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.

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

• City Hall: Contact for building permits and municipal requirements
• Website: Black River Falls Official Website
• Physical Address: City Hall, Black River Falls, WI

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.