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

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Grantsburg, WI, but they are subject to specific regulations and requirements. Short-term rentals (STRs) are defined as rentals of fewer than 29 consecutive days, and they fall under the jurisdiction of both Burnett County regulations and state-level Wisconsin statutes. The county has implemented a formal licensing and regulation system for STRs, which includes requirements for safety inspections, insurance, tax collection, and compliance with local ordinances.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Grantsburg

Starting an STR business in Grantsburg involves several key steps that ensure compliance with local regulations:

1. Property Assessment: Ensure your property meets zoning requirements for STR use. Review Burnett County zoning ordinances to confirm your property is located in a district that permits short-term rentals.

2. License Application: Apply for the appropriate STR license through Burnett County Zoning Administration. The process includes initial application, review, and approval by the Land Use and Information Committee.

3. Safety Compliance: Install required safety equipment including smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Ensure adequate parking, proper restroom facilities relative to occupancy, and adequate homeowner insurance.

4. Inspection Process: Schedule and complete required inspections to verify compliance with safety standards and local codes.

5. Tax Registration: Register for room tax collection and remittance. STR operators must collect and remit room taxes according to state and local requirements.

6. Ongoing Compliance: Maintain annual licensing, comply with inspection requirements, and stay current with tax remittances.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Based on Burnett County regulations and state requirements, the following are required for STR operations:

Licensing Requirements

• Short-Term Rental License: Initial application and subsequent annual renewals
• Conditional Use Permit: May be required depending on zoning district
• Business Registration: Local business licensing as applicable

Safety and Compliance Documentation

• Insurance Documentation: Adequate homeowner insurance coverage
• Safety Inspection Reports: Smoke detector, CO detector, and general safety compliance verification
• Property Management Plan: Documentation outlining how the property will be managed, including emergency contacts and response procedures

Financial and Tax Compliance

• Room Tax Registration: State and local room tax collection authorization
• Sales Tax Registration: Wisconsin state sales tax registration if applicable
• Financial Records: Documentation of rental activity, income, and tax remittance

Guest Management Documentation

• Rental Agreements: Compliant rental contracts that meet state requirements
• Guest Information: Emergency contact information, local ordinances, and property rules clearly communicated to guests
• Parking and Occupancy Documentation: Verification of adequate parking and maximum occupancy compliance

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

County-Level Regulations (Burnett County)

• Definition: STRs are defined as rentals of fewer than 29 consecutive days
• Zoning Compliance: Must comply with Burnett County Land Use Code of Ordinances
• Safety Standards: Requires smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, adequate parking, proper restroom facilities relative to occupancy
• Inspection Requirements: Higher levels of inspections compared to standard residential properties
• Neighbor Notification: Properties must be properly identified to neighbors for issues like parties, parking, or animal complaints
• Conditional Use Permits: Required for STR operation in certain zoning districts, particularly in residential-recreation (RR) districts

Municipal Regulations (Grantsburg)

• Room Tax: Subject to local room tax requirements
• Parking Restrictions: Must comply with village parking ordinances
• Noise and Nuisance: Subject to local noise and nuisance regulations
• Burning Requirements: Must comply with local burning regulations
• Emergency Response: Provide information to local emergency services

State-Level Regulations (Wisconsin)

• Short-Term Lodging Definition: Any rental under 29 days long
• Room Tax Requirements: State lodging tax requirements apply
• Tax Allocation: 70% of lodging tax returned to Burnett County Tourism Coalition for tourism promotion and infrastructure
• Sales Tax: Wisconsin state sales tax requirements for accommodation providers

Operational Restrictions

• Minimum Stay: No minimum stay requirement specified in provided materials
• Maximum Stay: Maximum of 28 consecutive days to qualify as STR
• Occupancy Limits: Determined by property capacity and safety standards
• Commercial Activity: STRs cannot operate as commercial lodging without appropriate zoning and permits
• Exclusions: Hotel/motel operations and traditional bed-and-breakfasts have separate licensing requirements

Enforcement and Monitoring

Burnett County has implemented a monitoring system through the Burnett County Tourism Coalition and a contracted firm (Localgov) that:

• Tracks STR properties throughout the county
• Monitors compliance with regulations
• Provides a 24/7 complaint hotline
• Collects and remits room taxes
• Generates data on STR operations

The county estimates there are approximately 243 STR units in Burnett County, with typical nightly rental rates around $200. The number of STRs has grown by at least 61% over the last year.

Contact Information

Burnett County Zoning Administration

• Address: Burnett County Government Center, 7410 County Road K, #102, Siren, WI 54872
• Phone: (715) 349-2138
• Email: zoning@burnettcounty.org

Burnett County Tourism Coalition

• Director: Kevin Klucas
• For questions about STR program participation: Contact through county channels

Local Government Contacts (General)

• Burnett County Sentinel (Local Newspaper)
  • Address: 114 W. Madison Ave., Grantsburg, WI 54840
  • Phone: 715-463-2341
  • Email: editor@burnettcountysentinel.com

Source Links

• Board approves short-term rental changes
• Short-term rentals gaining attention – and fees
• Burnett County Zoning Administration - Public Hearing Notice (2017)
• Burnett County Zoning Administration - Public Hearing Notice (2016)
• Burnett County Zoning Information
• Wisconsin Public Notices

Note: This guide is based on the provided content. Regulations may change, and investors should verify current requirements with local authorities. The STR regulatory environment is evolving, and additional requirements may be implemented in the future.