Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Wisconsin Dells, WI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Wisconsin Dells, WI, but with restrictions. STRs (short-term rentals) in Wisconsin Dells are allowed only as a conditionally permitted form of overnight lodging on residentially-zoned premises that are the applicant’s primary residence; rentals must be for more than 6 and fewer than 30 consecutive days, total operation in any calendar year may not exceed 180 consecutive days (dates must be specified in advance); rental contracts may not overlap; no person may operate more than one STR premise. TRHs in commercial zones follow separate rules. 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.

STRs (short-term rentals) in Wisconsin Dells are allowed only as a conditionally permitted form of overnight lodging on residentially-zoned premises that are the applicant’s primary residence; rentals must be for more than 6 and fewer than 30 consecutive days, total operation in any calendar year may not exceed 180 consecutive days (dates must be specified in advance); rental contracts may not overlap; no person may operate more than one STR premise. TRHs in commercial zones follow separate rules.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Wisconsin Dells. 1) Apply for a Conditional Use Permit (submit CUP form to Zoning Administrator; include site plan/floor plan; public notice and Plan Commission/Council review). 2) Submit Overnight Lodging (STR) License application and Room Tax Permit to City Clerk (Overnight Lodging application lists $500 annual fee; attach CUP, proof of primary residency for STRs, seller’s/room-tax numbers, insurance, fire inspection report, site/floor plans). 3) Obtain state Tourist Rooming House license/inspections (DATCP) and remit state/local taxes.

1) Apply for a Conditional Use Permit (submit CUP form to Zoning Administrator; include site plan/floor plan; public notice and Plan Commission/Council review). 2) Submit Overnight Lodging (STR) License application and Room Tax Permit to City Clerk (Overnight Lodging application lists $500 annual fee; attach CUP, proof of primary residency for STRs, seller’s/room-tax numbers, insurance, fire inspection report, site/floor plans). 3) Obtain state Tourist Rooming House license/inspections (DATCP) and remit state/local taxes.

Vrbo is permitted in Wisconsin Dells, 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.

Short-term rental hosts in Wisconsin Dells 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.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Wisconsin Dells. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.