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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Meade County
A building permit is required for any structure construction, residential additions and renovations, and commercial building renovation projects within unincorporated Meade County.
Accessory buildings 200 square feet or less
Decks 100 square feet or less
Roof replacements (reroofing with asphalt shingles)
Replacement windows (in-kind installations)
Repair work that does not alter the structure
- Exempt Accessory buildings 200 square feet or less
- Exempt Decks 100 square feet or less
- Exempt Roof replacements (reroofing with asphalt shingles)
- Exempt Replacement windows (in-kind installations)
- Exempt Repair work that does not alter the structure
Note: Contact the Equalization & Planning Office to determine whether a specific project requires a permit.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Site plan
- Property description
- Building code
- 2006 International Building Code (IBC), 2006 International Residential Code (IRC), and International Fire Code
- Permit validity
- Not publicly stated; contact department
- Owner-builder
- Not publicly stated; contact department
- Contractor requirements
- Electrical and plumbing work requires a state-licensed contractor. State registration under SDCL Chapter 36-21C may be required for residential contractors.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly stated; contact department for current estimate
- 01 Contact the Equalization & Planning Office to determine whether a construction permit is needed.
- 02 Access the iWorq online permit portal to search existing permits and submit applications.
- 03 Prepare required documents including site plans and project descriptions.
- 04 Submit application through iWorq portal or in person at the office.
- 05 Staff reviews application for compliance with county ordinances and building codes.
- 06 Schedule required inspections through the iWorq portal.
- 07 Permit is issued upon approval; must be posted on site before construction begins.
Typical processing time: Not publicly stated; contact department for current estimate
§ 04
Fee schedule
Meade County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Not publicly listed; contact department
Contact department at 605.347.3818 for current fee schedule and payment methods.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- iWorq portal (online)
- 605.347.3818 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Not publicly stated; contact department
- Inspection hours
- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday–Friday
- Time windows
- Not publicly detailed; contact department
Typical sequence: Three mandatory inspections are required: Foundation Inspection (footings and walls), Rough Framing Inspection (structural frame), and Final Inspection (overall completion).
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Meade County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Meade County, SD? ▸
A building permit is required for any structure construction, residential additions and renovations, and commercial building renovation projects within unincorporated Meade County.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Meade County, SD? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Meade 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Meade County, SD? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Meade County, SD, follow these steps: 1. Contact the Equalization & Planning Office to determine whether a construction permit is needed. 2. Access the iWorq online permit portal to search existing permits and submit applications. 3. Prepare required documents including site plans and project descriptions. 4. Submit application through iWorq portal or in person at the office. 5. Staff reviews application for compliance with county ordinances and building codes. 6. Schedule required inspections through the iWorq portal. 7. Permit is issued upon approval; must be posted on site before construction begins.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Meade County, SD? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Meade 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 Meade County, SD? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Meade County, SD. The following work is generally exempt: Accessory buildings 200 square feet or less; Decks 100 square feet or less; Roof replacements (reroofing with asphalt shingles); Replacement windows (in-kind installations); Repair work that does not alter the structure. Note: Contact the Equalization & Planning Office to determine whether a specific project requires a permit. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Meade County, SD? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Meade County, SD via: iWorq portal, 605.347.3818. Not publicly stated; contact department.
last verified April 2026
source Meade County Equalization & Planning Office ↗
entry id permits/south-dakota/meade/meade-county
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Meade County Equalization & Planning Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.