How much does a building permit cost in Spearfish, SD?

Fees are calculated as: Sliding scale based on project valuation; schedule available through Building Services Division.

How do I apply for a building permit in Spearfish, SD?

1. Submit completed building permit application online, in-person, or by phone to Building Services Division at (605) 642-1335 or buildings@spearfish.gov. 2. Include detailed construction plans drawn by an architect or engineer showing scope and dimensions. 3. Include site plan and property information. 4. Building Services staff reviews the application for completeness and compliance with adopted codes. 5. Plan review period begins the working day after submission (if received after 10:00 a.m., counting begins the following working day). 6. Applicant receives approval, conditional approval with required modifications, or request for additional information. 7. Pay applicable permit fee upon approval. 8. Receive issued permit; post on site before construction begins. 9. Request inspections during and after construction as required.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Spearfish, SD?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (605) 642-1335, buildings@spearfish.gov. Not publicly stated; contact department.

City Building Permits

Spearfish, SD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Spearfish, South Dakota. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

South Dakota Lawrence County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City limits and Joint Powers Area.

Department: Building Services Division
Address: 625 N 5th Street, Second Floor, Spearfish, SD
Phone: (605) 642-1335
Email: buildings@spearfish.gov
Website: https://www.spearfish.gov/174/Building-Services

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Spearfish Building Services Division

Platform: Online / In-person / Phone • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Submit completed building permit application online, in-person, or by phone to Building Services Division at (605) 642-1335 or buildings@spearfish.gov.
Include detailed construction plans drawn by an architect or engineer showing scope and dimensions.
Include site plan and property information.
Building Services staff reviews the application for completeness and compliance with adopted codes.
Plan review period begins the working day after submission (if received after 10:00 a.m., counting begins the following working day).
Applicant receives approval, conditional approval with required modifications, or request for additional information.
Pay applicable permit fee upon approval.
Receive issued permit; post on site before construction begins.
Request inspections during and after construction as required.

Typical processing time: Residential projects: up to 7 working days from complete submission; Commercial/Industrial projects: up to 20 working days from complete submission.

Source: Building Services Division

General Requirements

A building permit is required for new construction, additions and alterations, remodeling and repairs, demolition work, plumbing installations and modifications, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) work. Exception: Work on owner-occupied residences does not require licensing unless it involves structural improvements.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Construction plans and specifications drawn by architect or engineer
Site plan
Property description

Permit validity: Not publicly stated; contact department
Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), 2015 South Dakota Plumbing Code.
Owner-builder: Owner-occupied residential work may not require licensing if non-structural
Contractor requirements: All contractors performing construction work within Spearfish city limits must be licensed, including valid South Dakota Department of Revenue Excise Tax ID and current certificates of insurance.

Fees

Permit fee formula: Sliding scale based on project valuation; schedule available through Building Services Division
Payment note: Building permit fee schedule is available online at https://www.spearfish.gov/178/Design-Criteria-Adopted-Codes or by contacting Building Services at (605) 642-1335 or buildings@spearfish.gov.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Building Services Division to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(605) 642-1335 (phone)
buildings@spearfish.gov (email)

Scheduling deadline: Not publicly stated; contact department
Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, standard business hours
Time windows: Not publicly detailed; contact department

Typical inspection sequence: Not publicly detailed; contact department

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), 2015 South Dakota Plumbing Code.
Design Criteria & Adopted Codes
Permit Requirements
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 Building Services Division before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spearfish Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Spearfish, SD?: A building permit is required for new construction, additions and alterations, remodeling and repairs, demolition work, plumbing installations and modifications, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) work. Exception: Work on owner-occupied residences does not require licensing unless it involves structural improvements.
How much does a building permit cost in Spearfish, SD?: Fees are calculated as: Sliding scale based on project valuation; schedule available through Building Services Division.
How do I apply for a building permit in Spearfish, SD?: 1. Submit completed building permit application online, in-person, or by phone to Building Services Division at (605) 642-1335 or buildings@spearfish.gov. 2. Include detailed construction plans drawn by an architect or engineer showing scope and dimensions. 3. Include site plan and property information. 4. Building Services staff reviews the application for completeness and compliance with adopted codes. 5. Plan review period begins the working day after submission (if received after 10:00 a.m., counting begins the following working day). 6. Applicant receives approval, conditional approval with required modifications, or request for additional information. 7. Pay applicable permit fee upon approval. 8. Receive issued permit; post on site before construction begins. 9. Request inspections during and after construction as required.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Spearfish, SD?: Typical processing time is Residential projects: up to 7 working days from complete submission; Commercial/Industrial projects: up to 20 working days from complete submission..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Spearfish, SD?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (605) 642-1335, buildings@spearfish.gov. Not publicly stated; contact department.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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