Overview: STR Status in Pepin, WI

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Pepin, Wisconsin, subject to specific licensing requirements and regulations. The Village of Pepin has enacted a comprehensive licensing ordinance (Chapter 115) specifically governing short-term rental operations. This ordinance, effective May 18, 2022, establishes the Village as an officially regulated STR market with defined pathways for legal operation.

Short-term rentals are considered a conditional use in residential zoning districts and a permitted use in commercial zoning districts and low commercial impact areas. The Village's approach balances the economic benefits of STR tourism with protecting the character and stability of residential neighborhoods.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Pepin, WI

Step 1: Preliminary Assessment

• Zoning Verification: Confirm your property's zoning classification (residential, commercial, or low commercial impact area)
• Property Suitability: Assess whether your property meets minimum space and safety standards
• Market Analysis: Consider the local tourism market and seasonal demand patterns

Step 2: Application Process

1. Initial License Application: File with Village Clerk on official forms (must be property owner)
2. Planning Commission Review: Complete public hearing process (required for residential zone STRs)
3. Inspection Completion: Obtain required building and fire code inspections
4. State Licensing: Secure Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House License

Step 3: Operational Setup

• Host Representative Designation: Assign local contact person available within 30 minutes
• Insurance Procurement: Obtain coverage for personal injury and property damage claims
• Tax Registration: Set up room tax collection and reporting with Village Clerk

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Licenses and Permits

Village-Level Requirements:

• Short-Term Rental License ($500 initial fee, $300 annual renewal)
• Planning Commission Approval (public hearing required for residential zones)
• Building and Fire Code Inspection Certificate (annual requirement)
• Room Tax Registration (Chapter 112 Hotel/Motel Room Tax compliance)

State-Level Requirements:

• Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House License (Wis. Stat. 254.64)
• Seller's Permit or Consumer's Use Tax Certificate (Wisconsin Department of Revenue)

Required Documentation for Application

1. State Lodging Establishment Inspection Form (dated within one year, with proof of payment)
2. Building Floor Plan with requested maximum occupancy designation
3. Site Plan including designated on-site parking spaces
4. House Manual for renters (must include operational rules and contact information)
5. Fire Hazard Inspection Report (from authorized Village Fire Inspector, no deficiencies)

Operational Requirements

• Guest Register: Maintain records of all occupants with true names and addresses (accessible for inspection for minimum 1 year)
• Insurance Documentation: Evidence of coverage against personal injury and property damage claims
• Local Contact Information: Host Representative details filed with Village Clerk

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Zoning and Use Classification

• Residential Zones: Conditional use status, requires Planning Commission approval through public hearing process
• Commercial Zones: Permitted use without conditional use requirement
• Low Commercial Impact Areas: Permitted use status

Occupancy and Use Limitations

• Maximum Occupancy: Limited to Wisconsin Administrative Code requirements or Conditional Use Permit specifications
• Stay Duration: Fewer than 30 days (definition requirement for STR classification)
• Prohibited Accommodations: No RVs, campers, tents, or temporary lodging arrangements permitted on-site beyond authorized occupancy

Operational Standards

License Display Requirements:

• Village license must be prominently displayed inside and near main entrance door of each STR unit

Required Guest Information Package:

• Emergency services contact information
• Property owner/Host Representative contact details
• Village Noise Ordinance (Section 130.07) information
• Village Nuisance Ordinance (Section 92.03) information
• Property boundary map
• Occupancy limits documentation
• Parking expectations (per Village Parking Ordinance and Planning Commission decision)

Pet Policy:

• Pets allowed only if restricted to property boundaries
• Compliance required with Village Animal Ordinance (Chapters 90.03-90.12)

Tax and Financial Compliance

• Room Tax Obligation: Must comply with Village Hotel/Motel Room Tax Ordinance (Chapter 112)
• Quarterly Reporting: Required using Village's Quarterly Room Tax Report Form
• Tax Payment Timeline: Timely payments must be made to Village Clerk

Inspection and Renewal Requirements

• Annual License Renewal: Due July 31st each year
• Fire Inspection: Annual inspection by Village Fire Code inspector required
• Building Code Compliance: No outstanding orders or violations permitted
• Financial Standing: No outstanding Village fees, taxes, or forfeitures allowed

Enforcement and Penalties

Unlicensed Operation:

• $500 fine for advertising and/or operating without Village license
• Each day of continued operation constitutes separate violation
• Second offense: One-year license suspension for property owner
• Third offense: Permanent license suspension for property owner

License Revocation Triggers:

• Failure to pay property taxes or Village debts
• Failure to make Room Tax payments
• Three or more police service calls for nuisance activities within 12-month period
• Failure to remedy annual Village building/fire inspection deficiencies
• Failure to comply with Village Ordinances or pay violation fees

Contact Information for Local Authority

Village of Pepin Clerk's Office

• Phone: (715) 442-2461
• Address: 508 2nd St., Pepin, WI 54759
• Business Hours: 8:00am – 4:00pm (Monday, Wednesday, & Friday)
• Closure Days: Closed to public on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Holidays

Planning Commission

• Application Review: Responsible for STR license approval through public hearing process
• Contact: Through Village Clerk's Office

Fire Department

• Inspection Services: Responsible for fire code inspections and hazard assessments
• Contact: Through Village government main line

Links to Source Pages

Primary Sources:

• Village of Pepin Short-Term Rentals Page
• Chapter 115 - Short-Term Rental License Ordinance (Official Document)

Related Ordinances:

• Chapter 95 - Fire Prevention Ordinance
• Chapter 112 - Hotel Motel Room Tax
• Chapter 92 - Nuisances
• Chapter 130 - Offenses Against Village Regulations

Forms and Applications:

• Short-Term Rental License Application
• Quarterly Room Tax Report Form
• Short Term Rental Renewal Checklist 2025-2026
• Short Term Rental Renewal Checklist 2026-2027

Additional Resources:

• FAQ - May 2022

Important Notes for Investors:

• All fees are non-refundable
• Licenses are non-transferrable and expire with property title transfer
• Preliminary reviews available for $200 fee to assess feasibility
• Public hearing process for residential zones requires 250-foot notification radius
• Village maintains master list of all licensed STRs and mapping of locations
• Planning Commission provides annual recommendations to Village Board regarding STR density and location management

This comprehensive regulatory framework positions Pepin as a well-structured STR market with clear pathways for legal operation while maintaining neighborhood character and community welfare protections.