Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Ephraim?

**Yes**, Ephraim requires a Short-Term Rental License for operating a rental. You need to obtain an annual Village license for $500, a State of Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House license, and a Door County Tourism Zone permit. This is required per Ordinance 04-2022 to operate legally. *(53 words)*

What is the TOT tax rate in Ephraim?

**8% TOT** is the current room tax rate for short-term rentals in Ephraim. You are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the Village. This applies to all rentals, in addition to the state and county taxes. Failure to collect and remit taxes may result in penalties. *(53 words)*

Are short-term rentals allowed in Ephraim?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are generally allowed in Ephraim, with some restrictions. You need to adhere to the regulations outlined in Ordinance 04-2022, including obtaining the required licenses and permits. A minimum stay requirement of 7 nights applies in most residential areas, ensuring neighborhood preservation. *(52 words)*

How much does an STR permit cost in Ephraim?

**$500** is the annual fee for the Village of Ephraim Short-Term Rental License. You need to pay this fee to obtain the required permit, in addition to securing a State of Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House license and a Door County Tourism Zone permit. This is an annual requirement for operating a legal STR. *(54 words)*

Can renters host on Airbnb in Ephraim?

**No**, renters are not permitted to host on Airbnb in Ephraim. The regulations require that the property owner obtain the necessary licenses and permits. Renting out a property without the owner's consent and the required permits is a violation of the ordinance and may result in penalties. *(53 words)*

Ephraim, WI Short-Term Rental Laws & Rules

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Verified: Jan 30, 2026

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Summary

Short-term rentals in the Village of Ephraim are regulated under Ordinance 04-2022, requiring an annual Village license, a State of Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House license, and a Door County Tourism Zone permit. Rentals are subject to an 8% room tax and a minimum stay requirement of 7 nights in most residential areas.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 38 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Week minimum stay: 7 nights
•High permit fee: $500
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in Ephraim, you must first secure a state-level tourist rooming house license and register with the Door County Tourism Zone Commission for taxes. Once those are in place, you apply for a Village-specific permit which costs $500 annually. Be aware that Ephraim strictly enforces a 7-night minimum stay for most properties, meaning you cannot rent your home for just a weekend. You also need to pass a safety inspection and ensure your occupancy does not exceed the limit of 2 people per bedroom plus 2 extra guests.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$500

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.7-night minimum stay requirement is strictly enforced for all STRs.
2.A $500 annual fee is required, which is significantly higher than neighboring unincorporated areas.
3.Hosts must maintain a local contact person available 24/7 who lives within 25 miles of the property.
4.Maximum occupancy is capped at 10 guests regardless of house size.
5.You must have both a Village license AND a Door County Tourism Zone permit.
6.Displaying the Village permit number on all online listings is mandatory.
7.Outdoor music or amplified sound is generally prohibited during quiet hours (10 PM - 7 AM).

Regulation Details

Eligibility(9)

•Ephraim prohibits STRs in the following property types: Travel trailers, RVs, Tents.
•Ephraim: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Ephraim, WI: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Ephraim, WI: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.

Requirements(21)

•Ephraim, WI: A fire inspection may be required before you can operate. Schedule early as this can delay your start date.
•Ephraim: Displaying the Village permit number on all online listings is mandatory.
•Ephraim: Hosts must maintain a local contact person available 24/7 who lives within 25 miles of the property.

Application Process(9)

•Ephraim STR permit - Step 1: State Licensing. Obtain a Tourist Rooming House license from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). Time: 3-6 weeks.
•Ephraim STR permit - Step 4: Inspection. Schedule and pass a fire and safety inspection conducted by the local fire department or designated official. Time: 1 week.

Fees & Costs(2)

•Ephraim charges a registration fee of $500 (annual).
•Ephraim: A $500 annual fee is required, which is significantly higher than neighboring unincorporated areas.

Taxes(2)

•Ephraim charges a Room Tax of 8%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO remit the 8% Door County Room Tax directly, but owners must still file monthly/quarterly returns showing zero balance.
•Wisconsin has a state sales tax of 5.5% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(8)

•Ephraim occupancy calculation: 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed 10 total.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Ephraim: 7-night minimum stay requirement is strictly enforced for all STRs.
•Ephraim enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Ephraim requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Floor plan with emergency exits posted in unit, Safe water supply certification.

Penalties(3)

•Ephraim, WI: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Ephraim: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(3)

•Ephraim exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days).
•Ephraim: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Ephraim, WI: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other Wisconsin Markets

Sturgeon Bay

Wisconsin

Moderate

Sturgeon Bay requires a Short-Term Rental License, a State of Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House license, and a Door County Tourism Zone permit. Stays are limited to a maximum of 180 days per year, and the property must pass an annual fire inspection.

Permit requiredNight limits

0.1% total tax

Stevens Point

Wisconsin

Moderate

Short-term rentals in Stevens Point are permitted for owner-occupied properties, while non-owner-occupied units require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and a Portage County health license.

Permit requiredNight limits

0.1% total tax

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin

Moderate

Short-term rentals in the City of Wisconsin Dells are regulated as Tourist Rooming Houses and require both state and local licenses. Hosts must pay a total lodging tax of 11.5% in addition to state sales tax and comply with annual safety inspections.

Permit required

0.2% total tax

Door County

Wisconsin

Moderate

Short-term rentals in unincorporated Door County are regulated via a mandatory STR license and require coordination between Land Use Services and the Tourism Zone Commission. Hosts must also hold a Tourist Rooming House license from the Health Department and adhere to specific occupancy limits based on bedroom count.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Ephraim

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(9)

Requirements(21)

Application Process(9)

Fees & Costs(2)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(8)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(3)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Wisconsin Markets

Sturgeon Bay

Stevens Point

Wisconsin Dells

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Ephraim

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Ephraim?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Ephraim?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Ephraim?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Ephraim?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Ephraim?

Related Content

Other Wisconsin Markets

Sturgeon Bay

Stevens Point

Wisconsin Dells

Door County