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Rhinelander, WI

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STR Regulations for Rhinelander, Wisconsin

Overview: Are STRs allowed?

  • Yes. Short-term rentals are allowed in Rhinelander, Wisconsin under the municipal definition of “Tourist Rooming House,” subject to City zoning approvals, state lodging licensing, and state/county rules. Rhinelander defines a tourist house as a permanent dwelling unit where sleeping accommodations are offered for pay to tourists or transients for periods of seven days or fewer. Commercial lodging with rentable rooms/suites is regulated separately as “commercial indoor lodging,” while a room in a residence operated by the primary resident is treated as a “bed and breakfast” and regulated under ATCP 73 [City of Rhinelander, Tourist Rooming Houses].

How to start an STR in this market

  • Step 1: Confirm zoning eligibility and obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP)
    • Tourist rooming houses require a Conditional Use Permit approved by the City Plan Commission. Complete the CUP application and coordinate a public hearing with the Inspections Department [City of Rhinelander, Tourist Rooming Houses; CUP application; Plan Commission].
  • Step 2: Secure required local and county approvals
    • Obtain a Wisconsin lodging license (“Tourist Rooming House”) administered locally by the Oneida County Health Department (the state’s agent). The county requires a pre-inspection before license approval, then display the license at the property [Oneida County Public Health; Airbnb Responsible Hosting in Wisconsin].
    • Register with the City Clerk as required by City ordinance (registration is tied to the room tax obligations and license status). The City also notes registration with the City Clerk is required for tourist rooming houses [City of Rhinelander, Tourist Rooming Houses].
    • Check Oneida County minimum-stay policy and any additional county/zoning requirements (see County-level regulations below) [Oneida County Public Health].
  • Step 3: Obtain state lodging license and comply with state codes
    • Apply for a Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House license (ATCP 72). Renew annually. Costs cited: $110 license fee and a one-time $300 pre-inspection fee [Airbnb Responsible Hosting in Wisconsin].
  • Step 4: Set up taxes and compliance
    • Collect and remit applicable Wisconsin sales tax (5%) and county tax (0.5%) on reservations 29 nights or shorter [Airbnb Responsible Hosting in Wisconsin].
    • Collect and remit City room tax under Rhinelander Municipal Code Chapter 2.01; register for room tax through the City Clerk [City of Rhinelander, Tourist Rooming Houses].
    • If operating within the Premier Resort Area Tax (PRAT) jurisdictions, recognize that PRAT is collected from guests and is in addition to sales and county taxes (operators should verify local PRAT administration with the City/State) [Airbnb Responsible Hosting in Wisconsin].
  • Step 5: Operational readiness and inspections
    • Pass required health and safety inspections (pre-license inspection by Oneida County Health Department). Maintain compliance with ATCP 72 standards [Oneida County Public Health].
    • Confirm fire and life safety requirements (two exits per bedroom, no RVs for living/sleeping, and other standards per City ordinance) [City of Rhinelander, Tourist Rooming Houses].

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

  • City of Rhinelander Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application (for Tourist Rooming Houses) [CUP application].
  • Wisconsin State Tourist Rooming House lodging license application through Oneida County Health Department (ATCP 72), including the pre-inspection requirement [OCHD ATCP License Application; Oneida County Public Health].
  • City registration with the City Clerk and room tax registration under Chapter 2.01 of the Municipal Code [City of Rhinelander, Tourist Rooming Houses].
  • County-level TRH Administrative Review Permit (ARP) may be required by Oneida County depending on zoning jurisdiction; contact County Planning & Zoning for confirmation [Oneida County Public Health].
  • Safety and sanitation compliance materials:
    • Tourist Rooming House safety checklist (OCHD provides guidance) [TRH Safety Checklist].
    • Room rate cards and sanitation handouts (as applicable) [Room Rate Cards; Alternate Dish Sanitizing Guidelines].
  • Documentation demonstrating conformity with City performance standards (occupancy, parking, appearance, exits) [City of Rhinelander, Tourist Rooming Houses].

