Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Balsam Lake, WI

Short-term rentals (Tourist Rooming Houses) require a minimum 7-day stay and are limited to 180 days per year. Requirements include a 24-hour local contact, quiet hours from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., designated off-street parking on impervious surfaces, and a maximum of 4 sleeping rooms. Accessory buildings and RVs cannot be used for guest sleeping accommodations.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Balsam Lake. 1. Apply for a Land Use Permit via the Polk County Ascent Permit Management Suite and obtain a lodging license from Polk County Health. 2. Hire a local building inspector to determine the number of legal bedrooms and have the septic system inspected/approved. 3. Pay the required permit fees and ensure the property boundary is surveyed and staked by a professional.

1. Apply for a Land Use Permit via the Polk County Ascent Permit Management Suite and obtain a lodging license from Polk County Health. 2. Hire a local building inspector to determine the number of legal bedrooms and have the septic system inspected/approved. 3. Pay the required permit fees and ensure the property boundary is surveyed and staked by a professional.