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The Planning & Zoning Department was created in September 2003 when the City of Watertown reorganized a portion of the Public Works Department in an effort to better respond to the changing needs of the Watertown community.
As part of this reorganization, the position of Special Projects Engineer was eliminated and replaced with the Planning & Zoning Official. The Planning & Zoning Official has oversight of planning and zoning issues, storm water and floodplain management, building permitting and building inspection. The City’s Building & Plumbing Official and Building Inspectors join the Planning and Zoning Official as staff of the new department.
The Planning & Zoning Official is directly involved in the implementation of the City’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan which is currently being updated with the technical assistance of First District Association of Local Governments. The Planning & Zoning Official will also be assuming some of the activities currently performed by other department staff including scheduling plan review for new residential, commercial, and industrial developments, the coordination and scheduling of monthly City Planning Commission meetings, and oversight for Board of Adjustment actions such as special exceptions and variances.
Activities of the Planning & Zoning official in the areas of stormwater management, flood control and floodplain management include oversight responsibilities pertaining to the City’s ongoing search for a flood control alternative, and the implementation of the City’s federally mandated Phase II Storm Water Management Program. Other projects in these areas include the Big Sioux River and Lake Kampeska flood insurance restudy, water and watershed monitoring, community drainage masterplanning, and storm water operation and maintenance oversight.
The Building & Plumbing Official and Building Inspectors work closely with other Public Works Department staff on issues pertaining to excavation, sidewalks, filling and grading, Storm Water Phase II regulations, etc. These staff members continue to play a vital role in the development and physical expansion of the Watertown community by providing centralized administration and information regarding building, plumbing, zoning, inspection, flood hazard areas, signs, codes and ordinances. On an annual basis, the Building Official and Building Inspectors issue, manage, and inspect 350-400 building permits having an estimated value of $20-$40 million. Included yearly is an average of 70, up to 100, single family houses plus townhouses and apartments. Permits are required for all new construction, additions, structural changes, remodeling and projects exceeding $1,000.00; excluding residing, shingling and painting.
The Planning & Zoning Department is located on the top floor of City Hall and is open daily from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM. If you have questions, or if you are planning a building project, you can contact the Building Service Specialist at 882-6204, ext. 47, or the Building & Plumbing Official at 882-6201, extension 24. |