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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Saint-Germain, Wisconsin, as of 2024. Tourist Rooming Houses (TRH) - the official term for short-term rentals in Wisconsin - may operate in Saint-Germain subject to comprehensive regulations at the town, county, and state levels. The Town of Saint-Germain adopts Vilas County's General Zoning Ordinance by reference, which now includes specific provisions for tourist rooming houses that became effective January 1, 2024.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Saint-Germain

Step 1: Understand Your Regulatory Landscape

Saint-Germain operates under a three-tier regulatory structure:

• Town Level: Saint-Germain Municipal Code and Zoning Ordinances
• County Level: Vilas County General Zoning Ordinance (Article XII for TRHs)
• State Level: Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) requirements

Step 2: Initial Assessment and Planning

Before purchasing or converting a property, verify:

• Zoning compliance for your specific parcel
• Existing septic system capacity and type
• Whether the property meets structural requirements
• Availability of adequate off-street parking

Step 3: Secure Required Permits and Licenses

The licensing process requires coordination between multiple authorities and typically takes 2-4 weeks to complete.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Municipal/Town Level Requirements

Saint-Germain Zoning Permit

• Required for any change of use from residential to commercial (short-term rental)
• Application through Town Zoning Administrator
• Property must comply with all dimensional requirements
• Contact: Town Zoning Administrator at St. Germain Community Center (715) 891-0699

County Level Requirements (Vilas County)

Tourist Rooming House (TRH) Permit

• Effective Date: January 1, 2024
• Validity: Annual permit expiring January 31st of the year following issuance
• Transferability: Non-transferable; new permits required upon property ownership change

Application Requirements:

• Completed TRH application form with owner and resident agent signatures
• Copy of Public Health Department license (or submitted application)
• Copy of required property rules
• Appropriate fees (see fee schedule)

Supporting Documentation:

• Property ownership verification
• Site plan showing parking locations
• Floor plans with bedroom identification
• Septic system information

State Level Requirements

Wisconsin DATCP Tourist Rooming House License

• Threshold: Required for properties renting more than 10 nights per year
• License Type: Tourist Rooming House License for 1-4 rooms; Hotel License for 5+ rooms
• Validity: One year (July 1 - June 30)
• Fees: $110 annual license fee plus $300 pre-inspection fee

Seller's Permit

• Required from Wisconsin Department of Revenue if renting outside platforms like Airbnb/VRBO
• Needed for collecting and remitting sales taxes

Health and Safety Requirements

Vilas County Public Health License

• Required for all tourist rooming houses
• Includes inspection of sanitation facilities
• License must be posted in visible location

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Occupancy Limits

Maximum Occupancy: Limited to two people per bedroom listed on the sanitary permit

• Determined by septic system capacity
• Additional occupancy not permitted for increased pumping frequency
• No maximum total occupancy limit specified in county ordinance

Parking Requirements

Off-Street Parking Standard: One space per two occupants plus one additional space

• Example: Six-person occupancy requires four parking spaces
• Location Restrictions:
  • Must be located more than 75 feet from ordinary high-water mark of lakes/rivers
  • Must be at least 5 feet from lot lines (unless improved parking existed prior to Jan 1, 2024)
  • Cannot be located within 15 feet of septic systems
  • Prohibited in wetlands, floodplains, easement areas, or mitigation compliance areas
• Garages may satisfy parking requirements if accessible to renters

Resident Agent Requirement

Mandatory Designation: Each TRH must have a resident agent who:

• Maintains physical address or office within Vilas County or within 40 miles of the property
• May be the property owner if meeting criteria
• Must be authorized to act on behalf of the owner for legal service and property inspections

Property Rules Requirements

Mandatory Posting: All TRHs must display property rules including:

• Maximum occupancy permitted by ordinance
• Owner/resident agent contact information
• Vehicle and trailer limitations and parking locations
• Non-emergency contact information for law enforcement, fire, and EMS
• Septic system high-water alarm information (if applicable)
• Local outdoor burning regulations
• Hunting and fishing regulations
• Boating, snowmobile, and off-road vehicle regulations

Additional Zoning Restrictions

R-1 Zoning Districts: Tourist rooming houses must be rented for seven days or more Prohibited Structures:

• Dwellings without septic systems
• Structures using cesspools or prohibited systems
• Campers outside campgrounds
• Mobile/manufactured homes in manufactured home parks

Soil Boring Requirements: Properties with septic systems installed using percolation tests (generally 1993 or earlier) require soil boring if not on file

Tax Obligations

State Sales Tax: 5% on all short-term rental income Room Tax: Varies by county and municipality - verify current rates with local authorities

Contact Information

Saint-Germain Local Authority

Town of Saint-Germain

• Zoning Administrator: (715) 891-0699
• Location: St. Germain Community Center
• Address: Town of Saint-Germain, Vilas County

Vilas County Authority

Vilas County Zoning & Planning Department

• Phone: (715) 479-3620
• Email: zoning@vilascountywi.gov
• Address: 330 Court Street, Eagle River, WI 54521
• Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Website: www.vilascountywi.gov/departments/administration___officials/zoning_and_planning/tourist_rooming_.php

Vilas County Public Health Department

• Phone: (715) 479-3650
• Address: 330 Court Street, Eagle River, WI 54521
• Website: www.vilascountywi.gov/departments/services/public_health_department/

State Level Authority

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

• Website: datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/TouristRoomingHouses.aspx
• Tourist Rooming House Information: DATCP Hotel & Tourist Room Program

Wisconsin Department of Revenue

• Seller's Permit Information: revenue.wi.gov

Links to Source Pages

1. Vilas County TRH Regulations: www.vilascountywi.gov/departments/administration___officials/zoning_and_planning/tourist_rooming_.php
2. Saint-Germain Zoning Ordinance: energyzoning.org/sites/default/files/PDF/5512570725_Vilas_St.%20Germain%20Town_20230127.pdf
3. Wisconsin STR Laws (General): www.gosummer.com/post/wisconsin-short-term-rental-laws
4. Saint-Germain STR Overview: www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/st-germain-wisconsin
5. Vilas County Zoning Fee Schedule: www.vilascountywi.gov/departments/administration___officials/zoning_and_planning/zoning/forms/Fee%20Schedule%201-1-2024.pdf
6. Wisconsin DATCP Tourist Rooming House Program: datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/TouristRoomingHouses.aspx

Important Considerations for Investors

Compliance Timeline

• New TRH permits required as of January 1, 2024
• Existing TRHs licensed prior to this date receive one-year exemption from occupancy, parking, and soil boring requirements
• Full compliance required for renewal permits applied in January 2025

Investment Implications

• Non-transferable permits create transaction complexity for property sales
• Septic system capacity directly impacts revenue potential through occupancy limits
• Parking requirements may limit development options on smaller lots
• Resident agent requirement may necessitate local property management

Market Context

Saint-Germain's tourism-driven economy supports strong short-term rental demand, particularly for lake properties and cabins. However, regulatory compliance costs and requirements may reduce profit margins compared to less regulated markets.

Disclaimer: This guide is based on regulations effective as of 2024. Investors should verify current requirements with local authorities as ordinances may change. Consider consulting with local legal counsel familiar with Wisconsin short-term rental regulations before making investment decisions.