Building permits, zoning and land rules in Davison County, South Dakota
52Index Score / 100 #15 of 66 in South Dakota
Unincorporated Davison County, South Dakota requires a building permit before construction of a permanent structure1. County zoning applies in unincorporated areas, including Loomis, while Ethan, Mount Vernon and Mitchell run their own zoning and building permits and Mitchell also controls its extraterritorial district23. Septic systems anywhere in the county must meet state DANR and State Plumbing Code rules4. Start with Davison County Planning and Zoning5.
At a glance
Building permit
Required before constructing a permanent structure in unincorporated areas1
Zoning
Yes in unincorporated areas, including Loomis; other local authorities cover cities and Mitchell's extraterritorial district23
Agricultural District lot
A residence generally needs 25 acres and 150 feet of width in the Agricultural District, subject to grandfather and variance exceptions6
Septic
State standards and plumbing rules apply, with additional county siting, lot-size and review requirements4
RV living
Countywide occupancy rule not confirmed; ask Planning and Zoning before relying on an RV as housing75
Manufactured home
Permitted as a principal use in the Agricultural District; conditional-use approval is required in Rural Residential89
Owner wiring
A qualifying resident owner may do the work, but must obtain the state homeowner permit and inspections10
Permit fees
Published by construction type; the county schedule lists a $150 minimum fee11
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Do you need a building permit in Davison County, South Dakota?
Yes. Unincorporated Davison County requires a building permit before construction of any permanent structure, while inside Ethan, Mount Vernon and Mitchell the city issues building permits.1 The broader ordinance also requires approval before concrete is poured, infrastructure is installed, a structure is demolished, moved or enlarged, or a use changes; driveway concrete is excluded when no structure will sit on it.12 The permit must conform to zoning unless the required written approval for an administrative review, conditional use, variance or zone change has been issued.12 Starting without a permit can mean double the original fee plus lost property taxes and interest.12 Agricultural land is not automatically permit-free.12 Davison County sources do not state a general construction-code adoption, routine inspection sequence or certificate-of-occupancy process, so ask Planning and Zoning what plans and closeout steps apply.5
Who issues Davison County building permits, and how do you reach them?
Davison County Planning and Zoning issues county building permits and handles zoning questions, addresses, plats, conditional uses and variances.5 The office is in the Davison County Courthouse at 200 E 4TH AVENUE, MITCHELL, SD 57301, and its published phone numbers are (605) 995-8615 and (605) 995-8640.5 Building permit fees vary by construction type, so ask the office which charge applies; the 2026 schedule also lists $150 for a variance and for a conditional use, and $100 for plat consideration.1311 County jurisdiction does not cover every address: Ethan, Mount Vernon and Mitchell use their city offices for building permits and zoning approval, while Mitchell administers its extraterritorial district.31 County septic rules and state DANR standards apply regardless of the city line.4 Give staff the parcel location or legal description so they can identify jurisdiction, district, setbacks, application and fee.5
Does Davison County have zoning?
Yes. Davison County zoning applies in unincorporated areas, including Loomis, but excludes Ethan, Mount Vernon and Mitchell; Mitchell also controls its extraterritorial district.23 The ordinance creates nine district types, and the signed map in the Zoning Administrator's office is the final authority on a parcel's designation.14 In the Agricultural District, a residence generally needs 25 acres and 150 feet of lot width, subject to grandfathering and listed variance routes.6 Agricultural District setbacks are generally 75 feet from public rights-of-way and 50 feet at the side and rear, while other districts use different schedules.15 Manufactured homes are permitted principal structures in the Agricultural District but require conditional-use approval in Rural Residential.89
How do septic permits work in Davison County?
Septic systems anywhere in Davison County must comply with South Dakota DANR requirements and the State Plumbing Code, while county zoning adds local siting, lot-size and review rules.4 A water-carriage system using a private water supply on the same lot generally requires at least 43,560 square feet; qualifying public water, off-lot private water or hauled water stored in a cistern can reduce that threshold to 20,000 square feet when state separation rules are met.16 Those lot-size rules do not apply when wastewater goes to a holding tank or an unconventional system permitted under the cited state rule.16 Ask County Planning and Zoning and DANR to identify the review path before installation because a universal permit and inspection process for every residential system was not confirmed.517 Only 1.1% of Davison County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so obtain a site-specific evaluation early.18
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Davison County?
