Mondovi, Wisconsin Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

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

Short-term rentals are regulated in Mondovi, WI, but the specific regulatory framework depends on location within the municipality.

Based on the available ordinances, short-term rental operations are subject to county-level zoning regulations for properties located in unincorporated areas of Buffalo County. For properties within the City of Mondovi itself, the Municipal Code structure exists but specific STR regulations were not provided in the content reviewed. Investors should contact the City directly to confirm current STR policies within city limits.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Mondovi?

Mondovi hosts earn a median $20,466/year with $193 ADR and 37% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $27,001+ per year.

See the full Mondovi market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

Step 1: Determine Your Property Location

Within City Limits: Contact Mondovi City Hall for specific city regulations
Unincorporated Buffalo County: Follow county zoning requirements as outlined below

Step 2: Verify Zoning Compliance

For county properties, short-term rentals are classified as "Tourist Rooming Houses" under Buffalo County Zoning Ordinance Section 35. Review your property's zoning district to determine permitted uses.

Step 3: Apply for Required Permits

Zoning permit from Buffalo County Zoning Department
Potential conditional use permit if required by zoning district
Building permits for any construction or renovation
Sanitary permits for wastewater systems

Step 4: Meet Building and Safety Standards

Comply with Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code
Ensure proper egress, fire safety, and health standards
Obtain required inspections

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Buffalo County Requirements (Unincorporated Areas)

Zoning Permit Application Requirements:

Property Information
- Parcel identification number
- Legal description (lot/block or metes & bounds)
- Section, township, range
- Property address
Ownership Documentation
- Proof of ownership
- Property owner's signature
- Agent authorization if applicable
Site Plan Requirements
- Property boundaries and dimensions
- Existing and proposed structures
- Parking areas and driveway locations
- Distances from property lines
- Well and septic system locations
- Water features and wetlands
- Visual clearance triangles
- Highway access permits if applicable
- North arrow
Development Description
- Complete description of proposed STR operation
- Number of rental units/guestrooms
- Duration of rentals
- Amenities offered

Additional Permits:

Sanitary Permit: Required for properties with private on-site wastewater treatment systems
Building Permit: For any construction, renovation, or structural modifications
Conditional Use Permit: If required by the specific zoning district

State Requirements:

Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code compliance for habitable structures
State sanitary permit requirements for wastewater systems

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Buffalo County Zoning - Tourist Rooming Houses (Section 35)

Definition: Tourist Rooming Houses are residential structures offering lodging to guests for periods less than one month, typically including amenities like breakfast service.

Zoning District Requirements:

Permitted use in certain residential and commercial districts as outlined in Chapter 7
May require conditional use permit in agricultural districts
Subject to specific standards and conditions

General Standards (from Chapter 9, Section 35):

Must comply with residential density requirements
Parking standards apply per Chapter 12
Setback requirements per Chapter 8
Health and sanitation requirements per local ordinances

Buffalo County Zoning - Bed & Breakfast Operations (Section 4)

Definition: Bed & Breakfast establishments are residential structures providing overnight accommodations and meals to guests.

Regulations:

Conditional use in residential districts
May be permitted by-right in certain commercial districts
Subject to operational standards and permit conditions

Building and Safety Requirements

Uniform Dwelling Code Compliance:

All new single-family dwellings and duplexes must comply with Buffalo County Uniform Dwelling Code Ordinance
Existing structures must meet safety standards for rental occupancy

Sanitary Requirements:

State or County sanitary permits required for private on-site wastewater treatment systems
Compliance with Buffalo County Sanitary Ordinance and Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 383

Operational Standards

Permit Conditions:

Compliance with all zoning permit conditions mandatory
Regular inspections may be required
Violations can result in permit revocation

Contact Information

City of Mondovi (City Limits)

Address: 156 S Franklin St, Mondovi, WI, 54755-1514 Phone: (715) 926-3866 Email: cityadmin@mondoviwi.gov Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Website: mondoviwi.gov

