The boundaries of the zoning districts hereby established are
shown on a map entitled "Watertown Zoning District Map," dated February
21, 2023, as amended. The Zoning Map and all notations, references
and other information shown thereon shall have the same force and
effect as if fully set forth or described herein, and such map is
hereby made part of this chapter.
Where uncertainty exists with respect to the boundaries of the
various districts, as shown on the Zoning Map, the following rules
shall apply:
A.
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;
B.
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;
C.
In other cases, the district boundary shall be determined by the
use of the scale of the Zoning Map.
D.
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.
The City of Watertown is hereby divided into the following districts:
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Residential
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R
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Neighborhood Mixed Use
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NMU
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Urban Mixed Use
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UMU
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Commercial
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C
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Downtown
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D
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Planned Campus
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PC
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Industrial
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I
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Parks and Open Space
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P&OS
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Waterfront Overlay
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WFO
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City Center Overlay
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CCO
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A.
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.
B.
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.
C.
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.
D.
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.
E.
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.
F.
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.
G.
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.
H.
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.
I.
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.
J.
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.
K.
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.
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