Watertown Planning Commission Approves 20-Acre BRS Farms Annexation, C-3 Commercial Zoning
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Planning Commission approved the annexation and zoning of approximately 20 acres of land owned by BRS Farms LLC during its Sept. 24 meeting.
The parcel, located directly east of Interstate 29 and south of Highway 212, will be designated as a C-3 Highway Commercial District. The property will be platted as a single lot to be known as the BRS Addition.
BRS Farms LLC owns an additional 12 acres directly south of the subject property, which will remain in Codington County and will not be annexed at this time. To prevent the southern tract from losing access, a 66-foot access easement from the Highway 212 right-of-way will be included during the platting process.
"They will provide an access easement on the plat on the west side so that ... property on the south is not landlocked ever," staff explained to the commission.
Bert Magstadt, Director of Operations and Manager of Municipal Utilities, addressed the commission during the public hearing to discuss utility infrastructure for the site. Max noted there is a sewer and water buyout associated with the property.
The currently annexed portion is subject to a fee, while the remaining southern acreage would face a separate fee upon future annexation. Max also clarified the electric service boundaries.
"On the electric, front part is Northwestern Energy and the back part is Codington Clark," Max said. "We'll have to figure that out when we see plans, how that's all going to work.".
Chairman Liam Culhane confirmed the request aligns with the city's long-range land use plan.
"It looks like it conforms to pretty much everything else that's out there that is an I-1 or business park or I-2," Culhane said.
Board member Randy Tupper made the motion to approve the annexation, with a second from Michelle Kakacek. The annexation passed via voice vote.
Following the annexation approval, Vice Chairman Bill Speier motioned to establish the C-3 Highway Commercial zoning, which was seconded by Justin Allbee.
Culhane called the zoning designation "imminently appropriate for that piece of land," noting the surrounding area features similar commercial and business park zoning. The zoning measure also passed via voice vote.
