Lodging Attractions

We are contracted by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection license and inspect Hotels, Motels, Tourist Rooming Houses, and Bed and Breakfasts. We conduct the inspections in conjunction with the Hotel/Motel Code ATCP 72 and the Bed and Breakfast Code ATCP 73. The inspections serve to ensure that the operators are using proper practices that do not jeopardize the health, safety, and comfort of the guests.

Bed Bug Information

Because our county is the destination for travelers from around the world, we often get questions about bed bugs. Bed bugs are a common problem that travelers should be aware of.  Since bed bugs can be brought to any hotel, regardless of cleanliness, we recommend inspecting your hotel room upon arrival at the hotel. You can find more bed bug information for travelers here. 

Lodging Licensing Information

If you are thinking of starting a lodging establishment in Sauk County, please take the time to review the following information about the licensing process and requirements. It is against the law to operate a lodging establishment without a license. This includes homes that are listed as rentals on Airbnb.com, Vrbo.com, or other similar sites. These homes are lodging establishments and an operating license is required.

• Zoning

  • A lodging license is not the only approval you will need to operate. Your local municipality or planning and zoning department must also approve your business.

• Application

  • A completed License Application must be submitted to the public health department with the correct fees enclosed. If you are unsure of the type of license your establishment requires after reviewing this document, please contact us at (608) 355-4327.
  • The application can be found in the supporting documents below.

• License Types

  • License type is determined by the number of rental units available.
  • The license types are: Bed & Breakfast (8 maximum rental units), Tourist Rooming House (1-4 rental units), Lodging (5-30 rental units), Lodging (31-99 rental units), Lodging (100-199 rental units), and Lodging (200+ rental units).

• Pre-inspection

  • A pre-inspection will be conducted when you are ready to start operating. This is to ensure that the facility has the appropriate design, equipment, and management to comply with the Lodging Code.
  • Once your application has been submitted, a sanitarian will contact you to schedule the pre-inspection.
  • Keep in mind that a new license, including change of ownership, requires the facility to get into full compliance before a license is issued. This includes slip resistant flooring in bathtubs as well as all of the other building safety requirements.
  • Please see the guidance documents below for more information on lodging code requirements.

• Your License, Routine Inspections, and License Renewals

  • Your license is valid for one year from July through the following June. If you are licensed in April, May, or June, your license will not expire until June 30 of the following year.
  • You will have at least one annual inspection during the license year (not calendar year). If there are any complaints attributed to your establishment, additional inspections will be conducted.
  • Renewal notices for annual license fees are sent out in April of each year. Annual license fees are due by the end of June. If the license fee is not received or post marked by June 30, a late fee will be charged.

• Licensing Fees

  • If you do not understand which fees are applicable to the licensing of your business, please call us at (608) 355-3290 before submitting your application and fees.
     

• Frequently Asked Questions