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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Perkins County
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.
- 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)
- Exempt 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.
- Completed application form
- Site plan showing property lines and proposed structure location
- Property description
- 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.
- Permit validity
- Contact department for current permit validity period
- 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.
Application process
Typical processing: Typically 1–2 weeks for residential projects; longer for commercial. Contact department for current estimate.
- 01 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.
- 02 Describe the proposed project to determine whether a building permit, floodplain development permit, or other permit type is required.
- 03 Obtain and complete the applicable permit application form.
- 04 Submit application with required documents and site plan.
- 05 County staff reviews the application for compliance with zoning regulations and building standards.
- 06 Pay applicable permit fee.
- 07 Receive issued permit; post on site before construction begins.
- 08 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.
Fee schedule
Perkins County building permit fees
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.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (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 sequence: Inspections required at foundation, framing, mechanical, and final stages as required by county standards
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Perkins County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Perkins County, SD? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Perkins County, SD? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Perkins County, SD? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Perkins County, SD? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Perkins County, SD? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Perkins County, SD? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Perkins County Planning and Zoning Administrator before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.