County Building Permits
Union County, SD - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Union County, South Dakota. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All unincorporated Union County land. Building permit administration for unincorporated areas is handled by Union County Planning and Zoning Department.
- Department
- Union County Planning and Zoning Department
- Address
- 209 E. Main Street, Suite 100, Elk Point, SD 57025
- Phone
- 605-356-3354
Online Permit Portal
Platform: In-person / Phone / Appointment • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Contact Union County Planning and Zoning Department by phone (605-356-3354) or visit in person at 209 E. Main Street, Suite 100, Elk Point, SD 57025.
- Complete the Building Permit Application form.
- Submit application with site plans showing lot lines and measurements, and drawings (professional or hand-drawn, must clearly show dimensions and lot location).
- Provide proof of property ownership or authorization.
- County Planning and Zoning reviews for zoning compliance with the 2008 Revised Zoning Ordinance.
- Pay permit fees (contact office for current fee schedule).
- Receive issued permit; post on site before construction begins.
- Request inspections as required by permit conditions.
Typical processing time: Not publicly stated; contact department for current estimate
General Requirements
A construction permit is required for any new structure or addition in unincorporated Union County. This includes buildings, garages, sheds, and other structures.
Required Documents
- Completed Building Permit Application
- Site plans showing lot lines and measurements
- Drawings (may be professional or hand-drawn, must clearly show dimensions and lot location)
- Proof of property ownership or authorization
- Permit validity
- Permit becomes invalid if work is not commenced within six months. Work must be completed within one year of issuance.
- Building code
- South Dakota law (SDCL Chapter 11-10) requires compliance with the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) if a local unit adopts building standards. Confirm specific code adoption status with Planning and Zoning office.
- Contractor requirements
- South Dakota contractor's excise tax license required for all contractors. Electricians and plumbers must hold state-issued licenses.
Fees
- Permit fee formula
- Not publicly listed; contact Union County Planning and Zoning at 605-356-3354 for current fee schedule
- Payment note
- Contact department for payment methods and fee schedule. Payment likely made in person at 209 E. Main Street, Suite 100, Elk Point.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Union County Planning and Zoning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 605-356-3354 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Not publicly stated; contact department
- Inspection hours
- Not publicly detailed; contact department
- Time windows
- Not publicly detailed; contact department
Typical inspection sequence: Not publicly detailed; contact department
Additional Resources
- Building code: South Dakota law (SDCL Chapter 11-10) requires compliance with the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) if a local unit adopts building standards. Confirm specific code adoption status with Planning and Zoning office.
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- 2008 Revised Zoning Ordinance (PDF)
- Union County Ordinances
- South Dakota Contractor's Excise Tax License
- 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 Union County Planning and Zoning Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Union County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Union County, SD?
- A construction permit is required for any new structure or addition in unincorporated Union County. This includes buildings, garages, sheds, and other structures.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Union County, SD?
- Fees are calculated as: Not publicly listed; contact Union County Planning and Zoning at 605-356-3354 for current fee schedule.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Union County, SD?
- 1. Contact Union County Planning and Zoning Department by phone (605-356-3354) or visit in person at 209 E. Main Street, Suite 100, Elk Point, SD 57025. 2. Complete the Building Permit Application form. 3. Submit application with site plans showing lot lines and measurements, and drawings (professional or hand-drawn, must clearly show dimensions and lot location). 4. Provide proof of property ownership or authorization. 5. County Planning and Zoning reviews for zoning compliance with the 2008 Revised Zoning Ordinance. 6. Pay permit fees (contact office for current fee schedule). 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 Union County, SD?
- Typical processing time is Not publicly stated; contact department for current estimate.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Union County, SD?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: 605-356-3354. Not publicly stated; contact department.
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