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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Ashland County, WI

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are defined as residential dwelling units rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days (includes 2nd unit of owner-occupied duplex, mother-in-law apartments, and B&Bs). City of Ashland requires a City STR application plus an Ashland County Tourist Rooming House license; required materials include proof of property and commercial liability insurance, a site plan showing parking/recreational areas, scaled floor plan showing bedrooms, Fire Department self-inspection and official inspection, a State Lodging Establishment inspection dated within one year, and reporting for city accommodations/room tax.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit the City of Ashland Short-Term Rental application via the City Permit Portal and include required documents (proof of insurance, site plan, scaled floor plan, web-booking info, Fire Department self-inspection, State lodging inspection, and City Room Tax permit). 2) Obtain an Ashland County Tourist Rooming House license from Ashland County Health & Human Services (requires a pre-inspection for new establishments). 3) Pay the required fees: City initial application fee ($40) and Ashland County fees ($155 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection).

Official Resources

Official Ashland County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Ashland County, WI?
Short-term rentals are defined as residential dwelling units rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days (includes 2nd unit of owner-occupied duplex, mother-in-law apartments, and B&Bs). City of Ashland requires a City STR application plus an Ashland County Tourist Rooming House license; required materials include proof of property and commercial liability insurance, a site plan showing parking/recreational areas, scaled floor plan showing bedrooms, Fire Department self-inspection and official inspection, a State Lodging Establishment inspection dated within one year, and reporting for city accommodations/room tax.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Ashland County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Ashland County. 1) Submit the City of Ashland Short-Term Rental application via the City Permit Portal and include required documents (proof of insurance, site plan, scaled floor plan, web-booking info, Fire Department self-inspection, State lodging inspection, and City Room Tax permit). 2) Obtain an Ashland County Tourist Rooming House license from Ashland County Health & Human Services (requires a pre-inspection for new establishments). 3) Pay the required fees: City initial application fee ($40) and Ashland County fees ($155 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection).
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Ashland County?
1) Submit the City of Ashland Short-Term Rental application via the City Permit Portal and include required documents (proof of insurance, site plan, scaled floor plan, web-booking info, Fire Department self-inspection, State lodging inspection, and City Room Tax permit). 2) Obtain an Ashland County Tourist Rooming House license from Ashland County Health & Human Services (requires a pre-inspection for new establishments). 3) Pay the required fees: City initial application fee ($40) and Ashland County fees ($155 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection).

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction