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Saint Croix Falls, WI

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STR Regulations for Saint Croix Falls, Wisconsin

Overview and Bottom Line

Short-term home rentals (rentals of fewer than 30 consecutive days) are allowed in the City of Saint Croix Falls, but only within a defined licensing and compliance framework. The City’s draft ordinance (2024) permits STRs and sets performance standards, permitting pathways, inspections, taxes, and enforcement tools. Two core limits shape operations:

  • You may not operate more than ten (10) nights per calendar year without a City-issued license.
  • Wisconsin law (Wis. Stat. § 66.1014) allows municipalities to prohibit short-term rentals of fewer than seven (7) consecutive days and to cap rentals of 6–29 consecutive days to no fewer than 180 days within any 365-day period. The City’s draft ordinance is consistent with this statutory ceiling.

Bottom line: You can legally run a short-term rental in Saint Croix Falls if you obtain the required City license and meet all state, county, and city standards. Operating without a license beyond ten nights per year is prohibited and subject to penalties.

Important note on sources: This analysis is based on the City’s draft ordinance materials dated January 17, 2024 and May 3, 2024. These are drafts and may not be final as of today’s date. Always confirm the current City Code with the City Clerk before applying or investing.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Saint Croix Falls?

Saint Croix Falls hosts earn a median $30,231/year with $233 ADR and 55% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $47,576+ per year.

See the full Saint Croix Falls market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental in Saint Croix Falls

The path to compliance involves coordinated steps across state, county, and city agencies. The order below reflects what is typically feasible in practice; some steps can run concurrently.

  1. Understand your proposed property and compliance scope
  • Confirm zoning and structural feasibility. The draft ordinance envisions STRs citywide, with performance standards (parking, noise, signage) applicable across zoning districts.
  • Inventory safety features (smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguisher, egress). Prepare for inspections and tourist rooming house health and safety requirements (ATCP 72.10–72.15).
  1. Obtain required state and county permits
  • Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House License: Apply through St. Croix County Public Health, acting as a State agent under Wisconsin DATCP (ATCP 72). This is non-negotiable before City licensing will issue.
  • Wisconsin Seller’s Permit (Sales Tax): Obtain from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. If you list through a marketplace that processes payments, the marketplace generally remits sales tax on the full price; confirm arrangements with your marketplace and DOR.
  • Liability insurance: The City requires appropriate property insurance and proof at application and renewal.
  1. Prepare your City application package
  • Complete City STR application (City Clerk or City Administrator, depending on the draft version) with:
    • Number of bedrooms and maximum occupancy.
    • On-site parking plan; a Parking Mitigation Plan if parking cannot be fully accommodated on the property.
    • Property management details (if owner does not reside within 30 miles of the property).
    • Guest register requirements and disclosure posting content.
    • Site plan showing parking and property layout.
    • Attestation that the property meets all requirements of the article.
  1. Submit to City, pay fee, and pass review
  • Submit to the City with the application fee (set by City Council fee schedule). The City will review and, if the draft version applies, forward to the City Administrator (final administrative approval) or City Clerk (administrative processing), then to the City Council/Plan Commission as needed.
  • No license may be issued if you have outstanding city fees, taxes, or forfeitures, or if your room tax filings are not current.
  1. Pass inspections and post required notices
  • Provide a City inspection form (dated within two months of issuance/renewal) and the State-issued Tourist Rooming House license and inspection report.
  • Post the City license within two feet (draft 1/17/2024) or visible within five feet (draft 5/3/2024) of the main entrance.
  • Post guest disclosures inside near the main entrance: owner/manager contact info; maximum guests and vehicles; parking rules; outdoor recreation rules; noise/nuisance rules; HOA rules (if any); City sanitary sewer regulations (per draft 5/3/2024).
  1. Operationalize and maintain compliance
  • Implement a guest register (names and addresses retained for at least one year).
  • Collect and remit Wisconsin sales tax and City room tax per Municipal Code Chapter 16, Article IV. If you use a marketplace that processes payments, confirm who remits which taxes.
  • Maintain safe operations: no amplified outdoor sound after 5:00 p.m. or before 9:00 a.m.; refuse in closed-top containers; no RVs/campers/tents as lodging; comply with noise and nuisance ordinances.
  • Keep insurance current and renew annually. Licenses run May 1–April 30 and expire upon change of ownership; they are non-transferable.
  • If using a property manager, ensure they are within 30 miles of the property, available 24/7, and authorized to act as your agent for notices and inspections.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

At a minimum, prepare the following:

State and County

  • Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House License under Wis. Stats. § 254.64 and ATCP 72.04 (apply via St. Croix County Public Health; inspection per ATCP 72.10–72.15).
  • Seller’s Permit from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
  • Proof of liability insurance specific to the STR building/operation.

