Watertown City Council to Consider New Campus District Zoning for Medical and Educational Development
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - A major zoning update aimed at supporting future medical and educational campus development will go before the Watertown City Council Monday night for its first reading.
Ordinance No. 26‑25 proposes creating an entirely new zoning chapter — Chapter 21.33 CD Campus District — within the city’s zoning code. The district is designed for large institutional uses such as hospitals, clinics, colleges, technical programs, and related campus‑style development that may not fit well within existing zoning categories.
Why a Campus District?
According to the agenda item submitted by City Manager Alan Stager, the city’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan calls for a dedicated Campus District “to allow for multiple mixed uses provided a plan has been approved indicating possible uses upon the property, building materials, minimum setbacks… and other specific information deemed necessary.”
The new district is intended to:
· Support cohesive development of large medical or educational campuses
· Ensure compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods
· Promote pedestrian‑oriented design, safety, and efficient circulation
· Provide zoning flexibility for institutions with specialized land‑use needs
Key Requirements
Under the proposed ordinance:
· A Campus District must include at least 10 acres of adjacent parcels.
· Additional parcels within 300 feet of the main campus may be included if they are at least 20,000 square feet.
· The district allows multiple buildings and uses on a single lot, consistent with campus‑style development.
· Maximum building height is 60 feet.
· Setbacks vary depending on whether the property abuts residential or non‑residential districts.
· The city does not set parking requirements — institutions regulate their own parking needs.
· Exterior building materials near residential areas must meet enhanced architectural standards.
· Temporary structures related to educational or medical purposes are permitted without additional city permits.
Wide Range of Allowed Uses
The Campus District would permit a broad mix of institutional and campus‑related uses, including:
· Hospitals, clinics, assisted living, nursing homes
· Colleges, trade schools, labs, student housing
· Daycare facilities, religious institutions, community centers
· Mixed‑use structures, theaters, convention centers, recreational uses
· Parking ramps, administrative offices, and certain incidental industrial uses
Planning Commission Recommendation
The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval (7‑0) at its July 9, 2026 meeting.
Next Steps
Monday’s meeting will serve as the first reading, with no council action taken. The second reading — and potential adoption — is scheduled for August 3, 2026.
