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STR Regulations for Woodruff, Wisconsin

SHORT-TERM RENTAL INVESTOR'S GUIDE: WOODRUFF, WISCONSIN

OVERVIEW: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Woodruff, WI?

YES. Short-term rentals, legally termed "Tourist Rooming Houses" (TRH) in Wisconsin, are explicitly allowed in Woodruff, WI, subject to obtaining the required permits and licenses and adhering to specific regulations. The town has a dedicated ordinance (Woodruff Ordinance 401) governing TRH operations, indicating full acceptance and regulation of the activity. You must secure approvals from Oneida County (zoning), the Town of Woodruff (local permit & room tax), and the State of Wisconsin (lodging license).

HOW TO START A SHORT-TERM RENTAL BUSINESS IN WOODRUFF, WI

  1. Verify Zoning Compatibility: Ensure your property is located in a zoning district that permits Tourist Rooming Houses. Contact the Oneida County Planning & Zoning Department (715-369-6219) to obtain an Administrative Review Permit (ARP) before proceeding with other steps. This is a mandatory prerequisite.

  2. Obtain Woodruff Town Permit: Apply for your Town of Woodruff Tourist Rooming House permit using the online CivicReview portal. This requires proof of the Oneida County ARP and payment of the annual fee ($500 + $50 if a resident agent is needed).

  3. Apply for State Lodging License: Submit the state lodging license application to the Oneida County Health Department as the state's agent. Complete the required safety checklist based on Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 72 (Hotel/Motel/Tourist Rooming House Code).

  4. Enroll in Room Tax Collection: Register with the Town of Woodruff for room tax collection. The town enforces a 5.5% tax on gross receipts, filed quarterly.

  5. Prepare Property & Operations: Ensure the property meets all state health and safety standards for lodging. Implement procedures for guest check-in/out, occupancy limits, and compliance with local noise/parking ordinances.

  6. Display Permits & Advertise Legally: Display the issued Woodruff TRH permit prominently on the premises. Only begin advertising or renting after all permits/licenses are secured.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS, PERMITS, LICENSES, AND GUIDELINES

| Requirement | Issuing Authority | Description / Key Details | Source Link | |----------------|-----------------------|--------------------------------|-----------------| | Administrative Review Permit (ARP) | Oneida County Planning & Zoning | Mandatory pre-approval for zoning compliance. | See "Tourist Rooming House - Administrative Review Permit Application" on Oneida County PZ Site | | Tourist Rooming House (TRH) Permit | Town of Woodruff | Annual local permit required to operate. Fee: $500 + $50 (resident agent). Validity: July 1 - June 30. | Town Application: Town of Woodruff Permit Portal | | Lodging License (ATCP 72) | Oneida County Health Dept | State lodging license. Application + Safety Checklist (ATCP 72). | State Application: OCHD ATCP License Application <br> Safety Checklist: Cabin/Vacation Home Checklist | | Room Tax Registration & Filing | Town of Woodruff | Quarterly filing of 5.5% tax on gross receipts (due by 15th of month after quarter-end). | Filing Portal: Woodruff Quarterly Tax Report | | Compliance with ATCP 72 | State (Enforced by OCHD) | Wisconsin Administrative Code for health/safety standards (fire exits, smoke detectors, sanitation, etc.). | ATCP 72 (Lodging Code) |

