Department of Planning & Community Development
175 Arsenal Street, Watertown, New York 13601
T: 315-785-3144 F: 315-785-5092 E: planning@jeffersoncountyny.gov
Jefferson County Planning Board
The Jefferson County Planning Board provides regional review and planning coordination to help ensure that local land use decisions consider potential impacts on neighboring communities, county facilities, and regional resources.
The Board reviews certain planning and zoning actions referred by towns, villages, and the City of Watertown under New York State General Municipal Law §239-m. Through this review process, the Board provides recommendations intended to promote coordinated development, protect community resources, and support sound planning practices throughout Jefferson County.
The Planning Board also serves as a forum for regional discussion of land use issues and planning initiatives that affect communities across the County.
Jefferson County Planning Board Members
Lisa Ruggiero – Chair
John Stano – Vice Chair
Randy Lake
Jean Waterbury
Neil Katzman
Richard Nuijens
Jon Storms
Mitch Robinson
Joe McLaughlin
Karen Freeman
Board Meetings
The Jefferson County Planning Board meets regularly throughout the year to review referred projects and discuss planning matters. Meetings are scheduled for the last Tuesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. in the Planning Department Conference Room, 175 Arsenal Street, Watertown, unless otherwise noted. The October meeting will be at the Watertown International Airport. (Submission deadlines are typically set 12 days before each meeting.) The Meeting Schedule, meeting agendas, and approved minutes are posted below.2026 Schedule for Jefferson County Planning Board
Submission Deadline CPB Meeting Date
Thursday, January 15 Tuesday, January 27
Thursday, February 12 Tuesday, February 24
Thursday, March 19 Tuesday, March 31
Thursday, April 16 Tuesday, April 28
Thursday, May 14 Tuesday, May 26
Thursday, June 18 Tuesday, June 30
Thursday, July 16 Tuesday, July 28
Thursday, August 13 Tuesday, August 25
Thursday, September 17 Tuesday, September 29
Thursday, October 15 Tuesday, October 27
Thursday, November 12 Tuesday, November 24
Thursday, December 17 Tuesday, December 29
Location: 175 Arsenal Street, Watertown NY - Second Floor Conference Room
Time: 4:00 pm Unless otherwise noted
October meeting will be held at the Watertown International Airport
Resources
Information and materials related to the Jefferson County Planning Board, including:
- The 239-m referral form for municipalities
- 239-m Summary
- A list of 239-m exemption areas
Municipal officials and applicants should review the referral requirements and submission materials to ensure that projects are submitted in accordance with New York State referral procedures.
If you have a question about a referral or are unsure whether a project should be submitted, please feel free to call (315 785-3144) or email our office at any time (planning@jeffersoncountyny.gov). Planning staff are always happy to help walk through the process and answer questions.
2026 Meeting Agendas and Minutes