Franklin, Wisconsin Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

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

YES — Short-term rentals are explicitly permitted in Franklin, Wisconsin. Short-term rentals are classified as a "P" (Permitted) use in all residential districts (R-C, R-SE, R-SR, R-MF, R-V) according to the City of Franklin Unified Development Ordinance. This means investors can legally operate short-term rentals without needing special approvals, provided they comply with all applicable regulations and obtain the required permits.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Franklin?

Franklin hosts earn a median $28,402/year with $170 ADR and 64% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $42,751+ per year.

See the full Franklin market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Franklin

Step 1: Property Qualification

Primary Residence Requirement: The short-term rental property must be your primary residence
Zoning Compliance: Ensure your property is located in a residential district where short-term rentals are permitted
Property Type: Single-family homes, duplexes, townhomes, and multifamily units are all eligible

Step 2: Obtain Required Permits and Licenses

Tourist Rooming House License: Required from the City of Franklin Health Department
Hotel Tax Registration: Must comply with Chapter 138-25 of the City of Franklin Code of Ordinances

Step 3: Operational Setup

Guest Management: Implement booking and guest management systems
Insurance: Secure appropriate liability and property insurance
Local Compliance: Establish procedures to ensure compliance with all city regulations

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Licenses and Permits:

Tourist Rooming House License
- Issued by: City of Franklin Health Department
- Required for: All short-term rental operations
- Renewal: Annual
Hotel Tax Registration
- Issued by: City of Franklin (Chapter 138-25)
- Required for: Collecting and remitting room taxes
- Compliance: Ongoing monthly/quarterly reporting

Property Requirements:

Guest Capacity: Maximum 2 adult guests per bedroom
Stay Duration: Minimum 3 days, maximum 30 days per stay
Primary Residence: Property owner must reside at the property
Zoning Compliance: Must comply with all residential district requirements

Operational Standards:

Property Maintenance: Property must complement neighborhood appearance
Nuisance Prevention: Must not detract from abutting properties
Compliance Monitoring: Subject to city inspection and enforcement

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Franklin (Local) Regulations:

Article 4.05(B) - Short-Term Rental Use-Specific Standards:

Guest Limitations: Maximum of 2 adult guests per bedroom
Stay Duration Requirements:
- Minimum stay: 3 consecutive days
- Maximum stay: 30 consecutive days
Primary Residence Mandate: The residential dwelling must be the primary residence of the property owner
Tax Compliance: Subject to hotel tax provisions established in Chapter 138-25 of the City of Franklin Code of Ordinances
Health Department Licensing: Tourist Rooming House License from City of Franklin Health Department required

Zoning District Permissibility:

R-C (Countryside Residence): Permitted (P)
R-SE (Suburban/Estate Residence): Permitted (P)
R-SR (Suburban Residence): Permitted (P)
R-MF (Multiple-Family Residence): Permitted (P)
R-V (Village Residence): Permitted (P)

Additional Compliance Requirements:

Must comply with all general development standards in Article 5
Subject to residential district bulk and dimensional standards (Article 3)
Must comply with parking requirements (Section 15-5-01(B))
Property maintenance and appearance standards apply

Milwaukee County Regulations:

While the provided content focuses on city-level regulations, short-term rentals in Franklin must also comply with Milwaukee County health and safety regulations that may apply.

Wisconsin State Regulations:

Short-Term Rental Tax Requirements:

Wisconsin Room Tax (State): 5.5% on gross receipts
Additional local room taxes may apply
Monthly or quarterly filing requirements with Wisconsin Department of Revenue

Wisconsin Administrative Code:

Must comply with Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter SPS 320 (Buildings Used for sleeping accommodations)
Health and safety standards under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 97

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contacts:

City of Franklin Health Department

Phone: (414) 425-9101
Function: Tourist Rooming House License issuance and inspections
Website: www.franklinwi.gov (specific health department page)

