Chapter ATCP 72

ATCP 72.04 Note Note: Local health department that are agents for the department have authority under s. 97.41 (4) (a), Stats., to establish and collect fees for licenses issued by the local health department. If the establishment was licensed by a local health department, contact the local health department for its license fee schedule.

ATCP 72.04(5) (5) Department or agent action on license application.

ATCP 72.04(5)(a) (a) The department or its agent shall issue or deny a license within 30 days after receiving a complete application, all applicable fees, and the other information required under sub. (4).

ATCP 72.04(5)(b) (b) Except as provided in s. 93.135, Stats., the initial issuance, renewal, or continued validity of a license issued under this subsection may be conditioned upon the requirement that the license holder correct a violation of this chapter, s. 97.605, Stats., or ordinances adopted under s. 97.615 (2) (g), Stats., within a period of time specified. If the condition is not met within the specified time or after an extension of time as approved by the department, the license is void. No person may operate a hotel, motel, or tourist rooming house after a license has been voided under this paragraph, and any person who does so shall be subject to the penalties under ss. 97.72 and 97.73, Stats. An operator whose license is voided under this paragraph may appeal the decision under s. ATCP 72.08.

ATCP 72.04(5)(c) (c) The department or its agent may refuse to issue or renew a license to operate a hotel, motel or tourist rooming house under any of the following circumstances:

ATCP 72.04(5)(c)1. 1. The department or its agent has not conducted a preinspection of a hotel, motel, or tourist rooming house for which an initial or new license is required under sub. (1).

ATCP 72.04(5)(c)2. 2. The operator of a hotel, motel, or tourist rooming house has not corrected a condition for which the department or agent has issued a written a health or safety–related order.

ATCP 72.04(5)(c)3. 3. All applicable fees under s. ATCP 72.05 have not been paid, including the license fee, preinspection fee, reinspection fee, or other applicable fees.

ATCP 72.04(5)(c)4. 4. The operator has modified, repaired or maintained the hotel, motel, or tourist rooming house in a manner that is not in accordance with what the department recognizes as safe practice as outlined in this chapter.

ATCP 72.04(5)(c)5. 5. The operator, applicant, or license holder has failed to provide the department or its agent with information required under sub. (4).

ATCP 72.04(5)(c)6. 6. The operator or applicant has violated ch. 97, Stats., this chapter, or any order, ordinance, or regulation created by a village, city, county, or local board of health having jurisdiction, provided such violation is related to the operation of the hotel, motel, or tourist rooming house.

ATCP 72.04(5)(d) (d) If the department or its agent denies an application for a license, the applicant shall be given reasons, in writing, for the denial and information regarding appeal rights under s. ATCP 72.08.

ATCP 72.04(6) (6) Voided license for failure to pay fees. If an applicant or operator fails to pay all applicable fees, late fees and processing charges under s. ATCP 72.05 within 15 days after the applicant or operator receives notice of an insufficiency under s. ATCP 72.05, or within 45 days after the expiration of the license, whichever occurs first, the license is void. An operator whose license is voided under this subsection may appeal the decision under s. ATCP 72.08. In an appeal concerning a voided license under this subsection, the burden is on the license applicant or operator to show that the entire applicable fees, late fees and processing charges have been paid. During any appeal process concerning a payment dispute, operation of the hotel, motel, or tourist rooming house is deemed to be operation without a license and is subject to the fees under s. ATCP 72.05 (2) (e) in addition to the fees otherwise due, unless the applicant or operator meets its burden of proof under this subsection.

ATCP 72.04(7) (7) License posting. A current license issued by the department shall be posted in a place visible to the public. A license may not be altered or defaced.