We could not confirm a Davison County rule that directly allows or prohibits long-term RV occupancy or temporary camping on private land. Ask Planning and Zoning how the parcel's district treats RV occupancy, hookups and living onsite during construction.75 We also could not confirm a special tiny-home rule or a general minimum dwelling floor area. A tiny home intended as a permanent structure still needs county permit and zoning review in unincorporated areas.15 Manufactured homes have clearer rules: they are permitted principal structures in the Agricultural District, require conditional-use approval in Rural Residential, and remain subject to district lot size, setbacks and floodway limits.8919 Planned developments and subdivisions must use a DANR-approved water system, but no countywide mandatory utility-connection rule was confirmed.20
Building a home in Davison County: what are the steps?
Confirm whether the parcel is under Davison County, a city or Mitchell's extraterritorial jurisdiction.3
Ask Planning and Zoning for the zoning district, allowed residential use, setbacks, plat status and fee; Agricultural District homes generally face a 25-acre lot and 150-foot width requirement, subject to exceptions.14611
Evaluate water and wastewater under both county siting rules and state standards.416
If creating a parcel, hire a registered South Dakota land surveyor and follow the city, county or combined plat-approval route that applies to the location.21
Obtain the building permit before construction, then begin within 180 days and substantially complete the project within 2 years unless an extension is granted.122
Arrange plumbing, electrical and access approvals; subdivision access needs written approval from the appropriate highway or street authority before the plat is filed.102324
What should you check before buying land in Davison County?
Confirm the parcel's governing jurisdiction, zoning district, lot dimensions, buildable area and legal access before closing because authority and dimensional rules vary by location.3615 Investigate wastewater feasibility early: only 1.1% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field.18 Planned developments and subdivisions need a DANR-approved water system, while other sites may use qualifying private or cistern supplies under the county's wastewater siting rules.2016 For a private well, determine whether the intended water use requires a state water-right permit before drilling, and expect to submit a water sample from each new domestic well to the state Department of Health Laboratory or another approved laboratory.25 A new driveway needs an Approach Application taken to the County Highway Shop with a $25 fee; ask the appropriate road authority about access before platting a subdivision.24 No residential structure, including a manufactured or modular home, may be placed in a floodway without meeting the county Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance criteria, and floodplain development needs a Floodplain Development Permit with a flood proof plan.2627 The effective property-tax rate is about 1.2%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $2,361.2829
Watch-outs
Do not use the county building permit or zoning process for land inside Ethan, Mount Vernon, Mitchell or Mitchell's extraterritorial district; those areas go through the relevant city, while septic rules from the state apply everywhere in the county.34
A county permit becomes void if work does not start within 180 days, and it expires if work starts on time but is not substantially complete within 2 years unless an extension is granted for special circumstances.22
Davison County's RV occupancy, temporary-camping, tiny-home occupancy and general minimum-home-size rules were not confirmed; ask Planning and Zoning before treating a small or movable dwelling as allowed.75
Only 1.1% of Davison County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so investigate the actual homesite before finalizing a house location.18
Before filing a residential or commercial subdivision plat, obtain written access approval from the appropriate highway or street authority; this approval does not replace other required permits.24
Written October 9, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.
Davison County highlighted among the South Dakota counties · colored by Index score
How Davison County scores
Seclusion67100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency2398% ev.
Admin Boringness49100% ev.
Durability51100% ev.
Property Autonomy67100% ev.
Carry Cost79100% ev.
Evidence strength: 99%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →
$258kTypical home
1.2%Property tax
$4,642Land / acre
25.1"Annual rain
12.7% of yrsSevere drought
12.3 / yr (+9.8)Mid-century 100°F days
21.8 daysMid-century dry spell
1.39" (+6.7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.55×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,671Home insurance / yr
4.5% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
23,739People within 30 min
546,734People within 2 hr
22,275Radius comparison (15 mi)
45.7People / sq mi
3.4%Federal land
97.4%Land at 15% slope or less
1.1%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Davison County
Inside a city, town or township here, that government usually sets zoning and may issue its own building permits; the county’s rules above cover land outside them.