City of Franklin Planning Department

Phone: (414) 425-4024
Function: Zoning compliance and UDO questions
Email: planning@franklinwi.gov

City of Franklin Finance Department

Phone: (414) 425-7500
Function: Hotel tax registration and compliance
Email: finance@franklinwi.gov

City of Franklin Clerk's Office

Phone: (414) 425-7500
Function: General municipal inquiries
Email: cityclerk@franklinwi.gov

City of Franklin Building Department

Phone: (414) 425-0084
Function: Building permits and inspections
Email: building@franklinwi.gov

Source Pages

Primary Regulatory Source:

City of Franklin Unified Development Ordinance (Approved May 6, 2025; Effective June 9, 2025)
Source URL: www.franklinwi.gov/Files/Planning/UDO-Rewrite-2025/2025-UDO-Rewrite-Text.pdf
Key Sections:
- Article 4.05(B) (Short-Term Rental Use-Specific Standards)
- Article 3 (District Specific Standards - Use Tables)
- Chapter 138-25 (Hotel Tax Provisions - referenced but not provided)

Important Notes for Investors:

Effective Date: New UDO effective June 9, 2025 - verify current compliance status
Primary Residence Requirement: Strict enforcement of this requirement is critical
License Renewal: Tourist Rooming House License must be renewed annually
Tax Compliance: Hotel tax compliance is mandatory and monitored
Inspection Rights: Properties are subject to health department inspections
Zoning Verification: Confirm current zoning classification before purchasing property

This guide provides the regulatory framework for short-term rental operations in Franklin, WI. Investors should contact the appropriate city departments for current application procedures, fee schedules, and any recent regulatory updates.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Franklin

Franklin is a suburban city in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, situated in the southeastern part of the state just southwest of Milwaukee. With a population of approximately 36,000 residents, Franklin carries the feel of a comfortable, well-established suburb — quiet, family-friendly, and largely residential, with stretches of parkland, golf courses, and wooded neighborhoods woven through its layout. It functions as a convenient gateway to the broader Milwaukee metropolitan area, drawing visitors who want access to city amenities while staying in a calmer, greener setting. Downtown Milwaukee lies roughly fifteen miles to the northeast, an easy drive that makes Franklin a practical base for travelers exploring the region.

One of the area's most distinctive natural assets is Whitnall Park, a sprawling Milwaukee County park that extends into Franklin and its neighboring communities. The park is anchored by the Boerner Botanical Gardens, a formal garden complex featuring themed flower gardens, rose collections, and woodland trails that draw visitors throughout the warmer months. Whitnall Park also contains golf courses, picnic areas, and extensive walking paths, making it a versatile year-round destination just minutes from Franklin's residential core.

For a more intimate outdoor experience, the Franklin Woods Nature Center offers a network of trails through restored woodlands and prairies, providing a quick local escape for hikers, birdwatchers, and families with young children. The center sits within Franklin's park system and is one of the community's quieter draws — a small but well-maintained spot that highlights the city's commitment to preserving green space amid suburban development.

A short drive north of Franklin brings visitors to the Milwaukee County Zoo, one of the most-visited attractions in the region. The zoo spans more than 200 acres and houses a wide range of animals in naturalistic exhibits, making it a major draw for families staying in the area. Beyond the zoo, downtown Milwaukee opens up a much wider slate of options, including lakefront cultural venues, the Historic Third Ward district, and the city's renowned museum campus, all reachable in roughly twenty to thirty minutes from Franklin by car.

Franklin's appeal as a short-term-rental market stems from this balance: a peaceful, suburban environment with strong road connections to Milwaukee's urban core and the wider southeastern Wisconsin region. Visitors who prefer quieter evenings, larger floor plans, and easy access to nature still find themselves within a short drive of major sporting events, cultural institutions, and lakefront recreation. For travelers prioritizing both convenience and a relaxed Midwestern setting, Franklin offers a compelling mix that fits a wide range of trip styles.