What are the key requirements for Stevens Point hosts?

Non-owner occupied units must go through a lengthy and public Conditional Use Permit process.

What are the permit fees in Stevens Point?

Portage County requires a pre-inspection fee of $378 in addition to the annual permit fee.

Are there rental limits in Stevens Point?

Maximum occupancy is strictly limited to 2 unrelated adults unless a specific occupancy license is granted.

What should Stevens Point hosts know about wisconsin state law prohibits local?

Wisconsin state law prohibits local governments from banning rentals of 7 days or longer.

Stevens Point

Moderate

WisconsinUpdated Apr 14, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Feb 5, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

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.

Restriction level

Severity 26

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

Moderate permit fee: $300
Tenants cannot host
Permit required
Reporting required
No primary residence requirement

In plain English

What this means for you

To host an STR, you must get a health license and pass an inspection from Portage County. If you live on-site, the city allows it as a 'permitted use,' but if you are an off-site owner, you must apply for a Conditional Use Permit through the City Plan Commission. All hosts must collect and remit 13.5% in combined local and state taxes.

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limit180/year

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$300

Processing time4-8 weeks

4 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Non-owner occupied units must go through a lengthy and public Conditional Use Permit process.
2Portage County requires a pre-inspection fee of $378 in addition to the annual permit fee.
3Maximum occupancy is strictly limited to 2 unrelated adults unless a specific occupancy license is granted.
4Wisconsin state law prohibits local governments from banning rentals of 7 days or longer.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility5 rules

Stevens Point: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Stevens Point does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.
Stevens Point allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Two-Family, Condo, Cabin, Cottage.
Stevens Point does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements13 rules

Stevens Point: Non-owner occupied units must go through a lengthy and public Conditional Use Permit process.
Stevens Point requires liability insurance for STR hosts. Proof of insurance is typically required during the City's Conditional Use Permit process.
Stevens Point: A fire inspection may be required before you can operate. Schedule early as this can delay your start date.

Application process9 rules

How to set up an STR in Stevens Point: To host an STR, you must get a health license and pass an inspection from Portage County. If you live on-site, the city allows it as a 'permitted use,' but if you are an off-site owner, you must apply for a Conditional Use Permit through the City Plan Commission. All hosts must collect and remit 13.5% in combined local and state taxes.

Fees & costs3 rules

Stevens Point charges a registration fee of $300 (one_time).
Stevens Point: Portage County requires a pre-inspection fee of $378 in addition to the annual permit fee.
Portage charges a registration fee of $530 (annual).

Taxes2 rules

Stevens Point charges a Room Tax of 0.08%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO remit the 8% Room Tax to the City of Stevens Point.
Wisconsin has a state sales tax of 0.05% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & restrictions6 rules

Stevens Point limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
Stevens Point occupancy calculation: Limited by septic capacity or 2 persons per bedroom + additional allowances per PCHHS license.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety requirements1 rule

Stevens Point requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Compliance with ATCP 72, Safe water supply, Proper sewage disposal, Floor plan on file.

Penalties2 rules

Stevens Point enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Varies by ordinance violation. Daily fine: 500. Permit may be revoked for violations.
Stevens Point: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions3 rules

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

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Stevens Point

0/5

steps completed

Step 1

Verify Zoning and Ownership Type

Determine if your property is owner-occupied. If not, you must prepare for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) process with the City of Stevens Point Community Development Department.

1 weekFree

Official resource

Step 2

Apply for Portage County Health License

Submit the Portage County Establishment License Application to PCHHS along with initial fees for the 'Tourist Rooming House' category.

2 weeks$530

Documents needed

Establishment License Application
Proof of Seller's Permit (if applicable)

Official resource

Step 3

Pass Health and Safety Inspection

An inspector from Portage County will visit the property to ensure compliance with Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 72 (fire safety, water, sanitation).

1-2 weeksFree

Official resource

Step 4

Obtain City Conditional Use Permit (if applicable)

For non-owner occupied properties, submit a CUP application to the City Plan Commission. This requires a public hearing and Common Council approval.

1-2 months$300

Documents needed

Site Plan
Operational Plan
Property Owner Consent

Official resource

Step 5

Register for Taxes

Register with the Stevens Point Treasurer for Room Tax and the WI Dept of Revenue for a Seller's Permit if annual revenue exceeds $2,000.

