Not every place in the Fox Cities regulates Airbnbs the same way. Here's a local guide.
Different parts of the Fox Cities handle short-term rentals in different ways. Some, like Appleton, rely on state regulations, while others, like Neenah, enforce city rules.
Lawmakers previously limited local regulations of vacation rentals. Still, Wisconsin's Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) requires a tourist rooming house license for places rented out for more than 10 nights a year.
The Post-Crescent contacted local municipalities late last year about their policies as part of a series focused on Airbnb-type properties in the Fox Cities. Previous articles explored why it's so tough to pinpoint exactly how many listings are operating in the area, among other topics.
Here's what we found, in alphabetical order:
Fox Crossing
The village doesn't regulate short-term rentals, but it does receive room tax from them, according to George Dearborn, director of community development.
Grand Chute
Last year, a group of residents submitted a petition to the town with concerns about a short-term rental that operated on West Periwinkle Court. Grand Chute's town board and plan commission discussed the topic and held a public hearing, where people spoke in favor and against additional local regulations.
Ultimately, Grand Chute leaders chose not to take action. Community Development Director Mike Patza said he couldn't speak for the commission or the board, but his understanding is that decision was based on "the limited number of rentals, very limited number of issues/complaints received, and the existing regulation at the state level."
Kaukauna
The city does not regulate short-term rentals.
"We only require the room tax be collected and the individuals still need to abide by state code if they are classified as a tourist rooming house or a bed and breakfast," according to Joe Stephenson, the city's then-director of community development.
Kimberly
Kimberly only has regulations for bed and breakfast establishments, according to Greg Ulman, director of public works/zoning administrator.
The village may look into this issue more, though, ahead of the 2025 NFL draft in Green Bay, Ulman said.
More: $10k per day to stay? Green Bay-area vacation rental owners hopeful ahead of 2025 NFL Draft
Little Chute
The village discussed short-term rentals in 2020, but no specific restrictions were put in place, according to Dave Kittel, community development director.
Menasha
Menasha Health Department issues tourist rooming house licenses, as an agent of the DATCP, according to Todd Drew, environmental health sanitarian.
The treasurer's office also issues a permit related to room tax, according to Jennifer Sassman, finance director.
Town of Neenah
Room tax is collected, but the town of Neenah does not require a local permit, according to Ellen Skerke, administrator-clerk-treasurer.
What about the state tourist rooming house license?
Depending on where the property is located, the tourist rooming house license may be issued directly from the DATCP, or through an agent, such as a local health department.
Appleton and Menasha health departments issue the license for properties in their respective cities, as agents of the DATCP.
Outagamie County Public Health Division handles Grand Chute, Kaukauna, Kimberly and Little Chute. Winnebago County Public Health covers Fox Crossing and the town and city of Neenah. The DATCP issues licenses for Calumet County.
Reach Becky Jacobs at bjacobs@gannett.com or 920-993-7117. Follow her on Twitter at @ruthyjacobs.
This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Fox Cities short-term rental regulations vary by municipality
