Environmental Health
-
PLEASE NOTE: All licensing and permit payments are now processed with the Department of Customer Service, located in the Clerk’s Office, Racine City Hall Room 103.
Effective April 1, 2024: New Environmental Health Division office hours: Tuesday, 8 – 10am; Wednesday, 2 – 4pm; or by appointment. Call 262-636-9203 to schedule.
Lodging Facility Licensing
The City of Racine Public Health Department – Environmental Health Division protects the health and well-being of Racine’s visitors and residents by annually licensing and inspecting lodging facilities. A lodging facility is defined as a hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, or rooming house. Apply for Operating Licenses for these facilities through the Environmental Health Division.
The following is required for licensing:
- Complete the required application for license.
Application for Lodging, Recreational Water, and Body Art License - 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.
- Hotel / Motel
- Bed and Breakfast
- Rooming House
- Hotel / Motel
-
Complete and submit a business plan to the Environmental Health Division.
-
Pay the one-time pre-inspection/application fee. This must be paid before any site visits will be conducted.
-
A pre-inspection of the facility must occur. All pre-inspections must be scheduled at least two (2) weeks in advance. Any violations found during the pre-inspection must be corrected pursuant to applicable state and local requirements prior to issuance of the license.
If a follow-up inspection is deemed necessary, it must be scheduled at least 72 hours in advance.
- Pay the license fee at the Environmental Health Division Office. The licensing year runs from July 1 through June 30, and the license fee must be paid annually before July 1 to avoid penalties.
An exception to this is rooming houses, for which the licensing year runs from August 1 through July 31; licenses must be renewed annually before August 1.
It is the responsibility of establishment operators to ensure licenses are paid on-time.
Note: Any lodging facilities which will serve food, contain a pool/whirlpool, etc. will require additional licenses.
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.), there are many important regulations and requirements.
City of Racine Tourist Rooming Houses and Short Term Rentals
Guidance for Short Term Rentals in Wisconsin
Other Agencies to Contact
Building Department:
Joint Inspection by Fire and Building Departments;
Occupancy PermitRacine City Hall, 730 Washington Avenue, Room 307
Phone: 262-636-9464For More Information
If you have questions or would like more information,
call 262-636-9203. - Complete the required application for license.
