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Rothschild board approves zoning-code overhaul; accessory-building changes pass 6-1
Summary
The Village Board approved multiple zoning ordinance amendments that consolidate accessory-structure standards into a single section, add fence provisions for triple-frontage lots, and clarify metal-building restrictions. The accessory-structure update passed 6-1.
The Village of Rothschild Board on June 24 approved a package of zoning changes intended to streamline where residents find rules about accessory buildings and fences and to clarify where metal buildings may be located.
Zoning Coordinator Rebekka Borchardt told the board she recommends moving accessory-structure dimensions and square-footage limits out of each residential district (sections 590-16 through 590-22) and into a single ordinance, 590-96.1, so residents can more easily locate development parameters. The board voted, on motions by Trustee Dan Mortensen and seconded by Bill Schremp, to amend sections 590-16 through 590-22; each motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
On fences, Borchardt said existing ordinances cover “double-frontage” lots but do not address the village’s three known triple-frontage lots. She proposed allowing the Zoning Coordinator to determine the applicable vision-triangle setback at the time of permitting and adding a definition section; the board directed a sign-off process requiring approval from the Zoning Coordinator, the Police Department (chief or designee), and the Fire Department (chief or designee). The amendment to Section 590-95 was approved on a motion by Dan Helgeson, seconded by Schremp, 7-0.
The most contested change involved Section 590-96.1, the consolidated accessory-structures rule. Borchardt recommended clarifying that metal buildings are limited to commercial and industrial districts and proposed dimension and square-footage allowances tied to lot acreage. She noted current standards allow a 10-foot sidewall, an 18-foot peak height, and a 1,080-square-foot maximum in most residential districts (1,200 in Rural Residential), and presented example dimensions (1,080 = 30 x 36; 1,200 = 30 x 40; 2,400 = 40 x 60) and a parcel-count table used to justify the structure-size breakouts.
Trustees debated the change; the board approved the amendment (motioned by Mortensen, seconded by Helgeson) on a 6-1 vote, with Trustee Deb Ehster recorded as opposed. The motion and vote record were entered into the minutes.
What happens next: the amendments as approved will be reflected in the village’s zoning ordinance records and will guide future permit reviews. The board also requested the Zoning Coordinator add clear definitions to the ordinance text to avoid inconsistent interpretations at permitting.
