Are there rental limits in Racine?

Wisconsin State Law (66.1014) limits the city's ability to ban STRs for stays of 7-28 days.

What should Racine hosts know about if the property is not?

If the property is NOT your primary residence, you are capped at 180 total rental days per year.

What are the key requirements for Racine hosts?

A local fire inspection is mandatory and must be renewed annually.

What are the key requirements for Racine hosts?

Racine County has a 0.5% sales tax that must be combined with the state 5% and city 8% room tax for a total of 13.5%.

Racine, WI Short-Term Rental Laws &...

Baseline Verification

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Verified: Feb 12, 2026

Summary

The City of Racine regulates short-term rentals as Tourist Rooming Houses, requiring a state license from DATCP and a local city business license, while adhering to Wisconsin state-level protections for rentals of 7-28 days.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 16 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Standard permit fee: $150
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•Safety standards required
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To host a short-term rental in Racine, you must obtain a state license from the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and register for a local license with the City Clerk. You are also required to collect and remit an 8% room tax and ensure your property meets specific fire and health safety standards. Under Wisconsin law, the city cannot ban rentals that are between 7 and 28 days, but they can limit total annual rental days to 180 if the property is not your primary residence.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

180/year

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$150

Processing Time

3-5 weeks

Max Fine

$5,000

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Racine does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.
•Racine does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Racine: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(10)

•Racine STR warning: A local fire inspection is mandatory and must be renewed annually.
•Racine: You must display your permit/registration number on your Airbnb listing.
•Racine requires STR registration. The permit is called "Tourist Rooming House License". Apply through City Clerk's Office. Processing time: 3-5 weeks. Renewal is required.

Application Process(8)

•Racine extended permit requirement: State DATCP license fee is separate and typically ranges from $100 to $300.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Racine charges a registration fee of $150 (annual).

Taxes(3)

•Racine: Racine County has a 0.5% sales tax that must be combined with the state 5% and city 8% room tax for a total of 13.5%.
•Wisconsin has a state sales tax of 0.05% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(7)

•Racine: If the property is NOT your primary residence, you are capped at 180 total rental days per year.
•Racine occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Racine enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Racine limits STRs to a maximum of 12 guests. Formula: 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional guests

Safety Requirements(2)

•Racine: A local fire inspection is mandatory and must be renewed annually.
•Racine requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Floor plan with exits marked, Safe egress from all sleeping rooms.

Penalties(2)

•Racine: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Racine enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $100 - $500. Second offense: $500 - $1,000. Third offense: License Revocation. Daily fine: $100 per day. Maximum fine: 5000. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(3)

•Racine: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Racine: If you are present during the guest's stay (hosted rental), night caps may not apply to you.
•Racine exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.

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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

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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.

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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.

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Ephraim

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Strict

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.

Permit required

0.1% 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

Racine

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

Requirements(10)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(7)

Safety Requirements(2)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(3)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Racine

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Racine?

3Are there rental night limits in Racine?

4What are the licensing requirements for Racine hosts?

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