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

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Mercer, WI under specific regulatory requirements. The Town of Mercer, located in Iron County, Wisconsin, permits short-term rentals through a formal "Tourist Rooming House Permit" process. Property owners must obtain an annual permit to legally operate short-term rentals that rent accommodations for fewer than 29 consecutive days. The town has established Ordinance 2005.5 to govern these operations, requiring compliance with both local town regulations and county-level requirements.

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

Starting a short-term rental business in Mercer requires a multi-step regulatory process that involves both local and county oversight:

Step 1: Secure County-Level Approval

• Obtain a Conditional Use Permit from Iron County (required before town permit approval)
• This serves as the foundational authorization for short-term rental operations

Step 2: Apply for Town Permit

• Complete the Mercer Tourist Rooming House Permit application
• Pay required fees and provide all documentation
• Attend scheduled public hearing

Step 3: Designate Local Management

• Appoint a resident agent who must be a full-time Mercer resident
• Ensure the resident agent is at least 21 years of age
• Verify contact information for the designated agent

Step 4: Prepare Property and Operations

• Ensure adequate off-road parking is available
• Develop rental agreement templates
• Establish compliance with health and safety requirements

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Required Documents:

1. Iron County Conditional Use Permit (copy required)

   • Must be obtained before town permit application
   • Demonstrates county-level authorization for STR use

2. Tourist Rooming House Permit Application

   • Available from Town of Mercer
   • Includes property details and owner information
   • Requires legal description and tax parcel number

3. WI Seller's Permit (Tax Number)

   • State tax registration for sales tax collection
   • Required for remitting state sales tax on rentals

4. Iron County Health Department Permit

   • Demonstrates compliance with health and safety standards
   • May require inspections

Supporting Documentation:

• Copy of rental agreement template
• Verification of adequate off-road parking
• Resident agent verification (age 21+ and Mercer residency)
• Commitment to attend public hearing

Financial Requirements:

• Application fee (amount varies)
• $150 Annual Tourist Rooming House Permit Fee (payable upon approval)
• All fees payable to Town of Mercer

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Local (Town of Mercer) Regulations:

Operational Requirements:

• Must hold valid annual Tourist Rooming House permit
• Operations limited to properties meeting all regulatory standards
• Public hearings required for permit approval
• Continuous compliance with local ordinances

Management Requirements:

• Must designate resident agent who is full-time Mercer resident
• Resident agent must be minimum 21 years old
• Agent serves as local point of contact for operations and compliance

Property Standards:

• Adequate off-road parking required
• Property must meet health and safety standards
• Compliance with county health department requirements

County-Level (Iron County) Regulations:

Zoning Compliance:

• Conditional Use Permit required from Iron County Planning & Zoning
• Property must be located in appropriate zoning district
• Compliance with Iron County land use regulations

State-Level (Wisconsin) Regulations:

Tourist Rooming House Classification:

• Short-term rentals (fewer than 29 consecutive days) classified as Tourist Rooming Houses
• Subject to Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 72 (Hotel, Motel, Tourist Rooming House Code)
• Must comply with state lodging standards

Tax Requirements:

• Collect and remit Wisconsin state sales tax (5%)
• May be subject to local room tax (varies by municipality)
• Must maintain proper tax registration and reporting

Health and Safety Standards:

• Must meet Wisconsin lodging code requirements
• Subject to health department inspections
• Compliance with safety and sanitation standards

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Town of Mercer

Physical Address: PO Box 149, Mercer, WI 54547
Phone: (715) 476-2403
Website: www.townofmercer.com

Key Contacts:

• Town Clerk: Handles permit applications and processing
• Zoning Administrator: For zoning questions and conditional use permits

Iron County (for Conditional Use Permits)

Iron County Planning & Zoning Department
Phone: Contact Iron County Courthouse
Website: Available through Iron County government website

Note: Specific contact details for Iron County Planning & Zoning should be obtained directly, as they weren't provided in the source materials.

Wisconsin State Agencies

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection (DATCP)
Website: datcp.wi.gov
For: State lodging licensing questions and ATCP code compliance

Source Pages and Additional Resources

1. Town of Mercer Tourist Rooming House Permit Application
   https://www.townofmercer.com/2019/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Tourist-Rooming-House-Permit.pdf

2. Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 72 (Hotel, Motel, Tourist Rooming House Code)
   https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/atcp/055/72.pdf

3. Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 73 (Bed and Breakfast Establishments)
   https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/atcp/055/73.pdf

Important Note: The provided Oneida County Public Health Department materials are not applicable to Mercer, WI, as Mercer is located in Iron County, not Oneida County. Investors should contact Iron County authorities for relevant county-level regulations and guidance.

This regulatory framework ensures that short-term rental operations in Mercer maintain high standards while providing clear pathways for legal compliance and successful business operation in this popular Northwoods destination.