ATCP 72.04 History History: Cr. Register, June, 1985, No. 354, eff. 7-1-85; emerg. am. (1), cr. (1m), eff. 9-1-94; am. (1), cr. (1m), Register, January, 1995, No. 469, eff. 2-1-95; emerg. r. (1m) (a) 2., renum. (1m) (a) 3. and am., am. (1m) (b) to (d), eff. 7-1-96; r. (1m) (a) 2., renum. (1m) (a) 3. to be (1m) (a) 2. and am., am. (1m) (b) to (d), Register, January, 1997, No. 493, eff. 2-1-97; am. (1m) (a) to (c), (1m) (d) 1., renum. (1m) (d) 1., cr. (1m) (d) 1. a. to c., 2. and (3), Register, August, 1998, No. 512, eff. 9-1-98; CR 01-016: am. (1m) (a) 2., (d) 1., r. (1m) (e) Register May 2002 No. 557, eff. 6-1-02; CR 08-073: renum. from HFS 195.04, r. and recr. Register January 2009 No. 637, eff. 2-1-09; corrections in (4) (b) and (6) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register January 2009 No. 637; renum. from DHS 195.04 Register June 2016 No. 726; correction in (1) (a), (3), (4) (a) 1., (b), (5) (b), (c) 3., 6., (d), (6) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register June 2016 No. 726; CR 18-019: am. (1), (2), (3), (4) (title), (a) (intro.), (b), (5) (title), (a), (b), (c) (intro.), 1., 3., (d), (6), (7) Register January 2020 No. 769, eff. 2-1-20; corrections in (4) (b), (5) (c) 5. made under s. 35.17, Stats., Register January 2020 No. 769; correction in (3) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register February 2023 No. 806.

ATCP 72.05 ATCP 72.05 Department fees.

ATCP 72.05(1) (1) Fee schedules. The fees listed in Table ATCP 72.05 A shall apply to licenses issued from April 1, 2009 through March 31, 2011. The fees listed in Table ATCP 72.05 B shall apply to licenses issued on or after April 1, 2011.

ATCP 72.05(2) (2) Types of fees.

ATCP 72.05(2)(a) (a) Preinspection fee. The operator of a hotel, motel or tourist rooming house shall, pursuant to sub. (1), pay the applicable preinspection fee listed in Table ATCP 72.05 A or B to the department before an initial or new license is issued under s. ATCP 72.04.

ATCP 72.05(2)(b) (b) License fee. The operator of a hotel, motel, or tourist rooming house shall, pursuant to sub. (1), pay the applicable license fee listed in Table ATCP 72.05 A or B to the department for each hotel, motel, or tourist rooming house that the operator applies for a license to operate under s. ATCP 72.04 (1) or (2).

ATCP 72.05(2)(c) (c) Late fee. If the license fee for a license renewal is not paid before the expiration date of the license, the operator of the hotel, motel, or tourist rooming house shall pay to the department a late fee of $85.00 in addition to the renewal license fee.

ATCP 72.05(2)(d) (d) Reinspection fee. If the department conducts a reinspection of a hotel, motel, or tourist rooming house under s. ATCP 72.06 (1) (b), the operator shall, pursuant to sub. (1), pay to the department the applicable reinspection fee listed in Table ATCP 72.05 A or B. The department shall assess an additional reinspection fee as listed in Table ATCP 72.05 A or B, whichever is applicable, for any additional reinspection conducted under s. ATCP 72.06 (1) (b) 4.

ATCP 72.05(2)(e) (e) Fees for operating without a license. Any hotel, motel, or tourist rooming house found to be operating without a license shall pay to the department an amount of $749.00, in addition to all applicable fees and any processing charges under s. ATCP 72.04 (6).

ATCP 72.05 Note Note: Anyone operating a hotel, motel, or tourist rooming house without a license is also subject to a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000 under s. 97.72, Stats.

ATCP 72.05(2)(f) (f) Duplicate license. The department shall charge the operator of a hotel, motel, or tourist rooming house $15 for a duplicate license.

ATCP 72.05(2)(g) (g) Fees for special condition inspections. For inspection or consultation activities that are not directly related to the department’s licensing responsibilities, the department shall charge the operator or the entity requesting the inspection or consultation $175.00.

ATCP 72.05(3) (3) Method of payment. If the payment for an initial or renewal license is by check or other draft drawn upon an account containing insufficient funds, the applicant or operator shall, within 15 days after receipt of notice from the department of the insufficiency, pay all applicable fees under sub. (1) and the financial institution’s processing charges by cashier’s check or other certified draft, money order, or cash.

ATCP 72.05 History History: CR 08-073: cr. Register January 2009 No. 637, eff. 2-1-09; renum. from DHS 195.05 Register June 2016 No. 726; correction in (1), (2) (a), (b), (d), (e), Tables A, B made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register June 2016 No. 726; CR 18-019: am. (1), (2) (a) to (c), (e) to (g), (3) Register January 2020 No. 769, eff. 2-1-20.

ATCP 72.06 ATCP 72.06 Enforcement.

ATCP 72.06(1) (1) Inspections and access to the premises.