Specific regulations (City, County, State)

City of Rhinelander — Tourist Rooming Houses (Ord. 5.07.4.05(17) and 5.04.10)

  • Definition: A tourist house is a permanent dwelling unit offering sleeping accommodations to tourists/transients for seven days or fewer. It is distinct from commercial indoor lodging (multiple rentable rooms/suites) and from a bed and breakfast operated by the primary resident in a residence [City of Rhinelander, Tourist Rooming Houses].
  • Performance standards:
    • Must meet all performance standards associated with the dwelling type where located.
    • Occupancy: two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons; maximum eight guests regardless of bedroom count; two exits required for each bedroom.
    • Residential appearance: No alteration to colors, materials, construction, lighting, signs, or excessive noise that would cause the premises to differ from its residential character.
    • Recreational vehicles may not be used for living/sleeping purposes as part of a tourist house.
    • Licensing and taxes: Prior to commencing operations, each tourist house must obtain a Wisconsin lodging license and register with the City Clerk; each tourist house is subject to room tax under Chapter 2.01 of the Municipal Code.
    • Parking: Minimum one off-street parking space per bedroom [City of Rhinelander, Tourist Rooming Houses].
  • Zoning and permitting:
    • A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) from the Plan Commission is required. Complete the CUP application and coordinate a public hearing with the Inspections Department [CUP application; Plan Commission; City of Rhinelander, Tourist Rooming Houses].
  • Referenced ordinance sections:
    • City of Rhinelander Ordinance 5.07.4.05(17) — Tourist house definition and standards.
    • City of Rhinelander Ordinance 5.04.10 — Rental Housing standards that apply in addition to the tourist house standards [City of Rhinelander, Tourist Rooming Houses].

Oneida County — Requirements and minimum stay

  • County-level process: Oneida County Planning & Zoning requires an Administrative Review Permit (ARP) for Tourist Rooming Houses in most townships within the county. This requirement applies even if the property was previously licensed for short-term rentals under past owners. Contact the County Planning & Zoning office to confirm the permit and any additional local/zoning requirements [Oneida County Public Health].
  • Lodging licensing: The Oneida County Health Department is the State’s agent for issuing tourist rooming house licenses under ATCP 72; a pre-inspection is required before license approval [Oneida County Public Health].
  • Minimum stay: Currently, Oneida County requires a minimum stay of seven days for vacation rentals like Airbnb/VRBO; recent committee actions did not approve a change to allow shorter stays countywide, leaving the seven-day minimum in effect. Local discussions are ongoing, and towns may pursue separate zoning options to create distinct districts for short-term rentals. Operators should confirm any updates with the County Planning & Development Committee [WJFW article; WXPR article].

State of Wisconsin — Lodging codes and licensing

  • Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 72 — Hotel, Motel, and Tourist Rooming House Code governs short-term rentals (Tourist Rooming Houses). Operators must obtain a lodging license and comply with health, safety, sanitation, and operational standards [ATCP 72].
  • Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 73 — Bed and Breakfast Establishment Code governs B&Bs operated by the primary resident in a residence [ATCP 73].
  • Licensing cycle and fees: Annual license fee $110; one-time $300 pre-inspection fee; licenses renew by June 30 each year; license dates run July 1–June 30 [Airbnb Responsible Hosting in Wisconsin].

Taxation

  • State sales tax: Wisconsin imposes a 5% sales tax on lodging for reservations 29 nights or shorter (applies to listing price including cleaning/guest fees) [Airbnb Responsible Hosting in Wisconsin].
  • County tax: Oneida County imposes a 0.5% county tax on lodging for reservations 29 nights or shorter [Airbnb Responsible Hosting in Wisconsin].
  • City room tax: Rhinelander collects room tax under Chapter 2.01 of the Municipal Code; register with the City Clerk to collect and remit [City of Rhinelander, Tourist Rooming Houses].
  • Premier Resort Area Tax (PRAT): Rhinelander is listed among PRAT jurisdictions; PRAT is collected from guests. Operators should confirm local administration and compliance with the City/State [Airbnb Responsible Hosting in Wisconsin].

