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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in the Town of West Bend, Wisconsin with proper licensing. The town has established a specific licensing framework for short-term rental operations, requiring both local and state-level permits. Investors can legally operate short-term rentals provided they obtain all required licenses and comply with applicable zoning and safety regulations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in West Bend, WI

Starting a short-term rental business in West Bend requires a systematic approach involving multiple regulatory layers:

Step 1: Property Acquisition and Zoning Verification

• Verify that the property is located within the Town of West Bend limits
• Confirm zoning compliance through the Town Zoning Administrator
• Review the 2025 zoning ordinance amendments that reference short-term rental compliance requirements
• Ensure the property meets all residential development standards under Section 325-81(E) for single-parcel residential development

Step 2: Obtain Required State Licenses

• Wisconsin Seller's Permit: Required for all business operations involving taxable sales
• State of Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House License: Mandatory for lodging operations accommodating guests for less than one month

Step 3: Apply for Town Short-Term Rental License

• Complete the official Town of West Bend Short-Term Rental License Application
• Submit required documentation to the Town Clerk
• Pay applicable licensing fees (amount not specified in provided content)

Step 4: Business Setup Requirements

• Establish business registration with the state
• Obtain appropriate commercial liability insurance
• Set up tax collection and remittance systems for Wisconsin sales and use taxes

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Municipal Requirements

Town of West Bend Short-Term Rental License Application

• Complete application form with property and owner/operator information
• Business name and location details
• Wisconsin Seller's Permit Number (mandatory)
• State of Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House License (mandatory)
• Property address and unit count
• Contact information (business and home phone)

Supporting Documentation

• Copy of Wisconsin Seller's Tax Permit
• Copy of State of Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House License
• Proof of commercial liability insurance (recommended)
• Property deed or lease agreement
• Site plan and building compliance verification

State-Level Requirements (Wisconsin)

• Wisconsin Seller's Permit for tax collection
• Tourist Rooming House License from Wisconsin Department of Health Services
• Compliance with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources regulations if property involves waterfront access

Zoning and Land Use Compliance

• Compliance with Town of West Bend Ordinance #2019-01 (referenced in 2025 zoning amendments)
• Adherence to residential development standards under Chapter 325 of the Municipal Code
• Compliance with shoreline and environmental regulations for lake properties
• Building permit compliance for any structural modifications

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Municipal Regulations (Town of West Bend)

• License Requirement: All short-term rental operations must obtain a Town license before operating
• State Precedent: Property owners must possess both Wisconsin Seller's Permit and Tourist Rooming House License prior to Town license issuance
• Zoning Compliance: Single-family dwellings used as short-term rentals must comply with all residential zoning standards
• Application Process: Applications must be submitted directly to the Town Clerk at the specified address

State Regulations (Wisconsin)

• Tourist Rooming House License: Required for lodging operations accommodating guests for stays less than one month
• Seller's Permit: Required for collecting and remitting state sales taxes
• Health and Safety Standards: Compliance with Wisconsin Administrative Code requirements for tourist accommodations
• Fire Safety: Properties must meet state fire safety requirements for lodging establishments

County Regulations (Washington County)

• Building Permits: Any construction, alteration, or significant renovation requires Washington County permits
• Sanitary Systems: Properties served by septic systems must maintain proper permits and compliance
• Environmental Reviews: Properties near waterways may require additional environmental reviews

Zoning District Considerations

• Residential Districts: Short-term rentals must comply with underlying residential zoning requirements
• Lake Frontage Properties: Additional regulations apply to properties with lake access or frontage
• Setback Requirements: All structures must maintain required setbacks from property lines and water bodies
• Parking Requirements: Adequate off-street parking must be provided for guests

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Town of West Bend (Primary Authority)

Physical Address: Town of West Bend 6355 County Road Z West Bend, WI 53095

Phone: (262) 338-3417 Fax: (262) 338-0427 Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Key Contacts:

• Zoning Administrator: Tim Schwecke (referenced in 2025 zoning ordinance)
• Town Clerk: Julie Ihlenfeld
• Building Inspector: Contact through main office

License Submission: Applications must be submitted to the Town Clerk at the physical address above. Dropbox available near front door for after-hours submissions.

Washington County Authorities

County Government Website: www.washcowisco.gov/ Permit Applications: Available through County Zoning and Planning Department Sanitary Permits: Required for properties served by private septic systems

State of Wisconsin Authorities

Wisconsin Department of Revenue (Seller's Permits) Wisconsin Department of Health Services (Tourist Rooming House Licenses) Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (Environmental/Waterfront Regulations)

Source References and Links

Primary Regulatory Documents

1. Town of West Bend Forms & Permits Page: townofwestbend.com/forms-permits/
2. Short-Term Rental License Application: cdn.townweb.com/townofwestbend.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Short-Term-Rental-License-Application.pdf
3. 2025 Zoning Ordinance Draft: data.zoninghub.com/viewfile.aspx?fileid=88787

Supporting Resources

4. Town of West Bend Official Website: townofwestbend.com/
5. Washington County Government: www.washcowisco.gov/
6. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources: dnr.wisconsin.gov/
7. Cedar Lakes Conservation: theclcf.org/ (for lakefront properties)

Compliance Checklist for Investors

Pre-Operation Requirements

• [ ] Verify property zoning allows short-term rental use
• [ ] Obtain Wisconsin Seller's Permit
• [ ] Secure Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House License
• [ ] Submit complete Town of West Bend Short-Term Rental License Application
• [ ] Provide copies of all required state licenses
• [ ] Confirm building safety and zoning compliance
• [ ] Secure appropriate commercial insurance coverage

Ongoing Compliance

• [ ] Maintain current licensing with annual renewals as required
• [ ] Collect and remit Wisconsin sales and use taxes
• [ ] Comply with local noise, parking, and occupancy standards
• [ ] Maintain property safety standards and address any code violations promptly
• [ ] Stay informed of regulatory changes through Town communications
• [ ] Respond to community concerns and maintain positive neighborhood relations

This guide provides the essential framework for legally operating a short-term rental in West Bend, Wisconsin. Investors should verify current requirements with the Town Clerk and consider consulting with local legal counsel familiar with Wisconsin short-term rental regulations before proceeding with operations.