ATCP 72.06(1)(a) (a) Inspections. Under ss. 97.615 (2) and 97.65 (1), Stats., an authorized employee or agent of the department, upon presenting proper identification, may enter any hotel, motel or tourist rooming house at any reasonable time, for any of the following purposes:

ATCP 72.06(1)(a)1. 1. To inspect the hotel, motel or tourist rooming house.

ATCP 72.06(1)(a)2. 2. To determine if there has been a violation of this chapter or ss. 97.603 to 97.65, Stats.

ATCP 72.06(1)(a)3. 3. To determine compliance with previously written violation orders.

ATCP 72.06(1)(a)4. 4. To secure samples or specimens.

ATCP 72.06(1)(a)5. 5. To examine and copy relevant documents and records provided such information is related to the operation of the hotel, motel, or tourist rooming house.

ATCP 72.06(1)(a)6. 6. To obtain photographic or other evidence needed to enforce this chapter.

ATCP 72.06(1)(b) (b) Reinspections.

ATCP 72.06(1)(b)1. 1. The department or its agent may reinspect a hotel, motel, or tourist rooming house whenever an inspection or the investigation of a complaint reveals the existence of a violation that is potentially hazardous to the health and welfare of patrons or employees of the hotel, motel, or tourist rooming house.

ATCP 72.06(1)(b)2. 2. A reinspection shall be scheduled to allow the operator a reasonably sufficient time to correct the deficiencies.

ATCP 72.06(1)(b)3. 3. The reinspection fee under Table ATCP 72.05 A or B or applicable charges as determined by an agent of the department shall be charged for the reinspection.

ATCP 72.06(1)(b)4. 4. If an additional reinspection is required because a violation has not been corrected in the scheduled time, the department shall assess the operator an additional reinspection fee according to Table ATCP 72.05 and the department may order the operator to show just cause why the license should not be suspended or revoked under s. ATCP 72.07.

ATCP 72.06(2) (2) General orders to correct violations.

ATCP 72.06(2)(a) (a) If upon inspection of a hotel, motel, or tourist rooming house, the department or agent finds that the hotel, motel, or tourist rooming house is not designed, constructed, equipped, or operated as required under this chapter, the department or agent shall issue a written order to correct the violation. The order shall specify the correction needed for compliance and the time period within which the correction should be made. The time period specified in the order may be extended at the discretion of the department or agent.

ATCP 72.06(2)(b) (b) If the order to correct violations is not carried out by the expiration of the time period stated in the order, or any extension of time granted for compliance, the department or agent may issue an order under s. ATCP 72.07 to suspend or revoke the license to operate the hotel, motel, or tourist rooming house.

ATCP 72.06(2)(c) (c) Under s. 97.12 (5), Stats., any person who fails to comply with an order of the department shall forfeit $50 for each day of noncompliance after the order is served upon or directed to that person. A forfeiture may be appealed under s. ATCP 72.08.

ATCP 72.06(3) (3) Temporary orders.

ATCP 72.06(3)(a) (a) As provided in s. 97.65, Stats., whenever the department or agent has reasonable cause to believe that an immediate danger to health or safety exists as a result of an inspection under sub. (1), the department or agent may issue a temporary order without advance notice or hearing to do any of the following:

ATCP 72.06(3)(a)1. 1. Prohibit the continued operation or method of operation of specific equipment.

ATCP 72.06(3)(a)2. 2. Require the premises to cease operations and close until remedies are applied which eliminate the immediate danger to health or safety.

ATCP 72.06(3)(b) (b)

ATCP 72.06(3)(b)1. 1. A temporary order shall take effect upon delivery to the operator or responsible supervisor. Except as provided in par. (c), the temporary order shall remain in effect for 14 days from the date of delivery, but a temporary order may be reissued for one additional 14-day period if necessary to complete any analysis or examination of samples, specimens, or other evidence.

ATCP 72.06(3)(b)2. 2. No operation or method of operation prohibited by the temporary order may be resumed without the approval of the department or agent until the order has terminated or the time period specified in subd. 1. has expired, whichever occurs first. If, upon completed analysis or examination, the department or agent determines that construction, sanitary condition, operation, or method of operation of the premises or equipment does not constitute an immediate danger to health or safety, the department or agent shall immediately notify the owner, operator or responsible supervisor in writing and the temporary order shall terminate upon receipt of the written notice.

ATCP 72.06(3)(c) (c) If the analysis or examination shows that the construction, sanitary condition, operation or method of operation of the premises or equipment constitutes an immediate danger to health or safety, the department or agent, within the effective period of the temporary order specified in par. (b) 1., shall provide written notice of the findings to the owner, operator or responsible supervisor. Upon receipt of the notice, the temporary order remains in effect until a final decision is issued under s. ATCP 97.08. The notice shall include a statement that the facility has a right to request a hearing under s. ATCP 97.08 within 15 days after issuance of the notice.

