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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Howard
A building permit is required for all new construction (residential and commercial), structural additions and modifications, repairs following substantial damage, changes in occupancy classification, and demolition within the City of Howard.
Note: Specific exempt work categories are not publicly enumerated. Contact City Hall at (605) 772-4391 to determine whether your project requires a permit.
- Completed building permit application
- Property address and legal description
- Owner/applicant contact information
- Detailed project description
- Estimated construction cost/valuation
- Site plan or property survey
- Architectural/engineering plans (if required by complexity)
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), and International Property Maintenance Code (Ordinance 732) per SDCL Title 11
- Permit validity
- Not publicly stated; contact City Hall for permit validity and expiration policies
- Owner-builder
- Not publicly stated; contact City Hall at (605) 772-4391 for owner-builder requirements
- 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 City Hall at (605) 772-4391 for current estimate
- 01 Contact City Hall at (605) 772-4391 to request permit application forms and discuss your project.
- 02 Describe the proposed project to determine whether a building permit is required.
- 03 Obtain and complete the building permit application form.
- 04 Submit application with property address, legal description, owner/applicant contact information, detailed project description, estimated construction cost/valuation, and site plan or property survey.
- 05 City Hall reviews application for compliance with adopted building codes, zoning regulations, and municipal ordinances.
- 06 Architectural/engineering plans may be required depending on project complexity.
- 07 Pay applicable permit fee (determined by City Hall based on project valuation and type).
- 08 Receive issued permit upon approval.
- 09 Required inspections during construction (foundation, framing, systems, final).
Typical processing time: Not publicly stated; contact City Hall at (605) 772-4391 for current estimate
Fee schedule
Howard building permit fees
Contact City Hall at (605) 772-4391 for current fee schedule and permit cost estimates. Fee schedule not publicly posted on city website.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (605) 772-4391 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Not publicly stated; contact City Hall
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Closed weekends)
- Time windows
- Not publicly detailed; contact City Hall
Typical sequence: Building inspections are required at various stages of construction. Specific inspection requirements depend on the nature and scope of the project. Inspectors verify compliance with adopted building codes and zoning regulations.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Howard permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Howard, SD? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Howard, SD? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Howard, SD? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Howard, SD? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Howard, SD? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Howard - Building and Zoning Authority before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.