Twin Lakes, Wisconsin
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Twin Lakes, WI
Generally Investor Friendly
Local STR Agent
STR Regulations for Twin Lakes, Wisconsin
Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Twin Lakes, WI?
Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. The Village has established a comprehensive regulatory framework under Village Code Chapter 5.40 that permits and regulates short-term rental operations. Twin Lakes welcomes STR investors who comply with all applicable licensing, safety, and operational requirements.
How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Twin Lakes
Step 1: Pre-Application Preparation
Before submitting your application, ensure your property meets all basic requirements:
- Property Compliance: Your property must be suitable for habitation and comply with all building and safety codes
- Zoning Verification: Confirm your property is located in an area where STRs are permitted (contact Building & Zoning Department)
- Tax Clearance: Ensure you have no outstanding taxes, fines, or forfeitures owed to the State of Wisconsin or Village of Twin Lakes
Step 2: Obtain Required State Licenses
Prior to applying for the Village license, you must secure these state-level permits:
-
State of Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House License
- Issued by Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) or Kenosha County Public Health
- Required under Wis. Stat. 66.1014(2)(d)2.a
- Must be current and valid
-
State of Wisconsin Seller's Permit
- Issued by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue
- Required for tax collection purposes
Step 3: Submit Village Application
Complete and submit the Village of Twin Lakes Short-Term Rental Application with all required documentation and fees.
Step 4: Inspection Process
The Village will coordinate required inspections:
- Building Inspection: Conducted by Village Building Inspector
- Fire Inspection: Conducted by Village Fire Department
- Re-inspection Fee: $65 if corrections are required
Step 5: Final Approval
Once all inspections pass and requirements are met, the Village will issue your annual STR license.
Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines
Village of Twin Lakes Requirements
License Application
- Short-Term Rental Application (completed in full)
- Application Fees:
- New Application: $300
- Renewal: $150
- License Period: January 1st to December 31st (no proration for partial year)
Required Documentation
-
Floor Plan showing:
- All bedrooms
- Doors and fire exits
- Available parking spaces
-
Property Manager Agreement (if applicable)
- Required if property is managed by 3rd party corporate entity
-
Platform Contract (if applicable)
- Airbnb/VRBO contract or similar platform agreement
State-Level Licenses
-
State of Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House License
- Issued by DATCP or Kenosha County Public Health
- Must remain current and valid
-
State of Wisconsin Seller's Permit
- Issued by Wisconsin Department of Revenue
Key Operational Guidelines
Maximum Occupancy
The maximum occupancy is determined by:
- The total number of occupants licensed by the State of Wisconsin, OR
- Two occupants per bedroom plus two additional occupants (whichever is less)
Property Management Requirements
- Contact Updates: Must notify the Village within 24 hours of any change in contact information
- 3rd Party Management: If managed by corporate entity, property manager agreement must be attached
Inspection Requirements
- Building Safety: Property must pass building inspection
- Fire Safety: Property must pass fire inspection
- Re-inspection Fee: $65 for any required follow-up inspections
Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals
Village of Twin Lakes Regulations
Chapter 5.40 - Short-Term Rentals
The primary governing ordinance for STRs in Twin Lakes, establishing:
- Licensing requirements and procedures
- Operational standards and compliance
- Inspection and enforcement mechanisms
Occupancy Standards (Chapter 5.40)
- Maximum occupancy: 2 occupants per bedroom + 2 additional occupants per property
- Must comply with state-licensed capacity if lower
Tax Compliance Requirements
- No Outstanding Debts: License cannot be issued to anyone who owes:
- Any taxes to the State of Wisconsin
- Any taxes, fines, or forfeitures to the Village
- Chapter 5.20.120(e): Tax clearance requirement for license eligibility
Inspection and Safety Standards
- Mandatory Inspections: Both Building and Fire inspections required
- Compliance Required: All recommended modifications must be completed
- Re-inspection Process: $65 fee for any required re-inspections
State of Wisconsin Regulations
Tourist Rooming House License
- Governed by Wis. Stat. 66.1014(2)(d)2.a
- Issued by DATCP or Kenosha County Public Health
- Must be maintained throughout STR operation
Seller's Permit Requirements
- Issued by Wisconsin Department of Revenue
- Required for collecting and remitting applicable taxes
Kenosha County Requirements
Public Health Oversight
Kenosha County Public Health serves as the issuing agent for the State Tourist Rooming House License, providing local enforcement of state health and safety standards.
