Watertown Begins First Reading of Ordinance to Update Residential Building Code
- Steve Jurrens
- Jul 7
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council on Monday held the first reading of Ordinance No. 26‑18, a zoning text amendment that updates the city’s residential building code from the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) to the 2024 edition. The update aligns Watertown with the new statewide code cycle that became effective July 1.
City Manager Alan Stager introduced the item, noting it is one of three code‑update ordinances being brought forward this month.
Community Development Manager Brandi Hanten told the council the change is largely procedural, driven by state adoption of the 2024 IRC and by the city’s Insurance Services Office (ISO) audit.
From the attached agenda document: “Staying current with ISO standards is important because without it the community could face higher insurance costs, premium penalties, and in extreme cases loss of insurance coverage.”
Hanten said the update was reviewed with the Watertown Area Home Builders Association, and no substantial concerns were raised.
Snow Load Requirement Will Stay at 50 Pounds Per Square Foot
The most significant proposed modification involves the climatic and geographic design criteria, specifically the ground snow load. The 2024 IRC increases the required load from 50 psf to 64.4 psf, a jump of 14.4 pounds per square foot.
Hanten said adopting the higher requirement would increase construction costs for new homes, including roof framing and structural components.
“We have not experienced roofs collapsing… and we also have our goals for more affordable housing,” Hanten said.
Staff is proposing to keep Watertown’s snow load requirement at 50 psf, consistent with the 2018 code, while monitoring how other South Dakota municipalities handle the change.
To avoid disrupting projects already underway, the ordinance includes a 180‑day grace period allowing applications submitted within that window to continue under the 2018 criteria.
Window and Door Replacement No Longer Requires a Permit
Councilman Heuer asked for clarification on a change affecting homeowners.
Hanten explained that Senate Bill 3, passed during the 2026 legislative session, prohibits cities from requiring permits for same‑size window and door replacements in owner‑occupied homes.
The ordinance reflects that change.
“It removed cities being allowed to require permits for windows and doors when they are being replaced in owner‑occupied homes,” Hanten said.
Council Reaction
Heuer thanked staff for focusing on affordability and avoiding unnecessary cost increases.
No objections were raised, and no action was required because first readings do not involve a vote.
What Happens Next
Ordinance No. 26‑18 will return for a second reading and possible approval at a future council meeting.
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