Agricultural operations including ag-related structures in existence at the time of passage of this chapter shall be allowed to continue if in an agriculture district. Feedlots as defined in this chapter shall not be permitted within city boundaries.

(Ord. No. 193, § E(7.1), 12-28-93)

Earth-sheltered dwellings, meaning residential structures so constructed that 50 percent or more of the exterior surface area of the building, excluding garages and accessory buildings, is covered with earth and all applicable codes and ordinances including the state building code are satisfied, are permitted pursuant to applicable regulations of this chapter. Partially completed buildings shall not be considered earth-sheltered.

(Ord. No. 193, § E(8.1), 12-28-93)

In cases where several buildings might be constructed on one lot of record excluding residential lots, the minimum space between such buildings shall be no less than a distance equal to one-half the building heights of the two buildings involved.

(Ord. No. 193, § E(9.1), 12-28-93)

The design of buildings and the drawing of site plans, etc., shall be by such persons as required pursuant to M.S.A. § 326.03, or amendments thereof.

(Ord. No. 193, § E(10.1), 12-28-93)

The moving of a house, building or structure onto a lot shall be governed by the provisions of Ordinance Number 111 and all provisions contained in such ordinance are hereby adopted and made part of this chapter as if fully set forth herein.

(Ord. No. 193, § E(11.1), 12-28-93)

Solar energy systems, including solar collectors, storage facilities and distribution components for space heating and cooling and domestic water heating, are permitted within all districts of this chapter pursuant to the regulations of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 193, § E(12.1), 12-28-93)

Windmills for purpose of electrical generation shall be allowed under a conditional use permit. Issuance of the permit must include findings that the structure and its operation will not be dangerous and will not adversely affect neighboring property.

(Ord. No. 193, § E(13.1), 12-28-93)

Antennas, satellite dishes and towers for the purposes of sending and/or receiving electromagnetic waves shall extend no higher than 12 feet above the height of the principal structure.

(Ord. No. 193, § E(14.1), 12-28-93)

Outdoor wood-burning boilers. No person shall install or operate an outdoor wood-burning boiler as defined in this zoning chapter within the limits of the City of Watertown.

(Ord. No. 334, § 2, 2-24-09)

It shall be unlawful for any person to deposit upon or excavate from the land any material in the amount of 150 cubic yards or more or to a depth of three feet or more without first securing a conditional use permit from the city. The provisions of this section shall not be construed to apply to activities commonly associated with land development and building construction.

(Ord. No. 193, § E(5.1), 12-28-93)

The city council shall hold a public hearing regarding any application for a land excavation conditional use permit. If issued, such conditional use permit shall be made subject to the following minimum requirements, and such other requirements as the planning commission or city council may specify to protect the public interest.

(1)

All operations shall be conducted no closer than 100 feet to an adjacent property, unless under common lease or ownership, and no closer than 100 feet to any right-of-way line.

(2)

All operations shall be conducted no closer than 300 feet to an existing dwelling, school, hospital or similar residential or public use. It shall be unlawful for any person to dig and leave open, unfenced, unbarricaded or uncovered any pit, quarry, hole or excavation, including basements, wells, septic tanks or cesspools.

(Ord. No. 193, § E(5.2), 12-28-93)

A land reclamation conditional use permit, if issued, shall be made subject to the following minimum requirements and such other requirements as the planning commission or city council may specify to protect the public interest:

(1)

The material deposited shall be leveled and covered with sufficient black loam or organic material to sustain vegetation and allow maintenance.

(2)

Finished grades shall not adversely affect adjacent properties.

(3)

Drainage facilities shall be provided to effectively divert or convey stormwater runoff.

(4)

Provisions for effectively controlling fire, rodents and dispersal of material by wind or by hauling to and from the site and for general maintenance of the site shall be made.

(Ord. No. 193, § E(5.3), 12-28-93)

No permit for land excavation or reclamation shall be required for any person making any excavation or material deposit relative to the following:

(1)

Construction of buildings for which a building permit was previously applied for and was granted, provided the contemplated excavation or filling operation was sufficiently described at the time of building permit application.

