Overview: Are short‑term rentals allowed in River Falls, WI?

Yes—short‑term rentals are allowed in River Falls. While the City does not publish a dedicated short‑term rental ordinance, state law governs lodging businesses that rent for fewer than 29 consecutive days (commonly called a tourist rooming house). Those operations must be licensed/inspected at the state level and must meet all applicable state and local requirements. The City does require rental property registration for all rentals (including STRs) and applies the same safety, nuisance, and occupancy standards used for long‑term rentals. Because River Falls is in Pierce County and no Pierce County STR‑specific ordinance is provided, you should confirm with the City whether a zoning use permit/approval is needed for lodging use in your zoning district.

Note on definitions: In Wisconsin, a short‑term rental (STR) that rents for fewer than 29 consecutive days is considered a “tourist rooming house” under state law and must follow lodging licensing, health, and tax rules.

How to start a short‑term rental business in this market (step‑by‑step)

1. Confirm zoning and use approval with the City

• Check the property’s zoning (e.g., R‑1, R‑2, R‑3, R‑4, A‑1, A‑2, etc.).
• Because the City does not publish an STR‑specific ordinance, consult Community Development to determine if a zoning use permit or conditional use permit is required to operate lodging at the subject address.
• Identify any deed/HOA restrictions that could limit STR use.

2. City rental registration (required for all rentals)

• Register the property with the City as a rental. Application and details are on the City website; a one‑time $10 fee applies.
• Contact Community Development if you have questions about the registration or any inspection triggers.

3. State lodging licensing and health inspection

• Short‑term rentals for fewer than 29 consecutive days are “tourist rooming houses.” Apply for the appropriate license/permit with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).
• Arrange a health inspection; the property must meet state health and safety standards for lodging establishments.
• Confirm any local environmental or septic/sewer requirements if the property is on well/septic.

4. Insurance and liability

• Notify your insurer that the property will be used as lodging; secure coverage for guest injuries, property damage, and business interruption if applicable.
• Maintain a formal guest agreement with house rules, occupancy, quiet hours, parking, and check‑in/check‑out procedures.

5. Tax setup

• Obtain a Wisconsin Seller’s Permit and register for sales/use tax.
• If applicable, register for and collect room tax with the local municipal clerk.
• Establish a process to file returns and remit taxes on schedule.

6. Operations and compliance

• Maintain all required licenses, inspections, and registrations.
• Post emergency contacts, house rules, and occupancy limits.
• Enforce quiet hours, parking rules, trash/recycling, and snow removal to avoid nuisance complaints.
• Be responsive to complaints and City inspections; repeated violations can lead to fees and enforcement.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• City of River Falls: Rental property registration (all rentals), one‑time $10 fee; application available on the City website.
• Zoning/use determination: Confirm with Community Development whether a zoning permit/conditional use permit is required for lodging use in the subject district.
• DATCP: Tourist rooming house license/permit; health inspection; must meet state lodging health and safety standards.
• Wisconsin Seller’s Permit: For sales/use tax collection.
• Room tax: If applicable, register with the municipal clerk to collect and remit room tax.
• Utilities and safety: Water, plumbing, and heating must be in good operating condition; hot and cold running water required; heating must heat unit to at least 67°F; smoke and carbon monoxide detectors must function properly.
• Building and egress: All bedrooms must have a window or door to the outside; all bathrooms must have an exhaust fan or a window; basement bedrooms must have an egress window.
• Nuisance and parking: Keep noise below City nuisance levels; park on driveways/garage only (no parking on lawns); comply with odd‑even winter parking (Nov 1–Mar 31, 1:00–6:00 am; park on side matching the date’s odd/even address).
• Trash and yard maintenance: Keep property clean and sanitary; bring garbage cans in within 18 hours of pickup; maintain lawn (grass ≤ 6 inches); remove snow from sidewalks within 24 hours.
• Occupancy: For long‑term rentals, City occupancy limits apply (see Specific Regulations section). For STRs, confirm the limit with the City and comply with it.
• Records: Maintain inspection records, licensing documents, and a guest check‑in list with photos for damage documentation; enforce check‑out procedures accordingly.

