Rothschild, WI Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- Rothschild Village Code §§ 437-2, 437-6
- Grass height limit
- 6 inches (exception on lots 0.75+ acre)
- Notice-to-cure window
- 48 regular hours
- Unpaid abatement cost becomes
- Special charge, § 66.0627 Wis. Stats.
- Chapter adopted
- February 25, 2002
- Penalty
- § 1-2, $10-$100 first offense
Summary
Rothschild requires every owner to keep buildings and yards free of nuisances and hazards, and bars any structure from showing "progressive deterioration" that drags down the neighborhood; a lawn that becomes a "seriously blighting influence" or grows grass over six inches is a violation under Village Code § 437-2.
The exterior appearance of all buildings shall reflect a level of maintenance in keeping with the standards of the neighborhood. No building shall have the appearance of progressive deterioration, which would lead to the downgrading of the neighborhood. The exterior of premises and all structures thereon shall be kept free of all nuisances, unsanitary conditions and any hazards to the safety of occupants, pedestrians and the persons utilizing the premises. Such hazards include, but are not limited to, brush, weeds, broken glass, stumps, roots, obnoxious growth, garbage, trash and refuse. Any of the foregoing shall be promptly removed and abated by the owner or operator. ... Lawn areas, where provided, shall not be allowed to deteriorate to such conditions as to be a seriously blighting influence on the neighborhood or the Village in general. The growth of grass or weeds in excess of six inches in height or the maintenance of the property with a lack of vegetation, which renders the yard areas unsightly and results in the diminution of the appearance of the property as compared with adjacent properties, shall be considered a violation.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 437, Property Maintenance, adopted February 25, 2002, puts the duty to improve and maintain on any person owning or controlling a house, building, or premises, including vacant land. A requires the exterior of premises and structures to stay free of nuisances, unsanitary conditions, and safety hazards, expressly naming brush, weeds, broken glass, stumps, roots, obnoxious growth, garbage, trash, and refuse as hazards that must be promptly removed. Buildings must be clad in a finished exterior product, not left with weather-shield wraps or tar paper showing, and a new finish must go up within six months of removing the old one.
75 acre or more that sit outside the street yard. Before the Village can abate a violation, § 437-6 requires a written notice giving the owner at least 48 regular hours to fix it. 0627, Wis. Stats. 0119, Wis. Stats.
Violations & Fines
Failing to correct a blight notice within the 48-regular-hour cure period lets the Village perform the cleanup or repair itself and bill the owner; if that bill goes unpaid for 60 days, it becomes a special charge against the property under § 66.0627, Wis. Stats. Separately, any violation of Chapter 437 is subject to the Village's general penalty, § 1-2: $10 to $100 for a first offense and $50 to $500 for a repeat conviction within a year, plus prosecution costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass get before Rothschild cites the property?
What happens if I don't fix a blight violation after notice?
Can a Village inspector enter my property to check for blight?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rothschild
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How other cities in Marathon County handle property blight.