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

Yes. Short-term rentals are allowed in the City of Pewaukee subject to city licensing, state licensing, health and safety inspections, and tax obligations. The city issues an annual Short-Term Rental License and requires compliance with Wisconsin law for tourist rooming houses and lodging establishments.

• State and local rules apply: Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 72 governs tourist rooming houses; the city requires a license and inspections; and the Waukesha County Division of Environmental Health performs health inspections.
• Operational limits: City application materials state a guest stay may not be less than six days or more than 29 days, and no more than 180 days of rentals per property in any 365-day period. These limits appear on the city’s STR license application; verify current limits with the city clerk before operations. [Ref: Short-Term Rental License Application]

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Pewaukee: Step-by-Step

1. Confirm zoning eligibility

   • Verify that your property is in a zoning district that permits short-term rentals. The city’s planning and zoning materials are hosted on the City Planner page; consult the city or zoning administrator if you are unsure. [Ref: Applications, Licenses & Permits page and Planning and Development Applications page]

2. Complete required state and county licensing and inspections

   • Obtain a Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House License (state).
   • Schedule and pass the State of Wisconsin Lodging Establishment Inspection. The inspection form must be dated within one year of your application. Contact Waukesha County Division of Environmental Health to schedule: (262) 896-8300. [Ref: Short-Term Rental License Application]

3. Secure required insurance

   • Provide a Certificate of Liability Insurance with required coverage limits as requested by the city. [Ref: Short-Term Rental License Application]

4. Prepare the property layout

   • Provide a diagram drawn to scale showing buildings and on-site/off-street parking areas designated for tenants and invitees. [Ref: Short-Term Rental License Application]

5. Submit the city Short-Term Rental License Application

   • Complete the city’s Short-Term Rental License Application, attach all required documents, and submit with the licensing fee. Renew annually. [Ref: Short-Term Rental License Application and Fees/Contacts below]

6. Pay taxes and maintain ongoing compliance

   • Apply for and collect Wisconsin sales tax (5%) and local room tax. File returns per Wisconsin Department of Revenue guidance for lodging providers. Maintain a guest register as required under Wisconsin law and city requirements. [Ref: DOR Homeowners and Individuals Selling Short-Term Lodging; Short-Term Rental License Application]

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Inspections

• Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House License (from the State of Wisconsin).
• Wisconsin Seller’s Permit (from Wisconsin Department of Revenue) if you will collect/remit sales tax or room tax.
• Waukesha County Division of Environmental Health License.
• Completed State of Wisconsin Lodging Establishment Inspection form (dated within 1 year).
• Liability Insurance certificate.
• Site diagram drawn to scale showing buildings and parking areas for tenants/invitees.
• City Short-Term Rental License Application (new or renewal).

Inspections and clearance:

• Fire, smoke detector, carbon monoxide, building, electrical, and health inspections are required, along with a Sheriff’s Department incident report. Inspections must pass before the city issues the license. [Ref: Short-Term Rental License Application]

Fees (annual):

• License Fee: $25
• Building Inspection Fee: $60
• Fire Inspection Fee: $75
• Total License Fee: $160 [Ref: Short-Term Rental License Application]

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Pewaukee, Waukesha County, and Wisconsin

City of Pewaukee

• License required for any short-term rental operation.
• Operational limits indicated on city application: minimum rental of 6 days, maximum rental of 29 days per stay; no more than 180 rental days per property in any consecutive 365-day period. Verify current limits with the city clerk. [Ref: Short-Term Rental License Application]
• Annual license term runs July 1 to June 30 unless sooner revoked.
• Inspections required: fire, smoke detector, carbon monoxide, building, electrical, health; plus Sheriff’s incident report review.

Waukesha County

• County Division of Environmental Health inspects lodging establishments and issues health-related approvals as part of the licensing package. Contact the Division for inspection scheduling and health compliance: (262) 896-8300. [Ref: Short-Term Rental License Application]

Wisconsin State

• Tourist Rooming House License and Lodging Establishment Inspection under ATCP 72 govern minimum stay rules and health/safety standards.
• State sales tax rate: 5%; municipalities may impose a local room tax. You must collect and remit both. Use guidance from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue’s “Homeowners and Individuals Selling Short-Term Lodging” materials to set up tax accounts and filings. [Ref: DOR Homeowners and Individuals Selling Short-Term Lodging]
• Maintain a guest register per Wisconsin Administrative Code requirements.

Contact Information (Local Authority and Supporting Agencies)

City of Pewaukee

• City Clerk/Treasurer’s Office (license applications and submissions)
  • Address: W240 N3065 Pewaukee Road, Pewaukee, WI 53072
  • Phone: 262-691-0770
  • Website: City of Pewaukee Clerk-Treasurer page and Applications, Licenses & Permits page
  • Note: Mail or return STR license applications and fees to the City Clerk/Treasurer. [Ref: Applications, Licenses & Permits page and Short-Term Rental License Application]

Waukesha County Division of Environmental Health

• Phone: 262-896-8300
• Responsible for health inspections and lodging-related approvals. [Ref: Short-Term Rental License Application]

Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR)

• Lodging and room tax guidance for homeowners and individuals: “Homeowners and Individuals Selling Short-Term Lodging”
• DOR Website: revenue.wi.gov

Key Forms and Reference Links

• City of Pewaukee Short-Term Rental License Application: APPLICATION-FOR-SHORT-TERM-RENTALS-42022
• City Short-Term Rental Guidance: ShortTermRentalGuidance
• City Ordinance 21.11 (municipal STR ordinance): Ordinance 2111
• Administrative Code Chapter 72 (city licensing/operations): Administrative-Code-Chapter-72
• DOR guidance for lodging providers: DOR-Homeowners-and-Individuals-Selling-Short-Term-Lodging
• City Applications, Licenses & Permits (gateway page): Applications-Licenses-and-Permits
• City Planning/Development (zoning confirmations): Applications (City Planner page)

Notes:

• The city’s annual license period is July 1 to June 30. Build renewal timelines into your operations plan.
• Marketing platforms (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO) may require or recommend additional permits or host documentation; review their onboarding requirements and keep your listing materials consistent with city/state rules.
• If you operate within homeowner associations or planned communities, review covenants, as local deed restrictions may also apply.