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  1. Public Health
  2. Environmental Health
  3. Licensing & Permits
  4. Places to Stay
  5. Bed & Breakfasts

Bed & Breakfasts

bed and breakfastBed & Breakfasts are owner-occupied personal residences with up to eight sleeping rooms for rent to visitors. The home must be occupied by the owner at the time of rental, and the only meal served to guests is breakfast. There cannot be more than 20 visitors at one time.

All Dane County Bed & Breakfasts must be licensed through Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC) and inspected annually to verify the operation meets all requirements of Wisconsin law related to general public health.


How to Get Licensed

  1. Zoning and Taxes

    Zoning: Find out if there are zoning conditions that must be met.

    • City of Madison: Read the City of Madison Zoning FAQ for Bed & Breakfasts. If required, obtain a Conditional Use approval from the City of Madison.
    • Dane County (outside the City of Madison): Contact your municipal or township clerk. 

    Sellers Permit*: Obtain a Wisconsin Sellers Permit.

    Room Tax: Register with your local clerk if your municipality collects room taxes.

    • City of Madison*: Fill out the Room Tax Registration form. Learn when Room Tax Exemptions apply to guests.
    • Dane County: (outside the City of Madison): Contact your municipal or township clerk.

      *Exceptions:  Airbnb collects and remits sales tax throughout Wisconsin and room tax within the City of Madison.  If you are renting solely through Airbnb, a Seller's Permit is not needed (write Airbnb only" in this field on the License Application form), and there is no fee for room tax registration in the City of Madison.  Check the box saying "my business is not subject to the Madison Transient Room Tax" on the Room Tax Registration form.  
  2. Apply for a license

    Submit a PHMDC lodging license application with proper payment. See the License Fee Schedule and complete the License Application.

  3. Schedule an inspection

    Contact us at (608) 242-6515 or email leadmin@publichealthmdc.com to schedule a pre-inspection of your property. License approval must be completed prior to renting out sleeping accommodations.

Complaints

Complaints about Bed & Breakfasts in Dane County can be made by calling (608) 242-6515 or emailing leadmin@publichealthmdc.com.


Resources

  • ATCP 73: Bed and Breakfast Establishments, Wisconsin Administrative Code
  • Bed & Breakfasts: Getting Started
  • Bed & Breakfasts: Inspection Checklist
  • Wisconsin Short-Term Rental Handout
  • How to Deactivate Your Airbnb Listing
  • Sanitization Directions

Licensing & Permits

  • Places to Stay
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    • Hotels
    • Short-Term Rentals (Tourist Rooming Houses)
  • Retail Food Establishment Licensing
    • Farmers' Markets
    • Mobile Food Establishments
    • Temporary Food Stands
  • Tattoo & Body Piercing
  • Water, Well & Septic
    • Non-Storm Water Permits
    • Pool Licensing
    • Sanitary Permit (for private septic systems)
    • Well Location Permits

Contact Us

Environmental Health
2300 S. Park St. Suite 2010
Madison, WI 53713

  • Phone: (608) 242-6515
  • Email: LEadmin@publichealthmdc.com
  • Español: (608) 243-0380
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Public Health Madison & Dane County Logo

Public Health Madison & Dane County

Office Location & Hours

  • Main Phone: (608) 266-4821
  • Environmental Health Phone:
    (608) 242-6515
  • Fax: (608) 266-4858
  • WI Relay Service and Interpretation Services Available
  • Email Public Health
  • City of Madison, Wisconsin Logo
    City of Madison, Wisconsin
  • Dane County Logo
    County of Dane, Wisconsin

Healthy People. Healthy Places.

Public Health Services are available to all residents and visitors of Madison and Dane County. Citizenship is not a requirement. We provide services regardless of a person's race, color, gender/gender expression, ability, religion, sexual orientation or place of birth/place of residence.

Our Mission


Working with the community to enhance, protect, and promote the health of the environment and the well being of all people.


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