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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Portage County, WI

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (Tourist Rooming Houses) are permitted in Residential, Agricultural, and Neighborhood Commercial zoning districts in towns under Portage County zoning. Operation requires three distinct licenses: a Wisconsin DATCP tourist rooming house license, a Portage County Health and Human Services lodging license, and a local municipal license (e.g., Village of Plover). Occupancy may be limited by private onsite wastewater systems, and site plan approval is required for road access, parking, and lighting.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Obtain a state tourist rooming house license from DATCP and a county lodging license from Portage County Health and Human Services. 2. Submit a Zoning Permit application to the Portage County Planning and Zoning Department including a site plan for review (covering parking, occupancy, and wastewater). 3. If in a municipality like Plover, apply for a local Short-Term Rental license and register for room tax compliance.

Official Resources

Official Portage County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Portage County, WI?
Short-term rentals (Tourist Rooming Houses) are permitted in Residential, Agricultural, and Neighborhood Commercial zoning districts in towns under Portage County zoning. Operation requires three distinct licenses: a Wisconsin DATCP tourist rooming house license, a Portage County Health and Human Services lodging license, and a local municipal license (e.g., Village of Plover). Occupancy may be limited by private onsite wastewater systems, and site plan approval is required for road access, parking, and lighting.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Portage County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Portage County. 1. Obtain a state tourist rooming house license from DATCP and a county lodging license from Portage County Health and Human Services. 2. Submit a Zoning Permit application to the Portage County Planning and Zoning Department including a site plan for review (covering parking, occupancy, and wastewater). 3. If in a municipality like Plover, apply for a local Short-Term Rental license and register for room tax compliance.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Portage County?
1. Obtain a state tourist rooming house license from DATCP and a county lodging license from Portage County Health and Human Services. 2. Submit a Zoning Permit application to the Portage County Planning and Zoning Department including a site plan for review (covering parking, occupancy, and wastewater). 3. If in a municipality like Plover, apply for a local Short-Term Rental license and register for room tax compliance.

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