Watertown City Council to Consider Calvin Industrial Park Rezoning for Concrete Manufacturing Site
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council on Monday night will take up the first reading of Ordinance No. 26‑33, a proposal to rezone a large undeveloped parcel in Calvin Industrial Park from I‑1 Light Industrial District to I‑2 Heavy Industrial District. The item appears on the regular agenda and is submitted by City Manager Alan Stager.
Because this is a first reading, no action will be taken.
What the Rezoning Request Involves
The request comes from Watertown Development Company, owner and developer of the property. The parcel — to be known as Lot 3, Calvin Industrial Park Third Addition — will be approximately 25.43 acres once platted.
A line from the agenda document states:
“Watertown Development Company… are requesting to rezone the property… from the I‑1 Light Industrial District to the I‑2 Heavy Industrial District.”
The property is currently undeveloped and exceeds the minimum lot size requirements for both industrial districts.
According to the petition filed with the city, the parcel is being sold to a local business planning to relocate to the site. The petition states:
“The nature of the business, concrete manufacturing, requires I‑2 zoning to operate on this property.”
Concrete manufacturing is not permitted in the I‑1 district but is allowed in the I‑2 district ith a Conditional Use permit approved by the Board of Adjustment.
Consistency With the Future Land Use Plan
The city’s Future Land Use Plan designates the area for Industrial use, which aligns with both I‑1 and I‑2 zoning. The agenda notes:
“The Future Land Use Plan designates the property for Industrial use, which is consistent with the proposed I‑2 zoning.”
The property is also adjacent to existing I‑2 Heavy Industrial zoning to the northwest, strengthening the case for compatibility.
Access and Infrastructure
The developer will install frontage improvements along:
· Calvin Drive
· 23rd Street East
These streets are shown on the attached plat and will serve the new industrial lot.
Adjacent Zoning
The agenda lists the surrounding zoning designations:
· North: County and I‑1 Light Industrial
· South: I‑1 Light Industrial
· East: I‑1 Light Industrial
· West: County and I‑2 Heavy Industrial
This pattern shows the parcel transitioning between existing light industrial and heavy industrial areas.
I‑2 Heavy Industrial Setback Requirements
If rezoned, the property will be subject to the following setbacks:
· Front Yard: 75 feet
· Rear Yard: 50 feet
· Side Yard: 50 feet
These are larger than the I‑1 district’s setbacks and are intended to accommodate heavier industrial uses.
Planning Commission Recommendation
The Planning Commission reviewed the request on September 10, 2026, and recommended approval on a 6‑0 vote.
The plat and development agreement for Calvin Industrial Park Third Addition will be considered by the City Council concurrently with the second reading of this rezoning on October 5, 2026.
The Watertown City Council meets on Monday, September 21, 2026. Ordinance No. 26‑33 is listed on the regular agenda, meaning it will be introduced publicly but not voted on.