1 week$20

Documents needed

Room Tax Registration Form

Official resource

Frequently asked questions

4 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes 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.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Stevens Point

Moderate

WisconsinUpdated Apr 14, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Feb 5, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

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.

Restriction level

Severity 26

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

Moderate permit fee: $300
Tenants cannot host
Permit required
Reporting required
No primary residence requirement

In plain English

What this means for you

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limit180/year

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$300

Processing time4-8 weeks

4 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Non-owner occupied units must go through a lengthy and public Conditional Use Permit process.
2Portage County requires a pre-inspection fee of $378 in addition to the annual permit fee.
3Maximum occupancy is strictly limited to 2 unrelated adults unless a specific occupancy license is granted.
4Wisconsin state law prohibits local governments from banning rentals of 7 days or longer.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility5 rules

Stevens Point: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Stevens Point does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.
Stevens Point allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Two-Family, Condo, Cabin, Cottage.
Stevens Point does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements13 rules

Stevens Point: Non-owner occupied units must go through a lengthy and public Conditional Use Permit process.
Stevens Point requires liability insurance for STR hosts. Proof of insurance is typically required during the City's Conditional Use Permit process.
Stevens Point: A fire inspection may be required before you can operate. Schedule early as this can delay your start date.

Application process9 rules

How to set up an STR in Stevens Point: To host an STR, you must get a health license and pass an inspection from Portage County. If you live on-site, the city allows it as a 'permitted use,' but if you are an off-site owner, you must apply for a Conditional Use Permit through the City Plan Commission. All hosts must collect and remit 13.5% in combined local and state taxes.

Fees & costs3 rules

Stevens Point charges a registration fee of $300 (one_time).
Stevens Point: Portage County requires a pre-inspection fee of $378 in addition to the annual permit fee.
Portage charges a registration fee of $530 (annual).

Taxes2 rules

Stevens Point charges a Room Tax of 0.08%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO remit the 8% Room Tax to the City of Stevens Point.
Wisconsin has a state sales tax of 0.05% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & restrictions6 rules

Stevens Point limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
Stevens Point occupancy calculation: Limited by septic capacity or 2 persons per bedroom + additional allowances per PCHHS license.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety requirements1 rule

Stevens Point requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Compliance with ATCP 72, Safe water supply, Proper sewage disposal, Floor plan on file.

Penalties2 rules

Stevens Point enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Varies by ordinance violation. Daily fine: 500. Permit may be revoked for violations.
Stevens Point: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions3 rules

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

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Stevens Point

0/5

steps completed

Step 1

Verify Zoning and Ownership Type

Determine if your property is owner-occupied. If not, you must prepare for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) process with the City of Stevens Point Community Development Department.

1 weekFree

Official resource

Step 2

Apply for Portage County Health License

Submit the Portage County Establishment License Application to PCHHS along with initial fees for the 'Tourist Rooming House' category.

2 weeks$530

Documents needed

Establishment License Application
Proof of Seller's Permit (if applicable)

Official resource

Step 3

Pass Health and Safety Inspection

An inspector from Portage County will visit the property to ensure compliance with Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 72 (fire safety, water, sanitation).

1-2 weeksFree

Official resource

Step 4

Obtain City Conditional Use Permit (if applicable)

For non-owner occupied properties, submit a CUP application to the City Plan Commission. This requires a public hearing and Common Council approval.

1-2 months$300

Documents needed

Site Plan
Operational Plan
Property Owner Consent

Official resource

Step 5

Register for Taxes

Register with the Stevens Point Treasurer for Room Tax and the WI Dept of Revenue for a Seller's Permit if annual revenue exceeds $2,000.

1 week$20

Documents needed

Room Tax Registration Form

Official resource

Frequently asked questions

4 answered

Disclaimer

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

4 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Verify Zoning and Ownership Type

Apply for Portage County Health License

Pass Health and Safety Inspection

Obtain City Conditional Use Permit (if applicable)

Register for Taxes

Frequently asked questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Stevens Point?

3Are there rental night limits in Stevens Point?

4What are the requirements for non-owner-occupied rentals?

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

4 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Verify Zoning and Ownership Type

Apply for Portage County Health License

Pass Health and Safety Inspection

Obtain City Conditional Use Permit (if applicable)

Register for Taxes

Frequently asked questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Stevens Point?

3Are there rental night limits in Stevens Point?

4What are the requirements for non-owner-occupied rentals?

Disclaimer