Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Baraboo, WI?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Baraboo, Wisconsin. The City of Baraboo has established specific regulations for short-term rentals (defined as rentals for less than 29 consecutive days) through their Zoning Code Chapter 17, Section 17.13A. Both the City of Baraboo and the surrounding Town of Baraboo have regulatory frameworks in place, with additional county and state-level requirements. The City encourages property owners to familiarize themselves with these regulations before proceeding.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Baraboo

Step 1: Determine Your Jurisdiction

• City of Baraboo residents: Subject to City Zoning Code Chapter 17, Section 17.13A
• Town of Baraboo residents: Subject to Town Ordinance Chapter 37 (Tourist Rooming Houses)
• Verify your property location through the city's zoning maps or by contacting city officials

Step 2: Review Zoning Eligibility

• Consult Chapter 17 of the City's Zoning Code to determine if your property is eligible for short-term rental use
• The City provides direct links to the zoning regulations and an application portal

Step 3: Complete Required Inspections and Licensing

• Obtain all necessary state, county, and local licenses and permits
• Complete required fire and safety inspections
• Designate a resident agent if operating in the Town jurisdiction

Step 4: Submit Applications

• File for short-term rental license with the appropriate jurisdiction
• Apply for all required state, county, and local permits
• Ensure all documentation is complete before submission

Step 5: Maintain Compliance

• Display required permits prominently
• Comply with ongoing inspection requirements
• Maintain insurance and safety standards
• Collect and remit applicable room taxes

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City of Baraboo Requirements

Primary License:

• Short-Term Rental License Application (filed with City Engineer's Office)

Supporting Documentation:

• Property ownership verification
• Zoning compliance certification
• Safety inspection reports (as required)
• Insurance documentation
• Floor plans and occupancy information

Town of Baraboo Requirements (Chapter 37)

Required Licenses and Permits:

1. State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services License
2. Wisconsin Department of Revenue Seller's Permit
3. Special Exception Permit issued by Sauk County
4. Septic verification or sanitary permit from Sauk County
5. Room Tax Permit
6. Tourist Rooming House Permit (issued under Chapter 37)
7. Resident Agent Permit (if applicable)

Documentation Required:

• Sauk County Special Exception Permit
• State Lodging Establishment Inspection form (dated within one year)
• Wisconsin Department of Revenue Seller's Permit
• Proof of Insurance (minimum $300,000 individual/$1,000,000 aggregate liability)
• Floor plan and maximum occupancy documentation
• Site plan including parking availability
• Resident Agent designation and authorization
• Fire Inspection Report (dated within one year)
• Certification of compliance with Section 37.11 requirements

Sauk County Requirements

State-Level Licensing:

• Wisconsin Department of Health Services Tourist Rooming House License
• Pre-inspection required ($190 one-time fee)
• Annual license renewal ($190)

Safety Requirements:

• Carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas with fuel-burning appliances
• CO detectors must be ceiling-mounted in rooms with fuel-burning appliances
• Smoke detectors meeting state code requirements

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Baraboo Zoning Regulations (Chapter 17.13A)

• Short-term rentals are permitted subject to zoning code requirements
• Properties must comply with all applicable zoning district regulations
• Additional requirements may apply based on specific zoning classifications

Town of Baraboo Standards (Chapter 37.11)

Minimum Requirements:

1. Bathroom Facilities: Not less than one bathroom for every four occupants
2. Floor Space: Minimum 150 square feet for first occupant, plus 100 square feet for each additional occupant (based on habitable room area)
3. Parking: Minimum 1.25 onsite, off-street parking spaces for every four occupants
4. Egress: Safe, unobstructed means of egress leading to safe, open space at ground level
5. Safety Equipment: Functional smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors per Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter SPS 362
6. Fireplace Compliance: Wood burning fireplaces require certificate from licensed commercial building inspector (within 30 days)
7. Cooking Equipment Restrictions: No hibachi, gas-fired grills, charcoal grills, or similar devices on balconies, decks, or within 10 feet of structures
8. Insurance Requirements: Casualty and liability insurance with minimum $300,000 individual/$1,000,000 aggregate coverage
9. Quiet Hours: Notification required regarding quiet time between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM
10. Maximum Occupancy: Two people maximum for premises without separate enclosed bedrooms

Sauk County Environmental Health Requirements

Carbon Monoxide Detection:

• CO detectors required in each sleeping area with fuel-burning appliances
• CO detectors required in rooms containing fuel-burning appliances
• Ceiling placement required for detectors in rooms with fuel-burning appliances
• Compliance with Wisconsin State Statute 101.149

Wisconsin State Requirements

Licensing:

• Tourist Rooming House license required for all short-term rentals
• Management companies cannot hold licenses (individual owners must be licensees)
• Pre-inspection required before licensing

Room Tax:

• Room Tax Permits required
• Collection and remittance of applicable room taxes

Contact Information

City of Baraboo

City Engineer's Office
Phone: (608) 355-2730
Website: City of Baraboo
Address: Municipal Building, Baraboo, WI

Short-Term Rental Information:
Direct Link: Short-Term Rentals
License Application: Short-Term Rental License Application

Town of Baraboo

Town Clerk
Phone: Contact through town offices
Address: Town of Baraboo, WI

Tourist Rooming House Permits:
Chapter 37 regulations apply to Town of Baraboo residents

Sauk County Environmental Health

Address: Sauk County West Square Building, Suite #372, 505 Broadway, Baraboo, WI 53913
Phone: (608) 355-4327
Fax: (608) 355-4329
24/7 Line: 1 (800) 533-5692
TDD: (608) 355-4298

Key Staff:

• Environmental Health Manager: Steve Lisser, REHS - steve.lisser@saukcountywi.gov
• Environmental Health Sanitarians: Justin Huelsemann, REHS - justin.huelsemann@saukcountywi.gov
• Environmental Health Analyst: Laura Fry - laura.fry@saukcountywi.gov

Website: Sauk County Environmental Health - Lodging

Links to Source Pages

City of Baraboo Official Website: https://baraboowi.gov/
Short-Term Rental Information: https://baraboowi.gov/index.asp?SEC=BD5447CE-5D2D-41E9-8915-C1B459299BAB
License Application: https://baraboowi.seamlessdocs.com/f/2fqd2gvtot06
City Zoning Code Chapter 17: https://baraboowi.gov/vertical/Sites/%7BD06131C5-F452-44C7-954E-97BD998BCA20%7D/uploads/Chapter_17.pdf

Town of Baraboo Ordinance Chapter 37: https://townofbaraboo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/ordinances_ch.37.pdf

Sauk County Environmental Health: https://www.co.sauk.wi.us/environmental-health/lodging

This guide provides comprehensive information for short-term rental investors considering properties in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Always verify current requirements with local authorities before making investment decisions, as regulations may be updated periodically.