City Council to Review Final Vote on Zoning Change for Business Expansion on West Kemp Avenue
- Steve Jurrens
- Nov 17, 2025
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council is scheduled to hold the Second Reading for Ordinance No. 25-20 on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, which, if approved, will facilitate the commercial expansion of a business along West Kemp Avenue.
The ordinance seeks to amend the Zoning Map by rezoning a portion of property in the Innovative Adjusters Addition from R-2A (Single Family Attached Residential District) to C-3 (Highway Commercial District).
Property owners Doug and Heather Walsh submitted the petition to rezone approximately 3,966 square feet of land. The primary purpose is to absorb this parcel into the existing commercial property (Lot 1) to allow for the expansion of Mr. Walsh’s business.
Simultaneously with the zoning change, the property is being replatted into two lots:
· Lot 1 (Commercial): Will be approximately 32,107 square feet, which easily meets the 20,000 square foot minimum requirement for the C-3 District.
· Lot 2 (Residential): Will retain its R-2A designation and measure 5,952 square feet, which exceeds the R-2A minimum lot area requirement of 4,500 square feet.
Staff reports indicate that the rezone and plat have been designed to maintain the buildable rights for the existing single-family home and detached garage on Lot 2, ensuring that no additional nonconformity is created. The owner noted that while the long-term intent is to zone both properties commercially, the current action maintains the residential designation for Lot 2 to accommodate a tenant and avoid creating a nonconforming use.
Watertown Municipal Utilities has also requested that a utility easement be established on the plat to preserve continued access for a gas line that crosses both properties.
The request aligns with the area’s designation in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, which calls for a mixed-use residential/commercial area.
The Planning Commission reviewed the proposal at its October 9 meeting and voted unanimously (6-0) to recommend approval to the City Council.
The ordinance, which had its First Reading on November 3, 2025, is scheduled for its final vote on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. If passed, the ordinance would become effective on December 12, 2025.
