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Iron River

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Iron River, WI

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STR Regulations for Iron River, Wisconsin

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

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.
Iron River

Market Saturation Score

036912
Moderate Saturation
7/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
5–7 declining months: moderate saturation risk - market may be nearing capacity.
View Full Iron River Market Analysis →

Photos of Iron River

Overview of Iron River

Iron River is a town in Bayfield County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,123 at the 2010 census. The census-designated place of Iron River is located in the town. The unincorporated community of Topside is also located in the town.

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