Overview

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Alma, WI through a Conditional Use Permit process. Based on the provided documentation, Alma permits STR operations subject to specific conditions and regulatory requirements. The city has demonstrated a precedent for approving STR applications, as evidenced by the approved Conditional Use Permit for a property at 501 South Main Street in June 2021.

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

Step 1: Understand the Process

Alma operates under a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) system for STRs. This means STRs are permitted uses but require explicit approval from the city through a public hearing process.

Step 2: Prepare Your Application

Submit a Conditional Use Permit application to the City of Alma. Based on the precedent case, your application should demonstrate:

• Property ownership or legal control
• Compliance with zoning requirements
• Commitment to on-premises management
• Adequate off-street parking provisions

Step 3: Planning Commission Review

Your application will first be reviewed by the Planning Commission, which will make a recommendation to the City Council with specific conditions.

Step 4: Public Hearing Process

A public hearing will be conducted before the City Council, allowing community input on your application.

Step 5: City Council Decision

The City Council will consider both the Planning Commission recommendation and public input before rendering a final decision.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Requirements

1. Conditional Use Permit (CUP)

• Application for Conditional Use Permit
• Property ownership documentation
• Site plan showing parking arrangements
• Proposed operational plan

2. Zoning Compliance

• Property must comply with underlying zoning requirements
• STR operations must be compatible with surrounding land uses

3. Parking Requirements

• Minimum 2 off-street parking spaces (as established in the precedent case)
• Parking must be provided on the property

4. Management Requirements

• Owner/operator must be on-premises during rental periods (as established in precedent)
• Cannot rely on remote management

5. Signage Restrictions

• No exterior signage permitted (as established in precedent case)

Specific Regulations

City of Alma Requirements

Based on the June 10, 2021 precedent case, approved STR conditions include:

1. On-Premises Management: The property owner/operator must be present during all rental periods
2. Parking: Must provide a minimum of 2 off-street parking spaces on the property
3. Signage: No exterior signage related to the STR is permitted
4. Use Type: STR operations must be compatible with the residential character of the neighborhood

Buffalo County Requirements

Tourist Rooming Houses (relevant STR category per county zoning ordinance):

While the full county ordinance text is truncated in the provided content, the ordinance references "Tourist Rooming Houses" as a specific use category, suggesting additional county-level regulations may apply to STR operations.

General County Zoning Requirements:

• STRs must comply with underlying zoning district requirements
• Conditional use permits may be required at the county level for certain zoning districts
• Parking and setback requirements may vary by zoning district

Wisconsin State Requirements

Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) Compliance:

• All residential structures used for STR purposes must comply with UDC requirements
• Building permits may be required for structural modifications
• Properties built after June 1, 1980, must meet UDC standards

Tax Obligations:

• STR operators are subject to Wisconsin state tax requirements
• Room tax obligations may apply at the local level
• Income from STR operations is subject to state income tax

Contact Information

City of Alma

Primary Contact for STR Applications:

Linda Torgerson, City Clerk

• Phone: [Contact through City Hall - number not provided in documents]
• Address: City of Alma, 501 South Main Street, Alma, WI 54610
• Email: [Not provided in documents]
• Website: cityofalmawi.com

Gary Ruff, Council President

• Address: City of Alma, Alma, WI 54610
• Note: Presided over STR permit approval process

Buffalo County

Zoning Department (for county-level requirements):

Buffalo County Zoning Department

• Phone: (608) 685-6218
• Address: 407 S. 2nd St., P.O. Box 492, Alma, WI 54610
• Website: //www.buffalocounty.com

Key Staff:

• Michael J. Owecke – Zoning Administrator
• Keith Bollinger – Zoning Specialist
• Julie Lindstrom – Administrative Assistant

Source References

1. City of Alma Council Minutes - June 10, 2021

   • cityofalmawi.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/June-10-2021-Council-minutes.pdf
   • Contains precedent STR permit approval with specific conditions

2. Buffalo County Zoning Ordinance - February 2018 Draft

   • www.buffalocountywi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1564
   • Contains county-wide zoning framework including Tourist Rooming House regulations

3. Jackson County Building Permits (general reference only)

   • www.co.jackson.wi.us/?SEC=DF895D07-460E-457F-A418-E34DF83E2438
   • Note: This is a different county; included only for general UDC context

Important Notes for Investors

Market Reality: Alma is a small community with a demonstrated acceptance of STR operations, as evidenced by the approved 2021 permit. The city appears to favor owner-operated STRs with on-premises management.

Regulatory Approach: Alma's approach is case-by-case through the Conditional Use Permit process, allowing the city to consider neighborhood impacts while permitting legitimate STR businesses.

Compliance Risks: Non-compliance with approved conditions (particularly on-premises management and parking requirements) could result in permit revocation or enforcement action.

Precedent Setting: The 2021 approval establishes important precedent for future STR applications, particularly regarding the three key conditions: on-premises management, 2 off-street parking spaces, and no exterior signage.