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

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in De Soto, Wisconsin, but they are regulated through specific zoning classifications and permit requirements. The village allows various forms of temporary lodging accommodations, including bed and breakfast establishments, commercial lodging facilities, and other temporary accommodation businesses, subject to zoning compliance and permit approval processes.

The regulations vary significantly by zoning district, with some areas allowing these uses as permitted uses and others requiring conditional use permits. Investors should note that the village's approach focuses on traditional lodging establishments rather than platform-based rentals like Airbnb, though these traditional establishments can serve similar functions.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in De Soto

Starting a short-term rental business in De Soto requires following a structured zoning and permitting process:

Step 1: Determine Zoning Compliance

• Identify your property's zoning district (R-1, R-2, DC-Downtown Commercial, C-General Commercial, I-Industrial, or RC-Resource Conservation)
• Review permitted uses for that specific district to determine if STR-type businesses are allowed
• Consider location requirements such as setbacks, parking, and compatibility with surrounding uses

Step 2: Secure Appropriate Permits

• Apply for zoning permits through the Village Clerk
• Obtain conditional use permits if required by your zoning district
• Complete site plan requirements as specified in Section 12 of the zoning ordinance
• Ensure compliance with building codes and uniform development standards

Step 3: Meet Operational Requirements

• Comply with occupancy limits and guest stay restrictions where applicable
• Provide required parking according to Section 11 regulations
• Maintain property standards and appearance requirements
• Obtain any additional state or county permits that may apply

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Municipal Requirements:

• Zoning Permit Application (Section 15.2)
• Site Plan meeting Section 12 requirements including:
  • Scale of 1" = 100' minimum
  • Structure types and dimensions
  • Number and size of units/floor areas
  • Off-street parking areas
  • Utility locations and drainage plans
  • Legal property description
• Conditional Use Permit Application (if required)
• Building Permits for any construction or modifications
• Certificate of Occupancy for new or altered facilities

Operational Documentation:

• Application for Conditional Use Permit with:
  • Site plan per Section 12
  • List of property owners within 500 feet
  • Supporting documentation for permit standards

Potential Additional Requirements:

• Business licenses (if applicable at municipal level)
• State lodging permits (Wisconsin Department of Health Services)
• Vernon County or Crawford County permits (depending on property location)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

By Zoning District:

R-1 Single and Two-Family Residential District:

• Bed and breakfast and bed and bath lodging listed as Conditional Use (Section 3.2.C.8)
• Must comply with conditional use standards (Section 10)
• Subject to parking requirements (Section 11)
• Maximum building height: 35 feet
• Special standards for bed and breakfast operations in definitions section

R-2 Multi-Family Residential District:

• Bed and breakfast and bed and bath lodging listed as Principal Permitted Use (Section 4.2.A.3)
• No conditional use permit required for bed and breakfast operations
• 2,000 square feet of lot area required per dwelling unit for multi-family
• Height restrictions: 1 story = 40% lot coverage, 2 story = 35%, 3 story = 30%

DC-Downtown Commercial District:

• Lodging businesses including hotels, motels, bed and breakfast, and rental rooms listed as Conditional Use (Section 5.3.C.1)
• Exempt from off-street parking requirements (Section 5.6)
• Height limit: 35 feet
• Residential use allowed only on second floor of business buildings

C-General Commercial District:

• All commercial lodging establishments, including motels and bed and breakfast uses listed as Principal Permitted Use (Section 6.2.A.16)
• No conditional use permit required
• Minimum lot area: 10,000 square feet
• Front yard setback: 20 feet
• Height limit: 35 feet

Operational Standards (from Definitions Section):

Bed and Breakfast and Bed and Bath Lodging Requirements:

• Private residence providing lodging (with or without meals)
• Maximum of 6 rooms available for guest rental
• Guest occupancy limited to 14 consecutive days
• Must not present itself as restaurant, hotel, or motel
• Food service limited to breakfast only for overnight guests
• No alcoholic beverages served to guests
• No cooking allowed in guest rooms
• May provide bed and bath services without breakfast

Parking Requirements:

• Hotels, Motels, Lodging Houses: One parking space per room/suite plus one space per two employees (Section 11.2.A.7)
• All off-street parking spaces must be 10 feet by 20 feet minimum
• Commercial parking lots require hard surfacing and proper drainage
• Lighting must be directed away from residential districts

Conditional Use Standards (if applicable):

• Buildings with large assemblages of people must be 300+ feet from existing dwellings
• Uses involving nuisances must be 500+ feet from R-Residential Districts
• Adequate utilities, access, and drainage must be provided
• Use must not impede normal development or diminish property values

Contact Information for Local Authority

Village of De Soto

• Phone: (608) 648-2700
• Address: Village Hall (specific address not provided in document)
• Website: www.desotowi.com
• Contact: Zoning Administrator or Village Clerk

Planning and Zoning Commission

• Reviews conditional use permit applications
• Makes recommendations to Village Board
• Contact through Village Hall

Village Board

• Final approval authority for conditional use permits
• Contact through Village Hall

Counties (depending on property location):

Vernon County

• Phone: (608) 637-5370
• Website: www.co.vernon.wi.gov
• Contact for properties located in Vernon County

Crawford County

• Phone: (608) 326-0279
• Website: www.crawfordcountywi.gov
• Contact for properties located in Crawford County

Source Links

1. Village of De Soto Zoning Ordinance: desotowi.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/ordinance-no-40-de-soto-zoning-ordinance.pdf

Important Notes for Investors:

• This zoning ordinance appears to be from 2007 with amendments
• Investors should verify current regulations with local authorities
• State regulations for lodging establishments may apply
• Property location (Vernon County vs. Crawford County) affects applicable regulations
• Recent updates to local ordinances may not be reflected in this document
• Contact Village Hall directly for most current information and permit requirements