Overview: Are STRs Allowed in Tomah, WI?

Short-term rentals are allowed in Tomah and in Monroe County, Wisconsin. However, lodging operations, including short-term vacation rentals, are subject to state and county licensing and tax obligations. Monroe County has been designated as an agent of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and requires all tourist rooming houses, bed and breakfasts, and other lodging facilities—including short-term vacation rentals—to be licensed, even if operating only part-time. Tomah currently has no city-specific STR ordinance, but city leaders are actively evaluating local regulation (per a June 2025 Planning Commission agenda item to consider an ordinance establishing local regulation of short-term vacation rentals). Investors should therefore plan to comply with state-level requirements and Monroe County licensing, and monitor Tomah’s municipal updates for any new local rules.

Key points for investors:

• STRs are allowed; lodging licensing through Monroe County is required.
• Tomah is discussing but has not yet adopted city-specific STR regulations.
• Wisconsin lodging (including STRs) is subject to state sales tax and local room taxes.

Sources: WXOW article; Checkmate Rentals overview of Tomah’s local rules; Tomah Planning Commission agenda.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Tomah

Compliance checklist and action steps for new STR operators:

1. Property and zoning alignment

   • Confirm the property’s zoning allows short-term rental/lodging uses as administered by the City of Tomah (zoning contact: Shane Rolff, Zoning Administrator/Building Inspector; see “Contact Information” below).
   • If a zoning or land use question arises (e.g., bed-and-breakfast vs. tourist rooming house), request a determination before listing or operating.

2. Obtain Monroe County lodging license

   • Apply through the Monroe County Health Department’s environmental health/licensing program. As an agent of DATCP, the County issues lodging licenses for tourist rooming houses and similar facilities, including STRs, whether year-round or seasonal.
   • Submit licensing applications in advance of operating and maintain current status. According to County guidance referenced in local reporting, facilities found operating without a license may be subject to a $750 fee for operating without a license.

3. Tax registration and ongoing compliance

   • Register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue to collect and remit state sales tax and applicable room taxes for Wisconsin lodging.
   • Contact the City of Tomah to confirm whether a local room tax or reporting requirement applies and to obtain the reporting portal or forms (City Clerk: Becki Weyer). Many Wisconsin municipalities impose a room tax on lodging, including STRs.

4. Prepare the property for operation and compliance

   • Ensure the property meets sanitation and safety expectations consistent with lodging standards.
   • Keep licensing documentation and tax records readily available for inspection or renewal.

5. Track municipal updates

   • Monitor City Council and Plan Commission actions. The City has placed “Establishing Local Regulation of Short-Term Vacation Rentals” on its formal agenda, indicating that future city-level requirements may be added.

Source: Monroe County licensing information as summarized by WXOW.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Monroe County Lodging License

  • Issued by the Monroe County Health Department (DATCP agent).
  • Required for all tourist rooming houses, bed and breakfasts, and lodging facilities; applies to STRs operating any portion of the year.
  • Apply before operating; maintain current status; anticipate renewal requirements as administered by the County.

• Wisconsin state and local lodging tax registrations

  • Wisconsin Department of Revenue registration for state sales tax and room tax.
  • Local room tax registration/reporting as directed by the City of Tomah.

• Zoning and land use alignment

  • Zoning determinations and any conditional use permits (if applicable) are reviewed under Tomah’s zoning administration. Contact the Zoning Administrator for guidance.

Note: Application forms, specific renewal schedules, and fees are administered by the County and State. Consult the contacts listed below for current forms and requirements.

Source: Monroe County Health Department licensing summary (WXOW).

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals: City, County, and State

• City (Tomah)

  • No city-specific STR ordinance has been adopted as of the latest available information. A formal agenda item on June 5, 2025, shows the City is considering establishing local regulation of short-term vacation rentals.
  • Investors should assume standard zoning, building, and property maintenance codes apply, and should confirm lodging compatibility with the Zoning Administrator.

• County (Monroe County)

  • Monroe County serves as a DATCP agent. All lodging, including STRs, must be licensed under Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter ATCP 72.
  • Operating without a license after the relevant compliance date may result in a $750 fee for operating without a license.

• State (Wisconsin)

  • STRs are considered lodging for tax purposes; hosts must collect and remit state sales tax and local room taxes.
  • Lodging is regulated under ATCP 72; counties act as DATCP agents to issue licenses and conduct oversight.

Sources: WXOW (Monroe County licensing, ATCP 72); Tomah Planning Commission agenda (City consideration of local STR ordinance); Checkmate Rentals overview (no city-specific ordinance as of the latest update); City Zoning Administrator contact details (Comprehensive Plan).

Contact Information

• Monroe County Health Department – Environmental Health/Licensing

  • Web: Monroe County Health Department – Licensing
  • Purpose: Lodging license applications, renewals, inspections (DATCP agent).
  • Note: For phone/email, use the department’s official web contact page for the most current details.

• City of Tomah – Zoning Administrator/Building Inspector

  • Name: Shane Rolff
  • Department: Zoning/Building
  • Mailing Address: City Hall, 819 Superior Avenue, Tomah, WI 54660
  • Purpose: Zoning confirmations, conditional use matters, building code inquiries.

• City of Tomah – City Clerk (tax/reporting liaison)

  • Name: Becki Weyer
  • Mailing Address: City Hall, 819 Superior Avenue, Tomah, WI 54660
  • Purpose: Local room tax registration/reporting questions and municipal administrative matters.

• Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR)

  • Purpose: State sales tax and room tax registration and reporting for lodging.

Sources: WXOW (Monroe County licensing); Tomah Comprehensive Plan (contact names and addresses); City Clerk contact information from City website (see official City website listing for City Hall address).

Links to Source Pages

• Vacation homes in Monroe County will require a license this summer – WXOW: www.wxow.com/news/coulee/vacation-homes-in-monroe-county-will-require-a-license-this-summer/article_85663af5-5f01-4851-bdce-de78088fbc34.html
• Airbnb Management – Tomah, Wisconsin (local regulatory overview) – Checkmate Rentals: www.checkmaterentals.com/airbnb-management/tomah-wisconsin
• Tomah Planning Commission Agenda (June 5, 2025) – City of Tomah: mccmeetings.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/tomahwi-pubu/MEET-Agenda-b6cc6ee5860b4edcb192116ee8617d1f.pdf
• 2024 City of Tomah Comprehensive Plan – City of Tomah: www.tomahwi.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/economic_development/page/4247/2024_city_of_tomah_comp_plan_7.16.24.pdf
• Monroe County Health Department – Environmental Health/Licensing (application portal): www.co.monroe.wi.us/departments/health-department/our-services/environmental-health/licensing

Practical implication for investors: Monroe County’s lodging licensing requirement for STRs is currently in effect, and Wisconsin state tax obligations apply regardless of municipality. Treat compliance with county licensing and state tax as immediate requirements while you monitor Tomah for any local STR ordinance that could add permits,运营 standards, or reporting rules.