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Egg Harbor, WI

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STR Regulations for Egg Harbor, Wisconsin

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Egg Harbor?

Explicitly: Short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in the Village of Egg Harbor, but they are strictly regulated. In December 2023, the Village Board adopted Chapter 118 of the Village Code (Short-Term Residential Dwellings), establishing a licensing regime for all STRs in residential dwellings. As of July 2024 and thereafter, no person may own or operate an STR without a valid Village STR license, regardless of whether the property is inside the Village or within its extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction.

Note: The Village’s STR rules apply after a property has operated more than 10 nights in a calendar year.

Source: Village of Egg Harbor STR licensing page and Chapter 118.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Egg Harbor?

Egg Harbor hosts earn a median $55,661/year with $406 ADR and 55% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $73,051+ per year.

See the full Egg Harbor market breakdown

How to Start an STR Business in Egg Harbor (Step-by-Step)

Investor-ready sequence to achieve full compliance across state, county, and municipal layers:

  1. Confirm zoning eligibility.

    • Ensure the property is a lawful residential dwelling (single-family, condo, etc.) and not a unit in a licensed inn/hotel/motel or a condominium with central staffed on-site reservations and on-site management (those are excluded from the STR definition and licensing regime).
    • Review the Village Zoning Map for R-1 and Rural Residential (RR) constraints (180-day cap applies for STRs created after Dec 2023; see Regulatory Details below).

  2. Secure state-level authorization.

    • Obtain a Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Tourist Rooming House license.
    • Complete the required DATCP inspection (or, if DATCP did not conduct an in-person initial inspection, obtain a third-party inspection by a Wisconsin Certified Professional Inspector or ASHI inspector and submit that report annually with your Village application).

  3. Obtain county-level authorization.

    • Apply for and maintain a Door County Tourism Zone (DCTZ) permit.
    • Enroll in monthly room tax filings and remit the room tax to DCTZ.

  4. Prepare Village licensing package.

    • If you do not reside within 75 driving miles of the STR, appoint a Registered Property Agent who lives within 25 miles; complete both the Registered Agent registration form and a signed agreement/contract.
    • Assemble the full set of required documents for the Village STR application.

  5. Submit Village STR application and pay the annual fee.

    • File the online Village STR application; the annual license runs July 1–June 30 (fee $250). Submit at least 45 days before expiration for renewal. Late or incomplete applications may result in denial or delay.

  6. Operational readiness.

    • Post required notices and property rules inside the STR and on all reservation platforms.
    • Provide neighbor notification (contact details, parking diagram, property rules) for all residential properties within 300 feet.
    • Confirm occupancy caps, parking, quiet hours, and sanitation capacity (especially for POWTS).

  7. Ongoing compliance.

    • Maintain current licenses and permits.
    • File monthly room tax with DCTZ.
    • Respond to complaints and Village inquiries; keep information current within 24–48 hours of changes.

Sources: Village STR page; Chapter 118; DATCP; Door County Tourism Zone.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Village of Egg Harbor STR License Application Package

  • Completed Village STR License Application (signed by all owners).
  • Annual nonrefundable fee: $250.00.
  • Registered Property Agent (if owner resides >75 miles from STR): completed registration form plus signed agreement/contract with agent.
  • Floor plan: all rooms identified, sleeping areas, maximum sleeping capacity.
  • Site plan: on-site parking locations, driveway location/width, maximum parking spaces available to guests.
  • Current photos: four exterior sides of the building and one photo from the end of the driveway looking toward the dwelling.
  • Recorded deed (current copy).
  • Door County Tourism Zone (DCTZ) permit.
  • DATCP Tourist Rooming House license.
  • Most recent DATCP Inspection Report (or third-party inspection report as allowed by Chapter 118).
  • Sanitation report (only if not served by municipal sewer).
  • Neighbor list: identify properties within a 300-foot radius.
  • Property Rules (minimum content specified in Chapter 118).
  • Emergency contact information for owner and, if applicable, the Registered Property Agent (email and phone).
  • Statement attesting the STR has not been altered without permits.
  • Acknowledgment of compliance with subdivision deed, condominium bylaws, or HOA restrictions, if applicable.
  • Adequate road access and on-site parking in conformance with the Municipal Code.
  • If on a private well: proof of safe, potable water.
  • If served by POWTS: proof system is sized to the advertised guest capacity; system inspected within the past three years with corrective actions documented.

State Requirements (Wisconsin)

  • DATCP Tourist Rooming House license and inspection or approved third-party inspection annually.

County Requirements (Door County)

  • DCTZ permit and ongoing monthly room tax reporting to the Door County Tourism Zone Commission.

