Overview: Are STRs allowed in Pembine, WI?

• Explicit answer: Yes — nothing in the provided town or county content expressly prohibits short‑term rentals. The Town of Stephenson (which includes Pembine) lists many permitted activities and lodging options on local tourism sites, and there is no ordinance excerpt presented that bans STRs. The burden is on the operator to verify zoning and to obtain any required state and local authorizations before operating.

What “STR‑ready” looks like in this market

• STRs appear to be treated like any other lodging activity in the area. If your STR is rented to more than 4 transients for fewer than 30 days per stay, Wisconsin classifies it as a Tourist Rooming House (TRH) and a state license is required (see Regulatory and Licensing sections below).
• Local permitting is light compared to larger cities; however, the Town of Stephenson does require specific local permits (e.g., for building, burning, fireworks, campers, dogs, events, and temporary alcohol sales). Most of these are only needed if you host events, park campers on unimproved parcels long‑term, offer campground‑style stays, or sell alcohol.
• There is no indication of a municipal STR license, cap, or registration scheme in the provided content. Confirm with the Town Clerk or Building Inspector for any updates.

How to start an STR business in Pembine, WI

A practical, step‑by‑step playbook based on the provided town and county materials:

1. Confirm zoning and property eligibility

• Verify the property is in the Town of Stephenson and is a legal dwelling. Ask the Building Inspector whether any additions, remodeling, egress windows, or accessory structures trigger UDC or zoning review. You are preparing for potential Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) compliance.
• Source: Town of Stephenson Building Inspector (see Contacts) — Building permits are obtained from the Building Inspector and use the WI State Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) form. [Ref]

2. Determine licensing requirements

• If you will rent to more than 4 transients for fewer than 30 days, your operation is a Tourist Rooming House and requires state licensing. If you provide breakfast and have fewer than 5 rooms, a Bed & Breakfast license may be the equivalent path. Check the current licensing scope and application details with the state.
• Comply with health/sanitation and life‑safety rules applicable to lodging under state law. Confirm current fire safety and inspection requirements with the Town Clerk/Building Inspector and the local health department. [Ref]

3. Handle building/dwelling compliance

• If any construction or significant renovation is planned (e.g., sleeping lofts, new exits, structural changes), obtain the Wisconsin Uniform Building Permit from the Building Inspector prior to work. Download and submit the WI State form. [Ref]

4. Register for state taxes

• Register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue to collect and remit state sales tax (5%). If the Town/County later adopts a room tax or excise tax on lodging, obtain the required room tax certificate from the municipal treasurer or clerk and begin collecting/remitting per statute. [Ref]

5. Obtain local permits as applicable

• Burning permits (campfires, brush): Obtain when burning is needed; you may also use the Wisconsin DNR online burning permit portal. [Ref]
• Fireworks permits: Only available if your event fits the specific Town Ordinance 7‑5‑1 criteria; fireworks permits from retailers or other sources are not valid within the Town. Apply through the Town Clerk if applicable. [Ref]
• Camper parking permits: If a camper is parked on an unimproved parcel in the Town for more than four months in a calendar year, a Camper Permit is required. [Ref]
• Event permits: Required for parades or events held in Town; apply through the Town Clerk and pay the required fee. [Ref]
• Temporary Class B Retailer’s License (fermented malt beverages/wine): Required if your event will sell alcohol; submit the state application to the Town Clerk with the fee. [Ref]
• Dog licensing: Required annually for all dogs over five months. Licenses issued by the Town Treasurer; tags must be attached to a collar. Fines and impoundment can apply for violations. [Ref]

6. Property standards and guest experience

• Provide safe egress, smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers, and basic first‑aid supplies.
• Provide trash/recycling information; confirm collection arrangements with the Town or private haulers.
• Make sure your property is on a legal well/septic system, or confirm municipal utility hookups if applicable. Health/sanitation requirements for lodging apply under state law.

7. Launch and marketing

• List the property on common platforms (e.g., VRBO shows many active STRs in Pembine), but make sure your listing aligns with local rules and your state/local licensing status.
• Disclose quiet hours, fire pit rules, and any firearm, ATV/snowmobile trail, or hunting access restrictions if relevant to the area.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

