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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. The Village has established a comprehensive regulatory framework under Village Code Chapter 5.40 that permits and regulates short-term rental operations. Twin Lakes welcomes STR investors who comply with all applicable licensing, safety, and operational requirements.

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How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Twin Lakes

Step 1: Pre-Application Preparation

Before submitting your application, ensure your property meets all basic requirements:

• Property Compliance: Your property must be suitable for habitation and comply with all building and safety codes
• Zoning Verification: Confirm your property is located in an area where STRs are permitted (contact Building & Zoning Department)
• Tax Clearance: Ensure you have no outstanding taxes, fines, or forfeitures owed to the State of Wisconsin or Village of Twin Lakes

Step 2: Obtain Required State Licenses

Prior to applying for the Village license, you must secure these state-level permits:

1. State of Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House License

   • Issued by Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) or Kenosha County Public Health
   • Required under Wis. Stat. 66.1014(2)(d)2.a
   • Must be current and valid

2. State of Wisconsin Seller's Permit

   • Issued by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue
   • Required for tax collection purposes

Step 3: Submit Village Application

Complete and submit the Village of Twin Lakes Short-Term Rental Application with all required documentation and fees.

Step 4: Inspection Process

The Village will coordinate required inspections:

• Building Inspection: Conducted by Village Building Inspector
• Fire Inspection: Conducted by Village Fire Department
• Re-inspection Fee: $65 if corrections are required

Step 5: Final Approval

Once all inspections pass and requirements are met, the Village will issue your annual STR license.

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Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Village of Twin Lakes Requirements

License Application

• Short-Term Rental Application (completed in full)
• Application Fees:
  • New Application: $300
  • Renewal: $150
• License Period: January 1st to December 31st (no proration for partial year)

Required Documentation

1. Floor Plan showing:

   • All bedrooms
   • Doors and fire exits
   • Available parking spaces

2. Property Manager Agreement (if applicable)

   • Required if property is managed by 3rd party corporate entity

3. Platform Contract (if applicable)

   • Airbnb/VRBO contract or similar platform agreement

State-Level Licenses

1. State of Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House License

   • Issued by DATCP or Kenosha County Public Health
   • Must remain current and valid

2. State of Wisconsin Seller's Permit

   • Issued by Wisconsin Department of Revenue

Key Operational Guidelines

Maximum Occupancy

The maximum occupancy is determined by:

• The total number of occupants licensed by the State of Wisconsin, OR
• Two occupants per bedroom plus two additional occupants (whichever is less)

Property Management Requirements

• Contact Updates: Must notify the Village within 24 hours of any change in contact information
• 3rd Party Management: If managed by corporate entity, property manager agreement must be attached

Inspection Requirements

• Building Safety: Property must pass building inspection
• Fire Safety: Property must pass fire inspection
• Re-inspection Fee: $65 for any required follow-up inspections

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Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Village of Twin Lakes Regulations

Chapter 5.40 - Short-Term Rentals

The primary governing ordinance for STRs in Twin Lakes, establishing:

• Licensing requirements and procedures
• Operational standards and compliance
• Inspection and enforcement mechanisms

Occupancy Standards (Chapter 5.40)

• Maximum occupancy: 2 occupants per bedroom + 2 additional occupants per property
• Must comply with state-licensed capacity if lower

Tax Compliance Requirements

• No Outstanding Debts: License cannot be issued to anyone who owes:
  • Any taxes to the State of Wisconsin
  • Any taxes, fines, or forfeitures to the Village
• Chapter 5.20.120(e): Tax clearance requirement for license eligibility

Inspection and Safety Standards

• Mandatory Inspections: Both Building and Fire inspections required
• Compliance Required: All recommended modifications must be completed
• Re-inspection Process: $65 fee for any required re-inspections

State of Wisconsin Regulations

Tourist Rooming House License

• Governed by Wis. Stat. 66.1014(2)(d)2.a
• Issued by DATCP or Kenosha County Public Health
• Must be maintained throughout STR operation

Seller's Permit Requirements

• Issued by Wisconsin Department of Revenue
• Required for collecting and remitting applicable taxes

Kenosha County Requirements

Public Health Oversight

Kenosha County Public Health serves as the issuing agent for the State Tourist Rooming House License, providing local enforcement of state health and safety standards.

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Contact Information

Village of Twin Lakes - Primary STR Authority

Village Hall - Administration

• Address: 105 East Main St., PO Box 1024, Twin Lakes, WI 53181
• Phone: (262) 877-2858
• Fax: (262) 333-3286
• Website: www.twinlakeswi.gov

Department-Specific Contacts

Building & Zoning Department

• Phone: (262) 877-2858
• Function: Zoning compliance, building inspections, STR application processing
• Website: www.twinlakeswi.gov/government/building-inspection/

Fire Department

• Phone: (262) 877-2858
• Function: Fire inspections, safety compliance
• Website: www.twinlakeswi.gov/government/public-safety/

Police Department

• Phone: (262) 877-2858
• Function: Outstanding fines/forfeitures verification, code enforcement
• Website: www.twinlakeswi.gov/police-department/

State-Level Contacts

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)

• Function: Tourist Rooming House License issuer
• Website: datcp.wi.gov

Wisconsin Department of Revenue

• Function: Seller's Permit issuer
• Website: revenue.wi.gov

Kenosha County Public Health

• Function: Local agent for Tourist Rooming House License
• Website: kenoshacounty.org/health

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Important Deadlines and Renewal Process

Annual License Cycle

• License Period: January 1st through December 31st
• No Proration: Licenses are not prorated for partial-year applications
• Renewal Required: Annual renewal mandatory

Application Timeline

• Early Submission Recommended: Apply well before January 1st to ensure timely processing
• Inspection Scheduling: Allow adequate time for required inspections and any necessary corrections

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Compliance and Enforcement

Application Review Process

The Village conducts a thorough review including:

• Tax Clearance Verification: Confirms no outstanding Village or state taxes
• Building Department Review: Ensures property compliance with building codes
• Fire Department Review: Verifies fire safety compliance
• Police Department Review: Checks for outstanding fines or forfeitures

Ongoing Compliance Requirements

• Contact Information: Must update Village within 24 hours of any changes
• License Display: Maintain current licenses at the property
• Tax Remittance: Stay current on all applicable tax obligations
• Safety Standards: Maintain all safety equipment and exits

Enforcement Actions

Properties failing inspections must:

• Complete all recommended modifications
• Pay $65 re-inspection fee
• Pass subsequent inspections before license issuance

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Source Documents and Links

Primary Village Documents

• Village of Twin Lakes Short-Term Rental Application (2024)

Village Ordinances and Resolutions

• Ordinances & Resolutions Portal
• Village Municipal Code

Key STR-Related Ordinances

• Ordinance 2021-04-02: Created Chapter 5.40 - Short-Term Rentals
• Ordinance 2021-08-02: Amended STR occupancy requirements
• Ordinance 2024-2-2: Amended STR fees and submission requirements

Village Government Resources

• Building & Zoning Department
• Village Hall Administration
• Licenses & Permits

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Investment Considerations

Twin Lakes represents a STR-friendly market with clear regulatory pathways. The Village's structured approach provides investors with predictable requirements and enforcement, while the comprehensive licensing framework ensures market legitimacy and guest safety. Success in the Twin Lakes STR market requires diligent compliance with all multi-jurisdictional requirements, but the regulatory clarity provides a solid foundation for sustainable STR operations.