Watertown City Zoning Code
ARTICLE IV
Dimensional Regulations
§ 310-21 Form-based dimensional tables.
[Amended 3-3-2025 by Ord. No. 1-2025]
A.
The accompanying tables provide dimensional requirements and graphic examples for each of the zoning districts.
B.
Uses in the Parks and Open Space (P&OS) District that have structures over 300 square feet are subject to the dimensional requirements of the Residential (R) District. Uses that have structures 300 square feet or less are subject to departmental review.
C.
Downtown - D.
(1)
Purpose. 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.
(2)
Examples.
 |
(3)
Frontage elements. Only the following frontage elements indicated in bold are allowed:
Stoop | Porch | Lightwell | Awning |
(4)
Lot dimensions.
A | Lot area (minimum) | No minimum |
B | Lot width (minimum) | 15 feet |
C | Lot coverage (maximum) | 100% |
D | Accessory structure maximum total footprint | n/a |
(5)
Building setbacks.
A | Front yard (minimum/maximum) | 0 feet/10 feet |
B | Facade length (maximum)* | n/a |
C | Side yards (minimum total) | n/a |
D | Rear yard (minimum)** | n/a |
E | Parking and loading setback | 5 feet |
F | Accessory structure | n/a |
NOTES: | |
* | Lots abutting the river shall have a front (street facing) facade length of no more than 75% of the total lot width. |
** | In lots adjoining the river, the rear yard shall be measured from top of bank and shall be 50 feet minimum. The rear yard may be reduced to no less than 10 feet when providing public access. |
 |
(6)
Building height.
A | Building height (maximum) | 10 stories |
B | First story minimum height | 12 feet |
C | Story height (minimum) | 9 feet |
D | Accessory structure height | n/a |
(7)
Transparency.
A | Ground floor transparency, front facade (minimum) | 50% (65% in City Center Overlay) |
B | Ground floor transparency, corner side facade (minimum) | 40% (50% in City Center Overlay) |
C | Upper floor transparency, front and corner side facades (minimum) | 20% |
(8)
Pedestrian access.
A | Main entrance location (required) | Facing sidewalk |
B | Functional entry spacing | 50 feet maximum |
(9)
Building articulation.
A | Vertically oriented projection or recess no greater than 30 feet apart. Exceptions: not required above fifth story or where windows are consistently recessed four inches or more. |
B | A horizontal projection is required between the first and third stories. |
C | Any building taller than 50 feet must have a four-foot minimum front facade stepback between 20 feet minimum and 60 feet maximum above grade. |
D | Stepback bonus: Stepbacks greater than eight feet allow for additional stories with a floor area no more than three times the total area of the stepback. |
 |
(10)
Other standards: maximum 12 feet of frontage unbuilt.
D.
Urban Mixed Use - UMU.
(1)
Purpose. 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.
(2)
Examples.
 |
(3)
Frontage elements. Only the following frontage elements indicated in bold are allowed:
Stoop | Porch | Lightwell | Awning |
(4)
Lot dimensions.
A | Lot area (minimum) | No minimum |
B | Lot width (minimum) | 15 feet |
C | Lot coverage (maximum) | 90% |
D | Accessory structure maximum total footprint | n/a |
(5)
Building setbacks.
A | Front yard (minimum/maximum) | 0 feet/12 feet |
B | Facade length (maximum) | n/a* |
C | Side yards (minimum total) | n/a |
D | Rear yard (minimum) | n/a** |
E | Parking and loading setback | 5 feet |
F | Accessory structure | n/a |
NOTES: | |
* | Lots abutting the river shall have a front (street facing) facade length of no more than 75% of the total lot width. |
** | In lots adjoining the river, the rear yard shall be measured from top of bank and shall be 50 feet minimum. The rear yard may be reduced to no less than 10 feet when providing public access. |
|
(6)
Building height.
A | Building height (maximum) | 5 stories |
B | First story minimum height | 12 feet |
C | Story height (minimum) | 9 feet |
D | Accessory structure height | n/a |
(7)
Transparency.
A | Ground floor transparency, front facade (minimum) | 40% |
B | Ground floor transparency, corner side facade (minimum) | 25% |
C | Upper floor transparency, front and corner side facades (minimum) | 30% |
(8)
Pedestrian access.
A | Main entrance location (required) | Facing sidewalk |
B | Functional entry spacing | 60 feet maximum |
(9)
Building articulation.
A | Vertically oriented projection or recess no greater than 30 feet apart. Exceptions: not required above fifth story or where windows are consistently recessed four inches or more. |
B | A horizontal projection is required between the first and third stories. |
C | Any building taller than 50 feet must have a four-foot minimum front facade stepback between 20 feet minimum and 60 feet maximum above grade. |
D | Stepback bonus: Stepbacks greater than eight feet allow for additional stories with a floor area no more than three times the total area of the stepback. |
|
(10)
Other standards: maximum 24 feet of frontage unbuilt.
E.
