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

Yes. Short-term rentals (less than 30 days) are explicitly allowed in Fontana, Wisconsin, under two defined categories: Vacation Rental Homes and Tourist Rooming Houses. Zoning determines eligibility, and both categories require state and village licensing and compliance before operations may begin. A Village of Fontana license must be obtained and visibly posted inside the front door of each rental at all times. The village contracts with Granicus/Host Compliance to manage applications and monitor compliance, and a public complaint hotline is available for issues like noise, parking, or suspected illegal rentals.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Fontana

The licensing pathway is systematic and multi-agency. Investors should start by confirming zoning eligibility, then assemble all required documents and complete online applications through the village’s portal. Inspections, proof of insurance, and tax registrations are required before a license is issued.

Step-by-step launch guidance:

• Confirm zoning eligibility for your property to determine which category you qualify for (Vacation Rental Home vs Tourist Rooming House).
• Prepare required documents (see the Permits, Licenses, and Required Documents section below).
• Complete the online application and pay administrative and permit fees via Granicus/Host Compliance.
• Obtain state and local licenses and permits and pass all required inspections (Building/Zoning occupancy inspection and Fire Code inspection).
• Upon approval, receive and post your Village of Fontana license inside the front door.
• Begin monthly room tax reporting and maintain ongoing compliance with all requirements.

Applications and renewals are submitted through the Granicus/Host Compliance portal. You must wait until 60 days before your license expiration to renew.

Permits, Licenses, and Required Documents

Fontana requires both state and local approvals. The following documents and actions must be completed before operating.

State-level requirements:

• State of Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House License (Short-Term Rental). Issued by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), Division of Food and Recreational Safety. The state conducts a separate pre-licensing inspection for furnishings, equipment, and utensils, and requires annual license renewal. Investors should contact DATCP early to understand timing and inspection scope.
• Wisconsin Department of Revenue Seller’s Permit. Required for collecting/remitting applicable taxes. Obtain before village licensing.

Village-level requirements:

• Village of Fontana Room Tax Permit. Required for short-term rentals; allows collection and remittance of the transient room tax. The permit term aligns with the Transient Room Tax program and requires monthly reporting and annual filings.
• Village of Fontana Occupancy (General Building Code) Permit. Requires a successful annual rental occupancy inspection with no outstanding compliance orders. The inspection ensures compliance with Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Codes and related construction standards.
• Village of Fontana Fire Code Inspection Report. Must be compliant with no outstanding compliance orders. The Fire Inspector verifies life-safety items such as address posting, smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher location, egress clearance, furnace/boiler room conditions, grill prohibitions on balconies in multifamily buildings, and restrictions on extension cords.
• Proof of property and liability insurance. The certificate must state the property is being used as a Wisconsin Tourist Rental House – Short Term Rental.
• Site plan and floor plan. Provide a current floor plan at a minimum scale of 1 inch = 4 feet, and a site plan at a minimum scale of 1 inch = 10 feet. Both must show on-site parking spaces on required hardscape and trash storage areas.
• Online application submission and fee payment. All fees and submissions are processed through the village’s Granicus/Host Compliance portal.

Forms and filings required after licensing:

• Monthly Transient Room Tax Return. Report gross room rental receipts and pay the appropriate room tax monthly, regardless of the amount collected.
• Annual Room Tax Return. Complete annually using the village’s form.
• Maintain a current copy of all state approvals on file with the village.

Processing timeline notes:

• DATCP licensing and inspection can take several weeks; contact DATCP well in advance.
• Village inspections require scheduling and may require follow-up inspections if issues are found.
• Applications cannot be approved until all state and village requirements are satisfied and the village has received proof of state approvals.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Fontana

Fontana’s rules are embedded in the municipal code, with additional operational requirements in village guidance. Zoning determines which category and use are allowed.

Eligibility by zoning:

• Vacation Rental Homes (VRHs) are allowed year-round, with no minimum stay. Eligible zoning districts include Abbey Springs PD, Abbey Villas, Abbey Ridge, Village Center, Neighborhood Business (Conditional Use Permit required), and Community Business (Conditional Use Permit required).
• Tourist Rooming Houses (TRHs) are limited to single-family dwelling units, require a minimum stay of seven consecutive days by one party, and may only operate within a 180-consecutive-day predetermined operation period.