ATCP 72.06(3)(d) (d) Under s. 97.65 (5) (a), Stats., may be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than one year in the county jail, or both.

ATCP 72.06 History History: CR 08-073: cr. Register January 2009 No. 637, eff. 2-1-09; renum. from DHS 195.06 Register June 2016 No. 726; correction in (1) (a) (intro.), 2., (b) 3., 4., (2) (b), (c), (3) (a), (c), (d) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register June 2016 No. 726; correction in (3) (b) 1. made under s. 35.17, Stats., Register June 2016 No. 726; CR 18-019: am. (1) (b) 4., (2) (b) Register January 2020 No. 769, eff. 2-1-20.

ATCP 72.07 ATCP 72.07 Suspension or revocation of licenses. The department may, after a hearing under s. ATCP 72.08, suspend or revoke a license for violation of subch. III of ch. 97, Stats., this chapter or an order issued by the department. The suspension or revocation order shall take effect 15 days after the date of issuance unless a hearing is requested under s. ATCP 72.08 (1).

ATCP 72.07 History History: CR 08-073: cr. Register January 2009 No. 637, eff. 2-1-09; corrections made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register January 2009 No. 637; renum. from DHS 195.07 Register June 2016 No. 726; correction made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register June 2016 No. 726; CR 18-019: am. Register January 2020 No. 769, eff. 2-1-20.

ATCP 72.08 ATCP 72.08 Appeals of actions by the department.

ATCP 72.08(1) (1) 

ATCP 72.08(1)(a) (a) Except as provided in sub. (2) or (3), a request for a hearing for denial of a license, a voided license, suspension, revocation, forfeiture, or an order given under s. ATCP 72.06 (1) (b) 4. or (2) shall be submitted in writing to the department of administration’s division of hearings and appeals within 15 days after receipt of the notice of the department’s action.

ATCP 72.08(1)(b) (b) A request for hearing that is mailed to the division of hearings and appeals shall be considered filed with the division on the date of the postmark.

ATCP 72.08(1)(c) (c) A request for hearing that is hand-delivered to the division of hearings and appeals shall be considered filed on the date the request is received by the division of hearings and appeals.

ATCP 72.08(1)(d) (d) A request for hearing transmitted by facsimile to the division of hearings and appeals shall be considered filed on the date and time imprinted by the division’s facsimile machine on the transaction report that accompanies the document. Documents received by facsimile after midnight local time shall be deemed filed on the first following business day.

ATCP 72.08 Note Note: Effective 7-1-16, pursuant to 2015 Wis. Act 55 and s. 227.43 (1m), Stats., a request for hearing shall be submitted to the DATCP Secretary via e-mail at [e-mail], faxed to [phone], mailed to PO Box 8911, Madison, Wisconsin 53708-8911, or hand delivered to 2811 Agriculture Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53718.

ATCP 72.08(1)(e) (e) As a condition for requesting a hearing under this subsection to appeal the voiding of a license, an applicant or operator shall comply with sub. (3). In an appeal concerning voiding a license, the burden is on the applicant or operator to show that the entire applicable fees, late fees and processing charges have been paid.

ATCP 72.08(2) (2) A request for hearing on a temporary order given by the department under s. ATCP 72.06 (3) shall be made in writing to the department within 15 days of receipt of the order. The department shall hold a hearing within 15 days after the department receives the written request for hearing, unless the department and the operator agree to a later date, the immediate danger to health is removed, the order is not contested or the operator and the department mutually agree that no purpose would be served by a hearing. A final decision shall be issued under s. 227.47, Stats., within 10 days following the conclusion of the hearing. The decision may order any of the following to remove the danger to health:

ATCP 72.08(2)(a) (a) Changes to or replacement of equipment or construction.

ATCP 72.08(2)(b) (b) Changes in or cessations of any operation or method of operation of the equipment or premises.

ATCP 72.08 Note Note: A request for hearing, under sub. (2), shall be submitted to the DATCP Secretary via e-mail at [e-mail], faxed to [phone], mailed to PO Box 8911, Madison, Wisconsin 53708-8911, or hand delivered to 2811 Agriculture Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53718. The hearing may be conducted by the department secretary or designee.

