Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

Yes, short-term rentals are permitted in Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin. Under Wisconsin state law (Wis. Stat. § 66.1014), short-term rentals of residential dwellings for 7 consecutive days or longer cannot be prohibited by municipalities. Soldiers Grove currently has no publicly available city-specific STR regulations, and the property would operate under Crawford County's jurisdiction and general Wisconsin state requirements.

Market Context

Soldiers Grove sits within Crawford County's broader short-term rental market. As of May 2024, Crawford County had 152 short-term rentals listed on Airbnb, VRBO, or both platforms. Of these units, 53 were located within municipal limits and 99 in rural townships. In Soldiers Grove specifically, the 2022 median home value was $67,080, representing one of the more affordable communities in Crawford County relative to median household income.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Soldiers Grove

Step 1: State Requirements

Wisconsin State Law Compliance:

• Obtain a Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) license as a "tourist rooming house" (Wis. Stat. § 66.1014(2)(d)2.a)
• Register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) if annual sales exceed $2,000
• Collect and remit state and county sales taxes, local room tax, and applicable special taxes

Step 2: Local Requirements

Crawford County Oversight:

• Crawford County lacks comprehensive zoning, with floodplain and shoreland zoning serving as primary development guides
• Building permits are required regardless of STR operation
• Consider contacting Crawford County Zoning Administrator for current requirements

Step 3: Business Setup

• Secure appropriate insurance coverage
• Establish property management protocols (county recommendations suggest 30-minute response time)
• Create rental agreements and house rules
• Set up tax collection systems

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State Level

1. DATCP Tourist Rooming House License

   • Contact: Wisconsin DATCP at datcp.wi.gov or (608) 224-5012
   • Subject to inspection requirements and fees
   • Must be obtained before operation

2. Wisconsin DOR Registration

   • Required if annual sales exceed $2,000
   • Collect state sales tax (5%), county sales tax, and local room tax
   • Register online at revenue.wi.gov

3. Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 72 Compliance

   • Tourist rooming house regulations
   • Health and safety standards
   • Inspection requirements

County Level

1. Building Permit

   • Crawford County Building Inspection Department
   • Required for all new STR operations
   • Contact for current permit requirements

2. Licensing

   • Currently no county-wide STR licensing requirement exists
   • Monitor for future county action

Municipal Level

1. Soldiers Grove Requirements
   • No specific STR ordinances found
   • Contact Village Clerk for any local permits
   • Compliance with general municipal codes

Specific Regulations at City, County, and State Levels

State Regulations (Wisconsin Act 59 - Wis. Stat. § 66.1014)

What Municipalities CANNOT Do:

• Prohibit rentals for 7 consecutive days or longer
• Restrict 7-29 consecutive day rentals

What Municipalities CAN Do:

• Require local permits/licenses
• Limit total rental days to no fewer than 180 days within any 365-day period (for rentals of 6-29 days)
• Regulate health, safety, and welfare aspects
• Require property managers within specified distance
• Set insurance requirements
• Establish parking, occupancy, and zoning compliance

Crawford County

Current Status:

• No comprehensive zoning ordinance
• Floodplain and shoreland zoning regulations apply
• Building permits required through county planning and zoning

Recommendations Under Consideration:

• License requirements for all STRs
• Property manager within 30-minute response time
• Durational limits distinguishing residential from commercial use
• Potential restrictions on publicly funded housing units

Soldiers Grove

Current Status:

• No specific STR regulations identified
• Operates under general municipal code
• No separate licensing requirements found

Recommendation:

• Contact Village Clerk (contact information needed) to verify current requirements

Contact Information

State Agencies

DATCP (Tourist Rooming House Licensing)

• Website: datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/TouristRoomingHouseLicensing.aspx
• Phone: (608) 224-5012

Wisconsin Department of Revenue

• Website: revenue.wi.gov
• Phone: (608) 266-2776

County

Crawford County Planning & Zoning

• Address: 131 W. Bluff St., Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
• Phone: (608) 326-0270
• Website: crawfordcountywi.gov

Municipal

Village of Soldiers Grove

• Address: Soldiers Grove, WI
• Contact: Village Clerk (phone number needed)

Links to Source Pages

Primary Documents

1. Wisconsin Statute 66.1014 - Short-term rental regulations
2. Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 72 - Tourist rooming house regulations
3. DATCP Tourist Rooming House Licensing
4. Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association STR Guidelines

County Resources

5. Crawford County Website
6. 2024 Crawford County Housing Study

Investment Considerations

Market Strengths

• Affordable entry costs: $67,080 median home value
• Established STR presence: 35% of county's STRs are in municipalities
• Tourist attraction potential near Mississippi River

Regulatory Environment

• Favorable state law: 7+ day rentals cannot be prohibited
• Minimal local restrictions currently in place
• Flexibility for future development

Key Challenges

• County recommendations may lead to future restrictions
• Property management requirements likely to be imposed
• Floodplain/shoreland restrictions may apply depending on location

Important Note: This analysis is based solely on provided content. Contact local authorities directly for the most current regulations and requirements before establishing any STR operation.