Rothschild board adopts multiple zoning ordinance updates, including floodplain and occupancy rules

The Village of Rothschild on Jan. 13 approved several amendments to its zoning code intended to clarify inspection and bond procedures and to ensure compliance with state and federal floodplain rules.

Zoning Coordinator Rebekka Borchardt told the board Chapter 572 (Floodplain Zoning) was reintroduced to Planning & Zoning after a public-notification error and recommended the update be approved to comply with state and FEMA regulations. The board voted 7–0 to approve the floodplain amendment.

The board also approved changes to Chapter 590. Staff and the contracted building inspector, Mike Block, recommended adding a Certificate of Completion for smaller projects (for example, bathroom remodels, HVAC replacements or deck installations) while preserving Certificate of Occupancy use for new structures, relocations or commercial expansions. Trustees approved an amendment to Section 590-108 to add the Certificate of Completion and amended Section 590-111 to change how construction bonds are handled — bonds may be forfeited if a project is not completed within a reasonable time as determined by the Zoning Department, rather than triggering commission-led forfeiture and village-contracted completion. The ordinance change also clarifies that building permits are valid for two years and includes a provision naming a village representative or designee to act if the Zoning Coordinator position is vacant.

Finally, the board amended Section 590-12 to add the c-2u urban commercial district to the village’s list of established zoning districts. All motions carried unanimously.

The changes are intended to reduce village liability related to small-project inspections, clarify appeal and extension processes for building permits, and bring the floodplain ordinance into procedural compliance. Staff will publish updated ordinance language and implement the new permit and bond procedures.