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

Short-term rentals are regulated in Mondovi, WI, but the specific regulatory framework depends on location within the municipality.

Based on the available ordinances, short-term rental operations are subject to county-level zoning regulations for properties located in unincorporated areas of Buffalo County. For properties within the City of Mondovi itself, the Municipal Code structure exists but specific STR regulations were not provided in the content reviewed. Investors should contact the City directly to confirm current STR policies within city limits.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

Step 1: Determine Your Property Location

• Within City Limits: Contact Mondovi City Hall for specific city regulations
• Unincorporated Buffalo County: Follow county zoning requirements as outlined below

Step 2: Verify Zoning Compliance

For county properties, short-term rentals are classified as "Tourist Rooming Houses" under Buffalo County Zoning Ordinance Section 35. Review your property's zoning district to determine permitted uses.

Step 3: Apply for Required Permits

• Zoning permit from Buffalo County Zoning Department
• Potential conditional use permit if required by zoning district
• Building permits for any construction or renovation
• Sanitary permits for wastewater systems

Step 4: Meet Building and Safety Standards

• Comply with Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code
• Ensure proper egress, fire safety, and health standards
• Obtain required inspections

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Buffalo County Requirements (Unincorporated Areas)

Zoning Permit Application Requirements:

1. Property Information

   • Parcel identification number
   • Legal description (lot/block or metes & bounds)
   • Section, township, range
   • Property address

2. Ownership Documentation

   • Proof of ownership
   • Property owner's signature
   • Agent authorization if applicable

3. Site Plan Requirements

   • Property boundaries and dimensions
   • Existing and proposed structures
   • Parking areas and driveway locations
   • Distances from property lines
   • Well and septic system locations
   • Water features and wetlands
   • Visual clearance triangles
   • Highway access permits if applicable
   • North arrow

4. Development Description

   • Complete description of proposed STR operation
   • Number of rental units/guestrooms
   • Duration of rentals
   • Amenities offered

Additional Permits:

• Sanitary Permit: Required for properties with private on-site wastewater treatment systems
• Building Permit: For any construction, renovation, or structural modifications
• Conditional Use Permit: If required by the specific zoning district

State Requirements:

• Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code compliance for habitable structures
• State sanitary permit requirements for wastewater systems

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Buffalo County Zoning - Tourist Rooming Houses (Section 35)

Definition: Tourist Rooming Houses are residential structures offering lodging to guests for periods less than one month, typically including amenities like breakfast service.

Zoning District Requirements:

• Permitted use in certain residential and commercial districts as outlined in Chapter 7
• May require conditional use permit in agricultural districts
• Subject to specific standards and conditions

General Standards (from Chapter 9, Section 35):

• Must comply with residential density requirements
• Parking standards apply per Chapter 12
• Setback requirements per Chapter 8
• Health and sanitation requirements per local ordinances

Buffalo County Zoning - Bed & Breakfast Operations (Section 4)

Definition: Bed & Breakfast establishments are residential structures providing overnight accommodations and meals to guests.

Regulations:

• Conditional use in residential districts
• May be permitted by-right in certain commercial districts
• Subject to operational standards and permit conditions

Building and Safety Requirements

Uniform Dwelling Code Compliance:

• All new single-family dwellings and duplexes must comply with Buffalo County Uniform Dwelling Code Ordinance
• Existing structures must meet safety standards for rental occupancy

Sanitary Requirements:

• State or County sanitary permits required for private on-site wastewater treatment systems
• Compliance with Buffalo County Sanitary Ordinance and Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 383

Operational Standards

Permit Conditions:

• Compliance with all zoning permit conditions mandatory
• Regular inspections may be required
• Violations can result in permit revocation

Contact Information

City of Mondovi (City Limits)

Address: 156 S Franklin St, Mondovi, WI, 54755-1514 Phone: (715) 926-3866 Email: cityadmin@mondoviwi.gov Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Website: mondoviwi.gov

Buffalo County Zoning Department (Unincorporated Areas)

Address: 407 S. 2nd St, P.O. Box 492, Alma, WI 54610 Phone: (608) 685-6218 Website: www.buffalocounty.com

Key Staff:

• Michael J. Owecke - Zoning Administrator
• Keith Bollinger - Zoning Specialist
• Julie Lindstrom - Administrative Assistant

Important Regulatory Considerations

Permit Fees and Process

• Non-refundable permit application fees required
• Additional deposits may be required for complex applications
• 30-day review period for standard permits
• 24-month validity period for permits, with possible 12-month extension

Enforcement and Penalties

• Civil enforcement under Wisconsin Statutes § 66.0114
• Stop work orders for violations
• Daily fines for ongoing violations
• Permit revocation for non-compliance
• Corporation Counsel may pursue legal action

Special Requirements

• Scenic easement approvals required from Wisconsin Department of Transportation if applicable
• Erosion control and stormwater management plans required for land disturbing activities over 10,000 square feet
• Handicap accessibility accommodations may require special permits

Source Links

City of Mondovi Municipal Code

• Main Municipal Code Page: mondoviwi.gov/mondovi-municipal-code-ordinances/
• Full Municipal Code Document: drive.google.com/file/d/13jZStBDmsAhRjxinmnuOh_DTtvl8aAZ2/view?usp=sharing
• Municipal Code Table of Contents: drive.google.com/file/d/19h9HdxxptwcQEUQCrlUjNB1NpmBWB8_N/view?usp=sharing

Buffalo County Zoning Ordinance

• Full Zoning Ordinance: www.buffalocountywi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1564
• County Website: www.buffalocounty.com

Note: This guide is based on the provided ordinance content. Investors should verify current regulations and requirements with local authorities, as ordinances may have been updated since the content was last reviewed.