Specific regulations for short‑term rentals (city, county, state)

City of River Falls (Pierce County)

• Rental property registration required for all rentals; application on City website; one‑time $10 fee.
• Health and safety standards: plumbing and heating functional; hot/cold running water; unit heated to at least 67°F; smoke and CO detectors functioning properly; egress and window requirements for bedrooms/bathrooms; free of health/safety issues.
• Nuisance controls: keep noise at acceptable levels; property must be clean and sanitary.
• Parking: vehicles only on driveways or in garage; no parking on lawn; odd‑even winter on‑street parking (Nov 1–Mar 31, 1:00–6:00 am).
• Trash/snow/landscaping: bring in cans within 18 hours; grass ≤ 6 inches; snow removed from sidewalks within 24 hours.
• Inspection/complaint enforcement: If a code violation is validated (e.g., excessive noise, parking on lawns, exceeding occupancy, unsanitary conditions), a $100 inspection fee may be charged to the responsible party.
• Occupancy limits for rentals (Municipal Code Sections 17.04.020 and 17.08.080):
  • Related occupants: two or more persons related by blood, marriage, adoption, legal guardianship, or stable family relationship are considered related.
  • Unrelated occupants:
    • R‑2 and R‑3 zoning: up to five unrelated persons per unit.
    • R‑1 zoning: up to four unrelated persons per unit.
  • Occupant load is determined by number and sizes of bedrooms, up to the stated maximums by zone. Confirm the applicable cap for your STR with the City.

Pierce County

• No Pierce County STR‑specific ordinance is provided here. Confirm with the City of River Falls and Pierce County whether any county zoning/use rules apply to STRs. If your property is in a town (rather than the City), contact the Town and County Zoning for any required approvals.

State of Wisconsin

• STRs renting for fewer than 29 consecutive days are regulated as tourist rooming houses:
  • License/permit and health inspection required.
  • Compliance with Wisconsin health and safety standards for lodging establishments.
• Taxation:
  • Wisconsin Seller’s Permit required to collect/remit sales and use tax.
  • Room tax may apply; collect and remit to the appropriate municipal clerk.
• Reasonable local regulation: Wisconsin courts have upheld that municipalities may regulate STRs (e.g., via zoning) if done clearly; in some cases, attempts to prohibit STRs of seven days or longer have been challenged. Confirm local zoning and use rules before operating.

Contact information (phone, email, website where available)

• City of River Falls – Community Development (rentals, inspections, zoning questions)
  • Phone: 715‑426‑3426 or 715‑426‑3427
  • City website (rental registration and application): rfcity.org
• Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) – Lodging Licensing (Tourist Rooming House)
  • DATCP Lodging Programs web page: datcp.wi.gov/Pages/programs_services/touristroominghouses.aspx
• Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) – Seller’s Permit and tax guidance
  • Sales and Use Tax home: revenue.wi.gov/salesanduse/index.html
• City of River Falls – Municipal Contact (general)
  • City website: rfcity.org

Links to source pages

• City of River Falls – Rental Housing Fact Sheet (UWRF City Sampler) [City requirements and occupancy limits]: www.rfcity.org/DocumentCenter/View/3263/Rental-Housing-Fact-Sheet-UWRF---City-Sampler-handout
• Jackson County Zoning – Short‑Term Rental page [State‑level regulatory framework summary; Jackson County ordinance context]: www.co.jackson.wi.us/index.asp?SEC=43BA6EA4-9B56-4DA8-9C3D-907D41F39723
• UW‑Extension Lakes “Lake Tides” – STRs back in the spotlight (legal/regulatory overview and best practices) [State context, health inspection note, and practical guidance]: www3.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/UWEXLakes/Documents/resources/newsletter/vol41-vol45/vol41-2spring2016websmall.pdf
• Wisconsin Municode (City of River Falls Municipal Code) [Official City code repository]: library.municode.com/wi/river_falls
• DATCP – Tourist Rooming House (licensing/inspection) [State lodging requirements]: datcp.wi.gov/pages/programs_services/touristroominghouses.aspx

Notes and practical guidance

• Occupancy limits: The City’s occupancy limits are written for long‑term rentals; clarify with Community Development how those limits apply (or should be adjusted) for STRs.
• Taxes: Some municipalities collect a room tax in addition to state sales tax. Verify the rate and filing cadence with the municipal clerk for River Falls.
• Neighbor relations and enforcement: Most enforcement is complaint‑driven. Proactive communication and strict adherence to house rules, quiet hours, parking, and trash/snow standards will reduce risk of $100 inspection fees and preserve your operating stability.
• Health inspection: Even if not explicitly listed by the City, state lodging rules require a health inspection for STRs under 29 days. Schedule and pass it before opening.