Not yet researched: Badger Township · Baker Township · Beulah Township · Blendon Township · Lisbon Township · Mount Vernon · Mount Vernon Township · Perry Township · Prosper Township · Rome Township · Tobin Township · Union Township
Answers from the rulebook for Davison County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Davison County rules
Building permitRequired
Any permanent structure in unincorporated Davison County.
A Building Permit Application is required before construction.
Municipal building permits are issued by the respective municipality.
Fees vary by construction type and applicants are directed to Fee Schedule 2026 or Planning and Zoning.
Projects must begin within 180 days or the permit is void and applicable fees are due to restart.
If started within 180 days but not substantially completed within two years, the permit expires and is canceled; an extension may be requested for special circumstances.
“Any permanent structures will require a Building Permit Application prior to construction.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Construction, demolition, movement, additions, and use changes governed by the Davison County Zoning Administrator.
“No concrete shall be poured, infrastructure installed, or structure shall be erected, demolished, moved, added to, or use changed without a permit issued by the Zoning Administrator.”
County-wide zoningPresent
Davison County zoning ordinance and county zoning administration, subject to incorporated-municipality jurisdictional exceptions.
The county page states that zoning issues inside Ethan, Mt. Vernon, and Mitchell city limits are directed to those city offices.
The City of Mitchell has jurisdiction over the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction District one mile outside Mitchell city limits.
“Davison County adopted a temporary Zoning Ordinance on April 29, 1996; with a permanent Ordinance adopted on April 1, 1998.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Present (with conditions) — Davison County zoning ordinance in unincorporated areas, including Loomis but excluding Ethan, Mount Vernon, and Mitchell.
“As established on the map entitled “The Official Zoning Map of Davison County, South Dakota”, the provisions of this Ordinance shall apply within the unincorporated areas of Davison County, South Dakota, to include Loomis but excluding Ethan, Mt. Vernon, and Mitchell.”
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
Aggregate local zoning across unincorporated Davison County and incorporated Ethan, Mt. Vernon, and Mitchell.
Davison County administers zoning in the county area subject to its ordinance.
Zoning inside the named city limits is directed to the respective city offices.
Mitchell also administers its one-mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction District.
“Zoning issues inside the city limits of Ethan, Mt. Vernon, and the City of Mitchell should be directed to their city offices. The City of Mitchell also has jurisdiction over the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction District, which is the one mile outside the Mitchell city limits, as shown on the Zoning Map.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate local zoning across Davison County municipalities and unincorporated areas.
“Zoning issues inside the city limits of Ethan, Mt. Vernon, and the City of Mitchell should be directed to their city offices. The City of Mitchell also has jurisdiction over the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction District, which is the one mile outside the Mitchell city limits, as shown on the Zoning Map.”
Zoning districtsPublished
Davison County zoning districts and official zoning map.
The ordinance identifies Agricultural, Agricultural Residential, Rural Estates, Rural Residential, Platted Town Site Residential, Planned Unit Development, Rural Commercial, City Limits, and Extraterritorial Jurisdiction districts.
The signed Official Zoning Map in the Zoning Administrator's office is the final authority as to current zoning status.
“The Zoning Ordinance explains the different zoning districts, as well as the permitted principal, accessory, conditional, and prohibited uses and structures for each district.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Published (with conditions) — Davison County zoning districts and district-specific permitted, accessory, conditional, and prohibited uses in unincorporated areas.
“The Zoning Ordinance explains the different zoning districts, as well as the permitted principal, accessory, conditional, and prohibited uses and structures for each district.”
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
Residential lots in the Agricultural District and other district-specific zoning areas.
In the Agricultural District, lots recorded before May 1, 1996 are grandfathered.
The 25-acre minimum may be waived by variance under listed criteria, including a farmstead, an additional family-farm dwelling, financing-agency requirements with adjacent acreage, or transfer to a relative within the third degree.
Other districts have separate lot standards.
minimum lot area per single-family dwelling, modular, or manufactured home in Agricultural District: >= 25 acres (Listed variance and grandfathering provisions) · minimum lot width in Agricultural District: >= 150 feet
“The minimum lot width shall be one hundred and fifty (150) feet. The minimum lot area per single-family dwelling unit, modular, or manufactured home to be used as a residence shall be twenty-five (25) acres.”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
District specific (with conditions) — Single-family dwellings, modular homes, and manufactured homes used as residences in the Agricultural District.
