Overview: Are short-term rentals allowed in Kewaunee, WI?

• State of Wisconsin: Short‑term rentals (STRs) are permitted under state law and are regulated as “Tourist Rooming Houses” (TRHs). A TRH license is required under Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 72. There is no statewide cap on nights rented; rather, licensing and health/safety standards apply statewide.
• Kewaunee County (unincorporated areas): STRs are permitted. In unincorporated county shoreland areas (within 1,000 feet of lakes/flowages or 300 feet of rivers/streams, or to the landward side of floodplain, whichever is greater), the county’s Shoreland Zoning Ordinance governs development, setbacks, height, and impervious surface limits. These standards apply to all development, including STR structures.
• Municipal/Local: Within the Town of Ahnapee (a municipality in Kewaunee County), STRs require a local license. The town allows STRs up to 10 nights per year without a license; operating more than 10 nights requires a Town STR license (in addition to state TRH licensing). The town can impose conditions (e.g., screening, buffers, quiet hours) and enforces violations with forfeitures.
• City of Kewaunee: No city‑specific ordinance content was provided. If your property is within the City of Kewaunee, contact the City to confirm whether any local STR license or additional requirements apply. If no city‑specific rules are in force, state rules and county shoreland zoning (if applicable) govern.

Bottom line for investors

• Yes, STRs are allowed in Kewaunee County under state rules (TRH/ATCP 72). If your property is in the Town of Ahnapee, you may operate up to 10 nights per year without a town license; beyond that, you must obtain a town STR license and comply with state TRH requirements and town conditions.
• If your property is within a shoreland area (most waterfront parcels are), you must also comply with county shoreland setback, height, impervious surface, and vegetation rules.

How to start a short‑term rental business in this market

Step 1: Confirm jurisdiction and zoning

• Determine whether your property lies within:
  • City of Kewaunee (municipal), or
  • Town of Ahnapee, or
  • Other Kewaunee County town/village (contact the municipality), or
  • Unincorporated Kewaunee County.
• If within 1,000 feet of a lake/flowage or 300 feet of a river/stream (or to the landward side of a floodplain), confirm county shoreland zoning standards apply (see “County and State Regulations” below).

Step 2: Obtain required state license(s)

• Wisconsin TRH license (ATCP 72): Required to operate a short‑term rental. This is a state‑level license with health and safety requirements, inspection, and ongoing compliance.
  • Apply to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). Expect a pre‑licensing inspection.

Step 3: Obtain local license (if applicable)

• Town of Ahnapee:
  • You may rent up to 10 nights per year without a town license.
  • More than 10 nights requires a Town STR license, application to the Town Clerk, and Town Board approval.
  • Fees: $250 initial; $250 renewal.
  • License effective for one year; renew at least 45 days before expiration.
• City of Kewaunee or other municipalities: Contact the municipal clerk or zoning department for any local STR permit, business license, or registration. No city‑specific content was provided; verify locally.

Step 4: Prepare required documentation

• State TRH application and supporting documents (per ATCP 72).
• Town of Ahnapee license application (if applicable), including:
  • State TRH license proof (copy of license).
  • POWTS compliance inspection report (private on‑site wastewater treatment system).
  • Scaled site diagram showing:
    • Sleeping‑accommodation structure,
    • Accessory structures,
    • POWTS location,
    • Parking spaces,
    • On‑premises sign location.
  • Specified number of bedrooms, maximum overnight occupants, and number of parking spaces.
  • Application must be filed by the property owner.

Step 5: Schedule and pass inspections

• State TRH inspection (sanitary, safety, and health standards under ATCP 72).
• POWTS compliance verification (required for Ahnapee applicants).

Step 6: Tax and room tax

• State sales tax: A Wisconsin seller’s permit is required if you earn $2,000 or more in a 365‑day period from STRs. If earnings are under $2,000, no seller’s permit is required.
• Room tax: The Town of Ahnapee notes all rentals are subject to the Town of Ahnapee Room Tax Ordinance (coordinate with the town for registration, reporting, and payment).

Step 7: Insurance

• Notify your homeowner’s insurance carrier to confirm short‑term rental coverage. Many standard policies exclude STR risks; you may need a rider or separate policy.

