Executive Overview: STR Status in Rice Lake, WI

Short-term rentals are allowed in the Town of Rice Lake, Wisconsin, but with significant restrictions. The Town has implemented Ordinance 23-103, which allows STRs with a "7-day minimum stay, 180-day maximum annual operation" rule. However, the City of Rice Lake does NOT allow short-term rentals in residential zoning districts - lodging is only permitted in Mixed Use, Mixed Commercial, and Commercial South zones. Investors must verify whether their property is within Town of Rice Lake jurisdiction or City of Rice Lake jurisdiction, as regulations differ substantially.

Wisconsin's 2017 Right to Rent Law provides a statewide baseline that prohibits political subdivisions from banning rentals of 7-30 consecutive days, but allows local restrictions that don't conflict with state law.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Rice Lake

Step 1: Jurisdiction Verification

Critical first step: Determine whether your property falls under Town of Rice Lake or City of Rice Lake jurisdiction:

• Town of Rice Lake: Allows STRs with restrictions under Ordinance 23-103
• City of Rice Lake: STRs prohibited in residential zoning; only allowed in Mixed Use, Mixed Commercial, and Commercial South zones

Step 2: Property Compliance Assessment

For Town of Rice Lake properties:

• Verify property can accommodate required parking (maximum renters divided by 4)
• Ensure site plan can show designated parking and fire pit areas
• Confirm property meets safety requirements for tourist rooming house classification
• Assess if operator can meet the "within 30 miles" requirement

Step 3: Licensing and Permits

• Obtain Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House License (state requirement for >10 rental nights annually)
• Submit Town of Rice Lake STR Permit Application with all required documentation
• Pay applicable fees

Step 4: Operational Setup

• Establish booking systems ensuring minimum 7-day stays (if off-site operator)
• Create guest behavior guidelines as required by ordinance
• Set up record-keeping systems for guest registry
• Develop marketing that complies with advertisement requirements

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

State-Level Requirements

1. Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House License
   • Required if operating >10 nights annually
   • Cost: $110 annually
   • One-time pre-inspection fee: $300
   • Issued by Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

Town of Rice Lake Requirements

1. STR Permit Application including:

   • Property information and digital platform listings
   • Bedroom count and maximum occupancy calculation
   • Parking space documentation
   • Site plan showing parking and fire pit areas
   • Liability insurance documentation

2. Owner/Operator Documentation:

   • Driver's license numbers for all property owners
   • Contact information for all parties
   • Two items showing operator's primary residence is:
     • The STR property itself, OR
     • Immediately adjacent to STR property, OR
     • Within 30 miles of STR property

3. Operational Compliance Documentation:

   • Guest behavior guidelines posting plan
   • Guest registry system setup
   • Quarterly reporting procedure establishment

Specific Regulations

Town of Rice Lake (Ordinance 23-103)

Stay Duration Requirements

• On-site operators: No minimum stay requirement specified
• Off-site operators: Minimum 7 consecutive days, maximum 30 consecutive days

Annual Operation Limits

• Maximum 180 days per 365-day period for off-site operators
• Consecutive day operation requirement applies

Occupancy Limits

• Maximum occupancy: 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests
• Must appear in all advertisements

Operator Availability

• On-site operators must reside at the property during rentals
• Off-site operators must be available at all times during guest stays
• Off-site operators must live within 30 miles of the property

Parking Requirements

• Maximum renters divided by 4 equals required parking spaces
• Must be designated on site plan
• Maximum renters calculation: (# bedrooms × 2) + 2

Advertisement Requirements

• Minimum stay duration must be listed
• Maximum occupancy limit must be listed
• Number of designated parking spaces must be listed
• All digital platforms must be disclosed

Guest Management Requirements

• Post guest behavior guidelines (outlined in STR ordinance section 4d)
• Maintain guest registry with:
  • Guest's true name
  • Contact information (phone, mailing address, or email)
  • Dates of stay
  • Whether operator was present or absent
  • Registry must include current year and previous year data

Reporting Requirements

• Provide quarterly reports to Clerk including:
  • Dates of stay
  • Number of guests per stay
  • Operator presence/absence
  • All advertising locations

City of Rice Lake

• STRs PROHIBITED in residential zoning districts
• Allowed only in: Mixed Use, Mixed Commercial, and Commercial South zones

Barron County Requirements

• Occupancy limit: 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests (applies regardless of jurisdiction)

Wisconsin State Requirements

• 2017 Right to Rent Law baseline:
  • Political subdivisions cannot prohibit rentals for 7-30 consecutive days
  • Can limit annual rental days beyond 180 days
  • Can require consecutive day operation within 365-day period
  • Must notify clerk before renting
  • Cannot limit rentals to certain times of year

Contact Information

Town of Rice Lake (STR Authority)

Phone: (715) 234-8087
Email: townofricelake@gmail.com
Mailing Address: 1830 Macauley Ave., Rice Lake, WI 54868
Website: townofricelake.com/
Working Hours:

• Monday - Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
• Thursday and Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Key Department: Building Inspector - for compliance questions
Contact: Through Town Clerk at (715) 234-8087

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

Tourist Rooming House Licensing
Phone: (608) 224-4923
Website: datcp.wi.gov/

Source Links

Official Government Sources

1. Town of Rice Lake Forms & Permits
2. Town of Rice Lake STR Permit Application (PDF)
3. Town of Rice Lake Official Website

News and Analysis Sources

4. Rice Lake Chronotype - Town Seeks to Regulate STRs
5. HNG News - Understanding Wisconsin STR Laws
6. LSAR Short-Term Rental Resource

Regulatory Context

7. Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection - Tourist Rooming House Licensing
8. Wisconsin 2017 Right to Rent Law (statewide baseline regulations)

Investment Advisory: Given the complexity of different jurisdictions within the Rice Lake area and ongoing regulatory evolution, investors should verify current regulations with both Town of Rice Lake authorities and City of Rice Lake planning departments before property acquisition or operational changes. The proposed ordinance was under legal review as of May 2023, and further amendments may occur.