Short-Term Rental Investment Guide: Cashton, Wisconsin

Overview: STR Status in Cashton, WI

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Cashton, Wisconsin. The Cashton community website explicitly references AirBnBs in the area and promotes short-term lodging options, indicating that STRs are permitted and operational within the village. However, no specific city-level regulations were found in the provided sources. As such, operators must comply with state-level Wisconsin regulations and any applicable county requirements.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Cashton

Based on the available information, here is the recommended process to establish a short-term rental in Cashton:

1. Initial Research and Planning

• Verify Property Zoning: Confirm that short-term rental use is permitted in your property's zoning district
• Review Wisconsin State Requirements: Familiarize yourself with state-level lodging regulations
• Assess Property Suitability: Ensure your property meets health and safety standards

2. Business Registration

• Obtain State Tax ID: Register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue to collect and remit room taxes
• Consider Business Insurance: Obtain appropriate liability coverage for rental operations
• Establish Business Entity (optional): Consider forming an LLC or other business structure

3. Compliance Preparation

• Prepare Documentation: Gather all required permits and licenses before operating
• Implement Safety Measures: Install required smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and other safety equipment
• Establish Operational Procedures: Create guest registration processes and safety protocols

4. Launch and Ongoing Compliance

• Begin Marketing: Once all permits are secured, list your property on STR platforms
• Maintain Records: Keep detailed records of all rental activities, guests, and compliance documentation
• Renew Permits: Ensure timely renewal of all required permits and licenses

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Based on Wisconsin state requirements that would apply to Cashton operators:

State-Level Requirements (Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection - DATCP)

Tourist Rooming House License:

• Required: Annual license for any lodging establishment offering sleeping accommodations to tourists or transients
• Application Process: Submit application to DATCP or authorized local health department
• Inspection Required: Pre-licensure inspection required
• Fees: Varies by license type and local health department
• Renewal: Annual renewal required

Key Requirements for Tourist Rooming Houses:

• Private wells must be tested annually for coliform bacteria
• Private septic systems must be code compliant
• Minimum bathroom facilities required (toilet, sink, and bathtub or shower)
• Hot and cold running water at all sinks
• Proper waste disposal in leak-proof containers
• Clean appliances and furnishings
• Mattress and pillow covers required
• Linens must be washed between guests
• Housekeepers with communicable diseases must not work
• Construction must comply with Uniform Dwelling Code (for structures after June 1, 1980)
• Two exits required for cabins/homes built after June 1, 1980
• Commercial building code compliance for facilities with 3+ units
• Smoke alarm requirements (minimum one per floor for pre-1992 construction, each sleeping room for post-1992)
• Sleeping room space requirements (400 cubic feet per occupant over 12, 200 cubic feet per occupant under 12)
• Minimum ceiling height of 7 feet in sleeping areas
• Two directions of escape required from every sleeping room
• Key-locking exterior doors (key from outside, non-key from inside)
• Screened windows required (openable windows in dwellings without air conditioning)
• Guards and handrails required on stairs and elevated platforms exceeding 18 inches
• Adequate bathroom ventilation required
• Pressure relief valves on hot water heaters must be piped to within 6 inches of floor
• No plumbing cross connections permitted
• No electrical shock hazards permitted
• Directions required for fireplace and wood stove use
• Property must be maintained in good repair and sanitary condition
• Measures required to minimize insects and rodents
• Guest register must be maintained and available
• No food items or alcohol accessible to guests (except shelf-stable prepackaged single-service items)
• Carbon monoxide detectors required within 15 feet of all bedrooms, in sleeping rooms with fuel-fired appliances, and in basements with fuel-fired appliances

Additional State Requirements

Room Tax Registration:

• Wisconsin requires room tax registration for all short-term rental operators
• Must collect and remit room taxes on rental income

Sales Tax Registration:

• May be required depending on the nature and frequency of rentals
• Consult with Wisconsin Department of Revenue for specific requirements

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Cashton

No specific city-level regulations were identified in the provided sources. Operators should contact the Village of Cashton directly to verify if any local ordinances apply.

Monroe County

No county-specific regulations were identified in the provided sources. Operators should contact Monroe County to verify if any county-level requirements apply.

State of Wisconsin (ATCP 72)

The following key regulations apply to all Wisconsin short-term rentals:

Licensing:

• Annual Tourist Rooming House license required through DATCP
• Licenses expire on June 30th annually
• Annual renewal application and fee required
• Non-transferable licenses (except to immediate family members as allowed in ATCP 72)
• License issuance within 30 days of complete application
• Pre-licensure inspection required

Occupancy and Safety:

• Maximum occupancy limits apply
• Safety equipment requirements (smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors)
• Minimum space requirements per occupant
• Multiple exit requirements
• Structural safety standards

Operational Requirements:

• Guest registration requirements
• Sanitary facility standards
• Water quality testing requirements
• Maintenance and cleanliness standards
• Food service restrictions

Contact Information for Local Authority in Charge of STRs

For Village of Cashton Operations

Village of Cashton

• Website: cashton.com
• Mailing Address: Village of Cashton, Cashton, WI
• Contact Information: Available through the village website contact page

For State Licensing (DATCP)

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

• Phone: (608) 224-5012
• Website: datcp.wi.gov
• Email: datcpgeneral@wi.gov

For Local Health Department (if applicable)

Since no local health department was identified in the sources for Cashton/Monroe County operations, operators should verify with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection for local health department contact information.

Links to Source Pages

1. Bayfield County Short-Term Rental Application Packet - Used for understanding Wisconsin state-level tourist rooming house requirements

2. Cashton Lodging Information - Used to confirm that AirBnBs and short-term rentals are present and promoted in Cashton

3. Bayfield County Planning and Zoning FAQ - Used for understanding Wisconsin state-level tourist rooming house requirements and definitions

Important Notes for STR Investors

1. Jurisdiction Verification: While Cashton appears to allow short-term rentals based on tourism promotion, investors should verify specific local ordinances with the Village of Cashton directly.

2. Regulatory Changes: Short-term rental regulations at all levels of government continue to evolve. Operators should stay informed about potential regulatory changes.

3. Compliance Priority: State-level licensing and safety requirements are mandatory regardless of local ordinances. Ensuring compliance with these requirements should be the first priority for any STR operation.

4. Tax Implications: Room tax and sales tax compliance is essential. Consult with a tax professional familiar with Wisconsin short-term rental taxation.

5. Insurance Considerations: Appropriate insurance coverage is crucial for protecting against liability claims and property damage.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview based on the available information. Investors should verify all requirements with local authorities and consider consulting with legal and tax professionals familiar with Wisconsin short-term rental regulations.