Watertown City Council to Review Gasfitter Licensing Ordinance Monday
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council on Monday night will take up the first reading of Ordinance No. 26‑07, a proposed update to the city’s gasfitter and gasfitting contractor licensing requirements under Chapter 20.06 of the Revised Ordinances. 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.
Purpose of the Ordinance
City staff describes the ordinance as part of a broader effort to streamline the business license application process across multiple city departments. For gasfitting contractors and gasfitters, the ordinance shifts license approval from the City Council to administrative review.
The ordinance also adds language establishing an administrative appeal process if a license is revoked.
Key Changes Proposed
Administrative Approval of Gasfitter Licenses
The ordinance revises Section 20.0602 to require license applications to be acted upon by the City Manager or designee, rather than the City Council.
License Term and Renewal
Section 20.0605 is updated to reflect that:
· Licenses expire at midnight on December 31 following issuance.
· Renewals may be approved administratively, provided the applicant meets all existing requirements.
License Transferability
The ordinance updates Section 20.0606 to clarify that gasfitter licenses may be transferred from one employer to another, provided:
· The applicant pays the fee set by City Council resolution.
· All requirements of Chapter 20.06 are satisfied.
This corrects the redline version, which previously listed licenses as non‑transferable.
License Revocation and Appeals
Section 20.0606A is amended to allow the City Manager or designee to revoke licenses for cause. The ordinance adds:
“An administrative appeal process may be requested as set forth in Section 7.22.”
This aligns gasfitter licensing procedures with recent updates to garbage hauler and liquid waste hauler licensing.
A second reading and vote are scheduled for October 5, 2026. The Watertown City Council meets Monday, September 21, 2026. Ordinance No. 26‑07 is listed on the regular agenda, meaning it will be introduced publicly but not voted on.
