Watertown Planning Commission Approves Super 8 Rezoning for Future Hospitality Improvements

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Planning Commission on Thursday unanimously approved a rezoning request for the Super 8 property at 503 14th Avenue SE, bringing the long‑standing hotel into full compliance with the city’s zoning code and clearing the way for future hospitality‑related improvements.

The property, legally described as Lot 6 of the Jurrens‑Schulte Industrial Addition, was previously zoned I‑1 Light Industrial District. Under that designation, hotel and motel uses are considered legal non‑conforming and require a conditional use permit for expansion — a permit the hotel never received when a variance was granted in 1986 for a west‑side addition.

Community Development Manager Brandi Hanten told commissioners the change to C‑3 Highway Commercial District is both appropriate and overdue.

“This is where the Super 8 Hotel resides, and it is adjacent to US Highway 81,” Hanten said. “It brings the use into conformance… and the property meets all minimum lot size and district requirements.”

The rezoning request was submitted by S8WTSD LLC, the hotel’s ownership group, which noted in its application that the property includes underutilized land and that C‑3 zoning would allow future hospitality‑supporting uses such as recreational facilities, event space, food and beverage services, or RV accommodations.

A representative for the property attended the meeting but declined to speak, noting they were “not making any changes.”

Commissioner Todd Kays asked whether the request aligned with the city’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Hanten confirmed it did.

With no public comments offered during the hearing, the commission voted unanimously to approve Resolution 2026‑27, recommending the rezoning to the Watertown City Council.

Chair Liam Culhane described the request as straightforward.

“It seems like it makes sense — pretty perfunctory,” Culhane said before calling the vote.

The resolution now moves to the City Council for final consideration.

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