Guidance References

  • Village Zoning Map and Planning & Development resources.
  • Door County GIS for neighbor radius and parcel context.
  • POWTS sanitation standards for non-municipal sewer properties.

Sources: Village STR page; Chapter 118; DATCP; Door County Tourism Zone; Door County Sanitarian (POWTS).

Specific Regulations: Village of Egg Harbor (City), Door County (County), Wisconsin (State)

Village of Egg Harbor (Chapter 118) – Key Operational Rules

  • License Required

    • No STR operation without a Village STR license; applies after 10 nights rented per year.

  • Owner/Agent Residency

    • Owner must reside within 75 miles during periods the STR is rented or maintain a Registered Property Agent within 25 miles, available 24/7, with a current contract and contact information on file.

  • Residential District Limits (applies to STRs created after Dec 2023; see next subsection)

    • In Rural Residential (RR) and R-1 districts: maximum 180 days per calendar year.
    • Rentals limited to one period in a consecutive six-day span for a minimum of two consecutive nights.
    • Legacy STRs (operating prior to Dec 2023, no change in ownership) are exempt until ownership changes.

  • Occupancy and Sleeping

    • Rooms used for sleeping must be within approved living quarters; occupancy limits governed by Wisconsin Admin. Code ATCP 72.14 (as referenced).

  • On-Site Parking and Access

    • Provide off-street parking meeting code; verify road access.

  • Quiet Hours

    • 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM; minimize plainly audible noise.

  • Safety and Building Conditions

    • Functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors per SPS 321.
    • No unpermitted or unsafe decks/structures; all structures in sound condition.
    • Fire and carbon monoxide alarm instructions, extinguisher location, and hose locations must be posted.

  • Signage

    • On-site signage related to the STR limited to one square foot; no other on-site advertising signage permitted.

  • Additional Accommodations

    • No RVs, campers, tents, or temporary lodging to accommodate paying guests.

  • Firewood

    • No outside firewood allowed; use only Door County–harvested firewood to prevent invasive species spread.

  • Pets

    • Pets must be under control and leashed when outside; tethered pets must be at least 10 feet inside lot lines; minimize pet noise during all hours.

  • Outdoor Events (during active rentals)

    • Max 12 consecutive hours between 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM; no event if parking demand exceeds approved on-site stalls; quiet hours still apply.

  • Neighbor Notification

    • Provide owner and agent contact details, property rules, and parking information to the Village for distribution to all residential properties within 300 feet; update within 24 hours of changes.

  • Refuse and Recycling

    • Street placement prohibited before noon the day before pickup; containers must be removed from the street by noon the day after pickup.

  • Posting Requirements

    • Post state DATCP license, DCTZ Good Neighbor Policy, and the Village STR license at the STR; submit property rules with application and post inside and on reservation platforms.

  • Inspection Authority

    • Building Inspector or health officer may request access with probable cause; special inspection warrants available under Wis. Stats. § 66.0119 if consent is refused.

  • Fees and Penalties

    • Nonrefundable $250 annual STR license fee; forfeiture penalties: $100–$500 first offense, $500–$1,000 second offense, and subsequent offenses plus applicable surcharges, assessments, costs, and legal fees; each day a violation exists is a separate offense.

  • Revocation, Nonrenewal, and Appeals

    • Grounds include violations of Chapter, state administrative codes, or local codes; failure to correct violations after notice; disorderly/illegal activity on premises; outstanding fees/taxes/forfeitures.
    • Due process appeal to the Village Board within 21 days; Board must issue written decision.

Source: Chapter 118.

Future STRs in Residential Districts: 180-Day Cap and Rental Frequency

  • For STRs created after December 2023 and located in RR or R-1 districts:
    • Maximum 180 rental days per calendar year.
    • One rental period in any consecutive six-day span, minimum two consecutive nights.
    • These limits do not apply to STRs existing as of Dec 2023 until a change in ownership.

Source: Door County Pulse reporting on Village Board action; Chapter 118.

Door County Tourism Zone (County-Level)

  • All STR operators in Door County must obtain a DCTZ permit.
  • Monthly room tax reporting is mandatory; the DCTZ administers collection and compliance.
  • Municipalities in Door County (including Egg Harbor) may layer additional local requirements; the DCTZ maintains a Municipal Requirements page and a Permit Holder FAQ.
  • Contact the DCTZ for permit and tax questions; see Contact section for details.

Sources: Door County Tourism Zone (municipal requirements, permit, FAQ, contact page).

State of Wisconsin

  • Wisconsin statute (Wis. Stats. § 66.0615) authorizes municipalities to regulate—but not ban—short-term rentals.
  • State law sets standards for Tourist Rooming Houses via DATCP, including inspection and safety requirements.
  • DATCP licenses are subject to ATCP 72.14 (occupancy and operations).

