Key Findings:

• Short-term rentals (less than 30 days) are explicitly allowed as conditional uses in residential districts R-1, R-2, and R-3.
• No city-wide STR permit exists beyond standard zoning compliance and conditional use approvals.
• Regulations vary by zoning district, with stricter limits in lower-density residential areas.
• Commercial districts (B-1, B-2) allow hotels/motels but do not explicitly permit transient rentals in residential structures.

1. Overview: STR Legality in Prairie du Chien

Short-term rentals (rentals for <30 days) are permitted in Prairie du Chien, but only as conditional uses in specific residential zoning districts (R-1, R-2, R-3). This requires approval from the City Plan Commission after a public hearing (Section 8.0). Commercial districts (B-1, B-2) allow hotels/motels but do not explicitly permit STRs in residential structures.

Allowed Districts:

• R-1 Low-Density Residential (single-family)
• R-2 Medium-Density Residential (duplexes/townhomes)
• R-3 High-Density Residential (multi-family)

Prohibited/Not Explicitly Allowed:

• R-4 (Mobile Home District)
• Commercial/Industrial Districts (B-1, B-2, I-1, I-2)
• Riverfront (RF) and Agricultural Transition (AT) Districts

2. Starting an STR Business: Step-by-Step

1. Verify Zoning Eligibility: Confirm your property is in R-1, R-2, or R-3.
2. Apply for Conditional Use Permit: Submit to the Zoning Administrator (Section 8.2).
3. Plan Commission Review: Attend a public hearing for approval (Section 8.3).
4. Obtain Zoning Permit: After conditional approval, apply for a Zoning Permit (Section 9.0).
5. Certificate of Occupancy: Required if converting an existing structure (Section 9.6).

3. Required Documents & Permits

• Conditional Use Application: Form available from the Zoning Administrator (Section 8.2).
• Zoning Permit: Issued by the Zoning Administrator (Section 9.5).
• Certificate of Occupancy: Mandatory for new STR conversions (Section 9.6).
• Fees: Set by the Plan Commission (Section 9.7).
• Home Occupation Permits: Not required for STRs (covered under conditional use).

4. STR-Specific Regulations by District

R-1 (Low-Density Residential)

• Permitted: Existing single-family dwellings rented short-term (Section 3.6(b)(10)).
• Requirements:
  • Min. lot area: 6,000 sq. ft.; width: 60 ft.
  • Max. height: 35 ft. (3 stories).
  • Max. lot coverage: 30%.
  • Yard setbacks: 15 ft. front, 8 ft. sides, 25 ft. rear.

R-2 (Medium-Density Residential)

• Permitted: Duplexes and townhomes (Sections 3.7(a)(2), 3.7(b)(11)).
• Requirements:
  • Min. lot area: 8,000 sq. ft. (duplex); 10,000 sq. ft. (townhomes).
  • Max. height: 35 ft. (3 stories).
  • Max. lot coverage: 35%.

R-3 (High-Density Residential)

• Permitted: Multi-family apartments (Section 3.8(b)(11)).
• Requirements:
  • Min. lot area: 12,000 sq. ft. (apartment buildings).
  • Max. height: 45 ft. (4 stories).
  • Max. lot coverage: 40%.

Commercial Districts (B-1, B-2)

• Allowed: Hotels/motels (Section 3.10(a), 3.11(a)).
• Not Allowed: STRs in residential structures.

5. City/County/State Regulations

• City: STRs must comply with zoning, conditional use, and building codes (Sections 2.4, 8.0).
• County: Crawford County has no additional STR-specific regulations.
• State: Wisconsin State Statutes (e.g., short-term rental tax collection requirements) may apply.

6. Contact Information

Zoning Administrator

• Phone: [Not provided in document]
• Email: [Not provided in document]
• Website: City of Prairie du Chien Official Site

Plan Commission

• Function: Reviews conditional use permits for STRs (Section 8.3).

7. Source Links

• [Prairie du Chien Zoning Code (2024)](cityofpdc.com/vertical/sites/%7B2B4E3FAC-3791-4F66-96C1-96E5F2FDBF40%7D/uploads/2024-CHAPTER_17_(ZONING_CODE.pdf)

Note: Investors must verify all requirements with the Zoning Administrator, as local regulations may update frequently.