“The minimum lot area per single-family dwelling unit, modular, or manufactured home to be used as a residence shall be twenty-five (25) acres. Lots recorded at the Register of Deeds prior to May 1, 1996 are grandfathered in from complying with this Section.”
District specific (with conditions) — Single-family dwellings, modular homes, and manufactured homes in the Rural Estate District.
“The minimum lot width shall be three hundred (300) feet. The minimum lot area shall be three (3) acres per single family dwelling unit, modular, or manufactured home.”
Specified — Single-family dwellings, modular homes, and manufactured homes used as residences in the Agricultural District.
“The minimum lot area per single-family dwelling unit, modular, or manufactured home to be used as a residence shall be twenty-five (25) acres. Lots recorded at the Register of Deeds prior to May 1, 1996 are grandfathered in from complying with this Section.”
SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)
Buildings, structures, decks, patios, carports, and obstructions in the Agricultural District.
Front setback is measured from public rights-of-way.
Rear and side setbacks are measured from lot lines or public rights-of-way.
Accessory buildings may not be in required yard areas or within five feet of another building unless connected.
No structure other than a standard USPS-approved mailbox may be erected in a right-of-way.
Temporary items such as bales may not remain in the right-of-way past November 1; trees and crops may not remain in rights-of-way.
front setback: >= 75 feet · rear setback: >= 50 feet · side setback: >= 50 feet
“A front yard setback from all public right-of-ways of not less than a depth of seventy-five (75) feet;”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
District specific (with conditions) — Structures in Davison County zoning districts.
“A front yard setback from all public right-of-ways of not less than a depth of seventy-five (75) feet;”
Specified — All buildings and structures, including decks, patios, car ports, and obstructions, in the Agricultural District.
“a. A front yard setback from all public right-of-ways of not less than a depth of seventy-five (75) feet; b. A rear yard setback from all lot lines or public right-of-ways of not less than a depth of fifty (50) feet; c. A side yard setback from all lot lines or public right-of-ways of not less than a width of fifty (50) feet;”
Manufactured homesLimited
Manufactured homes used as residences in county zoning districts.
The ordinance imposes district-specific use, lot-size, setback, and floodway requirements.
The Agricultural District requires 25 acres per single-family dwelling, modular, or manufactured home, subject to stated grandfathering and variance exceptions.
Mobile homes are distinct from manufactured homes under the ordinance and are not authorized in any district.
minimum lot area per manufactured home residence in Agricultural District: >= 25 acres (Lots recorded before May 1, 1996 are grandfathered; stated variance criteria may reduce the lot area)
“The minimum lot area per single-family dwelling unit, modular, or manufactured home to be used as a residence shall be twenty-five (25) acres. Lots recorded at the Register of Deeds prior to May 1, 1996 are grandfathered in from complying with this Section.”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Allowed — Manufactured homes as principal structures in the Agricultural District.
“The following principal uses and structures shall be permitted in the Agricultural District (AG): [...] 10. Manufactured homes;”
Limited — Manufactured homes in the Rural Residential District.
“After the provisions of this Ordinance relating to conditional uses and structures have been fulfilled, the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment may permit a temporary or permanent conditional use or structure in the Rural Residential District (RR) for the following, regardless if a permitted principle or accessory use exists on the property: [...] 9. Manufactured homes;”
Allowed — Manufactured homes used as residences in the Agricultural District of unincorporated Davison County.
“The following principal uses and structures shall be permitted in the Agricultural District (AG): [...] 10. Manufactured homes;”
Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)
On-site wastewater systems in Davison County.
South Dakota establishes statewide minimum requirements and standards.
Davison County zoning adds local siting, lot-size, and review requirements.
The county ordinance requires compliance with applicable South Dakota DANR and State Plumbing Code regulations.
“Septic systems installed within Davison County must comply with all applicable South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources and State Plumbing Code regulations, to include AR 74:53:01.”
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Private-water, cistern, holding-tank, or unconventional wastewater arrangements in unincorporated Davison County.
A water-carriage wastewater system on a lot supplied by a private water supply located on the lot requires at least 43,560 square feet.
