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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Walworth County
A construction permit is required for any new structure or development project in unincorporated Walworth County areas.
Note: Specific exempt work categories are not publicly enumerated; contact the Zoning Administrator directly to determine permit necessity for any project.
- Completed building permit application form
- Site plans or property sketches showing proposed location
- Building plans or drawings (complexity depends on project scope)
- Property description and/or parcel number
- Owner and applicant contact information
- Building code
- South Dakota Codified Laws Chapter 11-10 requires compliance with the 2021 International Building Code (IBC). Walworth County does not maintain a publicly stated adopted building code edition; contact department for confirmation.
- Permit validity
- Not publicly stated; contact department
- 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 Walworth County Planning & Zoning Department by phone (605-649-7602) or visit in person during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM / 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM).
- 02 Submit completed building permit application form with required documentation.
- 03 Submit site plans or property sketches showing proposed structure location.
- 04 Provide property description and/or parcel number.
- 05 Staff reviews application for compliance with Zoning Ordinance #2017-1 and local requirements.
- 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: Not publicly stated; contact department for current estimate
Fee schedule
Walworth County building permit fees
Contact department; payment likely made in person at PO Box 292, Selby, SD 57472-0292. Fee schedule not publicly posted; contact Planning & Zoning at (605) 649-7602 for current fees.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (605) 649-7602 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Not publicly stated; contact department
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM / 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Time windows
- Not publicly detailed; contact department
Typical sequence: Not publicly detailed; contact department
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Walworth County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Walworth County, SD? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Walworth County, SD? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Walworth County, SD? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Walworth County, SD? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Walworth County, SD? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Walworth County Planning & Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.