Watertown City Council Approves Martens Addition Annexation for New Residential Accessory Structure

Steve Jurrens
7 days ago
2 min read

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council voted unanimously on Monday night to approve the annexation and R-1 single-family residential zoning for a 13,558-square-foot tract of land to be known as the Martens Addition, clearing the way for a local property owner to construct a conforming accessory structure.

The council took two separate actions on the item, approving Resolution No. 26-30 to initiate annexation and passing Ordinance No. 26-29 on second reading to establish the R-1 zoning designation.

Navigating County Building Restrictions

The parcel, located southerly adjacent to 2700 13th Avenue NE, was petitioned for annexation by landowner Aric Martens. Community Development Manager Brandi Hanten explained to the council that annexation into city limits was the only remaining option for the landowner due to strict county zoning requirements.

Under Codington County regulations, building an accessory structure in an agricultural district requires a minimum lot size of 35 acres if no existing farmstead is present. In February 2024, the Joint City of Watertown/Codington County Board of Adjustment formally denied Martens a variance request, determining that no special exception could be granted under county code and recommending annexation into Watertown instead.

During council discussion, Councilman Brent Mohrmann asked why a smaller parcel of this size was being brought into the city.

“They did try to get a building permit in the county to build the accessory structure, and they were unable to because of that 35-acre requirement.”

Hanten said. “So that’s why they’re going this route—because the city, for an R-1 lot, only requires a 9,000-square-foot minimum.”

Logical Municipal Expansion

Addressing further questions from Councilman Doug Allen regarding county flexibility, Hanten emphasized that bringing contiguous land into city jurisdiction creates better long-term planning outcomes.

“It’s actually beneficial when property that’s directly abutting city limits is annexed and zoned and regulated... rather than just within the county,” Hanten said, adding that joint jurisdiction ordinances exist to protect logical municipal growth.

The newly annexed property will be combined with Martens’ existing residential lot directly to the north, which is already within city limits and zoned R-1.

Action and Implementation

The City Planning Commission previously recommended approval of the proposal in a 5-1 vote at its July 23 meeting. Following a brief public hearing with no testimony, the City Council completed roll-call and voice votes to adopt both measures:

· Resolution No. 26-30 (Annexation): Approved unanimously via roll-call vote.

· Ordinance No. 26-29 (R-1 Zoning): Approved unanimously on second reading via voice vote.

The ordinance will be published on August 22 and officially take effect on September 11, 2026.