Watertown Planning Commission Approves Alley Vacation for Business Expansion Near 7th Street SE
- Steve Jurrens
- Jul 27
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Planning Commission on Thursday unanimously approved Resolution No. 2026‑33, clearing the way for the vacation of a 14‑foot‑wide unimproved alley in Block 7 of Davlin’s Addition, located between 7th and 8th Street SE and bounded by 9th and 10th Avenue SE.
The petition was submitted collectively by MB Investments LLC, 81 Welding Inc., Harold and Peggy Raml, and Chase and Collin West, who own all properties directly abutting the alley. Because the right‑of‑way separates parcels under common ownership and is not used for access, the petitioners requested the vacation to support future business expansion on the block.
Staff Review and Utility Requirements
City staff noted that the alley contains Watertown Municipal Utilities gas and electrical lines, requiring the city to retain a utility easement over the entire corridor. WMU requested that the easement be expanded to 20 feet total width — the existing 14‑foot alley plus 2 feet on the east side and 4 feet on the west side — to ensure adequate space for maintenance and prevent future structures from encroaching on utility infrastructure.
Staff confirmed:
· The alley is unimproved and not used for vehicular access.
· The vacation will not create any landlocked parcels.
· Approximately 6,300 square feet of right‑of‑way will be vacated.
· The request does not conflict with the city’s master transportation plan.
Commissioners asked whether all abutting owners had signed the petition — staff confirmed they had.
Members also discussed the surrounding area, noting that while most parcels are under common ownership, several adjacent lots are owned separately. Staff said the vacation was requested now to avoid future variance applications and to “clean up” the block ahead of redevelopment planning.
Commissioner Todd Kays pointed out that an unimproved public right‑of‑way exists roughly 160 feet west at 7th Street SE, providing an alternative corridor should the city ever need a storm sewer route.
No applicants or members of the public spoke during the hearing, either in support or opposition.
The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval.
The resolution now advances to the Watertown City Council for final action.
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