Baraboo, Wisconsin Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Baraboo, WI?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Baraboo, Wisconsin. The City of Baraboo has established specific regulations for short-term rentals (defined as rentals for less than 29 consecutive days) through their Zoning Code Chapter 17, Section 17.13A. Both the City of Baraboo and the surrounding Town of Baraboo have regulatory frameworks in place, with additional county and state-level requirements. The City encourages property owners to familiarize themselves with these regulations before proceeding.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Baraboo?

Baraboo hosts earn a median $43,820/year with $319 ADR and 46% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $66,843+ per year.

See the full Baraboo market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Baraboo

Step 1: Determine Your Jurisdiction

City of Baraboo residents: Subject to City Zoning Code Chapter 17, Section 17.13A
Town of Baraboo residents: Subject to Town Ordinance Chapter 37 (Tourist Rooming Houses)
Verify your property location through the city's zoning maps or by contacting city officials

Step 2: Review Zoning Eligibility

Consult Chapter 17 of the City's Zoning Code to determine if your property is eligible for short-term rental use
The City provides direct links to the zoning regulations and an application portal

Step 3: Complete Required Inspections and Licensing

Obtain all necessary state, county, and local licenses and permits
Complete required fire and safety inspections
Designate a resident agent if operating in the Town jurisdiction

Step 4: Submit Applications

File for short-term rental license with the appropriate jurisdiction
Apply for all required state, county, and local permits
Ensure all documentation is complete before submission

Step 5: Maintain Compliance

Display required permits prominently
Comply with ongoing inspection requirements
Maintain insurance and safety standards
Collect and remit applicable room taxes

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City of Baraboo Requirements

Primary License:

Short-Term Rental License Application (filed with City Engineer's Office)

Supporting Documentation:

Property ownership verification
Zoning compliance certification
Safety inspection reports (as required)
Insurance documentation
Floor plans and occupancy information

Town of Baraboo Requirements (Chapter 37)

Required Licenses and Permits:

State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services License
Wisconsin Department of Revenue Seller's Permit
Special Exception Permit issued by Sauk County
Septic verification or sanitary permit from Sauk County
Room Tax Permit
Tourist Rooming House Permit (issued under Chapter 37)
Resident Agent Permit (if applicable)

Documentation Required:

Sauk County Special Exception Permit
State Lodging Establishment Inspection form (dated within one year)
Wisconsin Department of Revenue Seller's Permit
Proof of Insurance (minimum $300,000 individual/$1,000,000 aggregate liability)
Floor plan and maximum occupancy documentation
Site plan including parking availability
Resident Agent designation and authorization
Fire Inspection Report (dated within one year)
Certification of compliance with Section 37.11 requirements

Sauk County Requirements

State-Level Licensing:

Wisconsin Department of Health Services Tourist Rooming House License
Pre-inspection required ($190 one-time fee)
Annual license renewal ($190)

Safety Requirements:

Carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas with fuel-burning appliances
CO detectors must be ceiling-mounted in rooms with fuel-burning appliances
Smoke detectors meeting state code requirements

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Baraboo Zoning Regulations (Chapter 17.13A)

Short-term rentals are permitted subject to zoning code requirements
Properties must comply with all applicable zoning district regulations
Additional requirements may apply based on specific zoning classifications

Town of Baraboo Standards (Chapter 37.11)

Minimum Requirements:

Bathroom Facilities: Not less than one bathroom for every four occupants
Floor Space: Minimum 150 square feet for first occupant, plus 100 square feet for each additional occupant (based on habitable room area)
Parking: Minimum 1.25 onsite, off-street parking spaces for every four occupants
Egress: Safe, unobstructed means of egress leading to safe, open space at ground level
Safety Equipment: Functional smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors per Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter SPS 362
Fireplace Compliance: Wood burning fireplaces require certificate from licensed commercial building inspector (within 30 days)
Cooking Equipment Restrictions: No hibachi, gas-fired grills, charcoal grills, or similar devices on balconies, decks, or within 10 feet of structures
Insurance Requirements: Casualty and liability insurance with minimum $300,000 individual/$1,000,000 aggregate coverage
Quiet Hours: Notification required regarding quiet time between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM
Maximum Occupancy: Two people maximum for premises without separate enclosed bedrooms

Sauk County Environmental Health Requirements

Carbon Monoxide Detection:

CO detectors required in each sleeping area with fuel-burning appliances
CO detectors required in rooms containing fuel-burning appliances
Ceiling placement required for detectors in rooms with fuel-burning appliances
Compliance with Wisconsin State Statute 101.149

Wisconsin State Requirements

Licensing:

