Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Egg Harbor?

Explicitly: Short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in the Village of Egg Harbor, but they are strictly regulated. In December 2023, the Village Board adopted Chapter 118 of the Village Code (Short-Term Residential Dwellings), establishing a licensing regime for all STRs in residential dwellings. As of July 2024 and thereafter, no person may own or operate an STR without a valid Village STR license, regardless of whether the property is inside the Village or within its extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction.

Note: The Village’s STR rules apply after a property has operated more than 10 nights in a calendar year.

Source: Village of Egg Harbor STR licensing page and Chapter 118.

How to Start an STR Business in Egg Harbor (Step-by-Step)

Investor-ready sequence to achieve full compliance across state, county, and municipal layers:

1. Confirm zoning eligibility.

   • Ensure the property is a lawful residential dwelling (single-family, condo, etc.) and not a unit in a licensed inn/hotel/motel or a condominium with central staffed on-site reservations and on-site management (those are excluded from the STR definition and licensing regime).
   • Review the Village Zoning Map for R-1 and Rural Residential (RR) constraints (180-day cap applies for STRs created after Dec 2023; see Regulatory Details below).

2. Secure state-level authorization.

   • Obtain a Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Tourist Rooming House license.
   • Complete the required DATCP inspection (or, if DATCP did not conduct an in-person initial inspection, obtain a third-party inspection by a Wisconsin Certified Professional Inspector or ASHI inspector and submit that report annually with your Village application).

3. Obtain county-level authorization.

   • Apply for and maintain a Door County Tourism Zone (DCTZ) permit.
   • Enroll in monthly room tax filings and remit the room tax to DCTZ.

4. Prepare Village licensing package.

   • If you do not reside within 75 driving miles of the STR, appoint a Registered Property Agent who lives within 25 miles; complete both the Registered Agent registration form and a signed agreement/contract.
   • Assemble the full set of required documents for the Village STR application.

5. Submit Village STR application and pay the annual fee.

   • File the online Village STR application; the annual license runs July 1–June 30 (fee $250). Submit at least 45 days before expiration for renewal. Late or incomplete applications may result in denial or delay.

6. Operational readiness.

   • Post required notices and property rules inside the STR and on all reservation platforms.
   • Provide neighbor notification (contact details, parking diagram, property rules) for all residential properties within 300 feet.
   • Confirm occupancy caps, parking, quiet hours, and sanitation capacity (especially for POWTS).

7. Ongoing compliance.

   • Maintain current licenses and permits.
   • File monthly room tax with DCTZ.
   • Respond to complaints and Village inquiries; keep information current within 24–48 hours of changes.

Sources: Village STR page; Chapter 118; DATCP; Door County Tourism Zone.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Village of Egg Harbor STR License Application Package

• Completed Village STR License Application (signed by all owners).
• Annual nonrefundable fee: $250.00.
• Registered Property Agent (if owner resides >75 miles from STR): completed registration form plus signed agreement/contract with agent.
• Floor plan: all rooms identified, sleeping areas, maximum sleeping capacity.
• Site plan: on-site parking locations, driveway location/width, maximum parking spaces available to guests.
• Current photos: four exterior sides of the building and one photo from the end of the driveway looking toward the dwelling.
• Recorded deed (current copy).
• Door County Tourism Zone (DCTZ) permit.
• DATCP Tourist Rooming House license.
• Most recent DATCP Inspection Report (or third-party inspection report as allowed by Chapter 118).
• Sanitation report (only if not served by municipal sewer).
• Neighbor list: identify properties within a 300-foot radius.
• Property Rules (minimum content specified in Chapter 118).
• Emergency contact information for owner and, if applicable, the Registered Property Agent (email and phone).
• Statement attesting the STR has not been altered without permits.
• Acknowledgment of compliance with subdivision deed, condominium bylaws, or HOA restrictions, if applicable.
• Adequate road access and on-site parking in conformance with the Municipal Code.
• If on a private well: proof of safe, potable water.
• If served by POWTS: proof system is sized to the advertised guest capacity; system inspected within the past three years with corrective actions documented.

State Requirements (Wisconsin)

• DATCP Tourist Rooming House license and inspection or approved third-party inspection annually.

County Requirements (Door County)

• DCTZ permit and ongoing monthly room tax reporting to the Door County Tourism Zone Commission.

Guidance References

• Village Zoning Map and Planning & Development resources.
• Door County GIS for neighbor radius and parcel context.
• POWTS sanitation standards for non-municipal sewer properties.

Sources: Village STR page; Chapter 118; DATCP; Door County Tourism Zone; Door County Sanitarian (POWTS).

