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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Spearfish
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.
Note: Contact Building Services Division to determine permit requirements for any specific project. Certain owner-occupied residential work may be exempt from licensing requirements.
- Completed permit application
- Construction plans and specifications drawn by architect or engineer
- Site plan
- Property description
- 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.
- Permit validity
- Not publicly stated; contact department
- 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.
Source: Building Services Division ↗
Application process
Typical processing: Residential projects: up to 7 working days from complete submission; Commercial/Industrial projects: up to 20 working days from complete submission.
- 01 Submit completed building permit application online, in-person, or by phone to Building Services Division at (605) 642-1335 or buildings@spearfish.gov.
- 02 Include detailed construction plans drawn by an architect or engineer showing scope and dimensions.
- 03 Include site plan and property information.
- 04 Building Services staff reviews the application for completeness and compliance with adopted codes.
- 05 Plan review period begins the working day after submission (if received after 10:00 a.m., counting begins the following working day).
- 06 Applicant receives approval, conditional approval with required modifications, or request for additional information.
- 07 Pay applicable permit fee upon approval.
- 08 Receive issued permit; post on site before construction begins.
- 09 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 ↗
Fee schedule
Spearfish building permit fees
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.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (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 sequence: Not publicly detailed; contact department
Source: Building Services Division ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about Spearfish permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Spearfish, SD? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Spearfish, SD? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Spearfish, SD? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Spearfish, SD? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Spearfish, SD? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Services Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.