FEMA flood zone rules in Rothschild, WI — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
The Village of Rothschild regulates floodplain development through Chapter 572 (Floodplain Zoning) of the Village Code, adopted by the Village Board on January 13, 2025, pursuant to Wis. Stat. Sec. 61.35, Sec. 62.23, and the floodplain-zoning mandate of Wis. Stat. Sec. 87.30 and Wis. Admin. Code Chapter NR 116. The chapter regulates all areas of special flood hazard identified as Zones A, AO, AH, A1-30, or AE on the Flood Insurance Rate Map. Marathon County's effective FEMA Flood Insurance Study and FIRMs took effect July 22, 2010 and are the maps referenced for flood hazard determinations. The Wisconsin River, including the reach at the Rothschild Dam, is the principal regulated waterway through the Village.
Wisconsin requires every municipality with mapped floodplain or that participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to adopt a floodplain zoning ordinance meeting the minimum standards of Wis. Admin. Code Chapter NR 116 and 44 CFR Parts 59-72, under the authority of Wis. Stat. Sec. 87.30. The Village of Rothschild adopted a comprehensive replacement of its floodplain ordinance as Chapter 572 on January 13, 2025, citing authorization in Wis. Stat. Sec. 61.35 and Sec. 62.23 and the requirements in Sec. 87.30. The chapter applies to all areas of special flood hazard within the Village shown on the FIRM as Zones A, AO, AH, A1-30, or AE. The currently effective Marathon County Flood Insurance Study and Digital FIRMs became effective July 22, 2010, and the FIS reflects the Domtar Paper Company levee in the Village of Rothschild. The Wisconsin River, gauged by the USGS at Rothschild (station 05398000) and impounded by the Rothschild Dam, is the principal flood source. Under NR 116 standards as adopted in Chapter 572, the regulatory floodway prohibits new residential structures and most fill, while the flood fringe permits development if the lowest floor of any habitable space is elevated to or above the flood protection elevation, defined under NR 116.03 as the regional flood elevation plus a freeboard (typically 2 feet under NR 116.13). Floodplain zoning permits are administered by the Village Zoning Administrator, with concurrent review by the Wisconsin DNR for ordinance amendments and map changes. Shoreland-wetland areas along the Wisconsin River are separately regulated under Chapter 568 (Shoreland-Wetland Zoning).
Wis. Stat. Sec. 87.30(2) and NR 116.21 require enforcement of local floodplain zoning. Violations - including filling, structural development, or occupancy of habitable space in the regulatory floodway, or building below the flood protection elevation in the flood fringe - can result in citation, daily forfeitures, removal/restoration orders, and loss of NFIP eligibility for the property. Misrepresenting elevation data on a permit application is independently actionable. A community's failure to enforce its floodplain zoning ordinance can lead to suspension from the NFIP under 44 CFR Part 59.
Rothschild, WI
Rothschild enforces quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM. This Wausau suburb along the Wisconsin River manages noise from its commercial corridor along Business 51...
Rothschild, WI
Rothschild considers excessive barking a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. WI Stat. §174 covers dog regulation statewide.
Rothschild, WI
Rothschild regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. WI Stat. §947.01 applies.
Rothschild, WI
Rothschild requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
Rothschild, WI
Rothschild restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight, size, and signage limits apply. Overnight heavy truck storage prohibited.
Rothschild, WI
Rothschild enforces winter parking restrictions from November through April for snowplow access. The village's heavy snowfall requires aggressive street clea...
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