Watertown Board of Adjustment approves conditional-use permit for county detention center

The City of Watertown Board of Adjustment voted unanimously 7-0 March 6 to approve a conditional-use permit to construct a county detention center on an existing 8.75-acre Lot 3 in the A‑1 agricultural district.

“So this is a conditional use request for a public or quasi public institutions or services use, in the a 1 agricultural district, and this is to construct the detention center, for the county,” said Britney, a city planner presenting the request.

The permit allows a use that city staff said is appropriate in the A‑1 zoning classification and is required because the lot is already platted. Britney told the board that the parcel is 8.75 acres; under current platting rules a newly platted lot would need to be 35 acres, but the lot in question is preexisting. She said the applicant is finalizing a site plan and that the project will connect to city utilities.

City staff and board members discussed access. Brandy, who handled roll call and permit…