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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Harding County
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.
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)
- Exempt Routine agricultural work and normal farming operations may not require a county construction permit (confirm with department)
- Exempt 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.
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)
- 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.
- Permit validity
- Not publicly stated; contact 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly stated; contact department for current estimate
- 01 Contact Harding County Planning and Zoning Department at 605-375-3313 to determine if a permit is required for your project.
- 02 Complete the building permit application form (available from the county office).
- 03 Submit application with required documentation and drawings.
- 04 County staff reviews plans for compliance with the adopted building code and zoning ordinances.
- 05 Pay applicable permit fee (fee schedule not published online; contact department for details).
- 06 Receive issued permit.
- 07 Post permit on-site before construction begins.
- 08 Schedule required inspections during construction.
- 09 Request final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy (if applicable).
Typical processing time: Not publicly stated; contact department for current estimate
§ 04
Fee schedule
Harding County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Not publicly listed; contact department for current fee schedule
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.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Not publicly detailed; contact department
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Harding County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Harding County, SD? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Harding County, SD are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Not publicly listed; contact department for current fee schedule.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Harding County, SD? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Harding County, SD, follow these steps: 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).
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Harding County, SD? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Harding County, SD typically run Not publicly stated; contact department for current estimate. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Harding County, SD? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Harding County, SD? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Harding County, SD via: 605-375-3313. Not publicly stated; contact department.
last verified April 2026
entry id permits/south-dakota/harding/harding-county
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Harding County Planning and Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.