Overview: STR Status in La Crosse, WI

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in La Crosse, Wisconsin, but are strictly regulated. The City of La Crosse has implemented a comprehensive licensing framework for short-term rentals (STRs) effective December 14, 2023, through Ordinance 5268. STRs must be properly licensed to operate for more than ten nights within any consecutive 365-day period. The city defines a short-term rental as "a residential dwelling that is offered for rent for a fee and for fewer than thirty consecutive days," specifically excluding bed and breakfast establishments.

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

Step-by-Step Process

1. Initial Assessment and Planning

   • Confirm your property meets zoning requirements for residential use
   • Calculate maximum occupancy based on bedroom count and municipal codes
   • Evaluate parking availability (minimum 1 space per 4 occupants)
   • Consider proximity to neighbors for notification requirements

2. Pre-Application Phase

   • Identify and contact the property management company or designate an individual property manager who must be within 30 miles when the property is rented
   • Obtain property owner notification materials if needed
   • Prepare documentation for property ownership and intended use

3. Multi-Level Licensing Process

   • Apply for Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House license through La Crosse County Health Department
   • Schedule and complete pre-licensing inspection with County Health Department
   • Obtain Wisconsin Department of Revenue seller's permit
   • Complete City of La Crosse Room Tax Application

4. Application Submission

   • Submit City STR license application with all required documentation
   • Provide verification of property owner notification within specified radius
   • Pay application fees ($100 city license + $400 county zoning permit)
   • Submit affidavit of neighbor notification for county permit

5. Approval and Operations Setup

   • Display license prominently near main entrance door
   • Implement advertised compliance requirements (parking, occupancy limits)
   • Establish systems for tax collection and remittance
   • Prepare for ongoing compliance monitoring

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Municipal-Level Requirements

City of La Crosse Short-Term Rental License

• Application Fee: $100.00 per property
• Processing Time: Up to 15 days review period
• License Term: One year (expires July 31 annually)
• Required Documentation:
  • Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House license (county-issued)
  • Pre-licensing inspection report (county-conducted)
  • Wisconsin Department of Revenue seller's permit
  • City of La Crosse Room Tax Application
  • Property owner notification verification
  • Completed application form

County-Level Requirements

La Crosse County Zoning Permit

• Application Fee: $400.00
• Required Documents:
  • Local property management contact information
  • Property owner information and contact details
  • Site information including tax parcel, lot area, township
  • Proposed STR address details
  • Signed affidavit of neighbor notification within 300 feet
  • Property management contact availability confirmation

State-Level Requirements

Wisconsin Department of Revenue

• Seller's Permit for tax collection purposes
• Room Tax Registration as required by local ordinances

Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House License

• Issued by: La Crosse County Health Department
• Inspection: Pre-licensing inspection required
• Ongoing Compliance: Maintained throughout operation

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State

City of La Crosse Municipal Regulations

Operational Limitations

• Maximum Operation: No person may maintain, manage, operate, or advertise an STR for more than ten nights within any consecutive 365-day period without proper licensing
• Annual Renewal: All licenses must be renewed yearly by July 31
• Non-Transferability: Licenses are specific to the property and cannot be transferred

Property Standards

• Display Requirement: License must be visible on or near the inside of the main entrance door
• Occupancy Compliance: Must comply with Section 115-1 of Municipal Code regarding unrelated individuals
• Advertisement Restrictions: No advertising permitted until all required permits are obtained
• Notification Requirement: Property owner notification must be provided to all properties within 100 feet

Management Requirements

• Property Manager: Must be within 30 miles of the property during rental periods
• Contact Availability: Property management contact must be available at all times for complaints, violations, and emergencies

La Crosse County Zoning Regulations

Notification and Public Input

• Neighbor Notification: Required to all properties within 300 feet of any property line
• Documentation: Signed affidavit of mailing neighborhood notification letter required
• Township Notice: Applicant must notify township of approval before operation

