How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Perkins County, SD?

Fees are calculated as: Variable; must be confirmed with county office.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Perkins County, SD?

The following work is generally exempt: Routine agricultural work and normal farming operations may not require a county construction permit (South Dakota county zoning statutes allow exemptions for agricultural activities; confirm with department); Minor repairs that do not change the use or footprint of a structure may be exempt; confirm with department. Note: Specific exempt categories are not publicly enumerated; the department advises contacting them directly to determine permit necessity for any project.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Perkins County, SD?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (605) 244-5626 or (605) 244-7110. Contact department for scheduling procedures.

County Building Permits

Perkins County, SD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Perkins County, South Dakota. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

South Dakota Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All unincorporated Perkins County land. Building permits, zoning enforcement, and land use decisions are administered by the Perkins County Planning and Zoning Administrator. Does not include incorporated municipalities (Bison, Lemmon), which enforce their own permits and zoning within city limits.

Department: Perkins County Planning and Zoning Administrator
Address: 101 Main Street, Bison, SD 57620
Phone: (605) 244-5626 or (605) 244-7110
Website: https://www.perkinscounty.org/

Online Permit Portal

Open Perkins County Planning and Zoning

Platform: In-person / Phone / Appointment • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Contact the Planning and Zoning Administrator by phone (605-244-5626 or 605-244-7110) or visit in person at 101 Main Street, Bison, SD 57620.
Describe the proposed project to determine whether a building permit, floodplain development permit, or other permit type is required.
Obtain and complete the applicable permit application form.
Submit application with required documents and site plan.
County staff reviews the application for compliance with zoning regulations and building standards.
Pay applicable permit fee.
Receive issued permit; post on site before construction begins.
Request inspections as required by permit conditions.

Typical processing time: Typically 1–2 weeks for residential projects; longer for commercial. Contact department for current estimate.

Source: Perkins County Planning and Zoning Administrator

General Requirements

A building permit is required for any new structure or addition in unincorporated Perkins County. This includes residential buildings, sheds, garages, pole buildings, grain bins, and other structures. A Floodplain Development Permit may be required for any development in a designated floodplain area.

Required Documents

Completed application form
Site plan showing property lines and proposed structure location
Property description

Permit validity: Contact department for current permit validity period
Building code: Perkins County adopts the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) as the statewide floor, though specific code editions should be confirmed with the county directly.
Owner-builder: Property owners may apply for building permits on owner-occupied residential structures; owner's representative or contractor may also apply with property owner approval.
Contractor requirements: Electrical and plumbing work requires a state-licensed contractor. General contractors must obtain a South Dakota contractor's excise tax license from the Department of Revenue for all construction service contracts.

Fees

Permit fee formula: Variable; must be confirmed with county office
Payment note: Contact Planning and Zoning at (605) 244-5626 or (605) 244-7110 for current fee schedule. Payment likely made in person at 101 Main Street, Suite ?, Bison, SD 57620.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Perkins County Planning and Zoning Administrator to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(605) 244-5626 or (605) 244-7110 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Contact department for scheduling procedures
Inspection hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM; 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (MT)
Time windows: Not publicly detailed; contact department

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections required at foundation, framing, mechanical, and final stages as required by county standards

Additional Resources

Building code: Perkins County adopts the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) as the statewide floor, though specific code editions should be confirmed with the county directly.
Perkins County Official Website
South Dakota Electrical Commission
South Dakota Plumbing Commission
License lookup guide: South Dakota Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: South Dakota Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
South Dakota hub: South Dakota Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Perkins County Planning and Zoning Administrator before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Perkins County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Perkins County, SD?: A building permit is required for any new structure or addition in unincorporated Perkins County. This includes residential buildings, sheds, garages, pole buildings, grain bins, and other structures. A Floodplain Development Permit may be required for any development in a designated floodplain area.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Perkins County, SD?: Fees are calculated as: Variable; must be confirmed with county office.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Perkins County, SD?: 1. Contact the Planning and Zoning Administrator by phone (605-244-5626 or 605-244-7110) or visit in person at 101 Main Street, Bison, SD 57620. 2. Describe the proposed project to determine whether a building permit, floodplain development permit, or other permit type is required. 3. Obtain and complete the applicable permit application form. 4. Submit application with required documents and site plan. 5. County staff reviews the application for compliance with zoning regulations and building standards. 6. Pay applicable permit fee. 7. Receive issued permit; post on site before construction begins. 8. Request inspections as required by permit conditions.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Perkins County, SD?: Typical processing time is Typically 1–2 weeks for residential projects; longer for commercial. Contact department for current estimate..
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Perkins County, SD?: The following work is generally exempt: Routine agricultural work and normal farming operations may not require a county construction permit (South Dakota county zoning statutes allow exemptions for agricultural activities; confirm with department); Minor repairs that do not change the use or footprint of a structure may be exempt; confirm with department. Note: Specific exempt categories are not publicly enumerated; the department advises contacting them directly to determine permit necessity for any project.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Perkins County, SD?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (605) 244-5626 or (605) 244-7110. Contact department for scheduling procedures.

Need help with your project?

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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