Local (Town of Stephenson) — what may apply to an STR operator

• Wisconsin Uniform Building Permit (for additions/renovations triggering UDC)
  • Where: Building Inspector (Town of Stephenson)
  • Form: Wisconsin State Uniform Dwelling Code Permit Application (download from Town’s Building Permit page)
  • Notes: Required before starting construction or significant remodeling.
• Burning Permit (campfires/brush) for guest use or property maintenance
  • Where: Town-issued or online via Wisconsin DNR
  • Notes: For outdoor burning; confirm with Town if local authorization is also required.
• Fireworks Permit (only for events meeting Town Ordinance 7‑5‑1)
  • Where: Town Clerk
  • Notes: Non‑conforming fireworks permits are invalid within Town.
• Camper Permit (Title 12, Ch. 1, Sec. 5d) if a camper is parked on an unimproved parcel for more than 4 months
  • Where: Town Clerk/Building Inspector
  • Notes: Applies to long‑term camper parking on unimproved land; verify applicability to STR setups.
• Event Permit (parades/events)
  • Where: Town Clerk
  • Notes: Required if hosting events on the property; fee applies.
• Temporary Class B Retailer’s License (fermented malt beverages/wine)
  • Where: Town Clerk
  • Notes: Required if selling alcohol at events; fee applies.
• Dog Licenses (annual)
  • Where: Town of Stephenson Treasurer
  • Notes: All dogs over five months must be licensed; tags required.

State of Wisconsin — what applies to lodging operations

• Tourist Rooming House (TRH) license (Wisconsin)
  • Applicability: Renting sleeping accommodations to more than 4 transients for fewer than 30 days per stay.
  • Notes: If fewer than 5 rooms and breakfast is provided, a Bed & Breakfast license may cover the operation. Confirm current scope and application process with the state.
• Sales Tax Registration and Filing (Wisconsin DOR)
  • Applicability: All lodging operators who charge for rooms must collect state sales tax (5%).
• Room Tax/Excise Tax (if adopted locally)
  • Applicability: If the Town/County later adopts a room/excise tax on lodging, register and collect/remit per statute.
• Health and Safety Compliance
  • Applicability: Lodging must meet health/sanitation standards and applicable fire/life‑safety rules. Confirm current requirements with the local health department and Town officials.

Regulations: Town of Stephenson, Marinette County, and State of Wisconsin

Town of Stephenson (includes Pembine)

• Building regulation: Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code applies; use the WI State Uniform Building Permit Application for any building work. [Ref]
• Camper parking: A permit is required if a camper is parked on an unimproved parcel for longer than four months in a calendar year (Title 12, Ch. 1, Sec. 5d). [Ref]
• Burning: Burning permits can be obtained locally or online via the Wisconsin DNR; confirm any local restrictions or requirements. [Ref]
• Fireworks: Permits may be issued only for events meeting Town Ordinance 7‑5‑1; permits from non‑Town sources are invalid. Apply through the Town Clerk. [Ref]
• Events: Event permits are required for parades/events; fees apply; submit applications to the Town Clerk. [Ref]
• Temporary alcohol sales: Temporary Class B Retailer’s License is required for selling fermented malt beverages/wine at events; submit application and fee to the Town Clerk. [Ref]
• Dog licensing: Required annually for dogs over 5 months; issued by the Town Treasurer; tags must be on collars; violations subject to fines/impoundment. [Ref]
• No explicit STR registration, cap, or ban found in the provided materials. Confirm with the Town Clerk/Building Inspector whether zoning, parking, or other ordinances affect STRs.

Marinette County

• No county‑specific STR licensing or restrictions are presented in the provided content. County parks, forests, and recreation areas are listed on the county tourism site and are relevant to guest activities but not to STR operation.

State of Wisconsin

• Lodging classification: Facilities renting to more than 4 transients for fewer than 30 days per stay are Tourist Rooming Houses and require a state license. If fewer than 5 rooms and breakfast is provided, a Bed & Breakfast license may be applicable. Verify licensing scope with the state.
• Building and safety: Any construction or significant renovation must comply with Wisconsin UDC; obtain the WI Uniform Building Permit through the local Building Inspector.
• Sales tax: Lodging is subject to Wisconsin sales tax (5%). Register, collect, and remit with the Wisconsin DOR.
• Room/excise tax: Some municipalities impose additional room/excise taxes on lodging. If applicable locally, obtain the necessary certificate and collect/remit per statute.

Key Contacts (phone, email, where available)

Town of Stephenson (Stephenson, WI — includes Pembine)

• Building Inspector — Jane Meissner

  • Phone: 715‑245‑1708
  • Fax: 715‑757‑3680
  • Mail: W11954 Kitty Dell Circle, Crivitz, WI 54114
  • Building permit applications: WI State Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) form available via Town’s Building Permit page [Ref]

• Town Clerk (Fireworks, Event, and Temporary Class B Retailer’s License applications)

  • Contact: Elaine Olson, Town Clerk
  • Application forms available on the Town’s Permits & Licenses page [Ref]

• Treasurer (Dog Licenses)

  • Contact: Town Treasurer
  • Note: Provided content lists Shari Uhazie as the Treasurer; confirm current status via the Town website before use. [Ref]

• Burning Permits (outside Town issuance)

  • Wisconsin DNR Online Burning Permits [Ref]
  • Note: You may also obtain local burning permits at authorized retailers listed on the Town’s Burning Permits page [Ref]

County/