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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Butte County
A construction permit is required for any new structure or addition in unincorporated Butte County, including sheds, garages, pole buildings, grain bins, weigh scales, conveyors/legs, and fences.
One-story detached accessory structures (tool/storage sheds, playhouses, similar uses) with floor area not exceeding 120 square feet. Any utilities serving these structures still require a permit.
Fences not over 7 feet high (or 6 feet high if made of masonry material).
Decks in R-3 occupancy not exceeding 200 square feet in area, not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, not attached to a dwelling and not serving an exit door.
Ordinary repairs to existing structures that do not involve structural modifications, changes to means of egress, or alterations affecting utilities and safety systems.
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (tool/storage sheds, playhouses, similar uses) with floor area not exceeding 120 square feet. Any utilities serving these structures still require a permit.
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high (or 6 feet high if made of masonry material).
- Exempt Decks in R-3 occupancy not exceeding 200 square feet in area, not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, not attached to a dwelling and not serving an exit door.
- Exempt Ordinary repairs to existing structures that do not involve structural modifications, changes to means of egress, or alterations affecting utilities and safety systems.
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and land use requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Planning Department before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed application form
- Site plan
- Building dimensions and materials
- Intended use information
- Building code
- South Dakota does not mandate a statewide residential code for unincorporated county areas. Butte County enforces the 2021 International Building Code if any building standards are adopted.
- Permit validity
- Six (6) months from issuance; extensions available upon application before expiration.
- Owner-builder
- Property owners are allowed to perform work on their own primary residence; licensing not required for owner-builder work in unincorporated areas.
- Contractor requirements
- State registration under SDCL Chapter 36-21C required for residential contractors. Electrical contractors must be licensed by the South Dakota State Electrical Commission (SDCL Chapter 36-16). Plumbers must be licensed by the South Dakota State Plumbing Commission (SDCL Chapter 36-23). Property owners exempted for work on their own primary residence.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly specified; contact department for current timeline.
- 01 Submit building permit application with site plans and supporting documentation.
- 02 Application reviewed for compliance with local code and zoning.
- 03 Pay permit fees upon approval.
- 04 Permit issued and valid for six (6) months from issuance.
- 05 Extensions available upon application before expiration.
- 06 Schedule inspections as required for project type.
- 07 Electrical and plumbing inspections conducted by state-licensed inspectors (not county).
Typical processing time: Not publicly specified; contact department for current timeline.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Butte County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Based on project type and valuation. Specific fee schedules not identified publicly.
Due upon permit approval. Contact Butte County Equalization and Planning at 605-892-3950 for current fee schedule and any available discounts.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 605-892-3950 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Not publicly specified; contact department.
- Inspection hours
- Not publicly specified; contact department.
- Time windows
- Not publicly specified; contact department.
Typical sequence: Types of inspections: Framing, electrical, plumbing, final (varies by project). Inspections cannot be conducted without a valid building permit being issued first.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Butte County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Butte County, SD? ▸
A construction permit is required for any new structure or addition in unincorporated Butte County, including sheds, garages, pole buildings, grain bins, weigh scales, conveyors/legs, and fences.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Butte County, SD? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Butte County, SD are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Based on project type and valuation. Specific fee schedules not identified publicly..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Butte County, SD? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Butte County, SD, follow these steps: 1. Submit building permit application with site plans and supporting documentation. 2. Application reviewed for compliance with local code and zoning. 3. Pay permit fees upon approval. 4. Permit issued and valid for six (6) months from issuance. 5. Extensions available upon application before expiration. 6. Schedule inspections as required for project type. 7. Electrical and plumbing inspections conducted by state-licensed inspectors (not county).
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Butte County, SD? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Butte County, SD typically run Not publicly specified; contact department for current timeline.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Butte County, SD? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Butte County, SD. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (tool/storage sheds, playhouses, similar uses) with floor area not exceeding 120 square feet. Any utilities serving these structures still require a permit.; Fences not over 7 feet high (or 6 feet high if made of masonry material).; Decks in R-3 occupancy not exceeding 200 square feet in area, not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, not attached to a dwelling and not serving an exit door.; Ordinary repairs to existing structures that do not involve structural modifications, changes to means of egress, or alterations affecting utilities and safety systems.. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and land use requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Planning Department before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Butte County, SD? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Butte County, SD via: 605-892-3950. Not publicly specified; contact department..
last verified April 2026
source Butte County Equalization and Planning ↗
entry id permits/south-dakota/butte/butte-county
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Butte County Equalization and Planning before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.