On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Minnehaha County
New construction, additions, remodeling, and certain types of structural repair. A building permit authorizes the specific use and proper location of structures on the property.
One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not exceeding 120 square feet
Fences not over 6 feet high
Water tanks supported directly on grade if capacity is not greater than 5,000 gallons and height-to-diameter ratio does not exceed 2:1
Painting, wallpaper, and similar finish work
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not exceeding 120 square feet
- Exempt Fences not over 6 feet high
- Exempt Water tanks supported directly on grade if capacity is not greater than 5,000 gallons and height-to-diameter ratio does not exceed 2:1
- Exempt Painting, wallpaper, and similar finish work
Note: Work exempt from permit must still comply with applicable code provisions and zoning regulations.
Required documents
- Application packet (includes description, checklist, and form)
- Site plan
- Additional documentation varies by project type
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
- Owner-builder
- It is recommended that the building permit be obtained by the individual actually performing the work.
- Contractor requirements
- State excise tax license required for contractors doing business in South Dakota.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Determine parcel location and applicable zoning district using county GIS tools or by calling the Planning and Zoning office at (605) 367-4204.
- 02 Confirm whether the project is within city limits (city jurisdiction) or unincorporated county area (county jurisdiction).
- 03 Download or pick up the appropriate application packet from the Planning and Zoning office or at https://www.minnehahacounty.gov/dept/pl/appForms/appForms.php.
- 04 Prepare required documents per the checklist included in the application packet (checklist varies by permit type).
- 05 Submit completed application and payment in person at the Courthouse Administration Building, 3rd Floor North.
- 06 Await review by Planning and Zoning staff.
- 07 Permit is issued; post permit at job site.
- 08 Schedule inspections with the county building inspector at (605) 360-8507.
- 09 State electrical inspections and state plumbing inspections are the applicant's responsibility to arrange separately.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2025
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based per the county building permit fee schedule; square footage unit costs referenced in the residential building handbook
Payment made in person at time of application submission; no online payment portal for building permits confirmed
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2025) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- County building inspector: (605) 360-8507 (phone)
- State electrical inspector: (605) 201-0520 or (605) 251-5454 (phone)
- State plumbing inspector: (605) 773-3429 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Typical sequence: Footing inspection, framing inspection, final inspection (county); electrical inspection (state); plumbing inspection (state)
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Minnehaha County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Minnehaha County, SD? ▸
New construction, additions, remodeling, and certain types of structural repair. A building permit authorizes the specific use and proper location of structures on the property.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Minnehaha County, SD? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Minnehaha County, SD are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based per the county building permit fee schedule; square footage unit costs referenced in the residential building handbook.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Minnehaha County, SD? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Minnehaha County, SD, follow these steps: 1. Determine parcel location and applicable zoning district using county GIS tools or by calling the Planning and Zoning office at (605) 367-4204. 2. Confirm whether the project is within city limits (city jurisdiction) or unincorporated county area (county jurisdiction). 3. Download or pick up the appropriate application packet from the Planning and Zoning office or at https://www.minnehahacounty.gov/dept/pl/appForms/appForms.php. 4. Prepare required documents per the checklist included in the application packet (checklist varies by permit type). 5. Submit completed application and payment in person at the Courthouse Administration Building, 3rd Floor North. 6. Await review by Planning and Zoning staff. 7. Permit is issued; post permit at job site. 8. Schedule inspections with the county building inspector at (605) 360-8507. 9. State electrical inspections and state plumbing inspections are the applicant's responsibility to arrange separately.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Minnehaha County, SD? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Minnehaha County, SD. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not exceeding 120 square feet; Fences not over 6 feet high; Water tanks supported directly on grade if capacity is not greater than 5,000 gallons and height-to-diameter ratio does not exceed 2:1; Painting, wallpaper, and similar finish work. Note: Work exempt from permit must still comply with applicable code provisions and zoning regulations. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Minnehaha County, SD? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Minnehaha County, SD via: County building inspector: (605) 360-8507, State electrical inspector: (605) 201-0520 or (605) 251-5454, State plumbing inspector: (605) 773-3429.
last verified April 2026
source Minnehaha County Planning and Zoning Department ↗
entry id permits/south-dakota/minnehaha/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Minnehaha County Planning and Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.