Environmental Rules in Rothschild, WI

If you live in Rothschild or are thinking about moving there, environmental rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Rothschild has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of environmental rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Stormwater Management

New development in Rothschild must cut post-construction runoff pollution by 80 percent and control peak flows for the 2-, 10- and 100-year storm before a post-construction runoff permit issues from the Administrator of Public Works under Village Code Sections 590-51 and 590-52.

Key details: Enforcing office: Administrator of Public Works. TSS cut, new development: 80% reduction required. TSS cut, redevelopment/early infill: 40% reduction required. Peak flow control: 2-, 10-, 100-year storms. Permit review time: 20 business days.

Section 590-57 makes any noncomplying post-construction runoff a violation once the Administrator of Public Works gives written notice by certified mail describing the defect and the correction schedule. Noncompliance carries a forfeiture of not less than $10 nor more than $500 for a first offense and not less than $50 nor more than $500 for a second, with each day of violation a separate offense, plus costs of prosecution and possible injunction.

Erosion Control

Rothschild requires an approved erosion and sediment control plan and a permit from the Administrator of Public Works before any land disturbing activity of an acre or more begins, with weekly BMP inspections during construction, under Village Code Sections 590-47 and 590-48.

Key details: Trigger threshold: 1+ acre of land disturbance. Permit required from: Administrator of Public Works. Start notice: Within 48 hours of beginning work. BMP inspection: Within 24 hrs of 0.5" rain, weekly. Permit duration: 180 days, extendable 180 more.

Section 590-57 applies to this article: the Administrator of Public Works issues a certified-mail notice describing the violation and the correction schedule, and can post a stop-work order, revoke the permit, or seek a cease and desist order or injunction through the Village Attorney. Noncompliance is subject to a forfeiture of $10 to $500 for a first offense and $50 to $500 for a second, with each day a separate offense plus prosecution costs.

Flood Elevation Requirements

In Rothschild's floodfringe zoning district, new homes and substantial home improvements must have their lowest floor built up on fill to or above the flood protection elevation, defined as two feet of freeboard above the regional flood elevation. Surrounding fill must extend at least 15 feet beyond the structure. The Village Floodplain Administrator enforces the standard through the floodplain development permit.

Key details: Required elevation: 2 ft freeboard above regional flood elevation. Fill extent: At least 15 ft beyond structure. Fill height: At least 1 ft above regional flood elevation. Enforcing office: Village Floodplain Administrator. Penalty: Up to $50 per day, per offense.

Failing to obtain a floodplain development permit, or building below the required flood protection elevation, is a violation of Chapter 572 under § 572-9, punishable by a forfeiture of up to $50 per offense plus costs of prosecution, with each day of continued violation counted as a separate offense. The Village Attorney prosecutes violations, and the Village, the state, or any citizen may also sue to enjoin or abate the violation as a public nuisance.

The Bottom Line

Rothschild's environmental rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Rothschild is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Rothschild's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.