Specific Regulations: Village of Egg Harbor (City), Door County (County), Wisconsin (State)

Village of Egg Harbor (Chapter 118) – Key Operational Rules

• License Required

  • No STR operation without a Village STR license; applies after 10 nights rented per year.

• Owner/Agent Residency

  • Owner must reside within 75 miles during periods the STR is rented or maintain a Registered Property Agent within 25 miles, available 24/7, with a current contract and contact information on file.

• Residential District Limits (applies to STRs created after Dec 2023; see next subsection)

  • In Rural Residential (RR) and R-1 districts: maximum 180 days per calendar year.
  • Rentals limited to one period in a consecutive six-day span for a minimum of two consecutive nights.
  • Legacy STRs (operating prior to Dec 2023, no change in ownership) are exempt until ownership changes.

• Occupancy and Sleeping

  • Rooms used for sleeping must be within approved living quarters; occupancy limits governed by Wisconsin Admin. Code ATCP 72.14 (as referenced).

• On-Site Parking and Access

  • Provide off-street parking meeting code; verify road access.

• Quiet Hours

  • 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM; minimize plainly audible noise.

• Safety and Building Conditions

  • Functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors per SPS 321.
  • No unpermitted or unsafe decks/structures; all structures in sound condition.
  • Fire and carbon monoxide alarm instructions, extinguisher location, and hose locations must be posted.

• Signage

  • On-site signage related to the STR limited to one square foot; no other on-site advertising signage permitted.

• Additional Accommodations

  • No RVs, campers, tents, or temporary lodging to accommodate paying guests.

• Firewood

  • No outside firewood allowed; use only Door County–harvested firewood to prevent invasive species spread.

• Pets

  • Pets must be under control and leashed when outside; tethered pets must be at least 10 feet inside lot lines; minimize pet noise during all hours.

• Outdoor Events (during active rentals)

  • Max 12 consecutive hours between 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM; no event if parking demand exceeds approved on-site stalls; quiet hours still apply.

• Neighbor Notification

  • Provide owner and agent contact details, property rules, and parking information to the Village for distribution to all residential properties within 300 feet; update within 24 hours of changes.

• Refuse and Recycling

  • Street placement prohibited before noon the day before pickup; containers must be removed from the street by noon the day after pickup.

• Posting Requirements

  • Post state DATCP license, DCTZ Good Neighbor Policy, and the Village STR license at the STR; submit property rules with application and post inside and on reservation platforms.

• Inspection Authority

  • Building Inspector or health officer may request access with probable cause; special inspection warrants available under Wis. Stats. § 66.0119 if consent is refused.

• Fees and Penalties

  • Nonrefundable $250 annual STR license fee; forfeiture penalties: $100–$500 first offense, $500–$1,000 second offense, and subsequent offenses plus applicable surcharges, assessments, costs, and legal fees; each day a violation exists is a separate offense.

• Revocation, Nonrenewal, and Appeals

  • Grounds include violations of Chapter, state administrative codes, or local codes; failure to correct violations after notice; disorderly/illegal activity on premises; outstanding fees/taxes/forfeitures.
  • Due process appeal to the Village Board within 21 days; Board must issue written decision.

Source: Chapter 118.

Future STRs in Residential Districts: 180-Day Cap and Rental Frequency

• For STRs created after December 2023 and located in RR or R-1 districts:
  • Maximum 180 rental days per calendar year.
  • One rental period in any consecutive six-day span, minimum two consecutive nights.
  • These limits do not apply to STRs existing as of Dec 2023 until a change in ownership.

Source: Door County Pulse reporting on Village Board action; Chapter 118.

Door County Tourism Zone (County-Level)

• All STR operators in Door County must obtain a DCTZ permit.
• Monthly room tax reporting is mandatory; the DCTZ administers collection and compliance.
• Municipalities in Door County (including Egg Harbor) may layer additional local requirements; the DCTZ maintains a Municipal Requirements page and a Permit Holder FAQ.
• Contact the DCTZ for permit and tax questions; see Contact section for details.

Sources: Door County Tourism Zone (municipal requirements, permit, FAQ, contact page).

State of Wisconsin

• Wisconsin statute (Wis. Stats. § 66.0615) authorizes municipalities to regulate—but not ban—short-term rentals.
• State law sets standards for Tourist Rooming Houses via DATCP, including inspection and safety requirements.
• DATCP licenses are subject to ATCP 72.14 (occupancy and operations).

Sources: Door County Tourism Zone State Statute reference; DATCP Tourist Rooming Houses program.

