BS&Z Division Mission, Vision & Functions

Mission: To ensure safe, quality development in the City of Watertown while continuing to integrate community based solutions to improve delivery of services.

Vision: Build a stronger and more equitable community through collaborative efforts. 

Function: The Building, Safety, and Zoning Department supports the safety and quality of life for the residents and visitors of the City of Watertown through the implementation of the City of Watertown Building and Zoning codes.

The processes of plan reviews, permitting, inspections, zoning and engineering ensures proper land development and promotes high-quality design standards through the enforcement of federal, state, and local building and zoning codes. The Building, Safety, and Zoning Department provides a broad spectrum of services and strives to efficiently assist the public and other City departments regarding building, safety, and zoning issues. Staff includes the Zoning & Floodplain Administrator, Building Inspector, and a Confidential Secretary . The department also employs part-time inspectors and one part-time Code Compliance Officer. The City of Watertown Building, Safety & Zoning Department is responsible for the following:

  • Provide efficient review of private development projects while ensuring compliance to City engineering and code requirements.
  • Review all drawings, site plans, graphics permits, lot splits requests, and rezoning and variance requests presented for compliance with existing Watertown City Code and other legislated requirements.
  • Ensure the health and safety of the citizens of Watertown by reviewing plans for and inspecting residential and commercial structures.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local floodplain and wetland codes.
  • Provide quality service and efficiency in plan submission through the continuation of the Site Plan Review process in collaboration with all departments.
  •  Continue to update, educate, and communicate new policies/procedures that will improve the building process in our community. 
  • Continue code compliance inspections as per City policy/procedure to insure the safety and quality of life for the residents.
  • Coordinates compliance and enforcement with the 2014 Intergovernmental Cooperative Plan Agreement, Under Wisconsin Statute Sec. 66.0307, Between the City of Watertown and the Town of Emmet.
  • Continue to manage necessary zoning code revisions such as definitions, residential standards, permitted uses, deletion of antiquated terms, and initiate necessary revisions to the eCode Website.
  • Maintain an up-to-date website and continue to introduce effective information to the public.
  • Continue necessary upgrades to the permitting software system to enhance processing time for permit application, to provide user friendly online permit tracking, and to offer additional online permitting options to the public.
  • Continue to reduce the wait at the service counter through cross-training and improved processes and procedures.
  • Continue to enforce the City of Watertown Building and Zoning Codes throughout the permitting and inspection process.
  • Continue to provide all necessary safety resources and training to staff.
  • Continued compliance with the City of Watertown’s Comprehensive Plan.