Neighborhood Mixed Use - NMU.
(1)
Purpose. 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.
(2)
Examples.
 |
(3)
Frontage elements. Only the following frontage elements indicated in bold are allowed:
Stoop | Porch | Lightwell | Awning |
(4)
Lot dimensions.
A | Lot area (minimum) | 1,000 square feet |
B | Lot width (minimum/maximum) | 10 feet/100 feet |
C | Lot coverage (maximum - corner) | 70% - 90% |
D | Accessory structure maximum total footprint | 900 square feet |
(5)
Building setbacks.
A | Front yard (minimum/maximum) | 0 feet/10 feet or average |
B | Facade length (maximum) | 60 feet* |
C | Side yards (minimum total) | 10 feet |
D | Rear yard (minimum) | 10 feet** |
E | Parking and loading setback | 10 feet |
F | Accessory structure | n/a |
NOTES: | |
* | Lots abutting the river shall have a front (street facing) facade length of no more than 75% of the total lot width. |
** | In lots adjoining the river, the rear yard shall be measured from top of bank and shall be 50 feet minimum. The rear yard may be reduced to no less than 10 feet when providing public access. |
 |
(6)
Building height.
A | Building height (maximum) | 3 stories |
B | First story minimum height | 9 feet |
C | Story height (minimum) | 9 feet |
D | Accessory structure height | n/a |
(7)
Transparency.
A | Ground floor transparency, front facade (minimum) | 30% |
B | Ground floor transparency, corner side facade (minimum) | 30% |
C | Upper floor transparency, front and corner side facades (minimum) | 30% |
(8)
Pedestrian access.
A | Main entrance location (required) | Facing sidewalk |
B | Functional entry spacing | n/a |
(9)
Building articulation.
A | Vertically oriented projection or recess no greater than 30 feet apart. Exceptions: not required above fifth story or where windows are consistently recessed four inches or more. |
B | A horizontal projection is required between the first and third stories. |
C | Any building taller than 50 feet must have a four-foot minimum front facade stepback between 20 feet minimum and 60 feet maximum above grade. |
D | Stepback bonus: Stepbacks greater than eight feet allow for additional stories with a floor area no more than three times the total area of the stepback. |
|
(10)
Other standards: maximum 50% of parcel frontage unbuilt unless the parcel is greater than 120 feet wide, in which case this requirement shall not apply.
F.
Residential - R.
(1)
Purpose: 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.
(2)
Examples.
 |
(3)
Frontage elements. Only the following frontage elements indicated in bold are allowed:
Stoop | Porch | Lightwell | Awning |
(4)
Lot dimensions.
A | Lot area (minimum) | 1,000 square feet |
B | Lot width (minimum/maximum) | 30 feet/100 feet |
C | Lot coverage (maximum - corner) | 70% - 90% |
D | Accessory structure maximum total footprint | 900 square feet |
(5)
Building setbacks.
A | Front yard (minimum/maximum) | 10 feet minimum/maximum average of adjacent |
B | Facade length (maximum) | n/a |
C | Side yards (minimum) | 5 feet |
D | Rear yard (minimum) | 10 feet |
E | Parking setback and accessory structure front yard | Greater than primary facade* |
F | Accessory structure side/rear yard | 5 feet |
NOTE: | |
* | Refer to Article VI, Parking, for parking in front yard exceptions. |
 |
 |
(6)
Building height.
A | Building height (maximum) | 3 stories |
B | First story minimum height | 9 feet |
C | Story height (minimum) | 9 feet |
D | Accessory structure height | Less than primary building |
(7)
Transparency.
A | Ground floor transparency, front facade (minimum) | 15% |
B | Ground floor transparency, corner side facade (minimum) | 15% |
C | Upper floor transparency, front and corner side facades (minimum) | 15% |
G.
Industrial - IND.
(1)
Purpose: 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.
(2)
Examples.
 |
(3)
Frontage elements. Only the following frontage elements indicated in bold are allowed:
Stoop | Porch | Lightwell | Awning |
(4)
Lot dimensions.
A | Lot area (minimum) | 10,000 square feet |
B | Lot width (minimum/maximum) | 50 feet/none |
C | Lot coverage (maximum) | 60% |
D | Accessory structure maximum total footprint | n/a |
(5)
Building setbacks.
A | Front yard (minimum/maximum) | 25 feet/none |
B | Facade length (maximum) | n/a* |
C | Side yards (minimum total) | 10 feet plus buffer |
D | Rear yard (minimum) | 10 feet plus buffer** |
E | Parking and loading setback | None |
F | Accessory structure | n/a |
NOTES: | |
* | Lots abutting the river shall have a front (street facing) facade length of no more than 75% of the total lot width. |
** | In lots adjoining the river, the rear yard shall be measured from top of bank and shall be 50 feet minimum. The rear yard may be reduced to no less than 10 feet when providing public access. |
 |
|
(6)
Building height.