Buffalo County Zoning Department (Unincorporated Areas)

Address: 407 S. 2nd St, P.O. Box 492, Alma, WI 54610 Phone: (608) 685-6218 Website: www.buffalocounty.com

Key Staff:

Michael J. Owecke - Zoning Administrator
Keith Bollinger - Zoning Specialist
Julie Lindstrom - Administrative Assistant

Important Regulatory Considerations

Permit Fees and Process

Non-refundable permit application fees required
Additional deposits may be required for complex applications
30-day review period for standard permits
24-month validity period for permits, with possible 12-month extension

Enforcement and Penalties

Civil enforcement under Wisconsin Statutes § 66.0114
Stop work orders for violations
Daily fines for ongoing violations
Permit revocation for non-compliance
Corporation Counsel may pursue legal action

Special Requirements

Scenic easement approvals required from Wisconsin Department of Transportation if applicable
Erosion control and stormwater management plans required for land disturbing activities over 10,000 square feet
Handicap accessibility accommodations may require special permits

Source Links

City of Mondovi Municipal Code

Main Municipal Code Page: mondoviwi.gov/mondovi-municipal-code-ordinances/
Full Municipal Code Document: drive.google.com/file/d/13jZStBDmsAhRjxinmnuOh_DTtvl8aAZ2/view?usp=sharing
Municipal Code Table of Contents: drive.google.com/file/d/19h9HdxxptwcQEUQCrlUjNB1NpmBWB8_N/view?usp=sharing

Buffalo County Zoning Ordinance

Full Zoning Ordinance: www.buffalocountywi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1564
County Website: www.buffalocounty.com

Note: This guide is based on the provided ordinance content. Investors should verify current regulations and requirements with local authorities, as ordinances may have been updated since the content was last reviewed.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Mondovi

Mondovi is a small city in Buffalo County, in western Wisconsin. With a population of approximately 2,700, it carries the unhurried character of a rural Midwestern town, where locally owned shops, historic brick storefronts, and a strong sense of community still define daily life along its main streets. The city sits within the Driftless Area, a region of the Upper Midwest that escaped the flattening effects of the last Ice Age and is known for its steep ridges, deep river valleys, and pastoral farmland. Mondovi serves as a quiet gateway to this bluff country and the recreation opportunities that come with it. The nearest major city is Eau Claire, roughly 25 to 30 miles to the north along Highway 37 and Interstate 94, while the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul lie about 90 miles to the northwest.

The Buffalo River, which winds past and through Mondovi, is one of the area's defining natural features and a popular draw for anglers and paddlers exploring western Wisconsin's coldwater streams. The river and its surrounding bottomlands are part of the broader Driftless landscape that draws visitors interested in fly fishing, smallmouth bass, and scenic float trips. Drives in any direction from town quickly lead into countryside marked by wooded bluffs, Amish farms, and quiet back roads that are especially colorful in fall.

Just north of Mondovi, Eau Claire offers a wider range of urban amenities and attractions for visitors who want a day away from a quieter base. The city is home to a vibrant downtown along the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers, a growing music and arts scene, and a number of breweries, restaurants, and riverfront parks. Its university, the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, contributes to a youthful energy and a steady calendar of events that travelers based in Mondovi can enjoy on a short drive.

To the south and west, the Mississippi River forms a natural boundary for Buffalo County, and within a roughly 30- to 45-minute drive travelers can reach stretches of the Great River Road, river bluffs, and small river towns that have served travelers since the steamboat era. The combination of scenic drives, small-town charm, and access to both the Mississippi corridor and the Eau Claire–Chippewa Falls metro area makes the region appealing to guests who want a slower base with day-trip options.

Mondovi's appeal as a short-term rental destination lies in this balance. It offers the calm and affordability of small-town Wisconsin while keeping outdoor adventure, river country, and a mid-sized city within easy reach, giving property owners a versatile base for travelers seeking both rest and exploration.