Watertown City Zoning Code

Where the designation on the Zoning Map indicates a district boundary approximately upon a road, the center line of the road shall be construed to be the boundary;

Where the designation on the Zoning Map indicates a boundary approximately upon a lot line, such lot line shall be construed to be the boundary;

In other cases, the district boundary shall be determined by the use of the scale of the Zoning Map.

In other circumstances not covered by the rules above, the Planning and Community Development Department shall interpret the district and zone boundaries, and this determination may be appealed to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Residential (R): residential neighborhoods where the primary uses are single-unit and two-unit homes. Lot sizes vary from small to large with some multiunit structures. New construction should not compromise the aesthetic value of existing historical homes. Streets are lined with sidewalks and ample street trees that provide walkable, human-scale neighborhoods.

Neighborhood Mixed Use (NMU). The NMU District creates vibrant corridors on arterial and collector roads at the edges of residential neighborhoods that allow for a mix of residential dwelling unit types, commercial services, parks, and community facilities. These are generally found on radial streets with higher traffic volumes. This district reflects the walkable and historic nature of Watertown's neighborhoods. Commercial uses in the NMU District typically reflect a neighborhood-scale design and complement the dense residential neighborhoods in the adjacent R Districts.

Urban Mixed Use (UMU). The UMU District functions as a downtown transition zone and is generally located at the edge of the Downtown District where land use transitions from intense urban business and entertainment uses to less intense residential and compatible nonresidential uses. The UMU District has obvious changes in building types, architectural styles, lot sizes, and pedestrian activity. Buildings are generally lower in height and parking may be on-site, behind or at the side of the building to avoid a suburban look. Buildings are designed to be visually appealing with shorter setbacks to address the sidewalk and help reinforce a positive pedestrian experience.

Downtown (D). Intended to encourage pedestrian activity, the intent of the Downtown District is to cultivate a vibrant public realm and function as a regional employment hub. The Downtown District has the highest density of development with the greatest variety of uses. New infill development should respect the historic character of downtown, reinforce the urban character and emphasize walkability. Buildings are taller than in other parts of the City, and parking needs are generally met by off-site lots, whether public or private. On-site parking, where it exists, is behind the building to preserve the historic building pattern and reinforce the pedestrian-oriented nature of downtown.

Commercial (C). This district facilitates the highest intensity of commercial uses that serve the entire region beyond adjacent neighborhoods. Development character typically is larger lots with franchise architecture, on-site parking and signage. While the desire is to maintain this land use, a higher standard of design to create a uniform/uncluttered look is desired. While the Commercial Corridor is by nature auto-oriented, design standards should still integrate sidewalks, bike lanes, and transit stops into the streetscape.

Industrial (I): a district designed to diversify and strengthen the local economic base by allowing for light manufacturing, assembly and fabrication, including small-scale or specialized industrial operations, office uses, including processing, incidental storage, sales or distribution of such products as well as general retail.

Planned Campus (PC). The Planned Campus is intended for institutional and campus-type developments with large footprints that are different in character than their surroundings. The existing layout of such parcels and buildings requires a flexible approach to redevelopment that respects the unique characteristics of the parcel(s) and the surrounding neighborhoods. Buildings will vary in height, and parking will be integrated throughout the campus. Sidewalks, bicycle and transit infrastructure are provided that connect into the City's broader system, offering an alternative means of accessing these facilities.

Parks and Open Space (P&OS). This district is designed to enhance the health and general welfare of the citizens of Watertown. Areas include existing active and passive recreational areas as well as forested areas that contain wetland systems.

Planned Development District (PDD). The Planned Development District is a floating district for exceptional settings and situations where the dimensional and use requirements of this chapter do not fit with intended project.

Waterfront Overlay District (WFO). The intention of this district is to build on the setting of the river as a reinforcing asset to redevelopment. New development and redevelopment should be oriented around the river in all aspects of design, including preserving view and increased public access where feasible. Buildings should be placed on the site so that they do not obstruct the public's enjoyment of the river, whether physically or visually.

City Center Overlay (CCO). The intention of this overlay district is to promote active commercial uses on the ground floor of buildings located within the overlay district.