Lodging

Lodging Facility Permitting and Inspecting

The City of Racine Public Health Department – Environmental Health Division protects the health and well-being of Racine’s visitors and residents by annually permitting and inspecting lodging facilities. A lodging facility is defined as a hotel, motel, short-term rental/tourist rooming house, bed and breakfast or roominghouse.

Lodging
Lodging Permit Process
  1. Complete required application for permit.
  2. Submit the completed application to the City of Racine Department of Customer Service along with:
    • Facility plans and specifications, which are required for all remodeling, construction, or alterations that will occur
    • A one-time pre-inspection/application fee
  3. Pay the permit fee at the Department of Customer Service.
  4. Review the appropriate sections of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Administrative Code and/or Racine Municipal Code for the facility type you will be operating.
  5. A pre-inspection of the facility must occur. Any violations found during the pre-inspection must be corrected pursuant to applicable state and local requirements prior to issuance of the permit.
    • Note: The permit year runs from July 1 through June 30, and the permit fee must be paid annually before July 1 to avoid penalties. It is the responsibility of establishment to ensure permit(s) are paid on-time.
    • Note: Any lodging facilities which will serve food, contain a pool/whirlpool, etc. will require additional permits.
Short Term Rentals

If you are considering renting your home, or space in your home, on a short-term basis (such as through Airbnb, VRBO, etc.), you will require a Short-Term Rental / Tourist Rooming House Permit from the City of Racine. There are many important regulations and requirements which you must be aware of. Click the links below to learn more.

Other Departments to Contact

Joint inspections by the City of Racine Fire and Building Departments are required. Click below to find more information.

If you have questions or would like more information
Environmental Health Division
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