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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Kenosha County, WI

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Kenosha County regulates public lodging (hotels/motels/tourist rooming houses) under state ATCP 72 and requires licensure for lodging operations; DATCP/public lodging licensing is triggered when rentals exceed the state threshold (commonly >10 nights/year per local municipal guidance). County zoning/permit jurisdiction applies to unincorporated towns (Brighton, Paris, Randall, Somers, Wheatland) and certain contracted villages; incorporated cities/villages may have their own STR rules (e.g., Pleasant Prairie, Twin Lakes).

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Complete and submit the Kenosha County Public Health License Application form for Hotels/Motels/Tourist Rooming Houses to Kenosha County Public Health; 2) Pay applicable fee per the Kenosha County Recreational Facilities Fee Schedule and provide any required DATCP/public lodging license (if rental meets state threshold); 3) Kenosha County Public Health will contact the applicant to assist with opening (inspections/plan-review as required).

Official Resources

Official Kenosha County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Kenosha County, WI?
Kenosha County regulates public lodging (hotels/motels/tourist rooming houses) under state ATCP 72 and requires licensure for lodging operations; DATCP/public lodging licensing is triggered when rentals exceed the state threshold (commonly >10 nights/year per local municipal guidance). County zoning/permit jurisdiction applies to unincorporated towns (Brighton, Paris, Randall, Somers, Wheatland) and certain contracted villages; incorporated cities/villages may have their own STR rules (e.g., Pleasant Prairie, Twin Lakes).
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Kenosha County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Kenosha County. 1) Complete and submit the Kenosha County Public Health License Application form for Hotels/Motels/Tourist Rooming Houses to Kenosha County Public Health; 2) Pay applicable fee per the Kenosha County Recreational Facilities Fee Schedule and provide any required DATCP/public lodging license (if rental meets state threshold); 3) Kenosha County Public Health will contact the applicant to assist with opening (inspections/plan-review as required).
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Kenosha County?
1) Complete and submit the Kenosha County Public Health License Application form for Hotels/Motels/Tourist Rooming Houses to Kenosha County Public Health; 2) Pay applicable fee per the Kenosha County Recreational Facilities Fee Schedule and provide any required DATCP/public lodging license (if rental meets state threshold); 3) Kenosha County Public Health will contact the applicant to assist with opening (inspections/plan-review as required).

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