Watertown City Council Reviews Business Licensing and Zoning Ordinance Updates

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council on Monday night reviewed four ordinance amendments aimed at streamlining business licensing, clarifying regulatory language, and aligning zoning rules with previously updated setback standards. All four items were first readings, meaning no action was taken.

City Manager Alan Stager introduced the first three ordinances, noting they are part of a multi‑month effort to modernize and simplify routine licensing requirements across the city.

“We are removing the council approval from approving routine business licenses and moving that authority to be handled administratively at the staff level,” Stager said. “It doesn’t make sense to make someone wait two or three weeks for a council cycle just to haul rubbish.”

Stager said these changes complete the city’s review of licensing provisions throughout the ordinance book.

11A — Garbage and Rubbish Licensing Update

The first ordinance amends portions of Chapter 11.04, which governs garbage and rubbish hauling. The change shifts approval of garbage hauler licenses from the City Council to administrative staff.

Council members were invited to ask questions about the broader streamlining effort.

Councilman Heuer thanked staff for the work.

“There’s no point sitting around for three weeks to get the thumbs‑up to haul garbage or get a pipe fitter license,” Heuer said. “You paid your fee — great. Thank you.”

Councilman Mohrmann pointed out a potential contradiction in the draft ordinance regarding liquid waste.

“If we look at 11.0409, number 3 says the city shall not accept liquid wastes. Number 4 says special waste may accept liquid motor oil,” Mohrmann said. “Is the city landfill now accepting used motor oil?”

City Attorney Lisa Carrico clarified that the discrepancy was caused by a formatting issue in the red‑line version.

“That would probably be a change in the red‑line version when I was trying to convert,” Carrico said. “Your next reading will have that accurate.”

11B — Hauled Wastewater Licensing Update

The second ordinance amends hauled wastewater provisions, again shifting licensing approval from the council to administrative staff.

Stager said simply:

“Nothing else to add other than this is a wastewater hauler.”

11C — Gas Fitter Licensing Update

The third ordinance updates gas licensing requirements, clarifying that the license pertains specifically to gas fitters.

Stager noted that Watertown Municipal Utilities already requires gas fitters to pass an exam and meet qualification standards.

Stager confirmed it was not a “gas license.”

“No, it is a gas fitter's license — under the gas ordinance.”

11D — Zoning Text Amendment: Clearview Triangle

The final first reading was presented by Community Development Manager Brandi Hanten, who explained that the amendment updates the Clearview Triangle section of Title 21.

“We amended the setbacks for garages entering an alley earlier this year,” Hanten said. “This makes the Clearview Triangle consistent with those setbacks.”

No council questions were raised.

All four items will return for second readings and possible action at a future council meeting.