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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Trempealeau, Wisconsin. However, the Village operates a dual licensing system that significantly impacts your operational flexibility and revenue potential.

Important: The Village has recently implemented mandatory licensing requirements as of July 1st, 2024. All Tourist Rooming Houses (short-term rentals) must now be licensed by the Village to avoid significant operational restrictions.

Starting Your Short-Term Rental Business in Trempealeau

Step-by-Step Launch Process

1. Pre-Application Planning (Before June 1st deadline)

   • Confirm your property zoning allows Tourist Rooming Houses
   • Determine whether you want the optional Village license (highly recommended)
   • Assess your property's maximum occupancy capacity
   • Calculate required parking spaces based on sleeping capacity

2. State Licensing Application

   • Apply for Wisconsin state registration through Trempealeau County Health Department
   • Obtain required state license before proceeding with Village application
   • Ensure compliance with Wisconsin State Statute Sec. 66.0615 (1)(dk)

3. Village License Application (Recommended)

   • Complete Village Tourist Rooming House License Application
   • Submit with required attachments and $50 fee
   • Village has 30 days to review and approve license
   • Application deadline: June 1st annually

4. Insurance and Liability Setup

   • Secure homeowners liability or business liability insurance
   • Minimum coverage: $1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 aggregate
   • Maintain this coverage throughout operation

5. Operational Setup

   • Establish guest registration system (aligns with state requirements)
   • Designate property manager within 35-mile radius
   • Prepare property management response plan
   • Set up quarterly room tax reporting system

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory State Requirements

• Wisconsin State License: Obtained through Trempealeau County Health Department
• Guest Register: Must be maintained per state requirements
• Compliance: Wisconsin State Statute Sec. 66.0615 (1)(dk) definition

Village Licensing Requirements

• Village Tourist Rooming House License ($50 fee)
• Village License Application Form (New or Renewal)
• Proof of State License
• Insurance Documentation (minimum $1M/$2M coverage)
• Property Manager Designation (within 35-mile radius)

Operational Compliance Documents

• Quarterly Room Tax Report (required regardless of licensing)
• Parking Plan (demonstrating required spaces)
• Maximum Occupancy Documentation (per Wis. Admin. Code § ATCP 72.14vvvv)

Key Forms and Applications

• Village Tourist Rooming House License Application - New
• Village Tourist Rooming House License Application - Renewal
• State License Application - Trempealeau County Health Department

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

Village of Trempealeau (Primary Authority)

Operating Without Village License

• Prohibition: Cannot rent for 6 or fewer consecutive days
• Annual Limit: Maximum 180 rental days per calendar year
• Consecutive Requirement: All 180 days must run consecutively
• Mandatory Disclosure: Must inform Village Office of operation
• State License Required: Must provide proof of state license

Operating With Village License

• Flexibility: May rent for periods of 6 days or fewer
• Year-Round Operation: No seasonal restrictions
• All Other Requirements: Must comply with all operational regulations

Operational Regulations (All STRs)

1. Noise and Nuisance Controls

   • No excessive noise
   • No excessive fumes or glare
   • No nuisance activities

2. Pet Regulations

   • No dogs at large

3. Occupancy Limits

   • Maximum occupancy per Wisconsin Administrative Code § ATCP 72.14vvvv
   • Must not exceed advertised sleeping capacity

4. Prohibited Accommodations

   • No recreational vehicles, campers, tents, or temporary lodging on-site
   • Cannot provide additional accommodation beyond the primary dwelling

5. Property Management

   • Owner/manager must reside within 35 miles of property
   • Must be available at all times during rental periods
   • Must maintain 24/7 availability during active rentals

6. Insurance Requirements

   • Homeowners liability or business liability insurance
   • Minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence
   • Minimum $2,000,000 aggregate coverage

7. Guest Registration

   • Must maintain guest register (aligns with state requirements)
   • Must collect required guest information

