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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Waupaca, WI

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

City requires a Hotel/Motel (Room Tax) permit for lodging operations; Waupaca County Public Health requires Food & Recreational (tourist rooming house/hotel) licensing for short-term lodging—county classifies each whole-property rental as one unit for licensing purposes; operators must comply with state DATCP requirements for tourist rooming houses where applicable and comply with room/sales tax collection.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Obtain required Waupaca County Public Health license via the Food & Recreational Licensing program. 2) Obtain City of Waupaca Hotel/Motel (Room Tax) Permit annually by applying via the SmartGov portal or submitting a paper application with a $25 fee to the Clerk-Treasurer. 3) Ensure compliance with municipal code Chapter 3.08 and state DATCP tourist rooming house regulations.

Official Resources

Official Waupaca STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Waupaca, WI?
City requires a Hotel/Motel (Room Tax) permit for lodging operations; Waupaca County Public Health requires Food & Recreational (tourist rooming house/hotel) licensing for short-term lodging—county classifies each whole-property rental as one unit for licensing purposes; operators must comply with state DATCP requirements for tourist rooming houses where applicable and comply with room/sales tax collection.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Waupaca?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Waupaca. 1) Obtain required Waupaca County Public Health license via the Food & Recreational Licensing program. 2) Obtain City of Waupaca Hotel/Motel (Room Tax) Permit annually by applying via the SmartGov portal or submitting a paper application with a $25 fee to the Clerk-Treasurer. 3) Ensure compliance with municipal code Chapter 3.08 and state DATCP tourist rooming house regulations.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Waupaca?
1) Obtain required Waupaca County Public Health license via the Food & Recreational Licensing program. 2) Obtain City of Waupaca Hotel/Motel (Room Tax) Permit annually by applying via the SmartGov portal or submitting a paper application with a $25 fee to the Clerk-Treasurer. 3) Ensure compliance with municipal code Chapter 3.08 and state DATCP tourist rooming house regulations.
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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