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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Hand County
A building permit is required for new structures, additions, and modifications in unincorporated Hand County. This includes residential, agricultural, and commercial projects.
Routine agricultural work and normal farming operations may not require a county construction permit (subject to confirmation with department)
Minor repairs that do not change use or footprint of a structure may be exempt
- Exempt Routine agricultural work and normal farming operations may not require a county construction permit (subject to confirmation with department)
- Exempt Minor repairs that do not change use or footprint of a structure may be exempt
Note: Specific exempt categories are not publicly enumerated. Contact the Assessor/Zoning Administrator directly to determine permit necessity for any project.
Required documents
- Completed permit application form
- Site plan showing property lines and proposed structure location
- Property description
- Construction drawings or project details
- Building code
- Hand County follows South Dakota state building code requirements: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), National Electrical Code (NEC), and 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).
- Permit validity
- Not publicly stated; contact department
- Owner-builder
- Not publicly stated; contact department
- Contractor requirements
- State registration under SDCL Chapter 36-21C is required for residential contractors. Electrical and plumbing work requires a state-licensed contractor.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly stated; contact department for estimate
- 01 Contact the Assessor/Zoning Administrator office by phone (605-853-2115) during courthouse hours (Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM) or submit via email (Zoning@handcountysd.gov).
- 02 Describe the proposed project and obtain the appropriate permit application form.
- 03 Complete the permit application and prepare required documents including site plan, property description, and construction details.
- 04 Submit application and documents by email, mail, or in-person at the courthouse.
- 05 Pay applicable permit fee as determined by the zoning official for the project type.
- 06 Staff reviews application for compliance with Hand County Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance.
- 07 Receive issued permit and post on site before construction begins.
- 08 Schedule and request required inspections throughout construction phases.
Typical processing time: Not publicly stated; contact department for estimate
§ 04
Fee schedule
Hand County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Fees determined by zoning official at time of application based on project type and scope
Contact Assessor/Zoning Administrator at 605-853-2115 for current fee schedule. Fees vary by project type (residential, agricultural, commercial). Historical fee information was documented as of April 2020 but is subject to periodic updates.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 605-853-2115 (phone)
- Zoning@handcountysd.gov (email)
- Scheduling deadline
- Not publicly stated; contact department
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM
- Time windows
- Not publicly detailed; contact department
Typical sequence: Common inspection types include foundation inspection, framing inspection, plumbing inspection, electrical inspection, mechanical inspection, and final inspection. Contact department for specific sequence requirements.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Hand County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Hand County, SD? ▸
A building permit is required for new structures, additions, and modifications in unincorporated Hand County. This includes residential, agricultural, and commercial projects.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Hand County, SD? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Hand County, SD are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Fees determined by zoning official at time of application based on project type and scope.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hand County, SD? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hand County, SD, follow these steps: 1. Contact the Assessor/Zoning Administrator office by phone (605-853-2115) during courthouse hours (Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM) or submit via email (Zoning@handcountysd.gov). 2. Describe the proposed project and obtain the appropriate permit application form. 3. Complete the permit application and prepare required documents including site plan, property description, and construction details. 4. Submit application and documents by email, mail, or in-person at the courthouse. 5. Pay applicable permit fee as determined by the zoning official for the project type. 6. Staff reviews application for compliance with Hand County Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance. 7. Receive issued permit and post on site before construction begins. 8. Schedule and request required inspections throughout construction phases.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Hand County, SD? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Hand County, SD typically run Not publicly stated; contact department for estimate. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Hand County, SD? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Hand County, SD. The following work is generally exempt: Routine agricultural work and normal farming operations may not require a county construction permit (subject to confirmation with department); Minor repairs that do not change use or footprint of a structure may be exempt. Note: Specific exempt categories are not publicly enumerated. Contact the Assessor/Zoning Administrator directly to determine permit necessity for any project. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Hand County, SD? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Hand County, SD via: 605-853-2115, Zoning@handcountysd.gov. Not publicly stated; contact department.
last verified April 2026
source Hand County Assessor/Zoning Administrator ↗
entry id permits/south-dakota/hand/hand-county
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Hand County Assessor/Zoning Administrator before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.