Overview: Are short‑term rentals allowed in La Pointe, WI?

• Explicit answer: Yes. Short‑term rentals (STRs) are allowed in La Pointe under a formal permitting regime.
• La Pointe defines short‑term rental as renting a dwelling for seven (7) to twenty‑nine (29) consecutive days for a fee. Daily rentals are two (2) to six (6) consecutive days; long‑term rentals are thirty (30) or more days.
• STRs are a permitted or conditionally allowed use depending on zoning district (see the zoning matrix in the ordinance). The Town issues annual STR permits and enforces detailed operational requirements.
• Distinct permit category: “Daily rentals” are capped at 125 active permits outside the C‑1 Commercial district at any one time (with waiting list and special grandfathering rules). This cap does not apply to STRs (7–29 days).
• Ordinance framework: The primary regulatory document is the Town’s Ordinance to Regulate Rental Properties (latest version approved Feb. 6, 2024).

How to start a short‑term rental business in La Pointe

1. Confirm zoning eligibility

• Use the Town’s Zoning District Use Matrix in the 2024 ordinance to verify whether STRs are a permitted, conditional, or allowed use at your parcel.
• Different rental types map differently across districts: STRs (7–29 days), Daily rentals (2–6 days), Long‑term (30+ days), and other lodging uses (Bed & Breakfast, Boarding House, Tourist Rooms) each have their own district permissions.

2. Choose your rental category and permit strategy

• STR (7–29 days): Typically the investor‑friendly model. No aggregate cap like Daily permits.
• Daily rentals (2–6 days): Strictly limited (125 total outside C‑1), with waiting lists and grandfathered pathways. Consider this only if you qualify for the cap or the grandfathered exceptions.
• Long‑term rentals (30+ days): Unlimited permits; simpler operational obligations.

3. Secure pre‑requisite licenses and inspections

• State lodging license: Obtain a valid State of Wisconsin tourist rooming house or lodging license as required by state statute.
• County health permit and inspection: Obtain a yearly permit and inspection through Ashland County Health Department. If on a private well, a water analysis is required.

4. Obtain Town STR permit and comply with display/advertising rules

• Submit the Town’s rental permit application (see application PDF) and annual fees.
• Display the Town permit inside each STR unit.
• Display the permit number in all advertising and promotional materials (including listings on online lodging marketplaces).
• Post required safety and operations notices inside the unit (see “Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines”).

5. Set up taxes

• Sales tax: Obtain a seller’s permit from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue to collect state sales tax.
• Room tax: File for and obtain an accommodations tax permit from the La Pointe Treasurer and file quarterly payments as required by Town Chapter 40.

6. Insurance and responsible operations

• Liability insurance: Maintain liability coverage for each STR dwelling and provide proof with your permit application. As of Jan. 1, 2025, the certificate of insurance must list the Town of La Pointe as an additional insured.
• Occupancy and parking: Keep occupancy at or below the maximum authorized on the permit. Provide off‑street parking in accordance with ordinance requirements (one space per rental unit generally), comply with the Private Driveway/Private Roadway Ordinance, and display a fire number sign at driveway access.

7. Ongoing compliance and renewals

• Permits expire annually (June 14 under the 2024 ordinance; earlier versions had May 14/May 15 expirations).
• Maintain Ashland County inspections annually.
• File quarterly room tax; remit sales tax per Wisconsin DOR cadence.
• Keep all required postings current inside units; maintain liability insurance with Town listed as additional insured after Jan. 1, 2025.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines Permits and licenses (by level)

• State of Wisconsin: Tourist rooming house or lodging license (required for STRs).
• Ashland County: Yearly permit and inspection; water analysis if on a private well.
• Town of La Pointe: Annual STR permit (and, as applicable, separate Long‑Term or Daily permits).
• Wisconsin Department of Revenue: Seller’s permit for sales tax collection.
• Town of La Pointe Treasurer: Accommodations tax (room tax) permit and quarterly filings.

Application materials

• Rental Permit Application (principal dwelling, accessory dwelling, or tourist room; short‑term vs long‑term selection).
• Property owner information, authorized agent (if applicable), and contact details.
• Zoning district and parcel number.
• Number of bedrooms, total number of parking spaces, sleeping capacity (people accommodated).
• Proof of liability insurance (required; Town as additional insured after Jan. 1, 2025).
• Proof of required licensing and inspection: state lodging license, Ashland County health permit/inspection, and water analysis (if applicable).
• Declaration of compliance with sanitation, parking, waste, noise, and nuisance provisions.

On‑site postings (required inside each rental unit)

• STR permit number displayed prominently and included in all advertising.
• Fire number posted.
• Cellular service reliability notice posted (service may be limited on the island).
• Septic alarm contact information posted.
• Recycling and solid waste disposal information and adequate separation facilities for guests.
• Local noise and nuisance rules: no excessive noise/traffic/parking; respect neighbors’ privacy (land, docks, beaches).
• Owner, agent, or property manager contact information; availability on‑island within 60 minutes posted.

Operational guidelines

• Occupancy: Stay at or below maximum authorized on the permit.
• Parking: Provide off‑street parking as required (one space per rental unit; specific use‑based standards apply).
• Sanitation and waste: Maintain adequate sanitation per state/county/town rules; no accumulation of garbage, refuse, junk, or waste; safe storage and disposal.
• Lighting: No floodlights/spotlights; safety/security lighting allowed.
• Safety: Windows and doors closed and secured when unoccupied.
• Screening: Fencing/vegetative screening may be required for visual/sound buffers with neighbors.
• Agents/property managers: Authorized agents must be designated; manager availability on‑island within 60 minutes.