Parking and Site Requirements

• Off-Street Parking: Must provide 1 space per 4 occupants based on maximum dwelling occupancy
• Minimum Requirement: Not less than 1 off-street parking space must be provided
• Street Parking Restrictions: Where no street curbs are present, on-street parking related to STR use is prohibited

Advertisement Requirements

• Mandatory Information: All advertisements must include:
  • State license number
  • La Crosse County zoning permit number
  • La Crosse County Health Department permit number
• Prohibition: Advertising unpermitted STRs is strictly prohibited and violates ordinance 17.04(1)(i)

Wisconsin State Requirements

Tax Obligations

• State Sales Tax: 5.5% collection required from guests
• Local Room Tax: Variable rates depending on location within La Crosse

Licensing Standards

• Tourist Rooming House License: Required for properties renting to tourists or transient occupants
• Health and Safety Standards: Must meet county health department inspection requirements
• Ongoing Compliance: Maintain all state licensing requirements throughout operation

Enforcement and Compliance

Complaint Process

• Filing: Any city resident may file sworn written complaints with City Clerk
• Investigation: City Clerk notifies licensee by certified mail
• Hearing Process: Licensee appears before Judiciary and Administration Committee
• Outcomes: License suspension or revocation possible for violations

Violation Consequences

• Advertising Violations: Strictly prohibited for unpermitted properties
• License Compliance: Operating without proper licensing beyond ten-night threshold
• Tax Compliance: Failure to collect and remit required taxes

Contact Information for Local Authorities

City of La Crosse - City Clerk's Office

• Phone: (608) 789-7510
• Email: licenses@cityoflacrosse.org
• Address: 400 La Crosse Street, La Crosse, WI 54601
• Hours: Contact for specific licensing hours
• Application Portal: Citizens Online Portal available

La Crosse County - Department of Zoning, Planning & Land Information

• Phone: (608) 785-9722
• Fax: (608) 785-5922
• Email: Contact via phone for specific department email
• Address: 212 6th Street North, Room 1300, La Crosse, WI 54601
• Website: www.lacrossecounty.org

La Crosse County Health Department

• Tourist Rooming House Licensing: Contact for state license applications and inspections
• Phone: Contact through County Zoning Department for referral

Important Source Links

1. City of La Crosse Short-Term Rental Information: www.cityoflacrosse.org/your-government/departments/city-clerk/licenses-permits/short-term-rental

2. La Crosse County STR Application Form: lacrossecounty.org/docs/default-source/zoning-and-land-information/zoningapplicationforms2023/short-term-rental---application_1.pdf?sfvrsn=8186398b_2

3. Municipal Code of Ordinances Article XIX (Ordinance 5268): cityoflacrosse.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=12516281&GUID=4D868D03-285F-4E61-9689-0E398E2ED99F

4. City Legislation Detail (File 22-1153): cityoflacrosse.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?From=RSS&ID=5813497&GUID=B501D327-B820-4A2F-AC4F-A84AC23B0C23

5. News Coverage - Common Council Action: www.news8000.com/news/politics/local-politics/la-crosse-common-council-passes-ordinance-regulating-short-term-rental-properties/article_2c8f98d8-9af2-11ee-ad45-cbfdaa254be3.html

6. Committee Coverage: www.wizmnews.com/2023/12/05/short-term-rental-rules-approved-by-la-crosse-council-committee-while-accessory-dwellings-may-get-more-study/

Summary and Strategic Considerations

La Crosse, Wisconsin offers a structured but viable environment for short-term rental investments. The regulatory framework is comprehensive, requiring coordination between city, county, and state authorities. Key success factors include:

• Early Engagement: Begin licensing process well in advance of intended operations
• Compliance Excellence: Maintain all required documentation and meet renewal deadlines
• Community Relations: Properly notify neighbors and maintain positive property management
• Financial Planning: Account for license fees, inspection costs, and tax obligations
• Operational Readiness: Ensure property meets all safety, parking, and occupancy standards

The investment potential in La Crosse STR market remains strong given the city's tourism attractions, university presence, and strategic location, provided investors maintain strict compliance with the multi-layered regulatory requirements.