Hotels

hotel room

Hotels are places where five or more sleeping accommodations are offered for pay to visitors. 

All Dane County Hotels 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: Contact City of Madison Zoning: (608) 266-4551. 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. Townships and municipalities have varying policies.

    Sellers Permit: Obtain a Wisconsin Seller’s 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 to find out whether your municipality collects room tax and obtain a Room Tax Certificate if required.

  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.

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