(2)

Installation of utilities for which appropriate permits have been secured or under any contract directly or indirectly with the city.

(Ord. No. 193, § E(5.4), 12-28-93)

Applications for land excavation or reclamation conditional use permits shall be filed jointly by the land owner and the earth moving contractor with the city clerk and shall be accompanied by the following:

(1)

A legal description of the lands upon which grading operations shall be performed.

(2)

Copies of any agreements contemplated or entered into between the owner of such property and any other person charged with performance of such grading.

(3)

All required fees shall be paid.

(4)

A map showing existing conditions on the site and within 300 feet of the site including land ownership, structures, utilities, roadways, vegetation, drainage courses and other pertinent natural features, such as contour lines, if requested by the city engineer or city council.

(5)

A plan for removal from or deposits upon subject property in accordance with provisions of this chapter and showing final topography indicated by contour lines at no greater interval than five feet; steps to be taken to conserve topsoil; anticipated future use of the property including location of future roads, drainage courses and other improvements.

(6)

A bond and/or other security as specified by the city council, sufficient in value to cover the expense of the completion of the development plan or to bring such portion of the completed project to a safe grade and elevation so as to be healthful and safe to the general public and to provide safe and adequate drainage of the site.

(Ord. No. 193, § E(5.5), 12-28-93)

In all cases, each application for a permit for land excavation and reclamation must be reviewed by the city engineer before the permit is granted.

(Ord. No. 193, § E(5.6), 12-28-93)

Existing land excavation or reclamation operations may be continued for a period of not to exceed 90 days if prompt steps are taken to make application for a permit hereunder. However, no existing use may be expanded or enlarged prior to obtaining such permit—except operations existing under previously issued permits—which may continue if in accordance with objectives of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 193, § E(5.7), 12-28-93)

All utility lines hereafter installed, constructed or otherwise placed within the city for electric, telephone, TV cable or other like or similar services to serve residential, commercial and industrial customers in newly platted areas, and which utilize metallic conductors to carry electric current, whether owned, installed or constructed by the supplier, consumer or any party shall be installed and placed underground in an approved, safe manner, subject only to the exceptions stated in this division. Plans shall be subject to review by the planning commission and city council.

(Ord. No. 193, § E(6.1), 12-28-93)

All companies installing and operating lines such as those described herein shall be referred to as utility companies for the purpose of this division.

(Ord. No. 193, § E(6.2), 12-28-93)

The following exceptions to the strict application of this section shall be allowed upon the conditions stated:

(1)

Above-ground placement, construction, modification or replacement of meters, gauges, transformers, street lighting and service connection pedestals shall be allowed.

(2)

Above-ground placement, construction, modification or replacement of those lines commonly referred to as high voltage transmission lines shall be allowed; or, where it is determined by the city that there is not an adequate backup system or alternate system to serve customers in the event of disruption of the proposed underground line to be installed; provided, however, that 60 days prior to commencement of construction of such a project, the city engineer shall be furnished notice of the proposed project and, upon request, the utility company involved shall furnish any relevant information regarding such project to the city engineer.

(3)

Above-ground placement, construction, modification or replacement of lines shall be allowed in residential, commercial and industrial areas where the city council, following consideration and recommendation by the planning commission, finds that underground placement is impractical or not technically feasible due to topographical, subsoil or other existing conditions which adversely affect underground utility placement.

(4)

Above-ground placement of temporary service line shall only be allowed:

a.

During the new construction of any project for a period of not to exceed 24 months.

b.

During an emergency to safeguard lives or property within the city.

c.

For a period of not more than seven months when soil makes excavation impractical.

(Ord. No. 193, § E(6.3), 12-28-93)

Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent repair, maintenance, replacement or modification of existing overhead utility lines.

(Ord. No. 193, § E(6.4), 12-28-93)