Watertown Board Approves Conditional Uses for Super 8 Expansion After Rezoning Approval
- Steve Jurrens
- Jul 10
- 3 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Board of Adjustment on Thursday unanimously approved a wide‑ranging set of conditional uses for the Super 8 property at 503 14th Avenue SE, clearing the way for the hotel’s owners to pursue a major, multi‑phase expansion of hospitality services — provided the City Council finalizes the site’s rezoning to C‑3 Highway Commercial District.
The request, submitted by S8WTSD LLC, includes conditional uses for a bar or tavern, truck or bus terminal, campground, apartment house or complex (extended‑stay lodging), and storage units. All five uses are allowed within C‑3 zoning but require Board approval before development can occur.
The agenda document states: “Applicant seeks Conditional Uses contingent upon rezoning to C‑3 Highway Commercial District for §21.2803 3. Bar or Tavern, 4. Truck or Bus Terminal, 8. Campground, 9. Apartment House or Complex, 11. Storage Units…”
Rezoning Comes First
Community Development Manager Brandi Hanten emphasized that the conditional uses cannot take effect unless the City Council approves the rezoning from I‑1 Light Industrial to C‑3 Highway Commercial. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the rezoning earlier in the evening.
“We did the rezone hearing first because if it wasn’t appropriate to rezone, we wouldn’t be hearing these conditional uses,” Hanten said.
Applicant Seeks Flexibility for Future Growth
Representing the ownership group, Kumar told the Board the hotel is seeing increased demand from construction crews, wind‑farm workers, and long‑term business travelers who need kitchenette‑style units and extended‑stay accommodations.
He said the conditional uses are intended to give the property flexibility as it reinvents itself.
“We see a lot of people coming for construction… they need kitchenette units,” he said. “Current building cannot support extended lodging. That’s where we are coming up with some external lodging support.”
He also confirmed plans to add a bar/tavern on the north side of the building — an addition roughly 50 by 70 feet — to provide a guest lounge and entertainment space.
Campground and Truck Parking Questions
Board members asked detailed questions about the proposed campground, including restroom access, dump stations, and whether the site would accommodate tents or RVs.
Kumar said the concept is still in early planning stages but would likely focus on RVs and travel trailers, not tents. Guests would use existing hotel restrooms and amenities.
Board member Rhonda Dargatz Johnson asked whether the property’s size — 78,000 square feet, just under two acres — could realistically support so many uses. Hanten confirmed the lot size and noted that future site plans would be evaluated against parking, circulation, and campground regulations.
Board Cautions About Overloading the Site
Several Board members expressed support for the hotel’s vision but cautioned that the property may not be able to physically accommodate all five uses at once.
“I don’t want to put a 10‑pound ham in a 5‑pound sack,” Board member Todd Kays said. “I support what they’re doing here — it’s just going to be what it looks like when you’re driving by, because it is an entry point into the community.”
Vice Chair Bill Speier agreed, noting that while all the uses are allowed in C‑3 zoning, staff will need to ensure the site remains functional and visually appropriate.
Extended‑Stay Lodging Discussion
Board member Julia Tate raised questions about the “apartment house or complex” request, asking whether extended‑stay lodging is already covered under hotel regulations.
Hanten explained that extended‑stay units may require additional building‑code safety features if they function as primary residences, but the request is consistent with C‑3 zoning and similar to other extended‑stay facilities in Watertown.
Unanimous Approval
After closing the public hearing, the Board voted 7–0 to approve all five conditional uses, contingent on the City Council approving the rezoning.
The owners will now await the City Council’s rezoning vote.
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