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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Turner County
A building permit is required for new dwelling construction, moving/relocation of structures, renovations and repairs requiring structural or code modifications, demolition, installation or repair of septic systems, land development and site improvements, fence construction (varies by zoning district), and utility installations and infrastructure work.
Note: Specific exempt categories are not publicly enumerated. Contact Turner County Planning and Zoning Department directly to determine permit necessity for any project.
- Completed permit application form (signed and dated)
- Site plan showing property boundaries and building location with setbacks
- Floor plans and elevation drawings
- Specifications for materials and construction methods
- Proof of property ownership or authorization
- Foundation plans for structures
- Utility connections specifications
- Septic system design (if applicable)
- Building code
- Turner County adopted the 2008 Revised Zoning Ordinance (effective October 8, 2008). South Dakota state law permits local jurisdictions to adopt building code standards; many counties reference the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) and 2021 International Residential Code (IRC). Contact Turner County Planning and Zoning directly to confirm which specific code edition is currently enforced, as adoption can vary and be updated periodically.
- Permit validity
- Construction or work authorized by permit must be started within 60 days of permit issuance. Work must be completed within one year from date of approval. Extensions may be available; contact County Planning and Zoning.
- Owner-builder
- Not publicly stated; contact department
- 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 department for current estimate
- 01 Contact Turner County Planning and Zoning Department or visit the Turner County Court House in Parker.
- 02 Obtain and complete the building permit application form.
- 03 Submit application with required documentation: site plan, floor plans, elevation drawings, material specifications, and proof of property ownership.
- 04 County Planning and Zoning reviews application for compliance with building codes, zoning regulations, and setback requirements.
- 05 Applicant pays applicable permit fees before final approval.
- 06 County issues permit once all review criteria are satisfied.
- 07 Work may commence after permit issuance.
- 08 Schedule and complete required inspections during and after construction (foundation, framing, mechanical, final).
Typical processing time: Not publicly stated; contact department for current estimate
Fee schedule
Turner County building permit fees
Contact Turner County Planning and Zoning for current fee schedule. Payment likely made in person at Turner County Court House in Parker. Fee schedule not publicly posted on the county website.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Contact Turner County Planning and Zoning (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Not publicly stated; contact department
- Inspection hours
- Not publicly stated; contact department
- Time windows
- Not publicly detailed; contact department
Typical sequence: All construction work requiring a permit must remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved by the county building inspector. Typical inspection points: foundation inspection (after footings and before concrete pour), framing inspection (after structure is framed), mechanical inspection (plumbing, electrical, HVAC systems), and final inspection (upon completion of work).
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Turner County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Turner County, SD? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Turner County, SD? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Turner County, SD? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Turner County, SD? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Turner County, SD? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Turner County Planning and Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.