On this page 6
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Jackson County
A construction permit is required for any new building or structure on residential, commercial, or industrial properties in unincorporated Jackson County, except as noted in exemptions. Buildings 200-599 sq ft are permitted on residential-zoned properties without a primary permitted use; buildings 600+ sq ft require a primary permitted use to be established before permit issuance.
- Exempt Buildings less than 200 square feet are exempt from building permit requirement
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and land use regulations. All projects must comply with Jackson County zoning ordinances. Confirm exemption status with the Building/Zoning Department before proceeding.
- Completed permit application form
- Construction documents (minimum two sets with each application)
- Site plan showing property lines and proposed structure location
- Statements of special inspections
- Supporting documentation
- Architect or engineer seal on all originals, copies, and reproducibles of final drawings and specifications
- Building code
- 2018 International Building Code (IBC) as adopted in Jackson County Chapter 54 Building Code.
- Permit validity
- Permit becomes invalid if work does not commence within 180 days of issuance, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days or longer after commencement.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders may perform electrical and plumbing work under homeowner permits with appropriate licensing; consult county for details.
- Contractor requirements
- Electrical contractors must be licensed through South Dakota Electrical Commission for residential wiring. Plumbing contractors must be licensed through South Dakota Plumbing Commission for residential installations. General contractors have varying licensure requirements; contact department for specifics.
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly stated; contact department for current estimate
- 01 Contact Jackson County Building/Zoning Department by phone (605-837-2420) or visit in person at 1 S Main Street, Kadoka, SD 57543.
- 02 Describe your proposed project to determine permit requirements and applicable exemptions.
- 03 Obtain and complete the applicable permit application form from the Building Permit Packet.
- 04 Prepare construction documents with architect or engineer seals (required for all projects).
- 05 Submit application with construction documents (minimum two sets), site plan, and supporting documentation.
- 06 County staff reviews application for compliance with 2018 IBC and Jackson County Building Code.
- 07 Pay applicable permit fee.
- 08 Receive issued permit; display permit and inspection card on job site and visible from road until project completion.
- 09 Request required inspections (foundation, framing, final) as work progresses.
Typical processing time: Not publicly stated; contact department for current estimate
Fee schedule
Jackson County building permit fees
Contact Jackson County Building/Zoning Department for current fee schedule and payment methods.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (605) 837-2420 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Contact county for scheduling deadlines and availability
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (MT)
- Time windows
- Not publicly detailed; contact department
Typical sequence: Foundation and Footing Inspection (before concrete pour), Framing/Rough Inspection (after roof deck, framing, fire-blocking, concealed MEP complete), Final/Occupancy Inspection (after all work complete, before occupancy). Framing, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical inspections may be conducted simultaneously on request.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Jackson County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Jackson County, SD? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Jackson County, SD? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Jackson County, SD? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Jackson County, SD? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Jackson County, SD? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Jackson County, SD? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Jackson County Building/Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.