Harding County, SD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Harding County. Does not include the incorporated Towns of Buffalo and Camp Crook, which administer their own permits.

Department

Harding County Planning and Zoning Department

Address

410 Ramsland Street, Box 26, Buffalo, SD 57720

Phone

605-375-3313

Application Process

1. Contact Harding County Planning and Zoning Department at 605-375-3313 to determine if a permit is required for your project.
2. Complete the building permit application form (available from the county office).
3. Submit application with required documentation and drawings.
4. County staff reviews plans for compliance with the adopted building code and zoning ordinances.
5. Pay applicable permit fee (fee schedule not published online; contact department for details).
6. Receive issued permit.
7. Post permit on-site before construction begins.
8. Schedule required inspections during construction.
9. Request final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy (if applicable).

Typical processing time: Not publicly stated; contact department for current estimate

General Requirements

A construction permit is required for any new structure or addition in unincorporated Harding County. This includes sheds, garages, pole buildings, grain bins, weigh scales, conveyors, and other structures. Floodplain development permits may be required for projects in designated floodplain areas.

Required Documents

• Completed application form
• Site plan showing property lines and proposed structure location
• Property description
• Construction plans and drawings (as required for project type)

Permit validity

Not publicly stated; contact department

Building code

Harding County adopts a building code meeting or exceeding the 2021 International Building Code as required by South Dakota Codified Laws Chapter 11-10. Specific information about which edition is currently enforced should be confirmed with the county Planning and Zoning Department.

Owner-builder

Not publicly stated; contact department

Contractor requirements

State registration under SDCL Chapter 36-21C (administered by South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation) is required for residential contractors. Electrical and plumbing work requires a state-licensed contractor regardless of project size.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Not publicly listed; contact department for current fee schedule

Payment note

Contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 605-375-3313 for current fee schedule and payment instructions. Payment likely made in person or by phone arrangement at the county office.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Harding County Planning and Zoning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 605-375-3313 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Not publicly stated; contact department

Inspection hours

Not publicly detailed; contact department

Time windows

Not publicly detailed; contact department

Typical inspection sequence: Not publicly detailed; contact department

Additional Resources

• Building code: Harding County adopts a building code meeting or exceeding the 2021 International Building Code as required by South Dakota Codified Laws Chapter 11-10. Specific information about which edition is currently enforced should be confirmed with the county Planning and Zoning Department.
• License lookup guide: South Dakota Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: South Dakota Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• South Dakota hub: South Dakota Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Harding County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Harding County, SD?

A construction permit is required for any new structure or addition in unincorporated Harding County. This includes sheds, garages, pole buildings, grain bins, weigh scales, conveyors, and other structures. Floodplain development permits may be required for projects in designated floodplain areas.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Harding County, SD?

Fees are calculated as: Not publicly listed; contact department for current fee schedule.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Harding County, SD?

1. Contact Harding County Planning and Zoning Department at 605-375-3313 to determine if a permit is required for your project. 2. Complete the building permit application form (available from the county office). 3. Submit application with required documentation and drawings. 4. County staff reviews plans for compliance with the adopted building code and zoning ordinances. 5. Pay applicable permit fee (fee schedule not published online; contact department for details). 6. Receive issued permit. 7. Post permit on-site before construction begins. 8. Schedule required inspections during construction. 9. Request final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy (if applicable).

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Harding County, SD?

Typical processing time is Not publicly stated; contact department for current estimate.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Harding County, SD?

The following work is generally exempt: Routine agricultural work and normal farming operations may not require a county construction permit (confirm with department); Minor repairs that do not change the use or footprint of a structure may be exempt (confirm with department). Note: Specific exempt categories are not publicly enumerated. The department advises contacting them directly at 605-375-3313 to determine permit necessity for any project.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Harding County, SD?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 605-375-3313. Not publicly stated; contact department.