Comparent
RestrictedCounty

Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Columbia County, WI

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (Tourist Rooming Houses) are restricted to specific zones (AO-1, A-2, RR-1, R-1, R-2, C-1) and require a Conditional Use Permit. Occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom plus two (max 8 total), and guest vehicles are limited to the number of bedrooms with no on-street parking allowed. In the Town of Lodi, additional restrictions apply including a 1000-foot distance between rentals, a 2-day minimum stay, and a 180-day annual rental cap.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Obtain a State of Wisconsin license and a Columbia County Tourist Rooming House license. 2. Apply for a Conditional Use Permit through Columbia County Planning & Zoning (includes a $50 pre-application fee and $500 application fee). 3. For properties in the Town of Lodi, submit a local Short-Term Rental license application to the Town Clerk with a $250 initial fee and proof of ownership or primary residency.

Official Resources

Official Columbia County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Columbia County, WI?
Short-term rentals (Tourist Rooming Houses) are restricted to specific zones (AO-1, A-2, RR-1, R-1, R-2, C-1) and require a Conditional Use Permit. Occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom plus two (max 8 total), and guest vehicles are limited to the number of bedrooms with no on-street parking allowed. In the Town of Lodi, additional restrictions apply including a 1000-foot distance between rentals, a 2-day minimum stay, and a 180-day annual rental cap.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Columbia County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Columbia County. 1. Obtain a State of Wisconsin license and a Columbia County Tourist Rooming House license. 2. Apply for a Conditional Use Permit through Columbia County Planning & Zoning (includes a $50 pre-application fee and $500 application fee). 3. For properties in the Town of Lodi, submit a local Short-Term Rental license application to the Town Clerk with a $250 initial fee and proof of ownership or primary residency.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Columbia County?
1. Obtain a State of Wisconsin license and a Columbia County Tourist Rooming House license. 2. Apply for a Conditional Use Permit through Columbia County Planning & Zoning (includes a $50 pre-application fee and $500 application fee). 3. For properties in the Town of Lodi, submit a local Short-Term Rental license application to the Town Clerk with a $250 initial fee and proof of ownership or primary residency.

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