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Planning Commission approves R-2 rezoning for Watertown Equipment Company parcel (Resolution 2026-16)
Summary
The commission approved Resolution 2026-16 to rezone a parcel at the Watertown Equipment Company addition from I-1 (light industrial) to R-2 (single-family attached) to create a transitional buffer between industrial and R-4 residential areas; applicants Russ and Leannette Ronke said they plan to relocate their home nearer to their business.
The Watertown Planning Commission adopted Resolution 2026-16 to rezone a parcel within the Watertown Equipment Company addition from I-1 (light industrial) to R-2 (single-family attached residential), a change staff said aligns with the city's comprehensive land use plan and will create a transition between R-4 and industrial zones.
Brandy Hannon, planning staff, described the site as lying in the southwest corner of the property and said the comprehensive plan designates it as residential. "It is just in the southwest corner of the property," Hannon said, and noted the change could later be extended northward as appropriate.
Russ Ronke, who identified himself in the public hearing, said he and his wife Leannette plan to sell their current house and build a one-level home near their business. Ronke explained earlier plans for contractor shops did not move forward because higher interest rates made financing impractical.
Commissioners said the rezoning would serve as an appropriate transition between surrounding residential areas and the industrial district. "I would just echo the comments made by Randy regarding how it comports with the current comprehensive land use plan and will act as a transition between the R 4 and the I 1 District," Commissioner Case said.
A motion by Commissioner Tupper, seconded and discussed briefly, passed and the commission adopted Resolution 2026-16. The resolution will be forwarded to the City Council for final action.
Next steps: the adopted resolution will be transmitted to the City Council for consideration; any site development and building permits will be reviewed by staff to confirm compliance with R-2 standards.
