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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Jackson County, WI

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are allowed as a conditional use in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 residential districts and A-1, A-2 agricultural districts. Operators must comply with local building codes, County Health Department licensing, state requirements, county sanitary provisions for private septic systems, and parking stall requirements per Section 17.50.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application and fee to the Jackson County Zoning Office. 2. Complete the notification process, which includes notices to neighbors within 300 feet, publication in the Banner Journal, and radio announcements. 3. Attend the local township meeting to address concerns and then appear before the Zoning Committee for a final hearing.

Official Resources

Official Jackson County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Jackson County, WI?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Jackson County, WI, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are allowed as a conditional use in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 residential districts and A-1, A-2 agricultural districts. Operators must comply with local building codes, County Health Department licensing, state requirements, county sanitary provisions for private septic systems, and parking stall requirements per Section 17.50. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Jackson County, WI?
Short-term rentals are allowed as a conditional use in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 residential districts and A-1, A-2 agricultural districts. Operators must comply with local building codes, County Health Department licensing, state requirements, county sanitary provisions for private septic systems, and parking stall requirements per Section 17.50.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Jackson County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Jackson County. 1. Submit a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application and fee to the Jackson County Zoning Office. 2. Complete the notification process, which includes notices to neighbors within 300 feet, publication in the Banner Journal, and radio announcements. 3. Attend the local township meeting to address concerns and then appear before the Zoning Committee for a final hearing.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Jackson County?
1. Submit a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application and fee to the Jackson County Zoning Office. 2. Complete the notification process, which includes notices to neighbors within 300 feet, publication in the Banner Journal, and radio announcements. 3. Attend the local township meeting to address concerns and then appear before the Zoning Committee for a final hearing.
Is Vrbo legal in Jackson County, WI?
Vrbo is permitted in Jackson County, WI under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Jackson County?
Short-term rental hosts in Jackson County are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Jackson County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Jackson County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

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: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction