Watertown Planning Commission Approves Annexation, R-1 Zoning for 13th Avenue NE Property
- Steve Jurrens
- 25 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Planning Commission on Thursday approved both the annexation and R‑1 zoning designation for a 13,558‑square‑foot portion of land located south of 2700 13th Avenue NE, allowing the property owner to construct a conforming accessory structure.
The request was submitted by Aric Martens, who owns the residence immediately north of the tract as well as the surrounding four acres currently in Codington County. Martens told commissioners he needs a structure to store equipment used to maintain the land, which he described as heavily overgrown before he purchased it.
Commissioners Kays, Kakacek, Allbee, Rhonda Dargatz Johnson, Spire, and Tate were present. Members Culhane, Kjorness, and Tupper was absent. With a quorum established, the commission approved minutes from the previous meeting and adopted the two‑item agenda.
Annexation Request Overview
City staff explained that Martens previously sought approval from the Joint City/County Board of Adjustment in 2024 to construct a small ag shed on the county portion of his property. That request was denied due to the county’s 35‑acre minimum for new structures. Annexation into city limits is required before any building permit can be issued.
The annexation request covers only the portion of Martens’ land that is directly contiguous to city limits. Staff said the limited annexation avoids landlocking adjacent parcels and aligns with a conceptual future subdivision layout.
The proposed accessory structure must comply with R‑1 residential standards, including matching the home’s siding and roofing materials. Maximum size is 1,600 square feet, with 12‑foot sidewalls and a height limit of 24 feet.
Discussion on Parkland Dedication and Future Development
Commissioners discussed whether annexing small portions of larger tracts could circumvent parkland dedication requirements. Staff clarified that parkland dedication applies only when a subdivision is created or when annexed land is large enough to be subdivided. Because the annexed tract is only 13,558 square feet, it cannot be split into multiple lots and does not trigger parkland dedication.
Commissioner Todd Kays noted that future annexation requests would be reviewed case‑by‑case to avoid “piecemeal development.”
Applicant Comments
Martens joined the meeting virtually and explained the need for the structure:
· He purchased the land after it had become overgrown.
· He initially attempted to hay the property but later purchased a tractor and skid‑steer to maintain it.
· The equipment currently sits in his driveway or garage, prompting the need for a dedicated structure.
· He confirmed he intends to remain on the property long‑term.
Martens also acknowledged that he keeps horses on the unannexed portion of the land. Under city ordinance, horses are prohibited in R‑1 districts unless the owner obtains signatures from 100% of adjoining landowners and 50% of landowners within 300 feet, or receives a variance from the City Council. If annexation is approved, he must either relocate fencing to keep horses outside city limits or pursue the petition process.
After closing the public hearing, commissioners voted on the annexation resolution:
· Yes: Kays, Kakacek, Allbee, Spire, Tate
· No: Rhonda Dargatz Johnson
The annexation passed.
Commissioners then voted unanimously to recommend R‑1 Single Family Residential District zoning for the newly annexed tract.
Both actions advance to the Watertown City Council for final approval.
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