Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Green Lake, WI? Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Green Lake, Wisconsin, but only when licensed and operated in full compliance with the City’s Short-Term Rental Ordinance (Chapter 14). A short-term rental is defined as a residential dwelling unit offered for rent for a fee for fewer than 29 consecutive days, consistent with Wis. Stats. § 66.0615(1)(dk). The City’s licensing framework, adopted in Chapter 14, mandates health, safety, zoning, taxation, and registration requirements, plus annual renewals, inspections, and enforcement. As of September 20, 2024, all new STRs in Green Lake must obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in addition to the required state and local licenses. The City’s rules include a minimum seven-consecutive-day stay for STRs in residential zoning districts (with limited grandfathering), owner-residency requirements, occupancy and parking standards, strict signage limits, room tax obligations, and comprehensive recordkeeping. Investors should proceed only after confirming zoning eligibility and completing the full licensing sequence.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Green Lake, WI Investors must follow a multi-step licensing sequence and meet health, safety, zoning, and tax requirements. The typical path includes:

• Confirm zoning eligibility with the City (residential vs. commercial).
• Obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for new STRs (effective 9/20/2024), per Title 13, Article E of the Municipal Code.
• Schedule and pass health and safety inspections required for the Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House (TRH) license.
• Secure all licenses and permits in sequence (State TRH, Seller’s Permit, Room Tax Permit/registration, City STR license).
• Submit the City’s short-term rental application and pay the $500 application fee.
• Comply with ongoing obligations: annual renewals, inspections, room tax filings, guest registers, and display of licenses.

The City issues licenses on a July 1–June 30 term. Renewal applications must be filed by June 1. Licenses are non-transferable; a new owner must apply within 60 days of closing to retain STR status. If the property is sold or if the license lapses, the new owner must comply with current requirements and minimum-stay rules.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines Green Lake requires the following licenses and documents for each short-term rental unit:

• State of Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House License, issued by Tri-County Environment Health Consortium (state-level TRH license for 1–4 rooms; properties with 5+ rooms require a hotel license). Annual licensing (July 1–June 30), includes health and safety standards.
• Wisconsin Department of Revenue Seller’s Permit for taxable sales and room tax collection.
• City of Green Lake Room Tax Permit or marketplace vendor certification (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) confirming room tax collection/remittance on the City’s behalf.
• City of Green Lake Short-Term Rental License (Chapter 14).
• Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for all new STRs after 9/20/2024, granted under Title 13, Article E (CUP terminates upon sale/transfer of property per Section 13-1-72(i)).
• Application Affidavit: owner/resident agent details, contact information (mailing address, physical address, 24-hour phone), maximum occupancy, state license numbers, and certification that the property meets ordinance requirements.
• Owner residency affidavit (for residential zoning districts, except grandfathered properties): owner must reside on premises at least 30 days per year (not required to be consecutive).
• Guest Register: maintain an accurate guest register for at least one year, available for inspection.
• Insurance and Safety Certifications: smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (per SPS 321 and SPS 362), safe egress, and fireplace compliance certification (for accessible wood-burning fireplaces) by a licensed inspector within 30 days before application.
• Parking: at least two on-site, off-street parking spaces per dwelling on the premises.
• Display of License: City STR license must be displayed on the inside of the main entrance door.

Key City Application Checklist (summarized):

• CUP granted after 9/20/2024.
• Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House License (Tri-County Environmental Health).
• Seller’s Permit (Wisconsin Department of Revenue).
• Room Tax Permit or marketplace vendor certification.
• Owner residency affidavit (residential districts; exemptions for grandfathered STRs).
• Application fee ($500), sign-off by Police Chief/Designee, Building Inspector/Designee, and Clerk-Treasurer/Designee.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Green Lake (City, County, and State Context) The City’s STR ordinance applies across residential zoning districts and any district permitting residential use. New STRs must obtain a CUP; existing STRs licensed prior to November 18, 2021, and paying room tax are grandfathered in but lose grandfathering if their license lapses or is not renewed.

Minimum Stay Requirements:

• Residential zoning districts: seven consecutive days minimum per guest stay; this is explicitly prohibited for shorter stays.
• Commercial zoning districts: exempt from the minimum seven-day requirement.

Owner Residency (Residential Zoning):

• Owner must reside on the premises for at least 30 days per year. Not required to be consecutive. Grandfathered STRs (licensed before 11/18/2021 and paying room tax) are exempt.

Occupancy and Safety:

• Occupancy limits follow Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code and applicable county/City housing regulations based on bedroom count.
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors must meet SPS 321 and SPS 362.
• Safe, unobstructed egress to safe, open ground level.
• Fireplace compliance required where an accessible wood-burning fireplace exists (NFPA 211 standard, licensed inspector certification within 30 days of application).

Parking and Signage:

• Minimum two on-site, off-street parking spaces per dwelling.
• One nameplate/sign up to one square foot; no other on-site signage advertising the STR is permitted.

