Engineering

The property owner is responsible for the repair and maintenance of sidewalks, by state law. Any property owner who fails to maintain their sidewalk in a safe condition is considered negligent in their duties as a property owner, and is liable for injuries that may occur due to its lack of maintenance.

It is further required that property owners or renters of property within the City of Watertown, SD shovel the snow from their sidewalk to allow for pedestrian passage. If ice and snow build up, the property owner must make every effort to clear that snow and use salt, sand, or other materials to prevent it from becoming slippery.

The City budgets for curb and gutter replacement annually. The current City policy is to repair areas that are also going through our normal patching and chip sealing program. Other areas will be looked at, but unless a serious safety hazard exists, areas will be completed during the patch and sealing program. Call the Engineering Division at (605) 882-6202 for information.

It is recommended that the property owners try to work out a mutually beneficial solution with nearby property owners on drainage issues.

Normally, a drainage swale can be created on the property between the homes to direct the drainage to the street or backyard and away from structures. If a solution cannot be worked out to the satisfaction of the property owners, and one property owner feels they are being damaged by the other property owner, it is a civil matter, which may require appropriate legal counsel to resolve the matter.

The Watertown Municipal Utilities is responsible for the maintenance of street lights in the City of Watertown, SD. You may call (605) 882-6233 to report a bulb that is out or other related issues. 

You will need a surveyor to find your property lines. The City does not provide this service for private landowners. To find a surveyor the City recommends to Google Watertown, SD surveyors or search in Yellow Pages. Local engineering firms can provide surveying services for private landowners. 

In the case your neighborhood has decided you would like to have a paved alley, then it would be the responsibility of the property owner or HOA to covers paving costs. The City does not pay for the improvements, however, it will provide many of the services needed to reduce the costs to adjacent landowners.

If you would like to view the types of Engineering permits available, then please visit Open Gov for a comprehensive list. Generally, you will need to complete an online permit application any time you perform work in the Public Right of Way, do grading work, concrete repair, or even when for a sidewalk cafe. 

The City Parks and Recreation Department. You may contact their office at (605) 882-6260 to report a tree that may need to be removed or trimmed. 

Click here to find bid postings or scroll the bottom of the website to find a green square labeled bids to be brought to the same page. 

The City of Watertown, SD only requires contractors doing residential work within City limits to get an annual Residential Contractors License. Please call Community Development to verify if the contractor you are looking at has updated their license at (605) 882-6201.