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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Hurley, Wisconsin. Based on the provided documentation, the city has an established regulatory framework for short-term rentals and has issued permits to operators. The City Council minutes confirm that the municipality has processed short-term rental applications and currently has 9 active permits, with a maximum cap of 10 residential permits established by city ordinance.

The city has demonstrated active oversight of short-term rental operations through its Planning & Zoning Committee, which reviews applications and issues Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) for STRs. This indicates that while STRs are permitted, they are subject to local review and approval processes.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Hurley, WI

Starting a short-term rental business in Hurley requires navigating a multi-layered regulatory process that involves state, county, and local approvals. Based on the available documentation and Wisconsin state requirements, investors should follow these critical steps:

Initial Planning Phase

1. Property Selection: Identify a suitable property that meets zoning requirements for STR use
2. Market Analysis: Research local demand, seasonal patterns, and competitive landscape
3. Financial Planning: Account for licensing costs, insurance requirements, and ongoing compliance expenses

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

1. State-Level Licensing: Obtain Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House (TRH) license from the State Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
2. County Health Department Approval: Secure county-level licensing for public health compliance
3. Local Conditional Use Permit: Apply for CUP through Hurley Planning & Zoning Committee
4. City Operator's License: Obtain municipal operator's license as approved by City Council

Operational Setup

1. Insurance Acquisition: Secure comprehensive vacation rental insurance
2. Tax Registration: Register for state sales tax and local room tax obligations
3. Property Preparation: Ensure compliance with health and safety standards
4. Marketing Setup: Establish booking platforms and marketing materials after obtaining all permits

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Based on Wisconsin state requirements and local Hurley documentation, STR operators need the following:

State-Level Requirements

• Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House License from DATCP
  • Annual fee: $110
  • Pre-inspection fee: $300
  • Valid for properties with 1-4 rooms
• State Seller's Permit (if renting outside major platforms)
• Sales Tax Registration for state and local tax collection

County-Level Requirements

• County Tourist Rooming House License from Iron County Public Health Department
• Health and safety inspection reports
• Compliance verification with state commercial building and fire safety codes

Local Hurley Requirements

• Conditional Use Permit (CUP) from Planning & Zoning Committee
  • Application process includes public hearing
  • Requires detailed property information and operational plans
  • City Council ultimately approves applications
• Operator's License granted by City Council
• City Room Tax Registration for local transient occupancy tax collection

Required Documentation

• Property ownership documentation
• Detailed property information (address, bedroom count, maximum occupancy)
• Owner's and operator's contact information
• Proof of property and liability insurance
• Site plan and floor plan showing room configurations
• State Tourist Rooming House License
• County health department approval
• Application fees payment confirmation

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Hurley Regulations

Based on the available documentation, Hurley has implemented the following specific regulations:

Permit Limitations: The city has established a cap of 10 residential short-term rental permits, as noted in City Council minutes. This creates a limited许可 environment with artificial scarcity.

Conditional Use Permit Requirements: The Planning & Zoning Committee requires applicants to obtain CUPs, which involve:

• Public hearing process
• Committee review and recommendation
• Final approval by City Council

Owner Presence Restrictions: Notably, Hurley has implemented strict owner presence limitations. The approved CUP for 113 2nd Ave S specifically stipulates that the property owner cannot visit or live at the property at any time, as their presence could interfere with public health, safety, and welfare. During committee discussions, it was clarified that even when the property is not being rented, the owner cannot be present for maintenance or other purposes.

Operational Oversight: The city appears to actively monitor STR compliance, as evidenced by the recent discovery of a 2020-approved STR that had not been utilized due to COVID but was recently activated.

County-Level Regulations

Iron County likely follows Wisconsin state standards for tourist rooming houses, requiring:

• Annual health and safety inspections
• Compliance with state building and fire codes
• Proper waste disposal and sanitation standards
• Guest registry maintenance requirements

State of Wisconsin Regulations

Wisconsin maintains a comprehensive regulatory framework for short-term rentals:

Definition and Scope: Wisconsin defines short-term rentals as "tourist rooming houses" - lodging places where sleeping accommodations are offered for pay to tourists or transients. This includes vacation homes, cabins, and cottages but excludes hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and private boarding houses not accommodating tourists.

Licensing Requirements:

• Properties with 1-4 rooms require Tourist Rooming House License
• Properties with 5+ rooms require hotel license
• Licenses valid July 1 to June 30 annually
• Pre-inspection required before licensing

Tax Obligations:

• State sales tax: 5%
• Local sales tax: varies by county and municipality
• Local room tax: varies by jurisdiction
• Income tax: applicable federal and state rates

Operational Requirements:

• Annual license renewals
• Compliance with health and safety standards
• Insurance requirements
• Guest registry maintenance
• Proper waste disposal and sanitation

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact - City of Hurley:

• Mailing Address: City of Hurley, Clerk's Office
• Contact Person: Stacey L. Wiercinski, Clerk-Treasurer
• Phone: (Contact information not provided in available documents)
• Email: (Contact information not provided in available documents)
• Website: cityofhurleywi.org

Planning & Zoning Committee:

• Chairperson: Joanne Bruneau
• Committee Members: Robert Bruneau, Robert Charbonneau, Andrew Tijan, Rita Franzoi, Scott Santini
• Meeting Schedule: Regular meetings with public hearing processes for STR applications

State Contacts:

• Wisconsin DATCP: For Tourist Rooming House licensing
• Wisconsin Department of Revenue: For tax registration and compliance

County Contacts:

• Iron County Public Health Department: For county-level licensing and health inspections

Links to Source Pages

City of Hurley Official Documents:

• City Council Minutes (September 12, 2023): cityofhurleywi.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/City-Council-Minutes-September-12-2023.pdf
• Planning & Zoning Meeting Minutes (August 30, 2023): cityofhurleywi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PZ-Min-August-30-2023.doc

Wisconsin State Resources:

• Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association - Short-Term Rentals: www.wisconsinlodging.org/short-term-rentals.html
• Wisconsin Department of Revenue - Short-Term Rental Tax Information: www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/TaxPro/2021/Homeowners-and-Individuals-Selling-Short-Term-Lodging.aspx

Additional Resources:

• Summer - Wisconsin Short-Term Rental Laws Guide: www.gosummer.com/post/wisconsin-short-term-rental-laws
• Wisconsin DATCP Tourist Rooming House Information: datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/TouristRoomingHouses.aspx

Important Notes for Investors:

1. Limited Market Entry: With only 10 permits allowed citywide and 9 currently issued, market entry opportunities are extremely limited
2. High Regulatory Barriers: The Conditional Use Permit process with owner presence restrictions creates significant operational limitations
3. Active Enforcement: The city's recent enforcement action regarding the previously approved but unused STR indicates active oversight
4. Compliance Costs: Multiple licensing layers create substantial upfront and ongoing compliance expenses

This guide represents the current regulatory landscape based on available documentation. Investors should directly contact the City of Hurley for the most current requirements and application procedures.