Step 8: On‑premises sign (Town of Ahnapee)

• Post a conspicuous on‑premises sign near the entrance, at least 3 square feet, visible from the street without entering the property. Include:
  • Advertised property name (if any),
  • Property address,
  • Owner name and phone,
  • Local contact (manager/agent) name and phone (if applicable).
• Sign must comply with town sign ordinance (Ordinance 10.0700).

Step 9: Operational compliance

• Maintain a guest register for at least one year with guest names, addresses, phone numbers, vehicle license numbers, rental period, and consideration paid. Provide copies to the Town upon request.
• Ensure only one structure on the parcel provides sleeping accommodations; accessory buildings may not be used for sleeping. No RVs, campers, tents, or temporary lodging arrangements may be used to exceed authorized occupancy.
• Occupancy limits governed by the sanitary permit or ATCP 72.10(6).
• Keep 24/7 contact information current and be available by phone during rental periods. Notify the Town within 24 hours of contact changes.
• Comply with any town‑imposed conditions (e.g., vegetive screening, native shoreline buffers, quiet hours).

Step 10: Listing

• Once all licenses and inspections are complete and you are in compliance with state and local requirements, list on platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com). Booking.com typically allows only completely private stays (host not on site).

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

State of Wisconsin

• Wisconsin TRH license (ATCP 72)
  • Definition and scope: Governs tourist rooming houses (short‑term rentals).
  • Application, inspection, and compliance are required.
  • Reference: ATCP 72 on the Wisconsin Legislature website.
• Seller’s permit (Wisconsin Department of Revenue)
  • Required if gross receipts from STRs are $2,000 or more in a 365‑day period. If under $2,000, no permit is required.
• Room tax registration
  • Coordinate locally (e.g., Town of Ahnapee has a Room Tax Ordinance).

Town of Ahnapee (Kewaunee County)

• Short‑Term Rental License
  • Required to rent more than 10 nights per year.
  • Fees: $250 initial; $250 renewal.
  • Application must be filed by the property owner with the Town Clerk.
  • Conditions may be imposed by the Plan Commission (e.g., screening, buffers, quiet hours).
• Documentation checklist (with application)
  • State TRH license proof.
  • POWTS compliance inspection report.
  • Site diagram to scale (sleeping structure, accessory structures, POWTS, parking spaces, sign location).
  • Bedrooms, max overnight occupants, number of parking spaces.
• On‑premises sign requirements
  • Minimum 3 sq ft, conspicuous near entrance, visible from street without entering property.
  • Required information: property name (if any), address, owner name/phone, manager/agent name/phone (if any).
  • Must comply with town sign ordinance.

County (Kewaunee County Shoreland Zoning, if applicable)

• If within shoreland overlay:
  • Shoreland zoning compliance (setbacks, height limits, impervious surface standards, vegetation rules, accessory structures).
  • Floodplain and other county ordinances may also apply.

Specific regulations: Kewaunee (City), Kewaunee County (Unincorporated), and State of Wisconsin

State of Wisconsin (ATCP 72 – Tourist Rooming Houses)

• Licensing and health/safety standards govern all short‑term rentals in Wisconsin.
• Inspections and ongoing compliance required (details per ATCP 72; consult DATCP).

Kewaunee County Shoreland Zoning (Unincorporated Areas)

• Shoreland Overlay
  • Applies to lands within 1,000 feet of lakes/flowages or 300 feet of rivers/streams (or to the landward side of the floodplain, whichever is greater).
  • Establishes district types (Shoreland‑Wetland, Recreational‑Residential, General Purpose) and governs permitted uses, special exceptions, setbacks, height, and development standards.
• Setbacks
  • Principal structures: 75 feet from ordinary high‑water mark (OHWM) for most navigable waters.
  • Bluff setbacks (Lake Michigan): 75 feet where bluff height ≤10 feet; 125 feet where bluff height >10 feet; attached decks/patios must meet specified setbacks (see ordinance details).
• Height
  • No structure taller than 35 feet within 75 feet of OHWM; also limited to 35 feet outside that zone for wildlife habitat and scenic protection (measurement from lowest exposed wall to highest point of structure).
• Impervious Surface Standards (within 300 feet of OHWM)
  • Limits on impervious surface percentage; calculations and exceptions are specified in the ordinance.
• Vegetation and Shoreland Buffers
  • Vegetation preservation/restoration is required; increased buffers may be imposed for certain uses, and 70% vegetative cover is required in portions of the shoreline setback area for specific exempt structures.
• Accessory Structures and Boathouses
  • Specific allowances (e.g., boathouses ≤500 sq ft, one story, no plumbing/human habitation) and placement constraints (e.g., access/viewing corridor, height limits).
• Recreational Vehicles
  • Time limits (e.g., 120 days per year), sanitary waste management rules, and registration requirements for travel trailers/recreational vehicles in shoreland districts.
• Signs
  • Detailed sign rules (size, setback, placement, illumination, permit requirements).
• Compliance and Enforcement
  • All development, placement of structures, land division, vegetation cutting, and subdivision must comply with the shoreland ordinance and other applicable regulations.

