OVERVIEW: ARE SHORT-TERM RENTALS ALLOWED IN MINERAL POINT, WI?

Short-term rentals (STRs) are conditionally allowed in certain zoning districts within the City of Mineral Point. There is no category explicitly named "Short-Term Rental." Instead, STRs fall under established lodging classifications:

1. Bed & Breakfast (B&B): Explicitly defined and regulated.

   • Permitted Use: Residential districts generally prohibit commercial lodging. (Definition clarifies licensing and constraints).
   • Conditional Use: Explicitly listed as a conditional use in R-2 (Two-Family Residential) and R-3 (Multiple-Family Residential) districts, subject to Plan Commission approval.

2. Rooming House / Boarding House: Alternative STR classifications.

   • Conditional Use: Explicitly listed as a conditional use in R-2 (Two-Family Residential) and R-3 (Multiple-Family Residential) districts, subject to Plan Commission approval.

3. Tourist Home / Guest House: Not explicitly defined. Renting an entire single-family dwelling (e.g., a "whole house rental") is NOT explicitly listed as a permitted or conditional use in any residential district under the provided ordinance sections. It is likely considered an unlawful commercial use in R-1, R-2, and R-3 residential districts unless explicitly allowed by zoning or variance. Operating in commercial zones (C-1/C-2) might be possible under "Hotel/Motel" or "Accessory Use" provisions, but requires careful review of the specific permit requirements and restrictions.

HOW TO START A SHORT-TERM RENTAL BUSINESS IN MINERAL POINT

1. Choose Location & Zoning District: Identify a suitable property in an area zoned R-2 or R-3 if you plan to operate a B&B or Rooming/Boarding House (where they are listed as conditional uses). Properties in R-1 (Single-Family) or other districts are less likely to be viable for STRs without an intense rezoning/variance effort (high risk, not recommended). Properties in C-1/C-2 require exploration against hotel/motel/accessory use definitions.
2. Submit Conditional Use Permit Application: Apply to the Zoning Administrator for a Conditional Use Permit. Required steps include:
   • Submit application form.
   • Pay application fee ($150.00).
   • Demonstrate compliance with relevant zoning district standards (setbacks, height, lot size).
   • Demonstrate compliance with the specific conditional use criteria (e.g., minimal traffic/noise impact for R-2/R-3 residential).
   • Submit site plan (when applicable).
3. Obtain Zoning Permit: After conditional use approval, apply for a standard Zoning Permit. Pay the permit fee ($50 base + $3 per $1,000 estimated value).
4. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy: Apply concurrently with the Zoning Permit. Required after construction/alteration is complete and before occupancy. Ensures compliance with zoning and applicable building/health laws.
5. Obtain State Licenses: A B&B is defined as requiring state licensing. A Tourist Rooming House License from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is likely required for any STR offering lodging to tourists/transients for payment.
6. Comply with All Local, County, and State Regulations: Ensure adherence to building codes, fire safety, health regulations (especially for shared facilities), parking requirements, and ongoing operational standards.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS, PERMITS, LICENSES, & GUIDELINES

1. Zoning Administrator Application Forms: For Zoning Permit and Conditional Use Permit.
2. State License: Wisconsin DATCP license (Tourist Rooming House License - likely required; B&B License - if offering breakfast).
3. Zoning Permit: Includes site plans, detailed descriptions, and proof of fee payment ($50 + value-based fee).
4. Conditional Use Permit Application: Detailed application for use (R-2/R-3) and $150 fee.
5. Site Plan: Required for significant construction/reconstruction/expansion or conditional use permits involving multiple units/larger operations. Details specified in ordinance.
6. Certificate of Occupancy Application & Issuance: Required before any occupancy/use begins.
7. Compliance with District Standards: Must meet specific dimensional standards (setbacks, height, lot size, parking) for the applicable R-2, R-3, C-1, or C-2 district.
8. Compliance with Conditional Use Conditions: Must adhere to any specific conditions imposed by the Plan Commission for the permit.
9. Proof of Payment: Fee receipts from the City Clerk/Treasurer for permits.

SPECIFIC REGULATIONS FOR SHORT-TERM RENTALS

City-Level (Mineral Point Zoning Ordinance):

