Door County
Short-Term Rental Regulations
One of the core values of Home Hosts is that we believe in the ethical practices of being honest, being licensed through state and local agencies, and paying all taxes associated with short-term rentals.
New to hosting? Read our Before Listing your Rental guide for a checklist to meet state and local requirements.
State & County Requirements
All STR hosts should obtain a permit from the Door County Tourism Zone. Visit the Door County Tourism Zone website for information and a guide on how to obtain a lodging permit for short-term rentals.
The State of Wisconsin requires your short-term rental to be a FEIN or a LLC under law. To learn more about this please visit the State of Wisconsin website.
All Door County STRs must submit monthly room tax reports to the Door County Tourism Zone Commission.
Licensing with the State
If you are renting out your property as a short-term rental, it is important to apply and receive a DATCP (Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection) license through the State of Wisconsin. This license is good for up to three years and requires an inspection of your property by a state-licensed professional.
Visit the State of Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to arrange for a property inspection and to obtain a Tourist Rooming House License.
For more information on Tourist Rooming Houses, visit: DATCP Home Tourist Rooming Houses (wi.gov).
DATCP Contact Information: Call (608) 224-4923 or email datcpdfslicensing@wi.gov.
Helpful Links
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Door County MUNICIPAL Regulations
In addition to county and state requirements, many municipalities have further requirements for operating short-term rentals. It is important to check with your local city or town to ensure you are in compliance with all local regulations and requirements.
The information below is only a summary and not a replacement for the latest information from Door County. Please check the Tourism Zone Commission website for the most up-to-date information.
STR Permits
Many municipalities in Door County require short-term rental owners to apply for and receive a short-term rental permit. These permits usually do not require an inspection of the property, but do often consist of an annual fee and the requirement that your property has a DATCP license.
The municipalities listed here currently require a local permit to operate, or intend to soon. To learn more about your municipality’s short-term rental requirements, visit your municipality’s website or find it from the Municipal Requirements page of the Tourism Zone Commission website.
Municipal Permit Requirements
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Understanding POWTS (Septic/Sanitation)
How many guests you can accommodate in your home is limited by the capacity of your sanitation system (POWTS). If your septic or holding tank is rated for 10-12 occupants, you will need to limit the number of guests in your home to that number. POWTS requirements can be found on the Door County website, or contact the Door County Sanitarian by email at sanitarian@co.door.wi.us
Keep Up to Date
Visit our guide for how to subscribe to email updates from your local government to get email updates from your municipality. We appreciate your willingness to stay informed.
For all questions specific to your property, permit, registration, or
taxes, consult the appropriate government authority.
Contact the Door County Tourism Zone Commission
For questions regarding Door County short-term rental regulations, please contact the Door County Tourism Zone Commission
(920) 854-6200
info@doorcountytourismzone.com
OFFICE HOURS
Monday – Friday
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM