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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Waupaca County, WI

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

Zoning & Conditions

Waupaca County treats short-term rentals as tourist rooming houses subject to state ATCP-72 and county public health licensing. Municipalities like the City of Waupaca, Dayton, and Farmington require annual room tax registration, and zoning/land-use permits or Conditional Use/Site Plan reviews may apply under the County Zoning Ordinance.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Obtain a lodging/tourist rooming house license from Waupaca County Department of Public Health by submitting an application, fee, and passing an inspection. 2) Register for a municipal Hotel/Motel/Short-Term Rental permit (e.g., $25 annual fee in the City of Waupaca). 3) Apply to Waupaca County Planning & Zoning for a Land Use or Conditional Use Permit if required by the specific location or intensity of use.

Official Resources

Official Waupaca County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Waupaca County, WI?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Waupaca County, WI, but with restrictions. Waupaca County treats short-term rentals as tourist rooming houses subject to state ATCP-72 and county public health licensing. Municipalities like the City of Waupaca, Dayton, and Farmington require annual room tax registration, and zoning/land-use permits or Conditional Use/Site Plan reviews may apply under the County Zoning Ordinance. 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 Waupaca County, WI?
Waupaca County treats short-term rentals as tourist rooming houses subject to state ATCP-72 and county public health licensing. Municipalities like the City of Waupaca, Dayton, and Farmington require annual room tax registration, and zoning/land-use permits or Conditional Use/Site Plan reviews may apply under the County Zoning Ordinance.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Waupaca County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Waupaca County. 1) Obtain a lodging/tourist rooming house license from Waupaca County Department of Public Health by submitting an application, fee, and passing an inspection. 2) Register for a municipal Hotel/Motel/Short-Term Rental permit (e.g., $25 annual fee in the City of Waupaca). 3) Apply to Waupaca County Planning & Zoning for a Land Use or Conditional Use Permit if required by the specific location or intensity of use.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Waupaca County?
1) Obtain a lodging/tourist rooming house license from Waupaca County Department of Public Health by submitting an application, fee, and passing an inspection. 2) Register for a municipal Hotel/Motel/Short-Term Rental permit (e.g., $25 annual fee in the City of Waupaca). 3) Apply to Waupaca County Planning & Zoning for a Land Use or Conditional Use Permit if required by the specific location or intensity of use.
Is Vrbo legal in Waupaca County, WI?
Vrbo is permitted in Waupaca 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 Waupaca County?
Short-term rental hosts in Waupaca 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 Waupaca County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Waupaca 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