Tourist Rooming House license required for all short-term rentals
Management companies cannot hold licenses (individual owners must be licensees)
Pre-inspection required before licensing

Room Tax:

Room Tax Permits required
Collection and remittance of applicable room taxes

Contact Information

City of Baraboo

City Engineer's Office
Phone: (608) 355-2730
Website: City of Baraboo
Address: Municipal Building, Baraboo, WI

Short-Term Rental Information:
Direct Link: Short-Term Rentals
License Application: Short-Term Rental License Application

Town of Baraboo

Town Clerk
Phone: Contact through town offices
Address: Town of Baraboo, WI

Tourist Rooming House Permits:
Chapter 37 regulations apply to Town of Baraboo residents

Sauk County Environmental Health

Address: Sauk County West Square Building, Suite #372, 505 Broadway, Baraboo, WI 53913
Phone: (608) 355-4327
Fax: (608) 355-4329
24/7 Line: 1 (800) 533-5692
TDD: (608) 355-4298

Key Staff:

Environmental Health Manager: Steve Lisser, REHS - steve.lisser@saukcountywi.gov
Environmental Health Sanitarians: Justin Huelsemann, REHS - justin.huelsemann@saukcountywi.gov
Environmental Health Analyst: Laura Fry - laura.fry@saukcountywi.gov

Website: Sauk County Environmental Health - Lodging

Links to Source Pages

City of Baraboo Official Website: https://baraboowi.gov/
Short-Term Rental Information: https://baraboowi.gov/index.asp?SEC=BD5447CE-5D2D-41E9-8915-C1B459299BAB
License Application: https://baraboowi.seamlessdocs.com/f/2fqd2gvtot06
City Zoning Code Chapter 17: https://baraboowi.gov/vertical/Sites/%7BD06131C5-F452-44C7-954E-97BD998BCA20%7D/uploads/Chapter_17.pdf

Town of Baraboo Ordinance Chapter 37: https://townofbaraboo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/ordinances_ch.37.pdf

Sauk County Environmental Health: https://www.co.sauk.wi.us/environmental-health/lodging

This guide provides comprehensive information for short-term rental investors considering properties in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Always verify current requirements with local authorities before making investment decisions, as regulations may be updated periodically.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Baraboo

Baraboo is a small city in south-central Wisconsin that serves as the county seat of Sauk County. With a population of roughly 12,500 residents, it carries a relaxed, historic small-town atmosphere framed by the rolling bluffs and farmland characteristic of the Driftless region. The city is best known as the former winter home of the Ringling Brothers Circus and as a southern gateway to the Wisconsin Dells. Madison, the state capital and nearest major city, lies about 40 miles to the southeast, an easy drive of around 45 minutes, while Milwaukee is roughly 120 miles away and Chicago about three hours' drive to the southeast.

Just outside Baraboo, Devil's Lake State Park is one of Wisconsin's most visited outdoor destinations, drawing hikers, climbers, and swimmers to its 360-acre lake hemmed by quartzite bluffs. The park sits about 10 minutes south of downtown Baraboo and offers more than 29 miles of trails, a pair of sandy beaches, and a campground that fills quickly in summer and fall. For visitors who want a quieter natural experience, Parfrey's Glen, a state natural area known for its mossy rock walls and small waterfall, is also within a short drive of the city.

A short walk from the center of Baraboo brings visitors to the Circus World Museum, a sprawling complex operated in partnership with the Wisconsin Historical Society on the former Ringling Brothers winter quarters grounds. The museum preserves a remarkable collection of vintage circus wagons, hosts daily live performances under a big top, and tells the story of how the Ringling brothers launched their famous show from this small Sauk County town in the late 1800s. It is the kind of family-oriented attraction that tends to fill Baraboo's lodging during the summer tourist season.

About 15 minutes north of Baraboo lies the broader Wisconsin Dells area, often billed as the waterpark capital of the world. The Dells region layers together indoor and outdoor waterparks, boat tours through the sandstone gorges of the Wisconsin River, go-kart tracks, mini-golf, and a wide strip of family resorts. Many travelers choose to stay in Baraboo and make day trips into the Dells, taking advantage of quieter evenings and lower lodging rates. Closer to town, the International Crane Foundation headquarters offers a different pace, with carefully maintained grounds and aviaries dedicated to the conservation of the world's crane species.

Together, these nearby draws give Baraboo a year-round appeal that goes well beyond a single attraction. Owners of short-term rentals here can market to circus-history enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers heading to Devil's Lake, and families using the city as a quieter, more affordable home base for Wisconsin Dells excursions, all within an easy drive of Madison and the rest of southern Wisconsin.