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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Grant County
A construction permit is required for: new residential structures (homes, stick-built, modular, or manufactured); garages and sheds larger than 79 square feet (including structures on skids); building additions; decks; building demolition; moving an existing structure onto the premises.
- Exempt Interior remodeling work performed entirely inside existing structures
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Farm residence properties still require permits for new structures. Confirm with Planning & Zoning Office for any edge cases.
- Building Permit Application form
- Site plan drawing showing property lines and proposed structure location
- Property sketch (for new construction projects)
- Building code
- Grant County adopts and enforces the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) as its standard for new construction.
- Permit validity
- Applications must be submitted at least 2 months prior to construction or moving a structure onto the premises.
- Owner-builder
- Farm residence properties are subject to permit requirements for new structures despite tax-exempt status.
- Contractor requirements
- State registration under SDCL Chapter 36-21C (administered by SD Department of Labor and Regulation) is required for residential contractors. Electrical and plumbing work requires a state-licensed contractor regardless of project size.
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly stated; contact department for current estimate
- 01 Contact Grant County Planning & Zoning Office by phone (605-432-7580) or visit in person at 210 E 5th Avenue, Milbank, SD 57252.
- 02 Pick up a Building Permit Application form (available daily at the Planning & Zoning Office).
- 03 Prepare a site plan drawing showing property lines and proposed structure location (mandatory per ArcGIS portal requirements).
- 04 For new construction projects, prepare a property sketch.
- 05 Submit the completed application with all required documentation to the Planning & Zoning Office.
- 06 Staff reviews application for compliance with Grant County Planning and Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
- 07 Building permits are approved by the Planning & Zoning Officer after review.
- 08 Permits are mailed to applicants upon approval.
- 09 Post permit on site before construction begins; conduct final inspection before occupancy.
Typical processing time: Not publicly stated; contact department for current estimate
Fee schedule
Grant County building permit fees
Contact Planning & Zoning Office for complete fee schedule. Payment made in person at 210 E 5th Avenue, Milbank, SD 57252.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 605-432-7580 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Not publicly stated; contact department
- Inspection hours
- 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday (Central Time)
- Time windows
- Not publicly detailed; contact department
Typical sequence: Building inspections are conducted to ensure compliance with approved site plans and zoning ordinances. Final inspection is required before occupancy of new structures.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Grant County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Grant County, SD? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Grant County, SD? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Grant County, SD? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Grant County, SD? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Grant County, SD? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Grant County, SD? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Grant County Planning & Zoning Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.