Unincorporated Sully County

A construction permit is required for any new structure or addition in unincorporated Sully County, including sheds, garages, pole buildings, grain bins, and other structures. Homeowners who own and occupy a single-family residence may be exempt from certain building codes if they personally perform construction work themselves; verify with the county.

• Exempt One- or two-family dwellings may be exempt from certain building code provisions
• Exempt Mobile or manufactured homes exempt from building code requirements
• Exempt Farmsteads and accessory structures/buildings thereto exempt from building code requirements
• Exempt Normal farming operations and routine agricultural work may not require a county construction permit; confirm with department

Note: Specific exempt categories are not fully enumerated; the department advises contacting them directly to determine permit necessity for any project. Homeowners performing their own work on owner-occupied single-family residences may have exemptions; verify locally.

Building code

2021 International Building Code (IBC) per South Dakota Codified Law § 11-10. Exemptions: one- or two-family dwellings, mobile or manufactured homes, townhouses, and farmsteads/accessory structures. Energy Code: 2009 IECC (voluntary standard).

Permit validity

Not publicly stated; contact department

Owner-builder

It is recommended that permits be obtained by the individual who is actually performing the work. The property owner must authorize the work.

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.

Source: Sully County Equalization & Planning/Zoning Department ↗

1. 01
   Contact the Planning and Zoning Department by phone (605) 258-2522 or visit in person.
2. 02
   Describe the proposed project to determine whether a construction permit or other permit type is required.
3. 03
   Obtain and complete the applicable permit application form.
4. 04
   Submit application with required documents: site plan/plat showing location and dimensions, architectural or engineering plans appropriate to project scope, and identification of utilities (water, sewer, electrical).
5. 05
   Staff reviews the application for compliance with Sully County Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance.
6. 06
   Pay applicable permit fee.
7. 07
   Receive issued permit; post on site before construction begins.
8. 08
   Request inspections as required by permit conditions.

Typical processing time: Not publicly stated; contact department for current estimate

Source: Sully County Equalization & Planning/Zoning Department ↗

Contact Planning and Zoning Department for current fee schedule; payment likely made in person at PO Box 265, Onida, SD 57564 or by phone appointment.

• (605) 258-2522 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Not publicly stated; contact department

Inspection hours

Not publicly detailed; contact department

Time windows

Not publicly detailed; contact department

Typical sequence: Building inspections are typically required at: foundation/footings, framing, mechanical systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC), and final inspection. County inspectors handle foundation, framing, and mechanical inspections; state-certified inspectors conduct electrical and plumbing inspections.

Source: Sully County Equalization & Planning/Zoning Department ↗