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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Haakon County
A building permit is required for new residential or commercial construction, additions to existing structures, alterations or renovations, demolitions, change of occupancy or use, sheds exceeding 200 square feet, and fences exceeding 7 feet in height.
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 200 square feet
- Exempt Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
- Exempt Water tanks under 5,000 gallons capacity
- Exempt Retaining walls under 4 feet in height (unless supporting a surcharge)
- Exempt Routine agricultural work and normal farming operations (confirm with county)
Note: Exemptions from building permit do not eliminate code compliance requirements. Confirm with the county planning authority whether a specific project requires a permit.
- Completed permit application form
- Architectural/engineering drawings (with professional seals where required)
- Site plan showing property lines and proposed structure location
- Property description
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC) and 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) as required by South Dakota state law. South Dakota Plumbing Code 2015 applies to plumbing work.
- Permit validity
- Not publicly stated; contact county
- Owner-builder
- Not publicly stated; contact county
- 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 county for current estimate
- 01 Contact Haakon County Clerk at 605-859-2627 or visit in person at 140 S Howard St., Philip, SD 57567.
- 02 Describe the proposed project to determine permit requirements.
- 03 Obtain and complete the applicable permit application form.
- 04 Submit application with required drawings, site plan, and supporting documentation.
- 05 County staff reviews the application for compliance with South Dakota building code requirements and local zoning regulations.
- 06 Pay applicable permit fees (fee schedule not published online; contact county for current fees).
- 07 Receive issued permit; post on site before construction begins.
- 08 Request inspections as required during construction.
Typical processing time: Not publicly stated; contact county for current estimate
Fee schedule
Haakon County building permit fees
Contact county at 605-859-2627; fees likely paid in person at the county office. Fee schedule not published online.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 605-859-2627 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Not publicly stated; contact county
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday (hours not publicly detailed; contact county)
- Time windows
- Not publicly detailed; contact county
Typical sequence: Not publicly detailed; contact county
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Haakon County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Haakon County, SD? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Haakon County, SD? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Haakon County, SD? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Haakon County, SD? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Haakon County, SD? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Haakon County, SD? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Haakon County Clerk / Planning Authority before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.