Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Manitowoc, WI?

YES — Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. In this jurisdiction, short-term rentals are legally defined as "Tourist Rooming Houses" (TRH) under Wisconsin state law. Properties that accommodate tourists or transients for fewer than 60 days are permitted, provided they meet all licensing, zoning, and regulatory requirements. Properties where guests stay 60 days or more transition to traditional tenant status and fall under different regulations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Manitowoc, WI

Step 1: Pre-Application Planning

• Verify Zoning Compliance: Confirm your property is in an approved zoning district
• Property Assessment: Ensure your property can meet health and safety standards
• Business Structure: Determine ownership structure and management approach

Step 2: County Licensing Process

• Contact Manitowoc County Health Department: Initiate pre-licensing inspection
• Complete TRH License Application: Submit required documentation
• Schedule Inspection: Allow time for property inspection and remediation if needed

Step 3: Municipal Compliance

• Verify Zoning Clearance: Confirm permitted use status with Building Inspection
• Room Tax Registration: Contact Finance Department for tax obligations
• Ongoing Compliance: Maintain all licenses and registrations

Step 4: Operational Launch

• Display License: Post TRH license prominently for public viewing
• Establish Operations: Implement guest management, cleaning, and maintenance systems
• Tax Compliance: Set up room tax collection and remittance procedures

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Licenses and Permits

1. Tourist Rooming House (TRH) License

• Issuing Authority: Manitowoc County Health Department (DATCP Agent)
• Prerequisites: Pre-licensing inspection required
• Posting Requirement: Must be displayed in public view
• Annual Renewal: License must be renewed annually

2. Zoning Clearance

• Requirement: Property must be in permitted zoning district
• Approved Districts: R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6, R-7, B-1
• Verification: Contact Building Inspection Department

3. Room Tax Registration

• Authority: City of Manitowoc Finance Department
• Legal Basis: Wisconsin Statute § 66.0615
• Applies To: All transient accommodations including STRs

Health and Safety Requirements Checklist

Water and Septic Systems

• Private well compliance and coliform bacteria testing (certified lab required)
• Annual bacteria and nitrate testing recommended
• Septic system compliance and proper functioning
• Gray water discharge restrictions
• Septic tank security (chaining and locking required)
• Backflow prevention on threaded faucets

Sleeping Accommodations

• Clean sleeping rooms with lined garbage receptacles
• Door locks required when home rented to multiple groups simultaneously
• Bedding standards: top sheet must fold over blanket minimum 12 inches
• Mattress pads mandatory on all beds
• Washable bedding required
• Window screening in sleeping rooms
• Bed bug-free environment

Fire Safety and Detection

• Functional smoke detectors (UL listed and labeled)
• Detectors maximum 10 years old per manufacturer date
• Recommended: one detector per level and inside each sleeping room
• Fire extinguishers rated 1A:10BC recommended
• Compliance with Wisconsin building codes (SPS 321)

Carbon Monoxide Safety

• Required in bedrooms with combustion appliances
• Required outside sleeping areas if combustion appliances elsewhere
• Required between attached garages and sleeping areas if no other combustion sources
• Replace every 5 years unless manufacturer specifies longer lifespan

Kitchen and Bathroom Standards

• Refrigerator: clean, empty for each guest, maintain 41°F or below
• Guest notification sign about dish sanitization required
• Unscented plain bleach (Chlorox) must be provided as sanitizer
• All fixtures in good working order
• Shared facilities: one toilet/lavatory/shower per 10 persons per sex
• Soap supply in each bathroom
• Hot and cold water at all fixtures
• Slip-resistant surfaces or mats required

Laundry and Housekeeping

• Sheet and pillowcase laundering between guests
• Separate storage for soiled and clean linens (2 labeled washable baskets required)

Structural and Safety

• Compliant deck railings
• Compliant stair handrails
• Elimination of hazardous situations
• Proper plumbing installation with backflow preventors

Guest Record-Keeping

• Register Requirement: Written guest register mandatory
• Retention Period: Records must be kept minimum one year
• Required Information: Guest name and either phone number or email
• Availability: Must be provided to city upon request
• Emergency Information Book: Recommended for guest safety

Specific Regulations by Level of Government

City of Manitowoc Regulations

Zoning Compliance

• Short-term rentals permitted in districts: R-1 (15.090), R-2 (15.110), R-3 (15.130), R-4 (15.150), R-5 (15.170), R-6 (15.190), R-7 (15.210), B-1 (15.230)
• Zoning map available through Building Inspection Department
• Contact (920) 686-6940 for zoning verification

Room Tax Requirements

• Imposed under Wisconsin Statute § 66.0615
• Applies to sales price of transient accommodations
• Contact Finance Department at (920) 686-6960 for current rates and registration
• Responsible party: STR owners and operators

Building and Safety Standards

• Compliance with Wisconsin building codes required
• Building Inspection Department oversight
• Contact for inspection requirements and compliance questions

Manitowoc County Requirements

Licensing Authority

• Manitowoc County Health Department serves as DATCP agent
• Pre-licensing inspection mandatory
• Annual TRH license required
• Ongoing compliance monitoring

Planning and Zoning

• County zoning applies in specific townships
• Conditional use permits required for new TRH in county-zoned areas
• Townships requiring conditional use permits: Cato, Cooperstown, Eaton, Gibson, Kossuth, Liberty, Manitowoc, Manitowoc Rapids, Maple Grove, Meeme, Mishicot, Rockland, Schleswig, Two Creeks, Two Rivers
• Contact County Planning and Zoning at (920) 683-4185

State of Wisconsin Regulations

Statutory Framework

• Tourist/Transient definition: occupancy less than 60 days while traveling from permanent residence
• State preemption protections for STR operations
• DATCP oversight through local health departments
• Room tax authorization under § 66.0615

Recent Legal Developments Wisconsin Court of Appeals decisions have clarified municipal authority:

• Primary residence restrictions preempted by state law
• STR bans must follow proper zoning procedures
• Functional approach used to identify zoning ordinances
• Municipalities must follow strict procedural requirements for land use restrictions

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Licensing Authority

Manitowoc County Health Department

• Phone: (920) 683-4155
• Website: Food and Recreational Facility Licensing
• Role: DATCP agent for TRH licensing and inspections

City of Manitowoc Departments

Building Inspection Department

• Phone: (920) 686-6940
• Email: buildinginspection@manitowoc.org
• Address: 900 Quay Street, Manitowoc, WI 54220
• Role: Zoning verification and building compliance

Finance Department

• Phone: (920) 686-6960
• Role: Room tax registration and compliance

County Planning and Zoning

Manitowoc County Planning and Zoning

• Phone: (920) 683-4185
• Role: County zoning compliance and conditional use permits

Important Links to Source Pages

City of Manitowoc Resources

• Short-Term Rentals Information
• Rental Registration
• Zoning Map
• Municipal Code
• R-2 Zoning District

Application Forms

• Residential Rental Registration Form (Fillable)
• Residential Rental Registration Form (Printable)

County Resources

• Manitowoc County Health Department
• TRH Owner Checklist (PDF)

Legal Reference

• Residential Rental Registration Ordinance 16.140

This guide provides comprehensive information for establishing and operating a compliant short-term rental business in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Always verify current requirements with local authorities before making investment decisions.