Second Annexation Granted for Active Gravel Mining Operations (Parcel 1)
- Steve Jurrens
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - In a companion move to the Parcel 2 decision, the Watertown Planning Commission unanimously approved an annexation request for a 54.65-acre tract of land that currently hosts an active gravel pit.
J&J Land Sales, LLC petitioned to annex Parcel 1, which sits directly adjacent to their other property. The parcel is legally described as the South 1800’ of the West Half of the Southwest Quarter, Section 27. The commission approved Resolution No. 2026-25, initiating the annexation, and Ordinance No. 2026-25, establishing an A-1 Agricultural District zoning designation.
The applicant intends to continue utilizing the property for active gravel mining operations during the construction season.
Zoning Requirements and Environmental Factors
· A-1 Zoning: Under city ordinances, mining operations require a Conditional Use permit granted by the Board of Adjustment and are only permitted in the A-1 District, which mandates a minimum of 35 acres.
· Floodplain Considerations: City staff noted that the northeast corner of this specific parcel sits within the regulated floodplain and floodway of Willow Creek, which will require careful environmental consideration as operations continue.
During the presentation, Community Development Manager Brandi Hanten explained that the Joint Jurisdiction Board of Adjustment had previously approved the mining use with conditions, but delayed the effective date. The developer sought to bring the property fully into the city limits to continue their operations smoothly under an effective conditional use permit.
“Currently, it’s been developed at least for 10 years as a mining operation and gravel pit,” Community Development Manager Brandi Hanten noted during the hearing. “That will come before the board on June 18th for action for the conditional use.”
The developers are relying on the A-1 designation to allow mining as a conditional use before eventually reclaiming the land. Both the Parcel 1 and Parcel 2 annexations will now advance to the Watertown City Council for final public hearings.