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Village of Egg Harbor (STR Licensing)

• Mailing Address: Village of Egg Harbor, PO Box 175, 7860 STH 42, Egg Harbor, WI 54209
• Phone: (920) 868-3334
• Office Hours: Mon–Thu 8:00 AM–2:00 PM; Fri 8:00 AM–12:00 PM (effective Jan 2, 2025)
• STR Contacts: Madison Dietzen; Lynette Oman
• STR License Application and Forms: see Village STR page; Registered Agent Registration Form and Agreement (see Source Links)
• Village Zoning Map and Planning & Development resources are available on the Village website.

Door County Tourism Zone Commission (County Permit and Room Tax)

• Office: 185 E Walnut St, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 (by appointment 8:00 AM–4:00 PM Mon–Fri)
• Mailing Address: PO Box 55, Sister Bay, WI 54234
• Phone: (920) 854-6200
• Email: info@doorcountytourismzone.com
• Permit Portal: Door County Tourism Zone “Apply For A Permit”
• Permit Holder FAQ: Door County Tourism Zone “Permit Holders”

State of Wisconsin – DATCP (Tourist Rooming House License)

• Phone: (608) 224-4923
• Email: datcpdfslicensing@wi.gov
• Program Page: DATCP Tourist Rooming Houses

Door County Sanitarian (POWTS/Sanitation)

• Email: sanitarian@co.door.wi.us

Town of Egg Harbor (Separate Jurisdiction from Village)

• Address: 5242 County Rd I, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
• Phone: (920) 743-6141
• Fax: (920) 743-1102
• Email: [email protected]
• Office Hours: Mon–Thu 8:30 AM–4:00 PM; Fri Closed

Note: The Town of Egg Harbor and Village of Egg Harbor are separate municipalities; this guide covers the Village only.

Sources: Village STR page; DCTZ contact page; DATCP Tourist Rooming Houses; Door County Pulse; Town of Egg Harbor STR page.

Source Links (Chapters, Applications, and Authorities)

• Village of Egg Harbor – STR Licensing Portal (applications, forms, fee, FAQs, contacts)
  • villageofeggharbor.gov/str
• Chapter 118 – Short-Term Residential Dwellings (full ordinance text)
  • villageofeggharbor.gov/uploads/dm/3211/Chapter_118_ShortTerm_Residential_Dwellings.pdf
• Village Zoning Map (zoning context for RR and R-1 districts)
  • villageofeggharbor.gov/zoningmap
• Registered Agent Registration Form (Village)
  • villageofeggharbor.gov/admin/dm/Public/DownloadFile/?fileid=3448
• Registered Property Agent Agreement (Village)
  • villageofeggharbor.gov/admin/dm/Public/DownloadFile/?fileid=3447
• Online STR Application (Village)
  • us.openforms.com/Form/82855984-3821-45fc-a5f2-71519a478f03
• Online STR Application (Legacy/Detailed Page – Village)
  • us.openforms.com/Form/22ace045-8c5f-4b7c-9920-c50e90ba0d96
• Door County Tourism Zone Commission (Permit and Room Tax)
  • doorcountytourismzone.com/
• Door County – Apply for a Permit (DCTZ)
  • doorcountytourismzone.com/apply-for-a-permit/
• Door County – Municipal Requirements (DCTZ)
  • doorcountytourismzone.com/municipal-requirements/
• Door County – Permit Holder FAQs (DCTZ)
  • doorcountytourismzone.com/permit-holder-faq/
• Door County GIS (neighbor radius and parcel data)
  • landnav.co.door.wi.us/gcswebportal/Search.aspx
• Door County Sanitarian – POWTS (septic/sanitation requirements)
  • www.co.door.wi.gov/421/Sanitarian-POWTS
• Wisconsin DATCP – Tourist Rooming Houses (State licensing and inspection)
  • datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/TouristRoomingHouses.aspx
• Wisconsin State Statute § 66.0615 (Short-Term Rental authorization/limits)
  • docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/66/VI/0615
• Door County Pulse – Article on Village STR rules update (Residential District limits)
  • doorcountypulse.com/village-tightens-rules-for-future-strs-in-residential-zones/
• Home Hosts of Door County – STR regulations overview and municipal summaries
  • homehosts.org/regulations/
• Town of Egg Harbor – Short Term Rentals page (jurisdictional clarity)
  • townofeggharbor.org/short-term-rentals/

Compliance Checklist (One-Page Summary)

• Confirm zoning; schedule DATCP inspection; apply for DCTZ permit.
• Secure Registered Property Agent (if owner >75 miles