Watertown, SD Planning Commission Approves Residential Rezoning at 700 2nd Street SE

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Planning Commission approved a zoning change for a property at 700 2nd Street Southeast during its Sept. 24 meeting, allowing a historic structure to return to residential use.

According to Resolution No. 2026-42.pdf, petitioners Brian and Danica Boydston requested the property be rezoned from a C-3 Highway Commercial District to an R-2A Single Family Attached Residential District. The primary structure on the lot is a single-family home constructed in 1909.

The property was previously utilized as a commercial office. City staff noted that the rest of the block on the south side was rezoned to R-2A in 2011. This specific lot was opted out of that 2011 rezone because of its commercial use at the time.

Board member Randy Tupper asked for clarification on the area's zoning history, asking, "A lot of that property down there was all commercial at one time, correct?"

Community Development Manager Brandi Hanten confirmed, adding that the 2011 rezone was initiated because the surrounding structures already existed as residential properties.

The lot also features a 1,440-square-foot detached garage with five doors and metal siding, which was permitted under C-3 regulations in 1991. Hanten explained to the commission that under R-2A zoning, the garage becomes a legal nonconforming structure because it exceeds the current 1,260-square-foot residential limit and features more than the permitted four garage doors.

"...in the event that it were destroyed or substantially damaged more than 60%, it could not be built back in the fashion that it is today," Hanten explained to the commission.

Commissioners questioned if the five-stall accessory structure would be used for commercial purposes. Staff confirmed the owners intend to use it solely for personal storage.

"And it only can be when it's zoned R2A, it can only be for personal use," Hanten said. "And that is the intent."

During the discussion, Commissioner Speier asked whether a conditional use permit under the existing C-3 zoning would allow the residence to remain as-is. Hanten clarified that a full rezone was mandatory.

"...once the property is brought into conformance into the C3 zoning, you can't receive the conditional use for it to be maintained as a residence," Hanten explained. "So that's why the rezone is the only option."

No public comments were made during the hearing. The commission approved the rezoning request via voice vote.