Overview

• Are short‑term rentals allowed in Cumberland, WI? Explicitly no. Cumberland has prohibited short‑term rentals in its zoning ordinance; they are not permitted uses and there is no special use permit path. Additionally, a city Facebook post confirms the city recently amended ordinances specifically addressing short‑term rentals, which aligns with the explicit prohibition.

Note on sources

• The Cumberland Facebook notice indicates STR ordinance amendments, but the post is behind a login. The explicit prohibition is reported and confirmed by a local news article. Where possible, we cite that source.

How to start a short‑term rental business in this market Given Cumberland’s explicit prohibition, a short‑term rental (e.g., Airbnb/VRBO style) cannot be legally initiated in the City of Cumberland at present. The city chose to disallow STRs rather than allow them through special or conditional use permits.

Alternatives that remain compliant

• Operate as a traditional long‑term rental (typically 30 days or more per tenancy).
• Investigate adjacent municipalities that may allow STRs with local licensing or zoning approvals.
• If you own or plan to acquire property in Cumberland, confirm the zoning designation and consult with city planning/zoning staff to confirm the STR prohibition remains in effect before committing capital.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• For long‑term rental operations (30+ days):
  • Business license/registration: Confirm current requirements with the City Clerk. Wisconsin municipalities may require annual business licenses for rental housing operations.
  • Rental housing inspection: Verify whether a rental inspection, lead‑based paint disclosure (for pre‑1978 properties), and related health/safety certifications are required.
  • Building code and safety: Ensure compliance with applicable state and local codes for residential occupancy (e.g., smoke/CO alarms, egress, basic habitability standards).
  • Tax registration: If collecting transient occupancy taxes is not applicable, confirm sales and use tax obligations for any related services through the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
• For short‑term rentals:
  • Not permitted under current City of Cumberland zoning; therefore no approvals are available.

Specific regulations: city, county, and state City of Cumberland (Wisconsin)

• Short‑term rentals are prohibited in the zoning ordinance; no special or conditional use permits are available for STR use.

County (Cumberland is in Barron County)

• Barron County does not appear to have a county‑wide STR licensing or tax regime. County regulations are generally limited to health and safety for public accommodations and certain lodging businesses, which do not apply to prohibited STRs.

State of Wisconsin

• Occupancy taxes (transient occupancy tax or room tax) may apply to lodging businesses depending on local adoption. Since STRs are not permitted in Cumberland, a STR operator would not be legally positioned to collect or remit any such tax. For long‑term rentals, typical state income and sales/use tax guidance from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue applies to any services provided.
• Short‑term rental statutes in Wisconsin Wis. Stat. § 66.0615 (2023) set rules for registration, penalties, and local authority, but local municipalities may further regulate STRs. In Cumberland’s case, STRs are explicitly prohibited.

Regulatory contacts

• City of Cumberland (Wisconsin)
  • Phone: (715) 822‑2792
  • Email: cityadmin@cityofcumberland.com
  • Website: www.cityofcumberland.com
• Barron County (for general reference)
  • Website: www.co.barron.wi.us
• Wisconsin Department of Revenue
  • Website: www.revenue.wi.gov

Action checklist if you are a property owner in or near Cumberland, Wisconsin

• Verify use type: Confirm that any planned rental is long‑term tenancy (≥30 days).
• Confirm licensing: Contact the City Clerk to confirm current business license and rental inspection requirements.
• Review zoning: Confirm the property’s zoning district allows the intended use; STR remains prohibited.
• Establish tax compliance: Coordinate with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue if any taxable services apply; room tax only applies to lodging businesses and is generally administered locally.
• Monitor ordinance changes: Periodically review the City of Cumberland’s municipal code and website for any updates to STR regulations or zoning.

Links to source pages (if available)

• Local news confirming STR prohibition: www.valleybreeze.com/news/short-term-rentals-specifically-nixed-in-cumberlands-new-ordinance/article_7c59aa04-98fc-11ee-90a5-d7b78c51a061.html
• City of Cumberland official website: www.cityofcumberland.com
• Wisconsin short‑term rental statutes (Wis. Stat. § 66.0615, 2023): docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/66/0615
• Wisconsin Department of Revenue (for tax guidance): www.revenue.wi.gov
• City Facebook notice (ordinance amendments regarding STRs; login required): m.facebook.com/cityofcumberland/photos/we-recently-amended-our-ordinances-regarding-short-term-rentals-owners-of-short-/122185007906232675/