Overview

Yes—short-term rentals are allowed in Iron River, WI, provided the operator complies with Wisconsin state lodging rules and Bayfield County requirements. Specifically, Iron River is subject to Bayfield County’s Short-Term Rental Ordinance (outside the Cities of Bayfield and Washburn), meaning operators must hold both a state lodging license and a county STR permit. Town-level approval is not required; however, the Town of Iron River has discussed county STR oversight and zoning alternatives, indicating ongoing coordination with Bayfield County. Source: Bayfield County Vacation Rentals page; Town of Iron River board agendas.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Iron River

Step-by-step, you should:

1. Select and Secure the Property

   • Confirm parcel location within Bayfield County and outside the City of Bayfield and City of Washburn (to ensure county zoning/permit rules apply).
   • Verify allowed uses under Bayfield County Zoning (Title 13) for the subject parcel.

2. Obtain the State Lodging License (“Tourist Rooming House”)

   • Contact Bayfield County Health Department to initiate licensing. The county acts as the state’s agent for lodging licenses under ATCP 72.
   • Complete any required inspections (pre‑inspection fee applies).

3. Obtain Bayfield County STR Permit

   • Submit the county Short-Term Rental Permit Application Packet. Bayfield County Planning & Zoning issues permits for properties outside Bayfield, Washburn, and Town of Pilsen (Iron River falls under county oversight).
   • Pay the $500 per unit permit fee.

4. Zoning and Use Compliance

   • Confirm that STR operation is an allowed use on the property. If additional zoning authorization is needed (e.g., conditional use), work with Bayfield County Planning & Zoning.

5. Well and Septic Compliance (Per State Lodging Code and County Checklist)

   • Property must have an approved private well and private septic system.
   • Test private well water at least annually and submit results to Bayfield County Health Department.

6. Register for Room Tax with Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR)

   • Short-term lodging providers must collect and remit Wisconsin room tax. Register with DOR (Pub 219 outlines room tax obligations).

7. Insurance

   • Secure a business insurance policy. Standard homeowner policies typically exclude commercial STR risks.

8. Local Advertising and Community Integration

   • Bayfield County Tourism adds licensed rentals to its local businesses website.
   • Consider advertising via local chambers (e.g., Iron River Area Chamber of Commerce).

9. Operational Preparedness

   • Establish cleaning, linen service, guest communication, maintenance, and occupancy/tax recordkeeping processes.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Operators in Iron River must obtain and maintain the following:

• State Lodging License (Tourist Rooming House) — Bayfield County Health Department

  • Application via Bayfield County Health Department; county acts as DATCP agent.
  • Pre-Inspection: $300; Annual License: $275 (County fee $272; State fee $3).
  • Total license cost per renewal year: $575. Note: fees change periodically; confirm current schedule with the county.

• Bayfield County Short-Term Rental Permit — Bayfield County Planning & Zoning

  • Applies to properties outside the City of Bayfield, City of Washburn, and Town of Pilsen (Iron River included).
  • Fee: $500 per unit (confirm current fee schedule).
  • Application Packet and Instructions are provided by the county.

• Zoning Authorization

  • STR must be an allowed use on the property under Bayfield County Zoning (Title 13). Contact Planning & Zoning to confirm.

• State and Local Guidelines

  • Wisconsin State Lodging Code (ATCP 72): health and safety requirements for lodging.
  • Bayfield County Short-Term Rental Ordinance: local compliance standards.
  • Lodging License Checklist: well water testing, garbage/recycling, septic compliance, safety items.

• Room Tax Registration

  • Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) room tax registration and reporting (see Pub 219).

• Insurance

  • Commercial general liability and property coverage appropriate for STR operations.

• Ongoing Compliance

  • Annual well water test submission (private wells).
  • Garbage and recycling service as required by county.
  • Maintain records for occupancy, taxes, and guest stays.

Specific Regulations (County, Municipal, State)

Bayfield County

• STR permits are required for properties outside Bayfield, Washburn, and Town of Pilsen. Iron River is subject to county permits.
• The county issues the state lodging license through its Health Department and enforces ATCP 72.
• The Short-Term Rental Ordinance governs operational standards; details are in the county ordinance.
• Zoning compliance (Title 13) must be verified before operation.

Town of Iron River

• No separate town STR permit is specified in county guidance; county rules apply.
• Town agendas from February and March 2025 indicate discussions about Bayfield County’s STR Ordinance (Ord. 07-30-2024) under Wis. Stat. 66.0615, and coordination on zoning alternatives. This underscores the town’s role in local governance while deferring licensing/permitting to the county and state.

State of Wisconsin

• All STRs must be licensed as Tourist Rooming Houses under ATCP 72 (Wisconsin State Lodging Code).
• Room tax obligations per Wisconsin DOR (Pub 219) apply to lodging providers.

Contact Information (Local Authority in Charge of STRs)

Bayfield County Health Department (State Lodging License)

• Address: 117 E 5th Street, P.O. Box 878, Washburn, WI 54891
• Phone: 715-373-6100

Bayfield County Planning & Zoning (County STR Permits and Zoning)

• Website: See “Apply For a Permit” and “Zoning Code” links on the Bayfield County website.

Wisconsin Department of Revenue (Room Tax Registration)

• Refer to DOR guidance and Pub 219; consult state resources for registration and filing.

Town of Iron River (Town Governance)

• Website: townofironriver.com

Links to Source Pages

• Bayfield County – Vacation Rentals (Licensing & Permits): www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/992/Vacation-Rentals
• Short Term Rental Application Instructions (Bayfield County): www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/17681/Short-Term-Rental-Packet-Instructions
• Short Term Rental Application Packet 2025–2026: www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/18674/Short-Term-Rental-Application-Packet-25_26
• Bayfield County Short Term Rental Ordinance: www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/17680/Short-Term-Rental-Ordinance
• Bayfield County – Apply For a Permit: www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/204/Apply-For-a-Permit
• Bayfield County – Title 13 Zoning Code: www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/711/Title-13---Zoning-Code
• Bayfield County – Fee Schedule: www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/79
• City of Bayfield – Forms/Permits (for Bayfield city properties): www.cityofbayfield.com/forms.html
• City of Washburn – Short-Term Rental License: www.cityofwashburnwi.gov/zoning-administration-code-enforcement/page/short-term-rental-license
• Wisconsin State Lodging Code ATCP 72: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/atcp/055/72.pdf
• Wisconsin DOR Publication 219 (Room Tax): www.revenue.wi.gov/DOR%20Publications/pb219.pdf
• Town of Iron River – Board Agenda (March 13, 2025): townofironriver.com/agenda-board-of-supervisors-3-13-2025/
• Town of Iron River – Board Agenda (February 13, 2025): townofironriver.com/agenda-board-of-supervisors-2-13-2025/
• Bayfield County Tourism – Resources for Businesses: www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/773/Resources-for-Local-Businesses
• Iron River Area Chamber of Commerce: visitironriver.com/

Notes

• Fees and processes may update periodically; always confirm the latest application packets, fee schedules, and inspection requirements with the county departments listed above.
• Room tax rates and collection obligations may vary; the state requires registration and remittance, and municipalities may administer local room taxes. Confirm with the Wisconsin DOR and local authorities.