Overview: STR Legality in Medford, WI

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Medford, WI, but with zoning and licensing requirements that vary by district. The City of Medford Zoning Code defines "short-term rental" as a residential dwelling offered for rent for fewer than 29 consecutive days (Section 2.2, #46). STRs are permitted as follows:

• R-1 (Single-Family District): Permitted use with no listed restrictions (Section 3.3, 1.h).
• R-2 (One- & Two-Family District): Allowed when the dwelling provides living quarters only for one family (Section 3.31, 1.h).
• R-3 (Multi-Family District): Allowed when the dwelling provides living quarters only for one family (Section 3.32, 1.c).
• Commercial Districts (C-1, C-2): STRs are considered "Tourist homes," which are permitted as a conditional use (Sections 3.4, 2.l and 3.45, 3.a).

State and county health regulations, enforced by the Taylor County Health Department, also apply.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Medford

1. Zoning Compliance: Confirm your property is in a district where STRs are allowed. Refer to the "STR Regulations" section below for specific zoning district allowances and dimensional requirements.
2. Acquire Lodging License: Contact the Taylor County Health Department to obtain a Tourist Rooming House (TRH) license. This is the primary county-level license for STRs. Download the application, fill it out completely, and submit it along with the required fee.
3. Submit Application: Applications can be submitted via mail or email, with payment options for mailing a check or paying online. The process requires a pre-inspection after submission.
4. Prepare for Inspection: Ensure the property meets all health, safety, and zoning standards prior to the scheduled pre-inspection. The "Required Documents and Permits" section outlines key compliance areas.
5. Maintain Compliance: Renew the license annually. The county provides an online renewal portal.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City of Medford:

• Zoning Permit: A zoning permit is required for any new use of structure or land, including commencing a short-term rental, unless it is a minor, specifically exempted structure (Section 4.1, 1).
• Conditional Use Permit (CUP): Required for operating an STR in a Commercial District (C-1, C-2). See the "Conditional Use" requirements in the zoning code for the specific district.
• Dimensional Standards: Must adhere to the zoning district's dimensional requirements (e.g., height, setbacks, lot area). See the "STR Regulations" section for a summary.

Taylor County & State of Wisconsin (Licensing via Health Department):

• Tourist Rooming House (TRH) License Application: Mandatory application for new STRs. (TRH License Application Form).
• Pre-Inspection: An inspection by the county health department is required before operating.
• Annual License Renewal: Must be renewed every year. Renewal involves an online payment and emailing a signed notice. (Renewal Payment Portal).
• Compliance with DATCP Rules: The county enforces state regulations from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) for lodging facilities.
• STR-Specific Guidelines:
  • Short-Term Rentals/Tourist Room Houses Info Sheet
  • Short-Term Rentals/Tourist Room Houses Check-List

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Medford Zoning Regulations

• Definition: A dwelling rented for fewer than 29 consecutive days.
• Zoning Districts:
  • R-1 (Single-Family): STRs are a permitted use (Section 3.3, 1.h).
  • R-2 (One- & Two-Family): STRs are allowed if the dwelling provides living quarters for only one family (Section 3.31, 1.h). A conditional use permit is required for Bed & Breakfast establishments (Section 3.31, 2.g), which has a separate definition (Section 2.2, #65).
  • R-3 (Multi-Family): STRs are allowed if the dwelling provides living quarters for only one family (Section 3.32, 1.c).
  • C-1 (Commercial) & C-2 (Central Business): "Tourist homes" are authorized by Conditional Use Permit (Sections 3.4, 2.l and 3.45, 3.a).
• Dimensional Requirements: STRs must meet the minimum lot area, setbacks, height limits, and other dimensional standards for their specific zoning district. (e.g., R-1 requires a minimum lot area of 10,000 sq. ft. and a max height of 35 ft., Section 3.3).
• Off-Street Parking: Must comply with the City of Medford's Off-Street Parking Area Specifications and Standards Code (Sections 3.3, 3.g; 3.31, 2.g; etc.).

Taylor County Health Department Regulations

The county enforces state-level regulations through its role as an agent for DATCP. Key operational requirements, as detailed in the provided STR information, include:

• Licensing and regular inspections.
• Compliance with food service, sanitation, and safety standards for lodging facilities.
• Adherence to state rules for tourist rooming houses, which can include requirements for water testing, sewage disposal, and fire safety.

State of Wisconsin Regulations

Wisconsin regulations for tourist rooming houses are administered by DATCP and enforced locally by the Taylor County Health Department. Investors should review state administrative codes for comprehensive rules. The county provides a link to WI DATCP Campgrounds information, which may provide broader context on lodging regulations.

Contact Information for Local Authority

Taylor County Health Department

• Physical Address: 224 S 2nd St, Medford, WI 54451
• Phone: (715) 748-1410
• Fax: (715) 748-1417
• Email: TCHD@co.taylor.wi.us
• Permit & Licensing Phone: (715) 748-1410
• Website: Lodging, Campgrounds, Manufactured Homes Page
• Online License Renewal: GovPayNow

City of Medford

• Physical Address: 639 S. Second Street, Medford, WI 54451
• Phone: (715) 748-4321
• Email: cityofmedford@medfordwi.gov
• Website: City Code of Ordinances

Source Links

• City of Medford Zoning Code (PDF)
• Taylor County Health Department - Lodging & Campgrounds
• Taylor County Health Department - TRH Licensing Application
• Short-Term Rentals/Tourist Room Houses Info (County PDF)
• Short-Term Rentals/Tourist Room Houses Check-List (County PDF)
• Taylor County Food, Recreation & Lodging Ordinance
• City of Medford - Code of Ordinances (Online)