Town of Ahnapee Short‑Term Rental Ordinance (Kewaunee County)

• License Threshold
  • STRs may operate up to 10 nights per year without a town license; operating beyond 10 nights requires a license.
• Application and Review
  • Applications filed with Town Clerk; Town Board approval required.
  • License valid for one year; renew ≥45 days prior to expiration. License becomes void upon ownership change; new application required.
• Required Submittals
  • State TRH license proof; POWTS compliance inspection report; scaled site diagram; bedrooms/occupancy/parking details.
• Conditions
  • Plan Commission may impose conditions (screening/buffers, quiet hours) to reduce impacts on neighboring properties and nearby bodies of water.
• On‑Premises Sign
  • Minimum 3 sq ft; near entrance; include required information; must comply with town sign ordinance.
• Operation
  • Register (guest logs) required; 24/7 contact availability; only one sleeping structure permitted; no RVs/tents for overflow; occupancy per sanitary permit/ATCP; room tax applies.
• Suspension/Revocation/Non‑Renewal
  • Due‑process hearing may result in suspension/revocation for ordinance violations, illegal activity, or outstanding fees/taxes.
• Penalties
  • Forfeiture $200–$2,500 per violation plus applicable surcharges, assessments, and costs; each day constitutes a separate offense.
• Fees
  • $250 initial; $250 renewal.
• Vacancy/Change‑of‑Ownership
  • License void upon ownership change; new application required.

City of Kewaunee

• No city‑specific STR rules were provided in the source materials. Check with the City of Kewaunee for any local business license, STR registration, or zoning requirements. In the absence of city‑specific rules, state TRH licensing and county shoreland zoning (if applicable) govern.

Contact information (local authority in charge of STRs)

Town of Ahnapee (Kewaunee County)

• Mailing Address: Town of Ahnapee, N3425 Mueller Road, Kewaunee, WI 54216
• Phone: (920) 487‑3171
• Email: toa.clerk@townofahnapee.org
• Website: townofahnapee.org/
• Primary Contact for STR Licensing: Town Clerk (applications filed with the Town Clerk)

Wisconsin DATCP (Tourist Rooming Houses)

• Program Page (TRH): datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/TouristRoomingHouses.aspx
• Note: DATCP administers the TRH license under ATCP 72; apply directly via DATCP.

Wisconsin Department of Revenue (Seller’s Permits)

• Seller’s Permit FAQs: www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/faqs/pcs-seller.aspx

City of Kewaunee

• No STR‑specific contact provided. Verify locally for any municipal STR or business license requirements.

Links to source pages

Town of Ahnapee Short‑Term Rental Ordinance

• townofahnapee.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Short-Term-Rental-Final-Draft.pdf

Kewaunee County Shoreland Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 16)

• www.kewauneeco.org/i/f/files/Ordinances/Chapter_%2016.pdf

Wisconsin DATCP – Tourist Rooming Houses (TRH)

• datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/TouristRoomingHouses.aspx

Wisconsin Department of Revenue – Seller’s Permit FAQs

• www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/faqs/pcs-seller.aspx

Important notes for investors

• Zoning first: Confirm whether your parcel is within shoreland overlay; shoreland setbacks, height limits, and impervious surface rules are binding and can materially affect STR feasibility.
• Two‑step licensing: If located in the Town of Ahnapee, you need a Town STR license (if renting >10 nights) plus the state TRH license. State rules apply regardless of municipality.
• Documentation and inspections: Plan for ATCP 72 inspection