Contact Information
Village of Twin Lakes - Primary STR Authority
Village Hall - Administration
- Address: 105 East Main St., PO Box 1024, Twin Lakes, WI 53181
- Phone: (262) 877-2858
- Fax: (262) 333-3286
- Website: www.twinlakeswi.gov
Department-Specific Contacts
Building & Zoning Department
- Phone: (262) 877-2858
- Function: Zoning compliance, building inspections, STR application processing
- Website: www.twinlakeswi.gov/government/building-inspection/
Fire Department
- Phone: (262) 877-2858
- Function: Fire inspections, safety compliance
- Website: www.twinlakeswi.gov/government/public-safety/
Police Department
- Phone: (262) 877-2858
- Function: Outstanding fines/forfeitures verification, code enforcement
- Website: www.twinlakeswi.gov/police-department/
State-Level Contacts
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)
- Function: Tourist Rooming House License issuer
- Website: datcp.wi.gov
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
- Function: Seller's Permit issuer
- Website: revenue.wi.gov
Kenosha County Public Health
- Function: Local agent for Tourist Rooming House License
- Website: kenoshacounty.org/health
Important Deadlines and Renewal Process
Annual License Cycle
- License Period: January 1st through December 31st
- No Proration: Licenses are not prorated for partial-year applications
- Renewal Required: Annual renewal mandatory
Application Timeline
- Early Submission Recommended: Apply well before January 1st to ensure timely processing
- Inspection Scheduling: Allow adequate time for required inspections and any necessary corrections
Compliance and Enforcement
Application Review Process
The Village conducts a thorough review including:
- Tax Clearance Verification: Confirms no outstanding Village or state taxes
- Building Department Review: Ensures property compliance with building codes
- Fire Department Review: Verifies fire safety compliance
- Police Department Review: Checks for outstanding fines or forfeitures
Ongoing Compliance Requirements
- Contact Information: Must update Village within 24 hours of any changes
- License Display: Maintain current licenses at the property
- Tax Remittance: Stay current on all applicable tax obligations
- Safety Standards: Maintain all safety equipment and exits
Enforcement Actions
Properties failing inspections must:
- Complete all recommended modifications
- Pay $65 re-inspection fee
- Pass subsequent inspections before license issuance
Source Documents and Links
Primary Village Documents
Village Ordinances and Resolutions
Key STR-Related Ordinances
- Ordinance 2021-04-02: Created Chapter 5.40 - Short-Term Rentals
- Ordinance 2021-08-02: Amended STR occupancy requirements
- Ordinance 2024-2-2: Amended STR fees and submission requirements
Village Government Resources
Investment Considerations
Twin Lakes represents a STR-friendly market with clear regulatory pathways. The Village's structured approach provides investors with predictable requirements and enforcement, while the comprehensive licensing framework ensures market legitimacy and guest safety. Success in the Twin Lakes STR market requires diligent compliance with all multi-jurisdictional requirements, but the regulatory clarity provides a solid foundation for sustainable STR operations.
Twin Lakes
Market Saturation Score
Photos of Twin Lakes
Overview of Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes is a village in Kenosha County, Wisconsin, United States, along the Illinois-Wisconsin border east of U.S. Highway 12, incorporated in 1937. With nearly 1000 acres of surface water, the twin lakes of Mary and Elizabeth have drawn vacationers to numerous resorts as well as ice harvesters in the days of icebox refrigeration. Today, many houses there are used for recreation, and the lakes remain a popular destination. Twin Lakes is home to about 6,041 permanent residents and a third more occasional ones.
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