Specific regulations for short‑term rentals in this city, county, and state City (Town of La Pointe) STR regulations

• Definitions and permit categories
  • Daily rentals: 2–6 days; capped at 125 active permits outside the C‑1 Commercial district at any time (waiting list; town may adjust each November).
  • Short‑term rentals: 7–29 days; no aggregate cap.
  • Long‑term rentals: 30+ days; unlimited permits.
• Zoning permissions vary by district (see the 2024 ordinance’s Appendix: Zoning District Use Matrix). STRs can be permitted, conditional, or allowed depending on the parcel’s zoning.
• STR operating requirements
  • Must display permit inside unit and include permit number in all advertising.
  • Post cellular reliability, fire number, septic alarm contact, recycling/waste information.
  • Maintain liability insurance; certificate must list Town as additional insured beginning Jan. 1, 2025.
• Parking standards
  • Off‑street parking required (generally one space per rental unit; boarding/rooming/dormitory uses: one space per bedroom or sleeping unit).
  • Comply with handicap parking requirements under Wis. Stat. §§ 101.13, 346.503, 346.56.
  • Loading/unloading space required where deliveries are expected.
  • Landscaping standards for parking areas serving four or more vehicles.
  • Lighting must avoid nuisance to residences and streets.
• Events and gatherings
  • Events defined as exceeding three times the sleeping capacity of the rental permit.
  • Events allowed at C‑1 rental dwellings without an Event Permit.
  • Events permitted in S‑1, W‑1, W‑2 districts with an Event Permit if parcel is ≥5 acres, maximum five events per year, and attendance ≤ six times sleeping capacity.
  • No events allowed between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. outside C‑1.
• Violations and enforcement
  • Written orders; inspections (with special inspection warrant process if needed).
  • Permit revocation criteria include ordinance violations not abated in the allotted time; three or more legitimate calls for zoning/police/fire/health within 12 months; failure to pay Town taxes/debt within 30 days.
  • Forfeitures up to $500 per violation plus costs and assessments; continuing violations constitute separate offenses; injunctive relief available.
• Grandfathering and transitions
  • “Grandfathered Use” for certain pre‑2024 rentals with defined continuity criteria; expires upon noncompliance or ownership transfer (with limited exceptions).
  • Special daily permit grandfathering for owners of record as of Dec. 31, 2023, allowing daily rental without being subject to the 125‑permit cap (subject to conditions and a 10‑year window through Dec. 31, 2033).

County (Ashland County) regulations referenced in the Town ordinance

• Yearly permit and inspection required for STRs (and Daily rentals) through the Ashland County Health Department.
• Water analysis required if the property uses a private well.

State of Wisconsin requirements referenced in the Town ordinance

• State lodging license required for tourist rooming houses/lodging (STRs).
• Sales tax collection and remittance through the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
• Handicapped parking standards adopted by reference.
• State statutes cited for authority: §§ 66.0413, 66.0415, 175.25, Ch. 823; village powers: Ch. 61 and §61.34; police powers: §60.22.
• Review note: A new state statute concerning events becomes effective Jan. 1, 2026, and may alter definitions and activity allowances for events at rentals.

Contact information for local authorities in charge of STRs Note: The provided documents do not include specific phone numbers or emails. Use the Town website and county health department for current contacts.

• Town of La Pointe (rental permits, zoning, event permits, complaints, enforcement)
  • Website: townoflapointewi.gov
  • Mailing address: PO Box 270, La Pointe, WI 54850
  • Permits/Applications: Rental Permit Application PDF available on the Town website (see link below).
• Zoning Administrator / Designated Town Agent
  • Administers/enforces the rental ordinance; receives permit applications and complaints.
• La Pointe Treasurer (accommodations/room tax)
  • Obtain accommodations tax permits and file quarterly room tax payments per Chapter 40.
• Ashland County Health Department (health permits, inspections, water testing)
  • Contact the County Health Department for yearly permits, inspections, and private well water analysis requirements.
• Wisconsin Department of Revenue (sales tax registration)
  • Obtain a seller’s permit for collecting/remitting sales tax on lodging.

Links to source pages

• Town of La Pointe — Ordinance to Regulate Rental Properties (Approved Feb. 6, 2024)
  • www.townoflapointewi.gov/assets/files/2024/02/rental-ordinance-adopted-2.6.24.pdf
• Town of La Pointe — Rental Permit Application (2022)
  • www.townoflapointewi.gov/assets/files/2022/08/rental-permit-application-zoning-2022.pdf
• Town of La Pointe — Rental Ordinance (2014; amended 2019)
  • www.townoflapointewi.gov/assets/files/2019/09/rental-ordinance-5-2019.pdf
• GoSummer — La Pointe, Wisconsin Market Overview (reference only; not an official regulatory source)
  • www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/la-pointe-wisconsin

Important notes for investors

• The 2024 ordinance controls; earlier versions (2014/2019) remain useful for historical context and application wording but have different expirations and limits.
• Daily rental permits are supply‑constrained outside C‑1; STRs are not.
• Insurance change: As of Jan. 1, 2025, certificates must list the Town of La Pointe as an additional insured—update renewals accordingly.
• Verify current fee schedules with the Town and ensure your calendar aligns with the annual expiration and renewal dates (June 14 under the 2024 ordinance).