Reports have been received that the 2025 Draft, taking place from April 24-26, 2025, has already filled the majority of the Green Bay lodging space. This may provide Door County with the unique opportunity to host football enthusiasts searching for lodging within driving distance of the festivities. Renting your home short-term, particularly during the Draft could be a great way to make some additional income. However, before you advertise your property, it is critical to complete several requirements to ensure you and your guests’ safety and security. In order to rent short-term, you must complete the following:
- Apply for a permit from the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. This permit requires an inspection which may take several weeks to schedule. We highly recommend applying as soon as possible. Apply here.
- Apply for a State Sales and Use Tax Permit through the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR). If you only intend on renting through Marketplace Provider sites such as Airbnb or VRBO, this step may not be necessary. If you plan to rent on your own (Facebook advertising, your own website etc.), you will need a Permit from the DOR. If you anticipate earning less than $2,000, no seller’s permit will be required. Apply here.
- Obtain a Door County Tourism Zone permit. Our application is available at doorcountytourismzone.com.We will provide room tax filing assistance and resources to help you start the short-term rental process. Please notify our office if you are only interested in renting during the 2025 Draft when applying and we will provide additional assistance deactivating your permit following the Draft dates.
- Confirm your municipal requirements and apply for a permit if necessary. In addition to the County permit outlined above, some municipalities require a municipal permit in order to rent your home. The following municipalities require an additional permit:
Town of Baileys Harbor, Town of Clay Banks, Village of Egg Harbor, Village of Ephraim, Town of Gibraltar, Town of Liberty Grove, Town of Nasewaupee, Town of Sevastopol, Village of Sister Bay, City of Sturgeon Bay
Check your municipality’s website for application instructions and guidelines or call for additional information.
- Once you have received all necessary permits, you may advertise your property for rent.
Failure to follow these steps will result in fines and penalties. If you have any questions regarding short-term rentals in Door County, please contact the Door County Tourism Zone. We are available from 8am to 4pm Monday through Friday at (920) 854-6200 or by email at [email protected].
Updates on travel arrangements, Draft resources, and best practices will be posted by Destination Door County on www.doorcounty.com as they are made available.