Overview: STR Allowability in Eagle River, WI

YES, short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Eagle River, WI under specific regulatory conditions. The City of Eagle River has enacted Ordinance 590, which formally regulates short-term rentals through a licensing system effective April 30, 2025. Properties operating as short-term rentals (defined as residential dwellings rented for fewer than 29 consecutive days) for more than 10 nights per year MUST obtain appropriate licensing from multiple governmental levels.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Eagle River, WI

Step-by-Step Licensing Process

1. Obtain State-Level Licensing

   • Apply for Tourist Rooming House license through Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
   • Complete pre-inspection ($300 fee) before license approval
   • Pay annual license fee ($110)
   • Renew annually by June 30th

2. Secure Vilas County Public Health License

   • Schedule home visit with Vilas County Public Health Department
   • Complete health inspection requirements
   • Note: While County permits are required for most Vilas County areas, Eagle River properties are specifically exempt from County zoning permit requirements

3. Acquire City of Eagle River STR License

   • Apply through City Clerk's office
   • Submit complete application with all required documentation
   • Pay required application fees (set by City Council)
   • License is valid for one year and renewable

4. Register for Tax Obligations

   • Obtain Seller's Permit from Wisconsin Department of Revenue
   • Register for Premier Resort Area Tax (PRAT) - applicable in Eagle River
   • Set up accommodation tax collection system

5. Obtain Required Insurance

   • Maintain residential and/or commercial property and liability insurance
   • Property managers must carry casualty and liability insurance with minimum $300,000 individual and $1,000,000 aggregate coverage
   • Provide certificate of insurance with license application and renewal

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Licensing and Permits

City of Eagle River Short-Term Rental License:

• Completed application form
• Proof of Vilas County Public Health license
• Proof of Wisconsin State Tourist Rooming House license
• Seller's permit and PRAT registration
• Certificate of insurance
• Annual fire inspection completion
• Property rules/code of conduct
• Designated parking space documentation

Vilas County Public Health License:

• Health department inspection
• Compliance with Chapter 8 of Vilas County Code of Ordinances
• Septic system compliance documentation (if applicable)

Wisconsin State License:

• Tourist Rooming House license through Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
• Pre-inspection completion
• Annual renewal requirements

Tax Registration:

• Wisconsin Department of Revenue Seller's Permit
• Premier Resort Area Tax (PRAT) registration
• Accommodation tax registration with City of Eagle River

Supporting Documentation Requirements

• Property Management Contact Information: Must be filed with City and maintained 24/7
• Occupancy Documentation: POWTS capacity or State occupancy limits
• Parking Plan: Map showing designated off-street parking spaces
• Guest Register System: For tracking full legal names, addresses, rental periods, and payment amounts
• Property Rules: Code of conduct for guests (must be provided to all renters)
• Insurance Certificates: Property and liability coverage documentation
• Annual Fire Inspection Report: From local fire chief or designee

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Eagle River Regulations (Ordinance 590)

Operational Limitations:

• Single-family zoned residences: Maximum one rental per seven-day period (owner-residence exception available)
• No recreational vehicles, campers, tents, or temporary lodging arrangements permitted as additional accommodations
• Outdoor events: Maximum one day duration, 10am-11pm timeframe, seven-day intervals between events

Contact Requirements:

• Local property management contact must be within 40 miles of rental
• 24/7 telephone availability required
• City Clerk notification required 24 hours before contact information changes

Record Keeping:

• Guest register with full legal names and addresses maintained for minimum one year
• Rental period and payment amount documentation required

Occupancy Limits:

• POWTS (septic) designed capacity or State authorized limits, whichever is less
• Standard: Two occupants per bedroom (residential septic systems)
• State Regulation ATCP 72.14 compliance for Hotels, Motels, and Tourist Rooming Houses

Property Standards:

• Adequate off-street parking required (no street parking)
• Annual fire inspection mandatory
• Weekly garbage disposal in secured containers
• Compliance with all applicable state, county, and local regulations

