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Building Inspection

How to Apply for a Zoning Tourist Rooming House Permit (ZTRHP1)

Short Term rental application on a computer screen

You can apply for a Zoning Tourist Rooming House Permit (ZTRHP1) online, through the mail, or in-person at the Zoning Counter.

Be sure to review all of the materials in the Application Packet and complete all required forms.

The Application Packet includes all instructions and forms needed to apply for a Tourist Rooming House ZTRHP1 Permit. All items should be submitted together as a complete packet. Make sure you have completed all of the following:

ZTRHP1-A Application

You will also need a Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC) Tourist Rooming House License for the current licensing year and a City of Madison Transient Room Tax Permit.

ZTRHP1-B Residence Affidavit

Fill out a separate form for each host and cohost, then have them signed and notarized. Free notary services are available at the City Clerk's Office, by appointment at City Zoning, and at financial institutions.

ZTRHP1-C Condominium Association Approval

Only required if you are planning to rent out a condo unit. The Letter of Permission from the Condominium Association must explicitly state that TRH operation is allowed in the unit.

ZTRHP1-D Advertising Locations

Listing of all websites and places where operator has previously advertised this TRH and where the operator intends to advertise in the upcoming year.

ZTRHP1-E Guest Registry

Template or sample of your Guest Registry pages. If this TRH has been rented in the past, include all past rentals.

ZTRHP1-F Floor Plans

Provide the floor plans for the entire TRH dwelling unit, showing all habitable space within the dwelling unit. Label and number all bedrooms.

ZTRHP-G Notice to Property Owner

Only required if you are a tenant and not the property owner for the TRH. This describes the TRH operation, maximum number of guests allowed and how the operation will meet zoning code regulations. You must also provide a copy of your lease, which explicitly states that TRH operation is allowed in the unit.

Application Fee

There is a non-refundable $300 application fee. Make checks payable to "City Treasurer."

Submitting Your Application Online

  1. Get digital versions of your application forms

    To apply online, you need digital versions of all required documents in the Application Packet. This includes a notarized signature on ZTRHP1-B.

  2. Log In or Create Account on Licenses and Permits Portal

    If you do not have an account for the City of Madison's Licenses and Permits Portal, sign up for one and then log in.

    Sign Up and Log In

  3. Submit Your Application

    After logging in, click on the Permitting tab, then select Apply for a Permit. Choose the Tourist Rooming House ZTRHP1 Permit and click Continue Application. Fill out the online form. You will need your PHMDC Tourist Rooming House License number and City of Madison Transient Room Tax Permit number to complete the application.

After you submit your application, City Building Inspection staff will review it and schedule a home visit if your application is approvable. After the home visit is completed and the application is approved, you will receive an email with instructions on how to find your ZTRHP permit in the online portal and how to pay your $100 annual permit fee.

Once you pay your annual permit fee, your permit will be emailed to you. You may begin advertising your TRH once you receive your permit. Be sure to post your permit number on all advertisements.

If you have questions about the application process, please email zoningtrh@cityofmadison.com or check the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

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