Operational Rules:

• No RV, camper, tent, or temporary lodging arrangements on site to accommodate paying guests.
• Outdoor events limited to one day between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.; quiet hours 10:00 p.m.–9:00 a.m.; comply with noise regulations.
• Guest register maintained on-site for at least one year.
• Trash and garbage removal per Municipal Code Section 8-3-6(b).
• Vehicular traffic, noise, fumes, glare, and vibration must not exceed normal residential expectations.

Licensing Terms and Renewals:

• City STR licenses run July 1–June 30 annually.
• Licenses are not transferable; new owners must reapply within 60 days.
• Renewal due by June 1; the City reviews complaints and may deny renewals for violations or outstanding fees/taxes.
• License display required at the main entrance door.

Taxation:

• Room tax must be paid per Title 3, Chapter 4 of the Municipal Code; returns are confidential under Municipal Code and Wis. Stats. § 66.0615(3).

Enforcement, Revocation, and Penalties:

• Revocation grounds include unpaid taxes/fees, three or more legitimate calls for police/building/health nuisance or law violations within 12 months, failure to maintain required licenses, violations of this ordinance or zoning rules, and violations that adversely impact neighborhoods.
• Penalties: $50–$1,000 per violation; each day constitutes a separate violation; potential 12-month ineligibility to operate as a tourist rooming house after judgment; enforcement by Police, Zoning/Building Inspector or designees.

Fees:

• Initial and renewal short-term rental licensing application fee: $500.

State Context (Wisconsin-wide):

• Wisconsin defines short-term rentals as tourist rooming houses (Wis. Stats. § 66.0615(1)(dk)).
• State-level health and safety standards apply through TRH licensing (DATCP/TRH rules).
• State law allows local regulation of STRs, with the limitation that local authorities cannot limit the number of rental days below 180 days per 365-day period.
• Sales tax and local room taxes apply to STRs; consult the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for current rates and registration requirements.
• County-level public health licensure/inspection applies through Tri-County Environment Health Consortium, mirroring state TRH rules.

Licensing Procedures, Renewals, and Key Timelines

• Filing window: submit application and fee by June 1 for the July 1–June 30 licensing period.
• Application review: the City Clerk forwards complete applications to the Police Chief, Zoning Administrator, and Building Inspector; approval requires compliance with this ordinance and Tri-County Environment Health Consortium requirements.
• Renewals: require updated documentation; Tri-County forwards renewal reports/approvals to the City. Renewals can be denied for incomplete applications, complaints, or non-compliance.
• Transfers: licenses are non-transferable; new owners must apply within 60 days of closing to preserve status (otherwise subject to current rules, including minimum seven-day stays).
• Conditional Use Permits: required for new STRs after 9/20/2024; terminate upon sale/transfer (Section 13-1-72(i)).

Contact Information (Local Authority in Charge of STRs)

• City of Green Lake (Licensing, Zoning, Building, and Police Enforcement)

  • Address: 534 Mill St., PO Box 216, Green Lake, WI 54941
  • Clerk-Treasurer’s Office (primary contact for licensing)
  • Phone: Not specified in the provided documents
  • Email: Not specified in the provided documents
  • Website: cityofgreenlake.com
  • Application and Ordinance documents referenced below

• Tri-County Environment Health Consortium

  • Issues Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House Licenses for the region
  • Phone, email, and website: Not specified in the provided documents

• Wisconsin Department of Revenue (Seller’s Permit and tax registration)

  • Website: revenue.wi.gov (online seller’s permit guidance and room tax information)

Important Note: The provided documents do not include direct phone or email contacts for the City Clerk-Treasurer or Tri-County Environment Health Consortium. Investors should use the City’s website or call City Hall for current contact details.

Links to Source Pages

• City of Green Lake Short-Term Rental Ordinance (PDF): cityofgreenlake.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/34/2022/10/Short-Term-Rental-Ordinance.pdf
• City of Green Lake Short-Term Rental Application (PDF): cityofgreenlake.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/34/2022/10/Short-Term-Rental-Application-Affidavit.pdf
• Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association – Short-Term Rentals: www.wisconsinlodging.org/short-term-rentals.html
• Ripon Commonwealth Press – Green Lake STR Ordinance Changes (News Article): www.riponpress.com/news/green-lake-council-approves-changes-to-short-term-rentals/article_8a9163e2-83de-11ee-a15e-db1f2686c862.html
• Summer – Wisconsin Short-Term Rental Laws (Overview): www.gosummer.com/post/wisconsin-short-term-rental-laws

Closing Guidance for Investors Short-term rental investment in Green Lake is viable under a clear, multi-license framework that prioritizes health, safety, and neighborhood stability. Success hinges on securing a CUP (for new properties), passing health inspections, obtaining TRH and tax registrations, and maintaining strict compliance with operational rules—particularly minimum stay requirements in residential districts, owner residency, occupancy limits, parking, and signage. Accurate recordkeeping, timely renewals, and proactive engagement with the City’s review process are essential to avoid revocation or penalties and sustain long-term profitability.