Vilas County Regulations (Article XII)

Permit Requirements:

• Annual permit required for most Vilas County properties (Eagle River exempt from zoning permit)
• Permit expires January 31st annually
• Non-transferable; new permit required upon ownership change

Occupancy Standards:

• Limited based on septic system size (two people per bedroom on sanitary permit)
• Alternative methods: flows/loads affidavits, water meter data acceptable
• Additional occupancy not permitted for more frequent pumping

Parking Requirements:

• One off-street space per two occupants, plus one additional space
• Minimum 75 feet from Ordinary High-Water Mark
• Minimum five feet from lot lines
• Restrictions: Not within 15 feet of septic systems, wetlands, floodplains, or easement areas

Resident Agent Requirements:

• Physical address within Vilas County or within 40 miles of property
• Authorized to act on owner's behalf
• Responsible for service of process and inspection permissions

Wisconsin State Regulations

Licensing Requirements:

• Tourist Rooming House license mandatory for operations exceeding 10 days annually
• Pre-inspection required before license approval
• Annual renewal mandatory ($110 fee)

Tax Obligations:

• State sales tax: 5% of listing price for reservations ≤29 nights
• County tax: 0.5% in certain counties
• Premier Resort Area Tax (PRAT): 0.5% in Eagle River
• Accommodation tax collection and remittance requirements

Zoning Compliance:

• Single-Family Residential (R-1) districts: Minimum seven-day rental terms
• Prohibited: Dwellings without septic systems, cesspools, campers outside campgrounds, mobile/manufactured homes in designated parks

Contact Information for Local Authorities

City of Eagle River

City Clerk and Treasurer's Office

• Address: 525 E. Maple Street, PO Box 1269, Eagle River, WI 54521
• Phone: 715-479-8682
• Hours: Monday-Friday (specific hours not provided in source)

Vilas County Zoning & Planning

• Address: 330 Court Street, Eagle River, WI 54521
• Phone: 715-479-3620
• Email: zoning@vilascountywi.gov
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Vilas County Public Health Department

• Contact through Vilas County Public Health Department
• For environmental health applications: Health Department Environmental Health Apps

Wisconsin Department of Revenue

• Seller's Permit Registration: Online Portal
• Premier Resort Area Tax Registration available through same portal

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

• Phone: 608-224-5012
• Tourist Rooming House licensing information available through official channels

Links to Source Pages

Primary Regulatory Documents

1. City of Eagle River Ordinance 590 (Official PDF): eagleriverwi.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024.16.12-DRAFT-Short-Term-Rental-Ordinance-1.pdf
2. City Ordinance Notice (Effective April 30, 2025): eagleriverwi.gov/2025/01/16/ordinance-590-short-term-rental-licensing-effective-4-30-2025/
3. Vilas County Tourist Rooming House Information: www.vilascountywi.gov/departments/administration___officials/zoning_and_planning/tourist_rooming_.php
4. Wisconsin STR Regulations (Airbnb Resource): www.airbnb.ca/help/article/3624

Supporting Resources

5. Vilas County Permit Lookup System: ascent.vilascountywi.gov/PermitManagement/Permit/Permit
6. Vilas County GIS Mapping: geo.vilascountywi.gov/
7. Wisconsin DNR Information: dnr.wisconsin.gov/
8. Town of Washington STR Resources: town-of-washington.org/property-owners/rent-your-property/ (for reference only)

Application Forms and Templates

9. Vilas County TRH Application: (Referenced in source materials)
10. Property Rules Template: (Referenced in source materials)

Important Note for Investors: The City of Eagle River provides a 120-day grace period from the effective date (April 30, 2025) for existing short-term rental properties to achieve compliance with Ordinance 590. New operators must obtain all required licenses before commencing operations. Penalties for non-compliance include $500 forfeiture plus court costs per offense, in addition to potential license suspension or revocation.