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Black River Falls

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Black River Falls, WI

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STR Regulations for Black River Falls, Wisconsin

Overview

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, but only through a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) process administered by Jackson County. Black River Falls is located within Jackson County, and STRs are governed by county-level zoning regulations rather than city-specific ordinances. STRs are defined as residential dwellings offered for rent for fewer than 29 consecutive days and are permitted as conditional uses in specific zoning districts.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Black River Falls?

Black River Falls hosts earn a median $27,787/year with $204 ADR and 46% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $39,052+ per year.

See the full Black River Falls market breakdown

Market Entry Strategy for Short-Term Rentals

1. Zoning Compliance Assessment

  • Verify Property Zoning: Confirm your property is located in an approved zoning district
    • STRs are allowed in: R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 residential districts
    • STRs are also permitted in A-1 and A-2 agricultural districts
  • Property Inspection: Conduct thorough property assessment to ensure compliance with building codes and health department requirements

2. Conditional Use Permit Process

The CUP process is mandatory and involves multiple steps:

  1. Application Submission: Submit completed CUP application and fee to Jackson County Zoning office
  2. Public Notification: County will notify adjacent property owners within 300 feet
  3. Publication Requirements: Notice published in Banner Journal for 2 weeks and announced on radio
  4. Township Consultation: CUP request forwarded to local township for position statement
  5. Applicant Participation: Highly recommended to attend township meeting to address concerns
  6. Zoning Committee Review: Request added to next Zoning Committee agenda
  7. Decision: Zoning Committee makes recommendation/decision

3. Compliance Verification

Before applying, ensure your property meets:

  • All local building code requirements
  • County Health Department licensing requirements
  • All applicable State requirements
  • County Sanitary provisions for private septic systems
  • Parking stall requirements per Section 17.50

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Primary Permits/Licenses

  1. Conditional Use Permit (CUP) - Required before operation
  2. Building Code Compliance - Must meet all local building requirements
  3. Health Department License - County Health Department licensing mandatory
  4. State Requirements Compliance - All applicable Wisconsin state regulations
  5. Sanitary System Approval - Compliance with County Sanitary provisions for septic systems

Supporting Documentation

  • Property ownership documentation
  • Site plans showing parking compliance
  • Septic system documentation/certification
  • Building code compliance certificates
  • Health department inspection reports

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

Jackson County (Governing Authority)

  • Definition: STRs are residential dwellings offered for rent fewer than 29 consecutive days
  • Permitted Districts: R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 residential districts; A-1, A-2 agricultural districts
  • Permit Type: Conditional Use Permit (CUP) required
  • Notification Requirements: 300-foot radius property owner notification, newspaper publication, radio announcements
  • Additional Requirements: Township consultation and recommendation

City of Black River Falls

  • No City-Specific STR Regulations: City zoning code does not contain specific STR provisions
  • General Zoning Compliance: Properties must comply with underlying residential zoning (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4)
  • Standard Municipal Requirements: Building permits, business licenses, and standard municipal regulations still apply

State of Wisconsin

  • State Requirements: All applicable Wisconsin state regulations must be met (specific state requirements not detailed in provided content)

Key Regulatory Requirements

Property Standards

  • Building Code: Full compliance with local building codes required
  • Health Standards: County Health Department licensing mandatory
  • Sanitary Systems: Must meet County Sanitary provisions for private septic systems
  • Parking: Must meet parking stall requirements of Section 17.50

Operational Requirements

  • CUP Compliance: Continuous compliance with Conditional Use Permit conditions
  • Licensing Renewal: Maintain active health department license
  • Inspections: Regular inspections as required by county and state regulations

Contact Information

Jackson County Zoning Department

  • Phone: (715) 284-0201
  • Physical Address: Jackson County Courthouse, 307 Main Street, Black River Falls, WI 54615
  • Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Website: Jackson County Zoning

Jackson County Health Department

  • Environmental Health Division: DHHS Environmental Health Overview
  • Phone: (715) 284-0201 (main county number)
  • Address: Jackson County Courthouse, 307 Main Street, Black River Falls, WI 54615

City of Black River Falls

Source Documentation

  1. Jackson County Zoning - Short Term Rental Information: Jackson County STR Regulations

  2. Jackson County Zoning Forms and Applications: CUP Application and Forms

  3. Conditional Use Permit Application (2025): Direct Application Form

  4. Jackson County Code of Ordinances: Full Zoning Code

  5. City of Black River Falls Zoning Code: Chapter 17 Zoning Code

  6. Jackson County DHHS Environmental Health: Health Department Requirements

Critical Success Factors

  1. Early Township Engagement: Proactive communication with local township early in the process
  2. Comprehensive Compliance: Ensure all building, health, and sanitary requirements are met before applying
  3. Neighbor Relations: Consider reaching out to adjacent property owners proactively
  4. Professional Preparation: Utilize experienced contractors familiar with county requirements
  5. Ongoing Compliance: Maintain all permits and licenses throughout operation

Important Note: The CUP process typically takes 60-90 days from application to decision. Factor this timeline into your business planning and property acquisition schedule.

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Black River Falls

Market Saturation Score

036912
Moderate Saturation
7/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
5–7 declining months: moderate saturation risk - market may be nearing capacity.
View Full Black River Falls Market Analysis

Photos of Black River Falls

Overview of Black River Falls

Black River Falls is a small city in Jackson County, in west-central Wisconsin, with a population of approximately 3,600 residents. As the county seat, it has a quiet, small-town character shaped by its setting along the Black River and its proximity to extensive forests and glacial lakes. The city is best known as a gateway to outdoor recreation in the surrounding Driftless Region and as a hub for travelers heading between Madison and the Twin Cities. It lies roughly 130 miles northwest of Madison and about 60 miles southeast of Eau Claire, situated near the junction of Interstate 94 and U.S. Highway 12.

Just a few miles east of town, the Black River State Forest offers more than 65,000 acres of woodlands, sandstone bluffs, and trout streams, with campgrounds, hiking trails, horseback riding paths, and a designated ATV/UTV trail system that draws outdoor enthusiasts year-round. The forest is typically within a 10- to 15-minute drive from most of the city.

Within that same state forest, Wazee Lake is a well-known local draw. Bordered by old-growth forest and a former iron-mining site, it is one of the deepest and clearest natural lakes in Wisconsin, and the surrounding beach area attracts divers, swimmers, and hikers during the warmer months.

Downtown Black River Falls is small but walkable, with locally owned shops, cafes, and a handful of historic buildings that reflect the city's 19th-century logging and milling roots. Visitors interested in local history can stop by the Jackson County Historical Society museum, which preserves artifacts and exhibits on the area's Native American heritage, pioneer life, and the lumber industry that once defined the region.

Black River Falls works well as a base for short-term rentals because it pairs a calm, affordable small-town setting with quick access to some of Wisconsin's most rewarding outdoor destinations. Guests can spend the day hiking forest trails, diving clear inland lakes, or cruising ATV routes, then return to a quiet residential base with easy highway connections to larger regional attractions. The combination of natural amenities, modest lodging costs, and steady year-round outdoor activity gives owners a flexible market serving couples, families, and adventure travelers alike.

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