Contact information

  • City of Rhinelander — City Clerk
    • Phone: (715) 365-8600
    • Email: clerk@rhinelanderwi.us
    • Address: 135 South Stevens Street, Rhinelander, WI 54501
    • Hours: 8:00am–4:30pm, Mon–Fri [City of Rhinelander, Tourist Rooming Houses].
  • City of Rhinelander — Inspections Department (Plan Review/Zoning)
    • Phone: (715) 365-8600 (City main line; ask for Inspections)
    • Department: Inspection Department (Plan Review, Zoning, Code Enforcement) [Inspection Department].
  • City of Rhinelander — Plan Commission (CUP hearings)
    • Contact via City Clerk/Inspections; meeting schedules and agendas available through the City Clerk’s office [Plan Commission].
  • Oneida County — Public Health Department (State lodging licensing)
    • Phone: (715) 369-6111
    • Email: Use the “Contact Us” form on the OCHD website (publichealth.oneidacountywi.gov)
    • Address: 100 West Keenan St, Rhinelander, WI 54501
    • Hours: 8:00am–4:30pm, Mon–Fri [Oneida County Public Health].
  • Oneida County — Planning & Zoning (TRH ARP/zoning)
    • Phone: (715) 369-6125 (main Planning & Zoning)
    • Website: Oneida County Planning & Zoning public documents (municipalities and permitting) [Oneida County Public Health].
  • Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)
    • Phone: (608) 224-5012
    • Lodging codes: ATCP 72 and ATCP 73 [Airbnb Responsible Hosting in Wisconsin].

Source pages (links)

Notes and practical considerations

  • Occupancy and exits: Cap occupancy at eight guests total; maintain two exits per bedroom; this impacts unit configuration and listing availability [City of Rhinelander, Tourist Rooming Houses].
  • Parking: Provide one off-street space per bedroom; this can influence the number of bookings or require clear guest instructions [City of Rhinelander, Tourist Rooming Houses].
  • County minimum stay: As of recent coverage, Oneida County maintains a seven-day minimum stay for vacation rentals; do not market shorter stays unless and until county policy

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Rhinelander?

Rhinelander hosts earn a median $27,777/year with $208 ADR and 47% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $31,483+ per year.

See the full Rhinelander market breakdown

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Rhinelander

Market Saturation Score

036912
High Saturation
8/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
8–10 declining months: high saturation - supply likely outpacing demand.
View Full Rhinelander Market Analysis

Photos of Rhinelander

Overview of Rhinelander

Rhinelander, Wisconsin, sits in the heart of the state's Northwoods as the county seat of Oneida County. With a population of approximately 8,000 residents, it has the feel of a small, traditional northern town surrounded by dense forests and an extraordinary network of lakes. Rhinelander is best known for the Hodag, a horned creature of regional folklore that has become a beloved local symbol and marketing mascot, and it serves as a popular gateway to the vacationlands of Oneida, Vilas, and surrounding counties. The nearest major city is Green Bay, located roughly 150 miles to the south, while Wausau lies about an hour to the south and Minneapolis–Saint Paul sits several hours to the west.

Just north of Rhinelander, the small community of Minocqua sits among the lakes and pine forests of the upper Northwoods and is one of the region's most popular resort destinations. Visitors come for boating, fishing, and shopping along its walkable downtown, and the drive from Rhinelander takes only about twenty minutes. Further north still, the Eagle River area is widely regarded as a snowmobile capital of the world, hosting the annual World Championship Snowmobile Derby and offering hundreds of miles of groomed winter trails, with golf, fishing, and hiking taking over in the warmer months. Eagle River is roughly forty-five minutes from Rhinelander by car.

Within the city itself, the Pioneer Park Historical Complex preserves the area's nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century logging and homesteading heritage through a collection of relocated buildings, including log cabins, a schoolhouse, and a vintage sawmill. The complex offers visitors a walkable glimpse into the rough-and-tumble origins of the Northwoods communities and is a short drive from anywhere in town. The Wisconsin River, which flows through Rhinelander on its long path toward the Mississippi, adds another layer of outdoor appeal, with public access points, fishing spots, and paddling opportunities that draw visitors year-round.

A short drive in almost any direction from Rhinelander leads to some of the densest lake country in the upper Midwest, with the lakes of Vilas County alone numbering well over a thousand. This concentration of water, combined with the surrounding Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, makes the area a four-season destination for cabin-goers, anglers, leaf-peepers, and snowmobilers alike. For short-term rental owners, Rhinelander offers a year-round flow of travelers — summer lake vacationers, autumn color-seekers, and winter snowmobile enthusiasts — anchored by a small but full-service downtown with restaurants, shops, and the practical amenities guests expect when exploring the Northwoods.

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