Overview

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Port Washington, WI. The city operates under a low-regulation environment for STRs, with primary oversight at the state level through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). While Port Washington does not have specific municipal STR ordinances, operators must comply with Wisconsin state regulations governing tourist rooming houses.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Port Washington

Step 1: Obtain State Licensing

Begin by securing a Wisconsin tourist rooming house license from DATCP. This license is required for operating short-term rentals offering sleeping accommodations to tourists or transients for pay.

Step 2: Tax Registration and Collection

• Apply for a seller's permit to collect state sales tax
• Register to collect and remit county and local room taxes (rates vary by location)
• Maintain detailed records of all rental income and collected taxes

Step 3: Property Compliance

Ensure your property meets all applicable building, fire, and safety standards as outlined in state regulations.

Step 4: Business Operations

• Develop pricing strategies based on seasonal demand patterns
• Implement guest screening and communication protocols
• Establish maintenance and cleaning procedures
• Consider professional property management services

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

State Requirements

• Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House License (DATCP)
  • Annual fee: $110
  • One-time pre-inspection fee: $300
  • Covers 1-4 rental units
  • Licenses expire June 30 annually
  • License period: July 1 through June 30 of following year

Tax Registration

• Seller's Permit for state sales tax collection
• Room Tax Registration for local occupancy taxes

Insurance

• Homeowner's liability insurance or business liability insurance
• Property insurance covering rental operations

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

Wisconsin State Regulations (Wis. Stat. § 66.1014)

• Prohibition Provision: Municipalities cannot prohibit STR rentals for 7 consecutive days or longer
• Durational Limits: For rentals of 6-29 consecutive days, municipalities may limit total days to no fewer than 180 days within any 365-day period
• Local Authority Retained: Municipalities can regulate other aspects of STRs provided regulations are "not inconsistent" with state provisions
• Licensing Requirement: STR operators must obtain local licenses if required by municipal ordinance

Administrative Code (Wis. Admin. Code § ATCP 72)

• Establishes standards for tourist rooming houses
• Covers building safety, sanitation, and operational requirements
• Defines tourist rooming house as lodging places offering sleeping accommodations to tourists/transients for pay
• Excludes hotels, motels, and private boarding houses not accommodating tourists

Port Washington Municipal Level

• No specific STR ordinances identified
• Must comply with general zoning and property use regulations
• Subject to standard building codes and safety requirements

Ozaukee County Level

• No specific county-level STR regulations identified
• General county ordinances apply regarding property use and safety

Contact Information

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)

Address: 2811 Agriculture Dr.
P.O. Box 8911
Madison, WI 53708-8911

Phone: (608) 224-5012
TTY: 711 or (800) 947-3529

Licensing Questions:
Phone: (608) 224-4923
Email: datcpdfslicensing@wisconsin.gov

General Questions:
Email: datcpdfrsrec@wisconsin.gov

Website: datcp.wi.gov/pages/programs_services/touristroominghouses.aspx

Port Washington City Hall

[Note: Specific contact information for Port Washington city licensing was not provided in the source materials]

Source Pages

1. Wisconsin DATCP Tourist Rooming Houses
2. Port Washington Airbnb Market Analysis - AirROI
3. Wisconsin STR Legal Analysis - Municipal Law & Litigation Group
4. Checkmate Rentals Port Washington Guide

Important Considerations for Investors

Market Performance

Based on current data, Port Washington demonstrates:

• Moderate occupancy rates (43.3%)
• Strong revenue growth (10% year-over-year)
• Seasonal demand patterns with peak activity in summer months
• Average daily rates around $193

Regulatory Environment

The low-regulation environment provides operational flexibility, but operators must stay informed about potential future municipal ordinances as other Wisconsin communities have begun implementing STR-specific regulations.

Compliance Strategy

Given the current regulatory framework, successful STR operations in Port Washington should focus on:

• Strict adherence to state licensing and tax requirements
• Proactive community relations to prevent nuisance complaints
• Maintaining high property standards to support continued favorable regulatory treatment

This guide is based on available information as of the provided sources. STR regulations can change rapidly, and investors should verify current requirements with local authorities before making investment decisions.