City of Saint Croix Falls

  • City short-term home rental license application (fee per City fee schedule).
  • City inspection form completed within two months of license issuance or renewal.
  • Property site plan showing on-site parking and layout.
  • Parking Mitigation Plan (if on-site parking cannot fully meet demand).
  • Property management agreement and designation (if applicable).
  • Guest register policy and guest disclosure posting content (to be posted inside near main entrance).
  • Attestation that the property meets all requirements of the STR article.
  • Employer Identification Number (IRS EIN).

Ongoing Compliance

  • Wisconsin sales tax collection/remittance (confirm marketplace arrangements).
  • City room tax registration and returns (per Municipal Code Chapter 16, Article IV).
  • Annual license renewal (May 1–April 30) and maintenance of insurance and inspection documentation.
  • Keep a guest register for at least one year; make available to City upon request.

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State

This section consolidates the core regulatory guardrails investors must follow.

City of Saint Croix Falls (draft ordinance, 2024)

Eligibility and Licensing

  • Allowed with a City license; no STR may operate more than ten nights per calendar year without a license.
  • Licenses are administrative and non-transferable; they expire automatically upon change of ownership and must be renewed annually.
  • Licenses run May 1–April 30; the City may deny or decline renewal for cause and conducts due process hearings before the City Council for denials or revocations.

Property Management

  • If the owner does not reside on-site or does not live within 30 miles, a local property manager is required. The manager must be within 30 miles, available 24/7, and authorized as the owner’s agent for service of process and inspections.

Operational Performance Standards

  • Parking: One space per bedroom is required in Residential Zoning Districts. Parking must be on the property or under an approved Parking Mitigation Plan. No public right-of-way parking or parking on others’ private property without written permission.
  • Signage: No commercial signage. Only a one square foot on-site parking sign is allowed, subject to City Code requirements.
  • Noise and Nuisance: Use must comply with City noise and nuisance ordinances. No amplified outdoor sound after 5:00 p.m. or before 9:00 a.m.
  • Refuse: Waste must be kept in closed-top receptacles and stored out of view as much as possible.
  • Health and Safety: Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors per Wisconsin statute; 2A10BC fire extinguisher in the kitchen. STRs shall comply with City fire and building codes as applicable.
  • Prohibitions: No RVs, campers, tents, or other temporary lodging arrangements to expand paid occupancy.
  • Inspections: City departments may inspect upon prior notice (except emergencies) to investigate complaints or violations.

Guest Registration and Disclosures

  • Maintain a guest register with names/addresses; retain for at least one year.
  • Post inside near the main entrance: owner/manager contact details; max guests and vehicles; parking rules; outdoor recreation area rules; nuisance/noise rules; City sanitary sewer regulations (per May 3, 2024 draft); any HOA rules (city does not enforce HOA rules, only requires posting).

Advertising

  • Advertise consistent with the approved application and site plan, including bedrooms, occupancy, and parking. Misleading advertising is non-compliant.

Taxation

  • Collect and remit Wisconsin sales tax; municipalities may not impose sales tax but can impose a room tax under Wis. Stats. § 66.0615. The City requires registration and returns under Municipal Code Chapter 16, Article IV. If a marketplace processes payments, confirm who remits state sales tax and municipal room tax; the City treats returns and supporting documentation as confidential.

Enforcement and Penalties

  • License denial or non-renewal triggers written notice and appeal rights to the City Council (appeal within 20 business days; hearing within 30 business days).
  • Revocation grounds include: failure to pay fees/taxes; failure to maintain required licenses; non-payment of room tax (including marketplace provider municipal room tax returns); three or more police/building/health calls or violations in 12 months; or violations of law that substantially harm the neighborhood.
  • Violations are subject to $250–$750 forfeiture per offense, plus costs; each day of violation constitutes a separate offense. Additional remedies (injunction, abatement) are available.

St. Croix County (agent for State)

  • St. Croix County Public Health is the agent of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) for licensing and inspecting lodging facilities, including tourist rooming houses under ATCP 72 and bed and breakfast establishments under ATCP 73.
  • Contact the County to initiate your Tourist Rooming House license and inspection (ATCP 72.10–72.15 health/safety requirements).