1. Definitions:
   • Bed & Breakfast: Owner-occupied principal residence offering <=4 rooms for rent to transients for >10 nights/year. Only breakfast served. Must have State license.
   • Rooming House / Boarding House: Provides lodging (and possibly meals) for compensation to <=6 persons. Operates as a commercial enterprise.
   • Hotel / Motel: Establishments with >6 rooms for transient guests (distinct from STRs like B&B).
2. Zoning Districts:
   • R-2 (Two-Family Residential):
     • Conditional Use: Room/Boarding House, Bed & Breakfast. Requires Plan Commission approval and adherence to conditions like minimizing traffic/noise impacts.
   • R-3 (Multiple-Family Residential):
     • Conditional Use: Room/Boarding House, Bed & Breakfast. Requires Plan Commission approval.
   • R-1 (Single-Family Residential):
     • Permitted: "Household Occupation" (e.g., renting 1 room occasionally?) is allowed if incidental to residence (≤25% floor area, no stock, 1 non-resident employee, properly screened parking). Strict limits apply. Renting the entire dwelling is generally NOT permitted.
     • Conditional Use: Utilities, Satellite Antennas, Schools, Churches, Public Recreation Facilities, etc. STRs like B&B/rooming houses are NOT listed as conditional uses.
   • C-1 (Central Business District) / C-2 (Highway Commercial District):
     • Permitted Use: "Hotels and Motels." This category may be the only path for operating a whole-dwelling STR unit in an urban commercial area. Review definitions carefully. Residential units are allowed above ground floor in C-1. Parking restrictions apply near residential areas. Explicit confirmation of whole-unit STR use under "Accessory Use" in these districts is not provided.
3. Conditional Use Permits (CUP):
   • Required for B&B and Rooming/Boarding Houses in R-2/R-3 districts.
   • Application fee: $150.00.
   • Renewal required every 2 years ($25 renewal fee).
   • Plan Commission reviews and may impose conditions related to traffic, parking, noise, compatibility, etc.
4. General Zoning Requirements:
   • Parking: Off-street parking required. Specific standards vary by district. Rooming/Boarding Houses require "adequate" parking based on number of occupants/rooms. Residential districts often require 2 spaces per dwelling unit minimum. Parking areas must be dustless and adequately screened.
   • Occupancy: All structures must meet residential occupancy standards for the permitted use. Separate dwelling units cannot be created without proper zoning and building permits.
   • Permits & Certificates: Zoning Permit and Certificate of Occupancy mandatory before occupancy/use commences.
   • Violations & Penalties: Operating without required permits or violating CUP conditions is a violation. Penalties are $10-$200 per violation, plus costs. Each day is a separate violation.
   • Height & Setbacks: Must comply strictly with district standards.
   • Historic District (H): Overlays other districts. Historic Preservation Commission must approve modifications to ensure compatibility with historical character.

County-Level (Iowa County):

• The provided document is City zoning. Iowa County has specific regulations for Short-Term Rentals, including registration and safety requirements. Investors must obtain information directly from the County Planning & Zoning office. These rules apply regardless of city zoning approval.

State-Level (Wisconsin):

1. Licensing: Requires a Wisconsin DATCP Tourist Rooming House License for any establishment renting lodging to tourists/transients for payment. B&Bs require a specific B&B license if serving breakfast. Licensing fees and safety requirements (fire exits, smoke detectors, etc.) apply.
2. Taxation: Must collect and remit Wisconsin Room Tax (5% state rate) and any applicable local Room Taxes (e.g., County taxes).
3. Health & Safety: Must comply with Wisconsin Administrative Codes for safety (e.g., COMM 20-26, Safety and Maintenance Code for Tourist Rooming Houses).
4. Building Codes: Must comply with WI Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) for residential structures and COMM 20+ for commercial/public buildings.

CONTACT INFORMATION

1. City of Mineral Point Zoning Administrator / Planning & Zoning Department:

   • Phone: (608) 987-2360
   • Email: cityofmp@cityofmineralpoint.com
   • Website: City of Mineral Point Official Website
   • Address: City Hall, 137 High Street, Mineral Point, WI 53565
   • Primary Contact: For Zoning Permits, Conditional Use Permits, and local zoning inquiries.

2. City Clerk/Treasurer:

   • Phone: (608) 987-2360
   • Email: cityofmp@cityofmineralpoint.com
   • Purpose: Payment of zoning permit and conditional use permit fees.

3. Iowa County Planning & Zoning Department:

   • Phone: (608) 935-0390
   • Email: planning@iowacounty.org
   • Website: Iowa County Planning & Zoning
   • Address: 222 N. Iowa St., Suite B, Dodgeville, WI 53533
   • Primary Contact: For County Short-Term Rental regulations, registration, and oversight.

4. Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) - Tourism Rooming Houses:

   • Phone: (608) 224-5012
   • Website: DATCP Tourist Rooming Houses
   • Primary Contact: For Tourist Rooming House and B&B Licensing requirements.

IMPORTANT LINKS TO SOURCE PAGES

1. City of Mineral Point Zoning Ordinance (PDF): Mineral Point Zoning Ordinance (Source for city-level zoning rules, definitions, CUP procedures, and permit requirements as detailed above).

INVESTOR GUIDANCE & KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Explicit Permission is Limited: STRs are only explicitly mentioned as conditional uses (B&B, Rooming/Boarding Houses) in R-2 and R-3 districts. Whole-unit rentals are generally NOT permitted in standard residential districts.
2. Commercial Zones are Complex: Operating an STR in C-1/C-2 might be possible under "Hotel/Motel" or potentially "Accessory Use" but requires direct consultation with city zoning staff to interpret these provisions specifically for STRs.
3. Conditional Use Permits are Mandatory: For the allowed types (B&B, Rooming House), a CUP is required from the Plan Commission, renewal every 2 years, and strict adherence to imposed conditions.
4. Licensing is State-Driven: County and State regulations (particularly DATCP licensing and safety codes) are critical compliance areas often overlooked by investors focused solely on local zoning.
5. Iowa County Regulations Apply: Do not ignore county requirements. Contact the county directly.
6. Start with Zoning Administrator: Engage early with the City's Zoning Administrator for site-specific guidance and interpretation. Their contact details are provided above.