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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for McPherson County
A building permit is required for any improvements to structures/buildings where the market value of improvements exceeds $3,000 in unincorporated McPherson County, Long Lake, Wetonka, and Hillsview. This threshold is established in McPherson County Zoning Ordinance #2024-1.
Note: Specific exempt categories are not publicly enumerated. Contact the McPherson County Equalization Office to determine permit necessity for projects. Note: The $3,000 improvement value threshold is the primary determinant of permit requirement.
- Completed permit application form
- Site plan showing property lines and proposed structure location
- Property description
- Project scope and estimated improvement value
- Building code
- South Dakota Codified Laws Chapter 11-10 requires compliance with the 2021 edition of the International Building Code (IBC). If McPherson County has not adopted specific standards, the 2021 IBC applies by default.
- Permit validity
- Not publicly stated; contact office
- Owner-builder
- Not publicly stated; contact office
- Contractor requirements
- State registration under SDCL Chapter 36-21C (administered by SD Department of Labor and Regulation) is required for residential contractors. Electrical and plumbing work requires a state-licensed contractor regardless of project size.
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly stated; contact office for current estimate
- 01 Contact the McPherson County Equalization Office by phone (605-439-3663), email (mcphersondoe@valleytel.net), or in-person at 1st floor, McPherson County Courthouse, Leola.
- 02 Discuss the proposed project with the Director of Equalization to determine if a construction permit is required based on improvement value threshold ($3,000+).
- 03 Obtain and complete the applicable permit application form.
- 04 Submit application with required documents and site plan.
- 05 Staff reviews application for compliance with McPherson County Zoning Ordinance #2024-1.
- 06 Pay applicable permit fee (contact office for current fee schedule).
- 07 Receive issued permit; post on site before construction begins.
- 08 Request inspections as required.
Typical processing time: Not publicly stated; contact office for current estimate
Fee schedule
McPherson County building permit fees
Contact McPherson County Equalization Office at 605-439-3663 for current fee schedules. Payment methods not publicly listed; likely paid in-person or by phone.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 605-439-3663 (phone)
- mcphersondoe@valleytel.net (email)
- Scheduling deadline
- Not publicly stated; contact office
- Inspection hours
- Not publicly stated; contact office for business hours
- Time windows
- Not publicly detailed; contact office
Typical sequence: Not publicly detailed; contact office
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated McPherson County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated McPherson County, SD? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated McPherson County, SD? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated McPherson County, SD? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated McPherson County, SD? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated McPherson County, SD? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with McPherson County Equalization Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.