8. Parking Requirements

   • Minimum off-road parking spaces = Advertised maximum sleeping capacity ÷ 4
   • Any fraction rounds up to nearest whole number
   • All parking must be off-road

Trempealeau County Level

State Registration: County Health Department handles state licensing for Tourist Rooming Houses

• Application process through county health department
• State-level compliance requirements
• Health and safety inspections as required

Tiny Home Regulations: County allows tiny homes, but regulations vary by municipality

• Contact local zoning office for specific tiny home STR regulations
• Building permits and inspections still required
• Zoning compliance necessary

Wisconsin State Level

Definition: Tourist Rooming House defined as residential dwelling rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days (Wis. Stat. Sec. 66.0615 (1)(dk))

State Licensing: Required registration through county health departments

Occupancy Standards: Wisconsin Administrative Code § ATCP 72.14vvvv sets maximum occupancy limits

Tax Requirements: Quarterly room tax reporting required

Penalties and Enforcement

Village Penalties

• Forfeiture Range: $250 - $750 per offense
• Additional Costs: Plus all costs, fees, surcharges, and assessments
• Default Provision: Imprisonment in Trempealeau County Jail until paid
• Daily Penalties: $50 reduction per day of imprisonment (maximum 30 days)
• Separate Offenses: Each violation and each day of violation constitutes separate offense

Enforcement Actions

• Additional Remedies: Injunction, abatement, or cost remedies available
• Village Authority: Village Board of Review handles license applications and enforcement
• Complaint Process: Citizens can file ordinance complaints through Village system

Contact Information

Village of Trempealeau (Primary Authority)

Address: 24455 3rd St, Trempealeau, WI 54661 Phone: (608) 534-6434 Fax: (608) 534-6280 Email: info@trempealeauwi.gov Website: https://www.trempealeauwi.gov/touristroominghouse/

Office Hours:

• Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Friday: 8:00 AM – Noon

Key Department Contacts

Planning & Zoning Department:

• Website: https://www.trempealeauwi.gov/zoning-building-inspection/
• Handles zoning compliance and building permits

Clerk's Office:

• Website: https://www.trempealeauwi.gov/licenses-fees/
• Handles licensing applications and fees

Trempealeau County Health Department

For State Licensing:

• Contact through Village's provided link or county website
• Handles Wisconsin state registration requirements

Additional Resources

Municipal Code: http://ecode360.com/TR3174 Ordinances: https://ecode360.com/TR3174/documents/Legislation Village Officials: https://www.trempealeauwi.gov/village-officials/

Source Links

1. Village Tourist Rooming House Information
2. STR Owner Notice and Requirements
3. Village Tourist Rooming House License Application - New
4. Village Tourist Rooming House License Application - Renewal
5. State License - Trempealeau County Health Department
6. Ordinance Chapter 400 Tourist Rooming Houses
7. Quarterly Room Tax Report
8. Village Code of Ordinances
9. Zoning & Building Inspection Department
10. Licenses, Permits & Fees

Strategic Recommendations for STR Investors

Immediate Actions

1. Deadline Compliance: Submit Village license application before June 1st annually
2. State-First Approach: Obtain state license before Village application
3. Insurance Priority: Secure required liability coverage before operation
4. Manager Designation: Establish property management within 35-mile radius

Long-Term Strategy

1. Village License Advantage: Strongly recommend obtaining Village license for operational flexibility
2. Year-Round Operation: Village license enables continuous rental income
3. Compliance Monitoring: Maintain detailed records for quarterly tax reporting
4. Property Standards: Ensure property meets all occupancy and parking requirements

Financial Considerations

1. License Costs: $50 annual Village license fee plus state fees
2. Insurance: Budget for $1M/$2M liability coverage
3. Tax Obligations: Prepare for quarterly room tax reporting
4. Penalty Avoidance: Budget for compliance to avoid $250-$750 fines

This guide provides comprehensive coverage of Trempealeau's STR regulations as of 2024. Given the recent implementation of mandatory licensing requirements, investors should act quickly to ensure full compliance and optimal operational flexibility.