Sources: Door County Tourism Zone State Statute reference; DATCP Tourist Rooming Houses program.

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Village of Egg Harbor (STR Licensing)

  • Mailing Address: Village of Egg Harbor, PO Box 175, 7860 STH 42, Egg Harbor, WI 54209
  • Phone: (920) 868-3334
  • Office Hours: Mon–Thu 8:00 AM–2:00 PM; Fri 8:00 AM–12:00 PM (effective Jan 2, 2025)
  • STR Contacts: Madison Dietzen; Lynette Oman
  • STR License Application and Forms: see Village STR page; Registered Agent Registration Form and Agreement (see Source Links)
  • Village Zoning Map and Planning & Development resources are available on the Village website.

Door County Tourism Zone Commission (County Permit and Room Tax)

  • Office: 185 E Walnut St, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (by appointment 8:00 AM–4:00 PM Mon–Fri)
  • Mailing Address: PO Box 55, Sister Bay, WI 54234
  • Phone: (920) 854-6200
  • Email: info@doorcountytourismzone.com
  • Permit Portal: Door County Tourism Zone “Apply For A Permit”
  • Permit Holder FAQ: Door County Tourism Zone “Permit Holders”

State of Wisconsin – DATCP (Tourist Rooming House License)

Door County Sanitarian (POWTS/Sanitation)

Town of Egg Harbor (Separate Jurisdiction from Village)

  • Address: 5242 County Rd I, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
  • Phone: (920) 743-6141
  • Fax: (920) 743-1102
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Office Hours: Mon–Thu 8:30 AM–4:00 PM; Fri Closed

Note: The Town of Egg Harbor and Village of Egg Harbor are separate municipalities; this guide covers the Village only.

Sources: Village STR page; DCTZ contact page; DATCP Tourist Rooming Houses; Door County Pulse; Town of Egg Harbor STR page.

Source Links (Chapters, Applications, and Authorities)

Compliance Checklist (One-Page Summary)

  • Confirm zoning; schedule DATCP inspection; apply for DCTZ permit.
  • Secure Registered Property Agent (if owner >75 miles

Next step

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Egg Harbor

Market Saturation Score

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

Photos of Egg Harbor

Overview of Egg Harbor

Egg Harbor is a small village in Door County, Wisconsin, situated on the western shore of the Door Peninsula overlooking Green Bay. With a population of only a few hundred year-round residents, it retains a quiet, small-town atmosphere that swells with visitors each summer. The village is best known as one of the principal stops along Door County's celebrated scenic drive and serves as a charming gateway to the peninsula's galleries, cherry orchards, and Lake Michigan shoreline. It lies roughly 50 miles northeast of Green Bay, the nearest major city, and is reached by driving up Highway 42/57 through Sturgeon Bay.

Just minutes north of the village, Peninsula State Park sprawls across more than 3,700 acres of forest, bluffs, and shoreline. The park features an 18-hole golf course, miles of hiking and biking trails, a sandy beach at Nicolet Bay, and the Eagle Tower, a historic observation structure that offers sweeping views over Green Bay and the surrounding islands. It is the kind of place visitors return to year after year, and it is often cited as one of the most popular state parks in the Midwest.

South of Egg Harbor along the Lake Michigan shoreline, Cave Point County Park is known for its dramatic dolomite cliffs, sea caves carved by centuries of wave action, and panoramic views over the open lake. The short trails along the bluff edge are especially striking at sunrise and during autumn, when the surrounding hardwood forests turn color. Photographers, hikers, and casual sightseers are drawn to its rugged beauty, and the park is a common stop for travelers working their way down the peninsula.

A short drive north brings visitors to the village of Fish Creek and the northern reaches of Peninsula State Park, while farther up the road, the ferry terminal at the tip of the peninsula offers seasonal service to Washington Island. The island, accessible only by boat, is a quiet agricultural community of farm stands, country lanes, and a handful of small museums, offering a tranquil counterpoint to the busier mainland tourist villages. The ferry crossing itself, with views back toward the bluffs of the peninsula, is often considered part of the attraction.

For travelers considering a short-term rental, Egg Harbor offers a compelling combination of small-village charm, walkable access to restaurants and shops, and proximity to some of the Midwest's most celebrated natural scenery. Its position in the heart of Door County makes it an ideal home base for guests who want to spend their days hiking bluff trails, exploring nearby lighthouses, sampling local cherry products, and returning each evening to a quiet, well-kept community that feels distinctly tied to its lake-country roots.

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