A | Building height (maximum) | 4 stories |
B | First story minimum height | n/a |
C | Story height (minimum) | n/a |
D | Accessory structure height | n/a |
(7)
Transparency.
A | Ground floor transparency, front facade (minimum) | n/a |
B | Ground floor transparency, corner side facade (minimum) | n/a |
C | Upper floor transparency, front and corner side facades (minimum) | n/a |
H.
Planned Campus - PC.
(1)
Purpose. The Planned Campus District 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.
(2)
Examples.
 |
(3)
Frontage elements. Only the following frontage elements indicated in bold are allowed:
Stoop | Porch | Lightwell | Awning |
(4)
Lot dimensions.
A | Lot area (minimum) | 1,000 square feet |
B | Lot width (minimum/maximum) | 30 feet/100 feet |
C | Lot coverage (maximum - corner) | 70% - 90% |
D | Accessory structure maximum total footprint | n/a |
(5)
Building setbacks.
A | Front yard (minimum/maximum) | 10 feet/100 feet |
B | Facade length (maximum) | 150 feet* |
C | Side yards (minimum) | 5 feet |
D | Rear yard (minimum) | 10 feet** |
E | Parking setback | 10 feet |
F | Accessory structure | n/a |
NOTES: | |
* | Lots abutting the river shall have a front (street facing) facade length of no more than 75% of the total lot width. |
** | In lots adjoining the river, the rear yard shall be measured from top of bank and shall be 50 feet minimum. The rear yard may be reduced to no less than 10 feet when providing public access. |
|
(6)
Building height.
A | Building height (maximum) | 4 stories |
B | First story minimum height | 9 feet |
C | Story height (minimum) | 9 feet |
D | Accessory structure height | n/a |
(7)
Transparency.
A | Ground floor transparency, front facade (minimum) | 35% |
B | Ground floor transparency, corner side facade (minimum) | 20% |
C | Upper floor transparency, front and corner side facades (minimum) | 20% |
(8)
Pedestrian access.
A | Main entrance location (required) | Provides pedestrian connection to City Sidewalk |
B | Functional entry spacing | n/a |
(9)
Building articulation.
A | Vertically oriented projection or recess no greater than 30 feet apart. Exceptions: not required above fifth story or where windows are consistently recessed four inches or more. |
B | A horizontal projection is required between the first and third stories. |
C | Any building taller than 50 feet must have a four-foot minimum front facade stepback between 20 feet minimum and 60 feet maximum above grade. |
D | Stepback bonus: Stepbacks greater than eight feet allow for additional stories with a floor area no more than three times the total area of the stepback. |
|
I.
Commercial - C.
(1)
Purpose. 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 District is by nature auto-oriented, design standards should still integrate sidewalks, bike lanes, and transit stops into the streetscape.
(2)
Examples.
 |
(3)
Frontage elements. Only the following frontage elements indicated in bold are allowed:
Stoop | Porch | Lightwell | Awning |
(4)
Lot dimensions.
A | Lot area (minimum) | No minimum |
B | Lot width (minimum/maximum) | 50 feet/none |
C | Lot coverage (maximum - corner) | 70% - 90% |
D | Accessory structure maximum total footprint | n/a |
(5)
Building setbacks.
A | Front yard (minimum/maximum) | 10 feet/none |
B | Facade length (maximum) | n/a* |
C | Side yards (minimum) | 5 feet |
D | Rear yard (minimum) | 10 feet** |
E | Parking and loading setback | 20 feet |
F | Accessory structure | n/a |
NOTES: | |
* | Lots abutting the river shall have a front (street facing) facade length of no more than 75% of the total lot width. |
** | In lots adjoining the river, the rear yard shall be measured from top of bank and shall be 50 feet minimum. The rear yard may be reduced to no less than 10 feet when providing public access. |
|
(6)
Building height.
A | Building height (maximum) | 4 stories |
B | First story minimum height | n/a |
C | Story height (minimum) | n/a |
D | Accessory structure height | n/a |
(7)
Transparency.
A | Ground floor transparency, front facade (minimum) | 35% |
B | Ground floor transparency, corner side facade (minimum) | 20% |
C | Upper floor transparency, front and corner side facades (minimum) | 20% |
(8)
Pedestrian access.
A | Main entrance location (required) | Provides pedestrian connection to City Sidewalk |
B | Functional entry spacing | 100 feet maximum*** |
*** The functional entry spacing requirement shall not apply to the Arsenal Street frontage of any property in the Commercial District with frontage on Arsenal Street | ||
(9)
Building articulation.
A | Vertically oriented projection or recess no greater than 30 feet apart. Exceptions: not required above fifth story or where windows are consistently recessed four inches or more. |
B | A horizontal projection is required between the first and third stories. |
C | Any building taller than 50 feet must have a four-foot minimum front facade stepback between 20 feet minimum and 60 feet maximum above grade. |
D | Stepback bonus: Stepbacks greater than eight feet allow for additional stories with a floor area no more than three times the total area of the stepback. |
|