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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Whitewater, Wisconsin. The city has established a framework for residential rental registration under Chapter 5.38 of the Municipal Code, and short-term rentals operate within this regulatory structure. Additionally, properties located in Walworth County (which encompasses most of Whitewater) are subject to specific short-term rental licensing requirements that complement state regulations.

Whitewater, home to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and situated between Walworth and Jefferson Counties, maintains a favorable environment for short-term rental operations while ensuring residential neighborhood compatibility through registration and compliance requirements.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Whitewater, WI

Step 1: Determine Your Property's Jurisdiction

Whitewater spans both Walworth County and Jefferson County. Most of the city lies within Walworth County, which has established comprehensive STR licensing requirements. Verify your specific property location using the Walworth County GIS system.

Step 2: Obtain Required Licensing (Multiple Layers)

1. State License: Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House (TRH) license through DATCP
2. County License: Walworth County STR license (if in Walworth County)
3. City Registration: Whitewater Residential Rental Registration

Step 3: Complete Application Process

• Submit state TRH application first (required before county approval)
• Complete Walworth County STR licensing application
• File Whitewater residential rental registration within 15 days of operation

Step 4: Prepare for Inspections and Compliance

• Schedule state pre-inspection ($300 fee)
• Ensure septic system compliance (if applicable)
• Complete well water testing (if private well)
• Obtain business licenses and permits as required

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State Level (Wisconsin DATCP)

• Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House License
  • Annual fee: $110
  • Pre-inspection fee: $300 (one-time for new operations)
  • Renewal deadline: June 30th annually
  • Source: Wisconsin DATCP Tourist Rooming Houses

County Level (Walworth County)

• Walworth County STR License
  • Initial license fee: $500
  • Annual renewal: $200
  • Source: Walworth County STR Licensing
• Initial License Application: Download PDF
• Annual Renewal Application: Download PDF

Municipal Level (City of Whitewater)

• Residential Rental Registration (Chapter 5.38)
  • Registration fee: $0 (no fee charged)
  • Must be completed within 15 days of rental initiation
  • Source: Whitewater Rental Registration Ordinance

Supporting Documentation

• Property site plan (hand-drawn acceptable)
• Septic system evaluation (if served by private system)
• Well water testing results (if private well)
• Business registration and tax permits
• Liability insurance documentation

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Whitewater Regulations

Residential Rental Registration Ordinance (Chapter 5.38)

Registration Requirements:

• All for-profit rental entities must register
• Registration must occur within 15 days of rental initiation
• Information required includes:
  • Property owner name, address, phone
  • Property location and designation
  • Primary contact person details and contact directions
• New registration required upon ownership change
• Updates required within 15 days of any information changes

Term and Termination:

• Registration valid for life of rental entity
• Owner must notify City Clerk upon rental termination
• Registration becomes void upon ownership transfer

Penalties:

• Violation penalty: $100-$200 plus court costs
• Each day of violation constitutes separate offense

Zoning Compliance: Properties must comply with local zoning restrictions. Whitewater's zoning framework is defined in Chapter 74 of the Walworth County Code of Ordinances, which addresses residential dwelling classifications and lodging facility definitions.

Walworth County Regulations

Short-Term Rental Licensing Requirements

License Types and Costs:

• Initial annual license: $500
• Annual renewal: $200
• Both county and state licenses expire June 30th annually

Operational Requirements:

• Local contact person required (within 25 miles)
• Annual renewal mandatory
• Licenses are non-transferable
• Licenses void upon property ownership change

Septic System Compliance: Properties served by private onsite wastewater treatment systems (POWTS) must:

• Meet minimum code requirements for proposed occupancy
• Have sanitary permits on file (post-1980 installations)
• Complete professional evaluation if permit insufficient
• Ensure 3-year maintenance requirements are current
• Source: POWTS Inspection Form

Well Water Testing:

• Required for properties served by private wells
• Can be completed through private companies or Walworth County Health Department
• Must be submitted as part of state licensing process

Wisconsin State Regulations

Tourist Rooming House Requirements:

• State license mandatory before county approval
• Annual fee: $110
• Pre-inspection: $300 (one-time for new operations)
• Annual renewal required by June 30th
• Source: Wisconsin DATCP Tourist Rooming Houses

Operational Restrictions and Guidelines

Based on county-wide regulations and best practices:

Occupancy and Stay Requirements:

• Short-term rental defined as rental period less than 29 days
• Typical minimum stay requirements apply per local ordinances
• Maximum occupancy based on property capacity and septic system design

Property Standards:

• Must meet health and safety standards
• Adequate parking provisions
• Noise regulation compliance
• Waste disposal management
• Emergency contact information posting

Business Operations:

• No limit on number of STRs owned (per current regulations)
• Events and parties may have restrictions based on noise ordinances
• Advertising must include required disclosures

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Whitewater (Walworth/Jefferson Counties)

Whitewater City Clerk

• Address: City Hall, Whitewater, WI 53190
• Phone: Contact City Hall for current Clerk contact information
• Website: www.whitewater-wi.gov
• Ordinance Document: Rental Registration Ordinance PDF

Walworth County (Primary County Jurisdiction)

Walworth County Land Use & Resource Management

• Physical Address:
  • Walworth County Government Center
  • 100 W Walworth Street
  • Elkhorn, WI 53121
• Mailing Address:
  • P.O. Box 1001
  • Elkhorn, WI 53121
• Phone: (262) 741-4972
• Fax: (262) 741-4973
• Email: County Planning Department
• Website: Walworth County STR Information

State of Wisconsin

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

• Website: Wisconsin Tourist Rooming Houses
• Phone: Contact DATCP for current licensing information

Jefferson County Contact (Partial Jurisdiction)

Properties located in Jefferson County portions of Whitewater should contact:

• Jefferson County Planning & Zoning Department
• Phone: Contact Jefferson County for current contact information
• Website: Visit Jefferson County official website for STR requirements

Links to Source Pages

1. Whitewater Rental Registration Ordinance: www.whitewater-wi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/117/Rental-Registration-Ordinance-PDF
2. Walworth County STR Information: www.co.walworth.wi.us/537/Short-Term-Rentals
3. Walworth County STR License Application: www.co.walworth.wi.us/DocumentCenter/View/5123/STR-License-application-fillable-PDF
4. Walworth County Annual License Renewal: www.co.walworth.wi.us/DocumentCenter/View/5124/STR-Annual-License-Renewal---Fillable-PDF
5. Wisconsin DATCP Tourist Rooming Houses: datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/TouristRoomingHouses.aspx
6. Walworth County STR FAQ: www.co.walworth.wi.us/DocumentCenter/View/991/Short-Term-Rental-FAQ-PDF
7. POWTS Inspection Form: www.co.walworth.wi.us/DocumentCenter/View/647/Existing-POWTS-Inspection-Report-PDF
8. Walworth County GIS System: gisinfo.co.walworth.wi.us/oneview/
9. Walworth County Well/Septic Inspectors: www.co.walworth.wi.us/DocumentCenter/View/643/Well-Septic-Inspectors-PDF
10. Town of Whitewater STR Discussion: townofwhitewaterwi.gov/8-13-2025-minutes-board-meeting/

Investment Note: Whitewater's regulatory environment for short-term rentals is well-established but evolving. The city maintains registration requirements while Walworth County has implemented comprehensive licensing. Given Whitewater's university setting and tourist attractions, STR demand remains strong. Investors should monitor ongoing municipal discussions as the town board is currently formalizing tracking procedures for county-licensed STR operations.