SPECIFIC REGULATIONS FOR SHORT-TERM RENTALS

  • Town of Woodruff (Ordinance 401 & 67-22):
    • Minimum Stay: Properties zoned single-family residential are restricted to short-term rentals of seven days (six consecutive nights). This is a critical operational restriction.
    • Permit Display: The Woodruff TRH permit must be displayed conspicuously at the place of business.
    • Annual Renewal: Town permits are issued annually and expire June 30th each year. Plan renewals well in advance.
    • Room Tax Rate: 5.5% of gross receipts. Filed quarterly online by the 15th of the month following the quarter-end (Apr 15, Jul 15, Oct 15, Jan 15).
    • Agent Requirement: If the property owner does not live within a certain distance (not specified in provided content), a resident agent may be required for an additional $50 fee.
  • Oneida County:
    • Administrative Review Permit (ARP): Mandatory zoning approval prior to applying for town/state permits. Contact Planning & Zoning directly to initiate this process.
  • State of Wisconsin (ATCP 72):
    • Licensing & Standards: All TRH operations require a state lodging license issued through the county health department. Operations must comply with Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 72 standards covering health, safety, sanitation, and fire safety.
  • Right to Rent (State Context - as discussed in forums): While Wisconsin's "Right to Rent" law prevents municipalities from outright banning STRs, it allows significant restrictions like minimum stay requirements (e.g., 7 nights in Woodruff) and potentially limits on rental nights per year (though no specific annual cap was found for Woodruff in the provided content).

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AUTHORITIES

| Authority | Role | Phone | Email/Website | |---------------|----------|-----------|-------------------| | Town of Woodruff Clerk | Local Permits (TRH), Room Tax | (715) 356-9421 | Email: townclerk@townofwoodruffwi.gov <br> Website: https://townofwoodruffwi.gov/ | | Oneida County Planning & Zoning | Administrative Review Permit (ARP) | 715-369-6219 | Website: https://www.co.oneida.wi.us/departments/pz/public-documents/ | | Oneida County Health Department | State Lodging License (ATCP 72) | 715-369-6111 | Email: ochd@co.oneida.wi.us <br> Website: https://publichealth.oneidacountywi.gov/guide-to-starting-your-home-as-a-vacation-rental/ |

LINKS TO SOURCE PAGES

Disclaimer: This guide synthesizes information from the provided sources. Always verify the latest requirements and regulations directly with the respective authorities before commencing operations. Regulations can change.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Woodruff?

Woodruff hosts earn a median $24,813/year with $278 ADR and 51% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $43,718+ per year.

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Woodruff

Market Saturation Score

036912
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0/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
0–1 declining months: minimal saturation pressure — revenue trends are stable.
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Overview of Woodruff

Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin's Northwoods, Woodruff is a small unincorporated community in Oneida County with a population of approximately 900 residents. The community has a quiet, forested character and serves as a gateway to the surrounding lake country that draws visitors year-round. It sits about 80 miles north of Wausau, the nearest sizable city, and roughly 200 miles northwest of Milwaukee, making it a remote but rewarding destination for travelers seeking outdoor adventure and small-town charm.

Just a few miles east of Woodruff lies Minocqua, one of the most popular resort villages in the upper Midwest. Known for its chain of lakes — including Lake Minocqua, Lake Kawaguesaga, and Lake Tomahawk — and its lively downtown of restaurants, shops, and galleries, Minocqua is a year-round hub of Northwoods tourism. Visitors can rent boats, fish for musky and walleye, or stroll along the lakefront. The proximity of the two communities means Woodruff guests can enjoy a quieter residential setting while remaining minutes from the action.

The wider region is part of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, a vast expanse of nearly 1.5 million acres of woodlands, lakes, and rivers that spans much of northern Wisconsin. Hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling are all popular pursuits, with the forest's network of trails drawing outdoor enthusiasts throughout the seasons. The Bearskin State Trail, a former railroad corridor converted into a popular rail-trail, runs nearby between Minocqua and Tomahawk and is enjoyed by cyclists, walkers, and snowmobilers in their respective seasons.

To the north, the community of Lac du Flambeau sits within the Lac du Flambeau Indian Reservation and offers visitors a window into the heritage of the Lake Superior Band of Chippewa. The area is known for its cultural events, summer powwows, and excellent fishing on the chain of lakes that share the community's name. Woodruff's position between Minocqua and Lac du Flambeau places it at a convenient crossroads for travelers exploring this stretch of Oneida County.

The combination of small-town character, easy access to two distinct cultural and recreational hubs, and the natural setting of lakes, forests, and trails makes Woodruff a compelling base for a short-term rental. Guests can return each evening to a quieter residential neighborhood while spending their days on the water, on the trails, or in the surrounding villages — a balance that draws families, anglers, snowmobilers, and leaf-peepers throughout the year.

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