ATCP 72.08(3) (3) If the department voids a license under s. ATCP 72.04 (6), the operator shall submit, within 15 days after receipt of the notice of the department’s action, documentary evidence that all applicable fees, late fees and processing charges have been paid and that there are no outstanding payments due to the department.

ATCP 72.08 History History: CR 08-073: cr. Register January 2009 No. 637, eff. 2-1-09; renum. from DHS 195.08 Register June 2016 No. 726; correction in (1) (a), (2), (3) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register June 2016 No. 726; CR 18-019: am. (1) (a), (e), (3) Register January 2020 No. 769, eff. 2-1-20; correction in (1) (a), (e) Register January 2020 No. 769.

ATCP 72.09 ATCP 72.09 Appeals of actions by agent health departments. If an agent issues a license under this chapter, the agent shall create enforcement and appeal procedures under ss. 66.0417 and 97.615 (2) (g), Stats.

ATCP 72.09 History History: CR 08-073: cr. Register January 2009 No. 637, eff. 2-1-09; renum. from DHS 195.09 Register June 2016 No. 726; correction made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register June 2016 No. 726; CR 18-019: am. Register January 2020 No. 769, eff. 2-1-20.

ATCP 72.10 ATCP 72.10 Water supply and waste disposal.

ATCP 72.10(1) (1) Service availability. The requirements covering water supply and sewage disposal facilities for all hotels, motels, and tourist rooming houses are based upon the availability of public utilities as well as the practicability of connection to public utilities.

ATCP 72.10(2) (2) Public utilities. If an approved public water supply and approved public sewerage facilities are available to the premises of a hotel, motel, or tourist rooming house, connection and use are required.

ATCP 72.10(3) (3) Private wells. A private well is permitted as a source of water when a public water facility is not available to the premises. The well shall be located on the premises and be constructed and the pump installed in accordance with ch. NR 812, rules of the department of natural resources governing well drilling and pump installation. Whenever safe water cannot be obtained consistently from a well constructed in apparent compliance with ch. NR 812, as evidenced by laboratory reports, the well shall be reconstructed or a new well constructed in accordance with ch. NR 812 except that if the reconstruction or new construction is determined to be impractical or is found to be ineffective, the use of the well shall be discontinued and water shall be transported on a temporary basis from a source and in a manner approved by the department.

ATCP 72.10(4) (4) Plumbing. All plumbing and fixtures shall meet the requirements contained in ch. SPS 382 and shall be maintained in good repair and in a sanitary condition.

ATCP 72.10(5) (5) Private sewage disposal.

ATCP 72.10(5)(a) (a) A private sewage disposal system as defined in s. 145.01 (12), Stats., is permitted when a public sewer facility is not available to the premises. The system shall be located on the premises and shall be designed, constructed and operated in accordance with chs. SPS 382 and 383 and s. 145.245, Stats.

ATCP 72.10(5)(b) (b) Failed on-site private waste disposal systems shall be replaced or rehabilitated. A failed system has the meaning prescribed for “failing private sewage system” in s. 145.245 (4), Stats.

ATCP 72.10(5)(c) (c) Plans and installation details covering the design and construction, alteration or extension of private sewage disposal systems shall receive the approval of the department of safety and professional services or its designated agent prior to the construction, alteration or extension of the systems.

ATCP 72.10(5)(d) (d) All plumbing fixtures shall be connected to the building drainage system with discharge to a public sewer or private sewage disposal system.

ATCP 72.10(5)(e) (e) Privies are only acceptable at existing hotels, motels, and tourist rooming houses. They shall be constructed in accordance with the applicable requirements of s. SPS 362.2900 and ch. SPS 391 and shall be approved by the department. When a new operator takes over the management of a hotel, motel, or tourist rooming house, privies, shall be eliminated.

ATCP 72.10(6) (6) Toilet facilities.

ATCP 72.10(6)(a) (a) Private fixtures. All toilet facilities in conjunction with each guest room shall include a toilet, lavatory, and shower or bathtub.

ATCP 72.10(6)(b) (b) Shared fixtures.

ATCP 72.10(6)(b)1. 1. All hotels and motels, all new tourist rooming houses and all existing tourist rooming houses changing ownership, which do not have a toilet, lavatory, and shower or bathtub in conjunction with each guest room, shall have separate toilet facilities for each sex, except that one toilet, lavatory, and shower or bathtub is acceptable in cabins or cottages rented to family units. One toilet, lavatory and shower or bathtub shall be provided for every 10 persons or fraction thereof of each sex accommodated.