County Building Permits
Hanson County, SD - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hanson County, South Dakota. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Issues building permits and enforces zoning ordinances for all unincorporated Hanson County areas. Does NOT issue permits for incorporated cities (Alexandria, Emery, Farmer, Fulton), which have separate city jurisdictions. Administers county zoning ordinances (Ordinance #18 and amendments).
- Department
- Hanson County Planning & Zoning Board
- Address
- Hanson County Courthouse, Alexandria, SD 57311
- Phone
- (605) 239-4512
- Website
- https://www.hansoncountysd.gov/
Online Permit Portal
Platform: In-person / Phone • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Contact Hanson County Zoning Administrator or Planning & Zoning Board to determine permit requirements for your specific project.
- Determine zoning classification and applicable restrictions for your property.
- Submit building permit application with required documentation (site plans, drawings, proof of ownership).
- Office reviews application for zoning compliance and 2021 IBC building code adherence.
- Applicant pays applicable permit fees (fee schedule varies; contact county for details).
- Permit issued; inspections scheduled per code requirements.
- Schedule required inspections (foundation, framing, mechanical, electrical, plumbing as applicable).
- Final inspection upon completion; receive occupancy approval.
Typical processing time: Not publicly stated; typically 1-4 weeks depending on project complexity
General Requirements
New construction, structural changes, renovations, additions, HVAC installation, electrical work, plumbing work, water heater replacement.
Required Documents
- Permit application form (available from county)
- Site plans
- Construction drawings
- Proof of ownership
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC) minimum per SDCL 11-10. Residential energy: 2009 IECC (voluntary). Electrical: National Electrical Code (NEC). Plumbing: Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) or International Plumbing Code (IPC).
- Owner-builder
- South Dakota statute SDCL 36-21C may allow owner-builders on owner-occupied structures; verify with county.
- Contractor requirements
- Electrical contractors must hold South Dakota Electrical Commission license (8,000 hours/4 years experience OR associate degree + 6,000 hours; requires $10,000 bond, $100,000 public liability + $300,000 bodily injury/property damage insurance). Plumbing contractors require 6 years total experience (minimum 2 as contractor/plumber; 1,900 hours/year minimum; licensed through South Dakota State Plumbing Commission). General contractors: South Dakota does not mandate statewide licensing; verify local requirements with county.
Fees
- Permit fee formula
- Not publicly listed; contact county office for specific fees
- Payment note
- Contact Hanson County Planning & Zoning Department at (605) 239-4512 for current fee schedule and payment methods.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Hanson County Planning & Zoning Board to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- (605) 239-4512 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Not publicly stated; contact department
Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: foundation/framing, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, final inspection
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC) minimum per SDCL 11-10. Residential energy: 2009 IECC (voluntary). Electrical: National Electrical Code (NEC). Plumbing: Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) or International Plumbing Code (IPC).
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- County Ordinances
- Interactive GIS Map
- License lookup guide: South Dakota Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: South Dakota Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- South Dakota hub: South Dakota Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Hanson County Planning & Zoning Board before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hanson County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Hanson County, SD?
- New construction, structural changes, renovations, additions, HVAC installation, electrical work, plumbing work, water heater replacement.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Hanson County, SD?
- Fees are calculated as: Not publicly listed; contact county office for specific fees.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hanson County, SD?
- 1. Contact Hanson County Zoning Administrator or Planning & Zoning Board to determine permit requirements for your specific project. 2. Determine zoning classification and applicable restrictions for your property. 3. Submit building permit application with required documentation (site plans, drawings, proof of ownership). 4. Office reviews application for zoning compliance and 2021 IBC building code adherence. 5. Applicant pays applicable permit fees (fee schedule varies; contact county for details). 6. Permit issued; inspections scheduled per code requirements. 7. Schedule required inspections (foundation, framing, mechanical, electrical, plumbing as applicable). 8. Final inspection upon completion; receive occupancy approval.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Hanson County, SD?
- Typical processing time is Not publicly stated; typically 1-4 weeks depending on project complexity.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Hanson County, SD?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: (605) 239-4512.
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