Bed & Breakfasts
We inspect and license all Dane County bed & breakfasts
All Dane County bed & breakfasts must be licensed and inspected each year. We do this to make sure they meet all requirements of Wisconsin law related to general public health.
You can read our inspection reports for bed & breakfasts. They tell you the conditions we saw at the time of inspection. Reports may not reflect corrective actions the establishment made or the current condition.
LOOK UP HEALTH INSPECTION REPORTS
What is a bed & breakfast?
A bed & breakfast is an owner-occupied personal residence 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.
How to Get Licensed
Zoning and Taxes
Zoning: Find out if you need to meet zoning conditions.
- For the City of Madison: Read the Zoning FAQ for Bed & Breakfasts. If required, get a Conditional Use approval from the City of Madison.
- For Dane County (outside the City of Madison): Contact your municipal or township clerk.
Sellers Permit: Get a Wisconsin Sellers Permit.
Room Tax: Register with your local clerk if your municipality collects room taxes.
- For the City of Madison: Fill out the Room Tax Registration form. Learn when Room Tax Exemptions apply to guests.
- For Dane County: (outside the City of Madison): Contact your municipal or township clerk
Apply for a license
Check the license fee schedule. Complete a Lodging License Application and send it to the City Clerk’s office with payment.
Schedule an inspection
Call (608) 242-6515 or email us to schedule a pre-inspection of your property. Your license must be approved before you can rent out sleeping accommodations.
Complaints
Call (608) 242-6515 or email us with complaints about Bed & Breakfasts in Dane County.