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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Codington County
Building permits are required prior to commencement of excavation for construction or for the construction or moving of any building in unincorporated Codington County.
- Exempt Replacing plumbing fixtures (faucets, etc.)
- Exempt Routine unclogging and drain cleaning
- Exempt Interior painting
- Exempt Flooring and finish work without structural changes
Note: Any modifications to water supply lines, drainage systems, or gas piping require permits. Structural changes, additions, new construction, and moving buildings require permits. Emergency repairs addressing immediate health/safety hazards may proceed without a pre-permit, but a permit must be obtained post-completion.
- Completed application form
- Site plan showing property lines and proposed structure location
- Property description
- Construction scope details
- Building code
- Codington County follows applicable South Dakota building standards. The 2021 International Building Code (IBC) is the model standard adopted statewide where local jurisdictions have adopted codes.
- Permit validity
- Not publicly stated; contact department
- Owner-builder
- Not publicly stated; contact department
- Contractor requirements
- State registration under SDCL Chapter 36-21C (administered by SD Department of Labor and Regulation) is required for residential contractors. Electrical contractors must carry a valid South Dakota journeyman electrician's license. Plumbing contractors must carry a valid South Dakota plumbing contractor's license. State-level licensing required for electrical and plumbing work regardless of project size.
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly stated; contact department for current estimate
- 01 Obtain building permit application from the Codington County Extension Office (Entrance B) or download from codington.org
- 02 Complete the application with site plan, property description, and construction scope details
- 03 Submit application to the Zoning Office with required documentation
- 04 Zoning Officer reviews for compliance with county zoning ordinance (Ordinance #65)
- 05 Permit is issued or requested revisions/variances are noted
- 06 Work may commence only after permit is issued and conditions are satisfied
Typical processing time: Not publicly stated; contact department for current estimate
Fee schedule
Codington County building permit fees
Contact department at (605) 882-6300 or codington.county@sdstate.edu for current fee schedule and payment information. In 2024, permit fee revenues totaled $37,690 for the county.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (605) 882-6300 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Not publicly stated; contact department
- Inspection hours
- 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday
- Time windows
- Not publicly detailed; contact department
Typical sequence: Inspections verify compliance with zoning ordinance, building code, and permit conditions.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Codington County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Codington County, SD? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Codington County, SD? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Codington County, SD? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Codington County, SD? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Codington County, SD? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Codington County, SD? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Codington County Planning and Zoning Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.