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

Yes—short-term rentals are allowed in Sawyer County (including the Hayward area) under the county’s Tourist Rooming House (TRH) licensing framework. Operation requires a TRH license issued by the Sawyer County Department of Health & Human Services (acting as the state’s agent) and may also require a City of Hayward business license for properties within city limits. State-level requirements (DATCP, Department of Revenue) apply. The county code also regulates occupancy, safety, local contact, and neighbor notification. No separate Hayward city ordinance code excerpts were provided in the source materials; most city-level requirements (if any) are covered by the county TRH ordinance and general business licensing.

Note: The TRH ordinance was adopted under the authority of Wisconsin Statutes (chapters 59, 66, 251, 254). It is current per the draft provided (March 21, 2024).

How to Start a Short-Term Rental in Hayward/Sawyer County

The following is a step-by-step roadmap based on the Sawyer County TRH ordinance.

1. Verify Zoning and Feasibility

• Confirm the property is zoned to allow lodging use (residential zones may allow TRH as lodging; commercial districts commonly permit lodging).
• If within city limits, complete the City of Hayward business license requirement.
• Identify waste disposal method (public sewer preferred; private on-site wastewater treatment systems (POWTS) are allowed only with proper approvals from the County Zoning & Conservation Department).

2. Obtain State Licensing

• Wisconsin DATCP Tourist Rooming House License: Required by state statute to operate a TRH. The county code references this state license as a prerequisite for county issuance. DATCP regulates safety and lodging standards (ATCP 72, SPS 382/383).
• Wisconsin Department of Revenue Sales Tax Permit: If you take direct bookings and collect rent, register to collect sales tax and any applicable room tax.

3. Prepare the County TRH License Application

• Complete the Sawyer County TRH License application form (available through the Health Department).
• Assemble all required documents (see next section).
• Submit to the County Health Officer. Decision within 30 days of a complete application (with an optional 30-day extension by mutual agreement).

4. Designate a Local Owner’s Agent

• Appoint an Owner’s Agent who can respond within a 60-minute drive (normal conditions).
• Prepare the written agency agreement between the Owner and Owner’s Agent, and keep a current copy for county review.

5. Neighbors and Public Notices

• Send certified mail notice to each property owner within 100 feet of the TRH property. Provide TRH address, license number, maximum occupancy, and contact info for Owner and Owner’s Agent.

6. Prepare Safety and Operations

• Install/maintain required safety equipment (smoke and CO alarms, fire extinguishers, egress routes, signage).
• Finalize parking on-site per the approved site plan.
• Adopt house rules and a code of conduct for guests.

7. Begin Operation

• Upon approval, display licenses and required posting(s) per county ordinance.
• Maintain records per ATCP 72.16 (guest names, contact info, dates, prices).
• Collect and remit room tax (see Taxes section).

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Sawyer County TRH License Application
  • Applicant and intended licensee names; owner(s) and proof of Wisconsin authority if an entity
  • Property address and tax ID number
  • Wisconsin DATCP Tourist Rooming House License (state)
  • Wisconsin Department of Revenue Sales Tax Number
  • Requested maximum occupancy
  • Copy of Sanitary Permit (if applicable) or proof of sufficient sanitary capabilities
  • Detailed site plan showing lot lines, parking areas, garbage receptacle locations, and other reasonable info requested by the Health Officer
  • Designation of Owner’s Agent with contact information, or documentation that the Owner qualifies as Owner’s Agent
  • Any additional info deemed necessary by the Health Department
• City of Hayward Business License (for properties within city limits)
• Licensing Term and Renewal
  • TRH license expires annually on June 30. Renewal window is May 1–June 30. Renewal requires updated information, any requested documentation, and fees.
• Inspections
  • Authorized county health staff may enter licensed TRH property during regular business hours; reasonable hours in emergencies. At least 40 hours/week open is typical for inspections; otherwise inspections occur at reasonable times.
• Occupancy and Wastewater
  • Occupancy must comply with ATCP 72.14(2)(b).
  • If no public sewer, a POWTS must be approved by County Zoning & Conservation Department and comply with SPS 382/383 and ATCP 72.10(5). POWTS occupancy is limited to 2 persons per bedroom (or DSPS-approved alternative).
• Safety Requirements (ATCP 72.14(c), SPS 362, SPS 321.03)
  • Functional smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms
  • At least one fire extinguisher; signs if not visible
  • Safe, unobstructed egress leading to safe open ground space
  • No fireworks per Wis. Stat. § 167.10
• Animal Control
  • Renters must comply with County Ordinance No. 4-2-10 and 4-2-11. Pets must be under control at all times.
• Parking and Site Plan
  • Guest parking must be on-site or comply with local parking regulations; parking only in areas shown on the site plan submitted with the application.
• Secondary Structures
  • Secondary habitable structures require zoning approval and meet all licensing requirements before use for overnight sleeping.
• Records (ATCP 72.16)
  • Maintain guest records for at least one year (guest names, contact info, dates/length of stay, price). Make records available at reasonable times for inspection.