Parking and site requirements:

• Minimum two (2) off-street parking spaces for each STR. If the rental provides three or more bedrooms, an additional on-site parking space is required for each additional bedroom, except in Abbey Springs, Abbey Villas, and Abbey Ridge.
• All guest parking for vehicles and trailers must be on areas paved with concrete or asphalt. Street parking for guests is not permitted. No parking is allowed on gravel, lawns, or planter bed areas.

Inspections and posting:

• Annual rental occupancy inspection required before licensing; follow-up inspections may be necessary if issues are found. Initial inspection fee and follow-up fees apply.
• Fire Code inspection required before licensing; life-safety items must be satisfied.
• Village of Fontana license must be posted inside the front door of each rental throughout the approval period.

Advertising and community rules:

• The complaint hotline is available 24/7 to report noise, parking, trash, or suspected illegal rentals.
• Investors should confirm whether their property is governed by an association, and review covenants, conditions, and rules to ensure STRs are permitted under those documents.

Taxes and Ongoing Compliance

Monthly room tax reporting and annual filing are mandatory for licensed STRs. Hosts must report gross room rental receipts and remit the village transient room tax monthly. In addition, owners must remain current with state-level obligations, including DATCP licensing, inspections, and Wisconsin Department of Revenue requirements (e.g., sales tax filings and business income reporting). Renewals must be completed via the village’s portal within the 60-day pre-expiration window. A current copy of all state approvals must be maintained on file with the village.

Contact Information

For applications, licensing, and process questions:

• Granicus/Host Compliance Portal. Online application and renewals.
• Village Hall. 175 Valley View Drive, PO Box 200, Fontana, WI 53125. Phone: (262) 275-6136.
• Department of Building & Zoning. Phone: (262) 275-9769. Zoning Administrator Email: zoning@villageoffontana.com.
• Building Inspector & Zoning Administrator (annual inspections). Ron Nyman. Email: ron@villageoffontana.com.
• Fire/EMS Department. For Fire Code inspection scheduling and requirements.

For state licensing:

• Wisconsin DATCP, Division of Food and Recreational Safety. Phone: (608) 224-4923. Email: datcpdfslicensing@wi.gov.
• Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Phone: (608) 266-2776. Email: DORBusinessTax@wisconsin.gov.

For complaints:

• Complaint Hotline: 435-STR-HELP (435-787-4357). Online complaint portal available.

Source Links

• Short-Term Rental Registration and Hotline: vi.fontana.wi.gov/short-term-rental-registration-and-hotline/
• Short-Term Rental Program Overview: vi.fontana.wi.gov/short-term-rental-program/
• How to Apply (Granicus/Host Compliance): secure.hostcompliance.com/fontana-wi/permit-registration/welcome
• Application Paperwork and Forms: vi.fontana.wi.gov/short-term-rental-paperwork/
• Short-Term Rental Program Process (v2): vi.fontana.wi.gov/wp-content/uploads/PROCESS-Short-Term-Rental-Program-12-16-21-1.pdf
• Short-Term Rental Program Process (v3): vi.fontana.wi.gov/wp-content/uploads/PROCESS-Short-Term-Rental-Program-6.pdf
• Short-Term Rental Program FAQs: vi.fontana.wi.gov/wp-content/documents/ShortTermRentalProgramFAQs_000.pdf
• Municipal Code – Vacation Rental Home (Section 18-56(s)): vi.fontana.wi.gov/wp-content/uploads/18-56s-Vacation-Rental-Home.pdf
• Municipal Code – Tourist Rooming House (Section 18-64(x)): vi.fontana.wi.gov/wp-content/uploads/18-64x-Tourist-Rooming-House.pdf
• Annual Room Tax Reporting Form: vi.fontana.wi.gov/wp-content/uploads/FORM-Annual-Room-Tax-Reporting-01.31.2023-Fillable-1.pdf
• Room Tax Information (Ordinance Chapter 70): vi.fontana.wi.gov/wp-content/uploads/ORD-Taxation-Chapter-70-1.pdf
• Complaint Hotline Portal: secure.hostcompliance.com/tips
• Granicus/Host Compliance (Vendor Overview): granicus.com/solution/govservice/host-compliance/
• Village of Fontana Municipal Code Portal: www.municode.com/services/mcsgateway.asp?sid=49&pid=13304
• Building & Zoning Department: vi.fontana.wi.gov/departments/building-zoning/
• Village Hall Contact: vi.fontana.wi.gov/contact/