Overview: Short-Term Rentals Are Allowed in La Crosse, WI

Short-term rentals (STRs) are explicitly permitted in La Crosse, Wisconsin, but they are subject to comprehensive licensing and regulatory requirements. The city passed Ordinance 5268 on December 14, 2023, establishing a regulatory framework for short-term rental operations within city limits.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in La Crosse

Step-by-Step Process

1. Obtain State and County Permits First

   • Secure a Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House license from La Crosse County Health Department
   • Complete pre-licensing inspection by La Crosse County Health Department
   • Obtain seller's permit from Wisconsin Department of Revenue
   • File City of La Crosse Room Tax Application

2. Notify Neighbors

   • Provide written notification to all property owners within 100 feet of your property
   • Submit verification of property owner notification with your application
   • The City Clerk's Office can assist with providing names and addresses of property owners within the notification area

3. Submit City License Application

   • Complete the prescribed application form
   • Pay $100 license fee (cash, check payable to City Treasurer, or credit card with convenience fee)
   • Submit all required documentation
   • Allow up to 15 days for review process

4. Comply with Operational Requirements

   • Ensure property manager is available within 30 miles when property is rented
   • Display license on or near the inside of the main entrance door
   • Comply with occupancy limits based on zoning definitions

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City of La Crosse Requirements

Required Documents:

• Completed Short-Term Rental License Application
• Copy of Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House license from La Crosse County Health Department
• Copy of pre-licensing inspection from La Crosse County Health Department
• Seller's permit from Wisconsin Department of Revenue
• City of La Crosse Room Tax Application
• Verification of neighbor notification within 100 feet

License Details:

• Fee: $100 per property
• Term: One year (expires July 31 annually)
• Renewal: Must file at least 30 days prior to expiration
• Non-transferrable: Licenses cannot be transferred between owners

County Requirements (La Crosse County)

For properties in unincorporated areas of La Crosse County:

• Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit: $400 application fee
• Neighbor notification: Required for all properties within 300 feet
• Parking requirements: 1 off-street parking space per 4 occupants (minimum 1 space required)
• State licensing: Required and must be maintained throughout operation
• Contact availability: Property management must be available at all times

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of La Crosse Regulations

Operational Definitions:

• Short-term rental: Residential dwelling offered for rent for fewer than 30 consecutive days
• Licensing threshold: Properties rented for more than 10 nights within any consecutive 365-day period require licensing
• Excluded: Bed and breakfast establishments (8 or fewer rooms, max 20 guests, owner-occupied, breakfast only meal)

Key Requirements:

• Must comply with occupancy limits per Municipal Code Section 115-1 (Family definition)
• Property manager must be within 30 miles during rental periods
• No advertising permitted until all required permits are obtained
• License must be prominently displayed inside main entrance
• Annual license renewal required

Complaint Process:

• Residents may file sworn written complaints with City Clerk
• Complaints trigger hearing before Judiciary and Administration Committee
• Licensee receives 10-day notice before hearing
• Potential for license suspension or revocation based on violations

County Regulations (Unincorporated Areas)

Performance Standards:

• Enhanced neighbor notification requirements (300-foot radius)
• Stricter parking requirements
• Higher application fees ($400 vs. $100 for city)
• Mandatory signed affidavit for neighbor notification
• Township notification required upon permit approval

State-Level Requirements (Wisconsin)

• Tourist Rooming House License: Required from local health department
• Health Department Inspection: Pre-licensing inspection mandatory
• Sales Tax Registration: Seller's permit from Wisconsin Department of Revenue
• Room Tax Compliance: Local room tax registration and payment

Contact Information for Local Authorities

City of La Crosse

Department: City Clerk's Office Phone: (608) 789-7510 Email: licenses@cityoflacrosse.org Address: 400 La Crosse Street, La Crosse, WI 54601 Website: www.cityoflacrosse.org

La Crosse County (Unincorporated Areas)

Department: Department of Zoning, Planning & Land Information Phone: (608) 785-9722 Fax: (608) 785-5922 Address: 212 6th Street North, Room 1300, La Crosse, WI 54601 Website: lacrossecounty.org

La Crosse County Health Department

Required for: Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House licensing and inspections Contact information available through county website

Important Compliance Notes

Advertising Restrictions

• Prohibited: Any advertisement of unlicensed short-term rentals
• Required in ads: State license number, county zoning permit number (if applicable), and health department permit number
• Platforms: Applies to all advertising including internet postings, Airbnb, VRBO, etc.

Enforcement and Penalties

• Regular monitoring of compliance with licensing requirements
• Citizen complaint process allows for community oversight
• License suspension or revocation possible for violations
• No grandfather clauses - all existing STRs must comply with new regulations

Source Links

• City of La Crosse STR Information: www.cityoflacrosse.org/your-government/departments/city-clerk/licenses-permits/short-term-rental
• Municipal Code Reference: library.municode.com/wi/la_crosse/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIGEOR_CH10BU_ARTXIXSHRMRE_S10-942DESUREAP
• County Application Materials: lacrossecounty.org/docs/default-source/zoning-and-land-information/zoningapplicationforms2023/short-term-rental---application_1.pdf?sfvrsn=8186398b_2
• Ordinance Background: www.news8000.com/news/politics/local-politics/la-crosse-common-council-passes-ordinance-regulating-short-term-rental-properties/article_2c8f98d8-9af2-11ee-ad45-cbfdaa254be3.html

This regulatory framework demonstrates La Crosse's approach to balancing the economic benefits of short-term rentals with community concerns about neighborhood character and housing availability. Investors should budget for both initial compliance costs and ongoing operational requirements, including annual license renewals and potential property management needs to meet the 30-mile availability requirement.