State of Wisconsin

  • Wis. Stats. § 66.0615 (related to municipal room taxes and definitions) and § 66.1014 (municipal authority over short-term rentals). Municipalities may not prohibit rentals for seven consecutive days or more and may limit rentals of 6–29 days to no fewer than 180 days within a 365-day period. They may require notification to the clerk when the first rental period begins and may require that allowable days run consecutively, but may not specify the season during which rentals may occur.
  • Tourist rooming houses are subject to DATCP rules (ATCP 72); bed and breakfast establishments are subject to ATCP 73.
  • Wisconsin sales tax obligations apply to lodging for periods less than one month (calendar month or 30 days, whichever is less). If a marketplace processes payments, the marketplace generally remits sales tax on the full price; confirm your marketplace’s tax collection/remittance process.

Contact Information

Use the following contacts to obtain permits, clarify requirements, and submit filings. Where emails or websites are provided in source materials, they are included directly.

City of Saint Croix Falls

  • City Hall (mailing/physical for filings and in-person submissions): City of St. Croix Falls, P.O. Box 477, Saint Croix Falls, WI 54024. When the draft refers to City Hall or the Clerk’s office, this is the location to contact. Phone is not listed in the draft materials; call the City’s general line to be routed to the City Clerk or City Administrator for STR matters.

St. Croix County Public Health (DATCP Agent)

Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR)

  • For Seller’s Permit (sales tax): Consult the DOR website or call DOR’s business tax hotline. If you use a marketplace that processes payments, confirm tax remittance responsibilities with the marketplace.

Links to Source Pages

Action Checklist for Investors

  • Confirm current City Code status (adopted ordinance vs. draft) and the responsible City official (Clerk vs. Administrator).
  • Apply for the Tourist Rooming House License with St. Croix County Public Health; complete ATCP 72 health/safety inspection.
  • Obtain Seller’s Permit from Wisconsin DOR and

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Saint Croix Falls

Market Saturation Score

036912
Moderate Saturation
7/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
5–7 declining months: moderate saturation risk - market may be nearing capacity.
View Full Saint Croix Falls Market Analysis

Photos of Saint Croix Falls

Overview of Saint Croix Falls

Saint Croix Falls is a small riverfront city in Polk County, northwestern Wisconsin, with a population of approximately 2,100 residents. Straddling the St. Croix River at the Wisconsin-Minnesota border, the town has a relaxed, outdoorsy character shaped by its scenic gorge setting and its role as a launch point for river recreation, hiking, and cross-state day trips. It serves as a gateway to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, one of the original eight rivers in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and it sits roughly 55 miles northeast of Minneapolis–Saint Paul, an easy drive for weekend visitors escaping the Twin Cities metro.

Just a few minutes from downtown, Interstate State Park on the Wisconsin side of the border is the area's marquee draw. The park is famous for the Dalles of the St. Croix, a dramatic basalt gorge carved by glacial meltwater, and for an extraordinary concentration of glacial potholes — some of the deepest in the world. Visitors come for the short hiking trails along the cliff edges, rock climbing on the basalt bluffs, and paddle or tube outings that begin at the park's river access. The neighboring Minnesota unit of the same park, just across the bridge in Taylors Falls, mirrors the experience on the opposite bank.

A short drive north of town, the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway stretches more than 200 miles along the state line, offering canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and quiet wooded campgrounds. Outfitters in Saint Croix Falls and Taylors Falls rent canoes and shuttle visitors upstream for leisurely day floats back through the gorge, a tradition that has drawn families to the area for generations. Anglers target smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike in the clean, slow-moving water.

For cyclists and walkers, the Gandy Dancer Trail runs through the area as part of a broader rail-trail system that links small communities along the old Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth rail corridor, with a paved section easily reached from Saint Croix Falls. To the northwest, Wild River State Park on the Minnesota side adds another layer of hiking, camping, and river access within about a half-hour drive.

Saint Croix Falls appeals to short-term-rental investors because it sits at the intersection of a protected scenic river, two adjoining state parks, and one of the largest metro areas in the Upper Midwest. The combination of a small-town setting, year-round outdoor recreation, and a manageable drive from the Twin Cities supports a steady flow of visitors seeking a quieter, more nature-focused alternative to traditional vacation destinations, and it gives owners a flexible property type that can serve weekenders, river trippers, and fall-color tourists across multiple seasons.

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