Specific Regulations (City, County, State)

• County (Sawyer County): Governs TRH licensing, safety standards, wastewater compliance, local contact, neighbor notifications, inspections, and enforcement. The TRH license is required to advertise, rent, or operate a short-term rental in the county. License denial, suspension, and revocation procedures are defined in the ordinance.
• State (Wisconsin): Governs the underlying Tourist Rooming House licensing (Wis. Stat. § 97.605), safety standards (ATCP 72; SPS 382/383), room tax and sales tax (Wis. Stat. § 66.0615), and record-keeping (ATCP 72.16). The county ordinance does not modify any rights or obligations under state statutes.
• City of Hayward: Within city limits, a city business license applies, but no Hayward-specific STR ordinance details were provided in the source materials. City-level licensing, registration, and tax collection are required as cited in source articles and summaries.

Enforcement and Penalties

• Enforcement by County Health Officer, County Zoning & Conservation, and/or appropriate law enforcement.
• Operating without a valid TRH license: daily penalties/fees; amounts set by the County Health and Human Services Board.
• License suspension or revocation for violations.
• Call-for-service triggers:
  • Three calls within one month: initial suspension of up to 35 days while corrective action is considered; may be reinstated, suspended, or revoked.
  • Five or more calls in a calendar year: license revocation possible.
• Penalties may be assessed in addition to any other remedies (injunction, abatement, costs).
• Unpaid penalties/forfeitures may be placed on the tax roll if unpaid within six months.

Contact Information

• Sawyer County Health Department (Public Health Unit)
  • Phone: (715) 634-4861
  • Email: health@sawyercountygov.org
  • TRH licensing authority per county ordinance
• Sawyer County Zoning & Conservation Department
  • Phone: (715) 634-4866
  • Toll-free: (877) 699-4110
  • POWTS approvals, zoning confirmations, parking/site plan compliance
• City of Hayward
  • Phone: (715) 634-2311
  • Address: 15889 W 3rd Street, Hayward, WI 54843
  • Business license inquiries for properties within city limits
• Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection (DATCP)
  • Tourist Rooming House Licensing (state): Contact county health department acting as state’s agent; DATCP regulates under ATCP 72 and related codes
• Wisconsin Department of Revenue
  • Phone: (608) 266-2486
  • Sales tax and room tax registration

Source Links

• Sawyer County Code of Ordinances – Chapter 14, Article IV (Tourist Rooming Houses and Short-Term Rentals) (PDF): www.sawyercountygov.org/DocumentCenter/View/36735/TRH114941-updated-3_21_24
• Sawyer County Public Health – Recreation Lodging page: sawyer-county-public-health-sawyergis.hub.arcgis.com/pages/recreation-lodging
• “County passes licensing ordinance for tourist rooming houses/short-term rentals” (Sawyer County Record, Oct. 22, 2024): www.apg-wi.com/sawyer_county_record/paywall/county-passes-licensing-ordinance-for-tourist-rooming-houses-short-term-rentals/article_25ab24ba-906a-11ef-b027-57bb0c50ebaf.html

Additional contextual material (summaries and supplementary commentary):

• “Hayward WI Short Term Rental Regulations: Your Complete Investment Guide for the Northwoods” (The Offer Sheet, Sept. 8, 2025): local.theoffersheet.com/legal/hayward-wi/