On this page 6
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Clark County
A construction permit is required for any building or development in unincorporated Clark County. This includes structures, additions, agricultural operations, and renewable energy facilities. Work requiring a permit without first securing permit and paying prescribed fee may be subject to enforcement action.
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures under 120 square feet floor area
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Roof, siding, and window replacements
- Exempt Minor repairs and renovations (specific thresholds vary by state statute; contact county for clarification)
Note: Exemption from permit does not exempt work from compliance with applicable building codes and ordinances. Confirm permit requirements with county before proceeding.
- Completed permit application form
- Site plan showing property lines and proposed structure location
- Documentation demonstrating zoning compliance
- Building code
- Clark County applies zoning standards under Ordinance 1-14 and amendments (including Ordinance 02-22). No single statewide residential building code is mandated; South Dakota allows local adoption of building codes (minimum 2015 IBC). Contact county for adopted standards.
- Permit validity
- Not publicly specified; contact county for details
- Owner-builder
- Not publicly specified; contact county for details
- Contractor requirements
- General and residential contractors must register with South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation under SDCL Chapter 36-21C. Electrical contractors require state licensure under SDCL Chapter 36-16. Plumbers require state licensure under SDCL Chapter 36-23.
Application process
Typical processing: Not specified; contact county directly
- 01 Contact Planning & Zoning Officer at 605-532-3751 to determine permit requirements for proposed work.
- 02 Submit application with required documentation (zoning compliance, site plans as applicable).
- 03 County reviews zoning compliance under Ordinance 1-14 and amendments.
- 04 Approval or conditional approval issued upon compliance.
- 05 Pay prescribed fees per zoning ordinance.
- 06 Post permit on site before construction begins.
Typical processing time: Not specified; contact county directly
Fee schedule
Clark County building permit fees
Contact Planning & Zoning Officer at 605-532-3751 for current fee schedule. Payment likely made in person at Clark County Courthouse.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 605-532-3751 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Not publicly specified; contact county
- Inspection hours
- Business hours; contact county for specific hours
- Time windows
- Not publicly detailed; contact county
Typical sequence: Routine inspections conducted following approval; final inspection before occupancy. Specific procedures not detailed; contact county for details.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Clark County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Clark County, SD? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Clark County, SD? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Clark County, SD? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Clark County, SD? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Clark County, SD? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Clark County, SD? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Clark County Planning & Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.