Before You Build in Rothschild, WI: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

WI Stat. §90.02 to 90.14 provides line fence cost-sharing for rural/agricultural land. Urban residential fences: each owner responsible for their own.

The Village of Rothschild regulates fence height through § 590-95 (Fences, landscape walls and decorative posts) of Chapter 590 (Zoning), Article VI (Development Standards), adopted under Wis. Stat. § 61.35. In residential zoning districts, fences in a front or street yard are capped at 4 feet, must be at least 50% transparent, and must sit at least 18 inches back from the property line. In side and rear yards, residential fences may rise to 6 feet. Where a commercial or C-1 lot abuts a residential district, an 8-foot solid screening fence is required. Barbed wire is permitted only on nonresidential security fences 6 feet or taller with Planning and Zoning Commission approval. Fences under 4 feet outside the front or street yard do not require a permit.

Rothschild requires pool barriers to prevent unsupervised child access. Minimum 48-inch height. Self-closing, self-latching gates. WI Stat. §145.17.

Rothschild requires building permits for pools, spas, and hot tubs. WI Uniform Dwelling Code governs. Inspections required.

Rothschild enforces pool safety requirements including anti-entrapment drain covers (VGB Act), barriers, and depth markers. WI Stat. §145.17 governs.

The Village of Rothschild does not have a dedicated accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance. Under the Village Zoning Code (Chapter 590), only one dwelling used for human habitation is permitted per parcel unless specifically allowed in the zoning district, and no accessory structure may be occupied as a dwelling unit or otherwise used for human habitation without a zoning permit for that use. Accessory building square footage may not exceed 80% of the total footprint of the primary dwelling, and an accessory structure may not exceed the height of the principal building. The Village exercises its zoning authority under Wis. Stat. Sec. 61.35 and Sec. 62.23.

Sheds are accessory structures regulated under Chapter 590 (Zoning) Article VI (Development Standards) of the Village of Rothschild Code. The Code caps an accessory building's footprint at 80% of the primary dwelling's footprint and prohibits any accessory structure from exceeding the height of the principal building. Pole or post-frame style accessory structures are prohibited, and metal accessory buildings are limited to commercial and industrial districts. Accessory structures with an exterior door or opening greater than 6 feet wide must be served by a drive connected to a public right-of-way. Sheds, parking structures, outdoor storage and fences must observe a 75-foot setback from the ordinary high-water mark of any lake, stream, pond, or wetland under Rothschild's shoreland-wetland and shoreland setback rules. A zoning permit is required before construction or ground-breaking. Adopted under Wis. Stat. § 61.35.

Outdoor burning regulated by WI DNR and local ordinance. Rothschild may prohibit most open burning. Garbage burning always illegal. DNR permits required in protection areas.