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

**Yes**, you need a Tourist Rooming House License to operate a short-term rental. You need to first get a state license from the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and then apply for the local license from the City Clerk. This ensures compliance with local regulations.

What is the TOT tax rate in Wisconsin Dells?

**11.5% TOT** is the local lodging tax rate applicable to short-term rentals. You are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the city, typically on a quarterly basis. Remember to also collect and remit state sales tax, in addition to the local lodging tax.

How much does an STR permit cost in Wisconsin Dells?

**$500** is the annual fee for a Tourist Rooming House License in Wisconsin Dells. You need this license to legally operate a short-term rental within the city limits. Ensure you budget for this cost when planning your rental operations, in addition to any state fees.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Wisconsin Dells?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are allowed in Wisconsin Dells, but they are regulated as Tourist Rooming Houses. You need to obtain the necessary licenses and comply with safety inspection requirements to operate legally. Ensure that you adhere to all regulations to avoid any penalties.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Wisconsin Dells?

**No**, tenants are not permitted to host on Airbnb in Wisconsin Dells, as the regulations require property ownership. Only property owners can obtain a Tourist Rooming House License. Renting out a property you don't own on Airbnb is non-compliant with local short-term rental rules.

Wisconsin Dells, WI STR Laws & Regulations

Gold Standard Verification

100%

Forensically verified with 3+ official sources

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

4 Official Sources

Summary

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.

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 33 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•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 the City of Wisconsin Dells, you first need to get a license from the State of Wisconsin (DATCP) and then apply for a local Tourist Rooming House license from the City Clerk. You'll need to pay an annual fee of $500 and ensure your home passes a fire safety inspection. You are also responsible for collecting and reporting an 11.5% local lodging tax, typically filed quarterly. Make sure you display your license number and emergency contact info clearly in the house.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.2%

Permit Fee

$500

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Verify if you are inside the city limits or in an unincorporated area; Wisconsin Dells spans four counties and boundaries are complex.
2.The annual permit fee is a flat $500, which is high compared to surrounding rural areas.
3.You must have a state-level license before the city will grant a local permit.
4.Quiet hours are strictly enforced from 10 PM to 7 AM.
5.Lodging taxes (11.5%) are separate from and in addition to the 5% state sales tax.
6.A local property manager must be available 24/7 and live within a reasonable distance to respond to issues.
7.Apartment buildings are generally not permitted to be used as Tourist Rooming Houses.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

•Wisconsin Dells requires that the property be the host's primary residence. Primary residence is defined as: Owner must occupy the home as their primary residence.
•Wisconsin Dells limits hosts to a maximum of 1 STR properties per owner.
•Wisconsin Dells: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(15)

•Wisconsin Dells STR warning: Taxes: In addition to the 5.5% Room Tax, you must remit state and county sales tax plus the 1.25% Premier Resort Area Tax.
•Wisconsin Dells: A fire inspection may be required before you can operate. Schedule early as this can delay your start date.

Application Process(8)

•Wisconsin Dells extended permit requirement: $110 State DATCP annual fee + $300 one-time state pre-inspection fee
•Wisconsin Dells STR permit - Step 4: Room Tax Registration. Register with the City Clerk/Treasurer to remit local room taxes. Required documents: Room Tax Application.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Wisconsin Dells charges a registration fee of $250 (one_time). Extended/additional fee: $110 ($110 State DATCP annual fee + $300 one-time state pre-inspection fee).

Taxes(3)

•Wisconsin Dells: Taxes: In addition to the 5.5% Room Tax, you must remit state and county sales tax plus the 1.25% Premier Resort Area Tax.

Limits & Restrictions(9)

•Wisconsin Dells enforces quiet hours: Subject to general noise ordinance..
•Wisconsin Dells: Verify your exact jurisdiction: The 'Wisconsin Dells' area includes the City of Wisconsin Dells, the Village of Lake Delton, and surrounding towns. City rules ONLY apply inside city limits.
•Wisconsin Dells: 180-Day Cap: You are restricted to a maximum of 180 rental days per 365-day period.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Wisconsin Dells requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Emergency lighting, Sanitation standards per ATCP 72.

Penalties(2)

•Wisconsin Dells enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Varies by specific violation. Daily fine: $50 late fee for room tax + interest. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Wisconsin Dells: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

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

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Unlock: 4-Step Application Guide

Get step-by-step application guides and access to all 51+ markets.

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.

Wisconsin Dells

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

Create a free account

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

Requirements(15)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(9)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

Create a free account

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Wisconsin Markets

Sturgeon Bay

Stevens Point

Ephraim

Door County

Wisconsin Dells

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 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 Wisconsin Dells?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Wisconsin Dells?

3How much does an STR permit cost in Wisconsin Dells?

4Are short-term rentals allowed in Wisconsin Dells?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Wisconsin Dells?

Related Content

Other Wisconsin Markets

Sturgeon Bay

Stevens Point

Ephraim

Door County