SHORT-TERM RENTAL INVESTOR'S GUIDE: WOODRUFF, WISCONSIN

OVERVIEW: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Woodruff, WI?

YES. Short-term rentals, legally termed "Tourist Rooming Houses" (TRH) in Wisconsin, are explicitly allowed in Woodruff, WI, subject to obtaining the required permits and licenses and adhering to specific regulations. The town has a dedicated ordinance (Woodruff Ordinance 401) governing TRH operations, indicating full acceptance and regulation of the activity. You must secure approvals from Oneida County (zoning), the Town of Woodruff (local permit & room tax), and the State of Wisconsin (lodging license).

HOW TO START A SHORT-TERM RENTAL BUSINESS IN WOODRUFF, WI

1. Verify Zoning Compatibility: Ensure your property is located in a zoning district that permits Tourist Rooming Houses. Contact the Oneida County Planning & Zoning Department (715-369-6219) to obtain an Administrative Review Permit (ARP) before proceeding with other steps. This is a mandatory prerequisite.

2. Obtain Woodruff Town Permit: Apply for your Town of Woodruff Tourist Rooming House permit using the online CivicReview portal. This requires proof of the Oneida County ARP and payment of the annual fee ($500 + $50 if a resident agent is needed).

3. Apply for State Lodging License: Submit the state lodging license application to the Oneida County Health Department as the state's agent. Complete the required safety checklist based on Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 72 (Hotel/Motel/Tourist Rooming House Code).

4. Enroll in Room Tax Collection: Register with the Town of Woodruff for room tax collection. The town enforces a 5.5% tax on gross receipts, filed quarterly.

5. Prepare Property & Operations: Ensure the property meets all state health and safety standards for lodging. Implement procedures for guest check-in/out, occupancy limits, and compliance with local noise/parking ordinances.

6. Display Permits & Advertise Legally: Display the issued Woodruff TRH permit prominently on the premises. Only begin advertising or renting after all permits/licenses are secured.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS, PERMITS, LICENSES, AND GUIDELINES

| Requirement | Issuing Authority | Description / Key Details | Source Link | |----------------|-----------------------|--------------------------------|-----------------| | Administrative Review Permit (ARP) | Oneida County Planning & Zoning | Mandatory pre-approval for zoning compliance. | See "Tourist Rooming House - Administrative Review Permit Application" on Oneida County PZ Site | | Tourist Rooming House (TRH) Permit | Town of Woodruff | Annual local permit required to operate. Fee: $500 + $50 (resident agent). Validity: July 1 - June 30. | Town Application: Town of Woodruff Permit Portal | | Lodging License (ATCP 72) | Oneida County Health Dept | State lodging license. Application + Safety Checklist (ATCP 72). | State Application: OCHD ATCP License Application <br> Safety Checklist: Cabin/Vacation Home Checklist | | Room Tax Registration & Filing | Town of Woodruff | Quarterly filing of 5.5% tax on gross receipts (due by 15th of month after quarter-end). | Filing Portal: Woodruff Quarterly Tax Report | | Compliance with ATCP 72 | State (Enforced by OCHD) | Wisconsin Administrative Code for health/safety standards (fire exits, smoke detectors, sanitation, etc.). | ATCP 72 (Lodging Code) |

SPECIFIC REGULATIONS FOR SHORT-TERM RENTALS

• Town of Woodruff (Ordinance 401 & 67-22):
  • Minimum Stay: Properties zoned single-family residential are restricted to short-term rentals of seven days (six consecutive nights). This is a critical operational restriction.
  • Permit Display: The Woodruff TRH permit must be displayed conspicuously at the place of business.
  • Annual Renewal: Town permits are issued annually and expire June 30th each year. Plan renewals well in advance.
  • Room Tax Rate: 5.5% of gross receipts. Filed quarterly online by the 15th of the month following the quarter-end (Apr 15, Jul 15, Oct 15, Jan 15).
  • Agent Requirement: If the property owner does not live within a certain distance (not specified in provided content), a resident agent may be required for an additional $50 fee.
• Oneida County:
  • Administrative Review Permit (ARP): Mandatory zoning approval prior to applying for town/state permits. Contact Planning & Zoning directly to initiate this process.
• State of Wisconsin (ATCP 72):
  • Licensing & Standards: All TRH operations require a state lodging license issued through the county health department. Operations must comply with Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 72 standards covering health, safety, sanitation, and fire safety.
• Right to Rent (State Context - as discussed in forums): While Wisconsin's "Right to Rent" law prevents municipalities from outright banning STRs, it allows significant restrictions like minimum stay requirements (e.g., 7 nights in Woodruff) and potentially limits on rental nights per year (though no specific annual cap was found for Woodruff in the provided content).

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AUTHORITIES

| Authority | Role | Phone | Email/Website | |---------------|----------|-----------|-------------------| | Town of Woodruff Clerk | Local Permits (TRH), Room Tax | (715) 356-9421 | Email: townclerk@townofwoodruffwi.gov <br> Website: https://townofwoodruffwi.gov/ | | Oneida County Planning & Zoning | Administrative Review Permit (ARP) | 715-369-6219 | Website: https://www.co.oneida.wi.us/departments/pz/public-documents/ | | Oneida County Health Department | State Lodging License (ATCP 72) | 715-369-6111 | Email: ochd@co.oneida.wi.us <br> Website: https://publichealth.oneidacountywi.gov/guide-to-starting-your-home-as-a-vacation-rental/ |

LINKS TO SOURCE PAGES

• Town of Woodruff - Forms & Permits (Tourist Rooming House & Room Tax): https://townofwoodruffwi.gov/forms-permits/
• Woodruff Short Term Rental Ordinance 401: https://ecode360.com/45884672
• Woodruff Room Tax Ordinance 67-22: https://ecode360.com/8139523#8139640
• Oneida County Public Health - Guide to Starting a Vacation Rental: https://publichealth.oneidacountywi.gov/guide-to-starting-your-home-as-a-vacation-rental/
• Wisconsin ATCP 72 - Hotel, Motel, Tourist Rooming House Code: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/atcp/055/72.pdf
• Oneida County Planning & Zoning - Public Documents: https://www.co.oneida.wi.us/departments/pz/public-documents/
• BiggerPockets Forum - STR Regulations (General Discussion - Context Only): https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/530/topics/1049903-short-term-rental-regulations

Disclaimer: This guide synthesizes information from the provided sources. Always verify the latest requirements and regulations directly with the respective authorities before commencing operations. Regulations can change.