as of March 10, 2025; still obtain state lodging license and comply with room tax reporting.

2. Obtain required licenses/permits

• Wisconsin state lodging license (Tourist Rooming House): Issued through Bayfield County Health Department (DATCP agent). Includes a pre-inspection and annual license.
• Bayfield County STR permit: Required for unincorporated areas. Issued by the Planning and Zoning Department.
• Local municipal permits: As applicable (City of Bayfield permit; City of Washburn conditional use permit; local rules in other towns).
• Room tax: Local municipalities may charge room tax and have separate reporting requirements.

3. Prepare application materials and schedule inspections

• Complete county STR application (Planning & Zoning) and state lodging license application (Health Department).
• Provide POWTS (private sewage) design capacity documentation if the property uses a septic system.
• Provide property details: bedrooms count, contact person/property manager, business tax registration certificate.
• For City of Washburn: Initiate the conditional use permit process with zoning administration.

4. Post-inspection and permit issuance

• Health Department conducts pre-inspection for the state lodging license.
• County Planning & Zoning issues the STR permit upon a complete, compliant application.
• Non-transferable permits; new application required upon ownership change or if the state lodging license lapses.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines Wisconsin state lodging license (Tourist Rooming House)

• Issued by Bayfield County Health Department (state agent).
• Includes a pre-inspection and an annual license.
• Compliance with Wisconsin Admin. Code ATCP 72 (state lodging code) is mandatory.

Bayfield County Short-Term Rental Permit (for unincorporated areas)

• Issued by Bayfield County Planning & Zoning Department.
• Required even if you hold a municipal license/permit if you are outside City of Bayfield, City of Washburn, and Town of Pilsen.
• Up to four STR units per lot; additional conditional use permits may be required for multiple units:
  • 3+ units: Multiple Unit Development conditional use permit required first.
  • 2+ units: Conditional use permit required if the parcel cannot be subdivided so each building is on a separate lot and meets setback requirements.
• Must maintain proof of both the state lodging license and the county STR permit at all times the unit is operating or available to rent.

Application requirements (Bayfield County STR Permit)

• Owner identity and contact information, including a physical address for service.
• Wisconsin business tax registration certificate (Department of Revenue).
• State lodging license (ATCP 72) or filed tourist rooming house license application.
• POWTS design capacity proof (if served by septic).
• Number of bedrooms and those intended for STR use.
• Contact person/property manager with full legal name, address, phone, and email, and 24/7 contact method. Update the county with any changes.
• Any additional information requested by Planning & Zoning to ensure compliance.

Operational standards

• No excessive noise or disturbance. Three or more justified and validated calls to law enforcement for noise/disturbances within 12 months constitutes a public nuisance.
• Fireworks are prohibited on-site.
• Occupant limit must not exceed:
  • The POWTS design capacity; or
  • The limit in ATCP 72 or any other applicable state regulation/statute/local ordinance (whichever is most restrictive).
• No recreational vehicles, campers, tents, or other temporary lodging arrangements as additional accommodations beyond the permitted occupant limit.
• Compliance with all applicable state, county, and local regulations (including town ordinances) and payment of any sales tax.
• A fire number must be issued for the residential dwelling.
• Room tax reporting: If your municipality imposes room tax, you must register and report separately (even if Town of Bayfield no longer requires a Town STR license).

Municipal specifics

• City of Bayfield: Requires a permit for nightly or short-term rentals. Contact the City Zoning Department.
• City of Washburn: Requires a conditional use permit for nightly rentals in residential districts. Contact the Zoning Administrator.
• Town of Pilsen: Contact local officials for any Town-level permit requirements (the county site notes local municipalities may impose their own permits/room tax).
• Town of Bayfield (WI): As of March 10, 2025, the Town’s STR licensing ordinance is repealed; no Town STR license is required. Room tax licensing/reporting remains in effect.

Appeals and enforcement

• Denials or revocations may be appealed per county zoning code (Section 13-1-102(c)).
• Permits can be revoked by Planning & Zoning for violations.
• Violations are subject to forfeiture of not less than $100 and not more than $500 per violation. Each day of a continuing violation constitutes a separate violation. Revocation is in addition to other remedies.

Regulatory specifics for Bayfield County and Municipalities

• County authority: Bayfield County Zoning Code §13-1-35 (Short-Term Rentals) governs STRs on unincorporated lands, adopted under Wis. Stat. §66.0615.
• State lodging law: Wisconsin ATCP 72 governs Tourist Rooming Houses statewide.
• Applicability: County STR permit is generally required for STRs outside the City of Bayfield, City of Washburn, and Town of Pilsen.
• Municipalities: Cities/Towns may impose additional permits, zoning reviews (e.g., conditional use), and room taxes.

Contact Information (Bayfield County, WI)

• Bayfield County Health Department (Environmental Health Services – Licensing & Inspections)

  • Phone: 715-373-6100
  • Application support for Wisconsin lodging license (Tourist Rooming House)
  • Source: www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/992/Vacation-Rentals

• Bayfield County Planning & Zoning Department

  • Address: 117 E 5th Street, P.O. Box 878, Washburn, WI 54891
  • Phone: 715-373-6100
  • Issues STR permits for unincorporated areas; handles applications and enforcement
  • Source: www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/992/Vacation-Rentals

• City of Bayfield (Wisconsin)

  • Website: www.cityofbayfield.com/forms.html
  • Requires a permit for nightly/short-term rentals
  • Source: www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/992/Vacation-Rentals

• City of Washburn (Wisconsin)

  • Zoning Administration / Code Enforcement – Short-Term Rental License
  • Website: www.cityofwashburnwi.gov/zoning-administration-code-enforcement/page/short-term-rental-license
  • Requires a conditional use permit for nightly rentals in residential districts
  • Source: www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/992/Vacation-Rentals

• Town of Bayfield (Wisconsin)

  • Address: 85450 County Hwy J, Bayfield, WI 54814
  • Phone: (715) 779-5671
  • As of March 10, 2025, Town STR licensing repealed; room tax remains
  • Source: townofbayfieldwi.gov/short-term-rental/

• Bayfield County – Local Communities Directory

  • Use for additional municipality contacts and room tax/permit details
  • Source: www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/1032/Local-Communities

Links to Source Pages

• Bayfield County Short-Term Rental Ordinance (Title 13, Ch. 1, Art. B, §13-1-35): www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/17680/Short-Term-Rental-Ordinance
• Bayfield County – Vacation Rentals (Guide, fees, application links, municipal notes): www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/992/Vacation-Rentals
• Town of Bayfield (Wisconsin) – Short-Term Rental announcement (repeal of Town licensing): townofbayfieldwi.gov/short-term-rental/
• City of Bayfield (Wisconsin) – Forms/Permits: www.cityofbayfield.com/forms.html
• City of Washburn (Wisconsin) – Short-Term Rental License (conditional use permit): www.cityofwashburnwi.gov/zoning-administration-code-enforcement/page/short-term-rental-license
• Wisconsin Admin. Code ATCP 72 (Tourist Rooming House / Lodging Code): docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/atcp/055/72.pdf

Important Notes

• If your target market is Bayfield, Colorado, you will need Colorado-specific sources to complete that guide. The materials provided relate only to Wisconsin.
• The above guidance is specific to Bayfield County, WI (and its municipalities). If you meant Wisconsin, this guide reflects the applicable rules and procedures based on the provided sources.