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

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, but they are heavily regulated. All short-term rentals operating in Reedsburg and throughout Sauk County require proper licensing and must comply with state, county, and local regulations. Properties listed on platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, or other vacation rental sites are considered lodging establishments under Wisconsin law and must obtain appropriate licenses before operation.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Reedsburg

Starting a short-term rental business in Reedsburg requires a systematic approach to obtain multiple licenses and permits from various government levels. The process involves several critical steps:

1. Pre-Application Planning

Before applying for any permits, conduct thorough research on your property's zoning classification and ensure it allows short-term rental operations. Zoning approval from the local municipality is mandatory and cannot be bypassed regardless of state or county licensing.

2. Health Department Licensing

Contact Sauk County Environmental Health to initiate the licensing process. Properties must undergo a pre-inspection to ensure compliance with health and safety standards before any license can be issued.

3. State-Level Compliance

Obtain the required state-level permits and ensure your operation meets Wisconsin's definition of a Tourist Rooming House (TRH).

4. Local Permits

Secure all city-specific permits and ensure compliance with any local ordinances specific to Reedsburg.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

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

• Tourist Rooming House License (for properties with 1-4 rental units)
• Hotel License (for properties with 5+ rental units)
• State Sales Tax Registration (if renting outside major platforms)

County Requirements (Sauk County Environmental Health)

• County Tourist Rooming House License
• Pre-inspection (required before licensing)
• Property and liability insurance verification

Specific Document Requirements

The following documentation is typically required across all licensing levels:

• Driver's license or government-issued ID
• Federal EIN (Employer Identification Number)
• Social Security Number or ITIN
• Property ownership documentation or lease agreement
• Property and liability insurance certificates
• Site plan showing property boundaries and structures
• Floor plan indicating bedroom count and layout
• Emergency contact information
• Operating procedures and guest policies

Licensing Fees (Sauk County)

• Pre-inspection fee: $190 (one-time)
• Annual license fee: $190

Application Process

1. Complete and submit the appropriate license application to Sauk County Environmental Health
2. Pay applicable pre-inspection fees
3. Schedule and complete pre-inspection with environmental health sanitarian
4. Address any compliance issues identified during inspection
5. Pay annual license fee
6. Receive license and begin operation

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

State Regulations (Wisconsin)

• Short-term rentals are defined as "Tourist Rooming Houses" - lodging places where sleeping accommodations are offered for pay to tourists or transients
• Properties with 1-4 rooms require Tourist Rooming House licenses
• Properties with 5+ rooms require hotel licenses
• No statewide prohibition on short-term rental operations
• Local governments cannot limit rentals to fewer than 180 days per 365-day period

County Regulations (Sauk County)

• Mandatory licensing for all short-term rental properties
• Pre-inspection requirement before license issuance
• Annual inspection during license year (July 1 - June 30)
• Compliance with Hotel/Motel Code ATCP 72
• Carbon monoxide detector requirements (specific placement requirements)
• Management company restrictions (management companies cannot hold licenses)

City Regulations (Reedsburg)

Reedsburg officials were actively considering short-term rental ordinances as of August 2016. Investors should verify current local requirements with the City of Reedsburg directly, as specific municipal regulations may apply beyond state and county requirements.

Health and Safety Standards

Properties must comply with comprehensive health and safety requirements including:

• Proper carbon monoxide detector placement (ceiling-mounted in rooms with fuel-burning appliances)
• Smoke detector systems
• Fire safety equipment
• Maximum occupancy limits
• Sanitary standards for sleeping rooms, bathrooms, and common areas
• Water supply and waste disposal requirements
• Pest control measures

Contact Information

Primary Licensing Authority (Sauk County Environmental Health)

Environmental Health Department

• Address: Sauk County West Square Building, Suite #372, 505 Broadway, Baraboo, WI 53913
• Phone: (608) 355-4327
• Fax: (608) 355-4329
• 24/7 Line: 1 (800) 533-5692
• TDD: (608) 355-4298

Key Environmental Health Staff

• Environmental Health Manager: Steve Lisser, REHS - steve.lisser@saukcountywi.gov
• Environmental Health Sanitarians:
  • Justin Huelsemann, REHS - justin.huelsemann@saukcountywi.gov
  • Sam Meier, REHS - Samantha.meier@saukcountywi.gov
  • Jennifer Allan, REHS - jennifer.allan@saukcountywi.gov
  • Eric Patrow, REHS - eric.patrow@saukcountywi.gov
  • Jordan Corrigall, REHS - jordan.corrigall@saukcountywi.gov
• Environmental Health Analyst: Laura Fry - laura.fry@saukcountywi.gov

Additional Resources

• Sauk County Planning and Zoning: For zoning inquiries and municipal approvals
• Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection: For state-level licensing questions
• City of Reedsburg: For local ordinance information and municipal permits

Source Links

1. Sauk County Environmental Health - Lodging Information - Primary source for county licensing requirements
2. Sauk County Environmental Health - Lodging Attractions - Additional licensing details and contact information
3. Wisconsin Short-Term Rental Laws Guide - Comprehensive state-level regulatory overview
4. Reedsburg STR Ordinance Discussion - Historical context for local regulations

Important Note: Licensing requirements and regulations can change. Investors should verify current requirements with all relevant authorities before making investment decisions. The comprehensive regulatory framework in Wisconsin requires thorough compliance across multiple government levels, making this a more complex but viable market for short-term rental operations.