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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Davison County
A construction permit is required for any new structure or addition in unincorporated Davison County, including sheds, garages, pole buildings, and similar structures.
- Exempt Minor repairs and maintenance
- Exempt Interior remodeling (in some cases)
Note: The county does not publish a comprehensive list of exempt work categories. Contact the Planning & Zoning Office for determination on whether specific work requires a permit.
- Completed application form
- Site plan showing property lines and proposed structure location
- Project details
- Building code
- Comply with South Dakota Codified Law Chapter 11-10, which mandates the 2021 edition of the International Building Code (IBC) as the minimum standard. For residential construction (1- and 2-family dwellings), the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) applies.
- Permit validity
- Construction must begin within 180 days of permit issuance or permit becomes void. Work must be substantially completed within 2 years or permit expires. Extensions available upon request.
- Owner-builder
- Not publicly stated; contact department
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors working on residential construction must be registered with the South Dakota Contractors' Registry under SDCL Chapter 36-21C through the Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR). Electrical contractors require state licensing under SDCL Chapter 36-16. Plumbing contractors require state licensing under SDCL Chapter 36-23. Homeowners performing work on their own primary residence may qualify for exemptions.
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly stated; contact department for current estimate
- 01 Obtain Building Permit Application from the Davison County Planning & Zoning Office in person or by phone
- 02 Complete application with project details and site plans
- 03 Submit application to the Planning & Zoning Office for review
- 04 Review period checks compliance with setback requirements and county ordinance terms
- 05 Applicant is notified of approval or required modifications
- 06 Permit issued upon approval
Typical processing time: Not publicly stated; contact department for current estimate
Fee schedule
Davison County building permit fees
Contact department at (605) 995-8615 or (605) 995-8640 for fee schedule. Fees vary by construction type. Fee schedule available upon request from the office.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (605) 995-8615 or (605) 995-8640 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Not publicly stated; contact department
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday; contact department for specific hours
- Time windows
- Not publicly detailed; contact department
Typical sequence: Building inspections are required during construction. Specific inspection points and requirements vary by project type. Contact the Planning & Zoning Office for inspection scheduling and procedures.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Davison County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Davison County, SD? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Davison County, SD? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Davison County, SD? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Davison County, SD? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Davison County, SD? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Davison County, SD? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Davison County Planning & Zoning Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.