A system may be installed on a lot of at least 20,000 square feet with public water, private water not located on the lot, or hauled and stored potable water in a cistern if state separation requirements are met.
The stated lot-size requirements do not apply if wastewater is emptied into a holding tank or an unconventional system is used in accordance with ARSD 74:53:01:16.
minimum lot area with private water supply located on lot: >= 43560 square feet · minimum lot area with qualifying public water, off-lot private water, or cistern: >= 20000 square feet (ARSD 74:53:01:19 separation requirements apply)
“The requirements of this section do not apply if wastewater is emptied into a holding tank or an unconventional system is used, in accordance with AR 74:53:01:16.”
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
Planned developments and subdivisions in unincorporated Davison County.
All lots in a planned development or subdivision must be served by a DANR-approved water system.
The building-permit site plan must include water and sewer service.
These provisions do not necessarily establish a water or sewer connection requirement for every standalone rural parcel.
“All lots within a planned development or subdivision shall be served by a Department of Environment and Natural Resources approved water system.”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Plats, additions, and subdivisions in Davison County.
Rural plats are heard by the Planning Commission and finally approved by the County Commission.
Plats within Ethan, Mt. Vernon, or Mitchell city limits require approval by the respective City Council.
Plats within the designated three-mile area from Mitchell corporate limits also require Mitchell City Planning Commission approval.
New plats require an Agricultural Use Covenant Running with the Land.
An approved plat cannot be filed until the County Treasurer certifies taxes and assessments are paid.
“All rural plats will be heard by the Planning Commission and final approval by the County Commission.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Regulated (with conditions) — Planned developments and subdivisions in unincorporated Davison County.
“Initially, no less than four (4) of the proposed lots within the development or subdivision shall be platted and recorded pursuant to § 11-3. [...] The minimum lot area shall be one (1) acre per single family dwelling unit, modular, or manufactured home. The minimum lot width shall be one hundred and fifty (150) feet.”
Driveway accessRequired
New driveway approaches in Davison County.
A new driveway requires an Approach Application.
The application is taken to the County Highway Shop.
The county page states a $25 fee.
Township-road projects also require township-board approval.
approach application fee: 25 USD
“If you are installing a new driveway, you will need to complete the Approach Application, which will need to be taken to the County Highway Shop on West 5th Street along with a $25 fee.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — New driveways and access for developments in unincorporated Davison County.
“If you are installing a new driveway, you will need to complete the Approach Application, which will need to be taken to the County Highway Shop on West 5th Street along with a $25 fee.”
Building in a floodplainRequired
Development in mapped floodplain areas.
Applicants must complete a Floodplain Development Permit Application and include a floodproof plan.
The county states that extreme restrictions apply when building in a floodplain.
Fill and soil compaction may be used to raise a property above the floodplain, and a surveyor may determine the required elevation.
A map amendment may be pursued to remove property from the floodplain.
“Applicants will need to complete the Floodplain Development Permit Application, to include a flood proof plan.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Limited — Planned developments and subdivisions in unincorporated Davison County in relation to floodways.
“Planned developments or subdivisions shall not be located within the floodway as defined herein.”
Limited — Residential structures designed for human habitation, including manufactured and modular homes, in a floodway.
“No residential structures designed for human habitation including manufactured and modular homes shall be placed, sited, or constructed within a floodway as defined herein without meeting the criteria set forth in the Davison County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.”
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Davison County planning, zoning, building, plat, conditional-use, variance, driveway-approach, and drainage fees.
Building permit fees vary by construction type.
The 2026 fee schedule states all fees are nonrefundable.
Driveway approach fees are directed to the Highway Department.
minimum fee: 150 USD · plat consideration fee: 100 USD · conditional use fee: 150 USD (May include postage) · variance fee: 150 USD (May include postage) · rezoning fee: 200 USD (May include postage)
“Variance (may include postage) $150.00 Plat Consideration Fee $100.00 Conditional Use (may include postage) $150.00”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Published (with conditions) — County building permits and zoning applications.
“Fees for building permits vary for the different types of construction, so please reference the Fee Schedule 2026 or contact the Planning & Zoning office for the appropriate fee.”
Variable (with conditions) — Davison County building permits and related Planning and Zoning applications.
“Fees for building permits vary for the different types of construction, so please reference the Fee Schedule 2026 or contact the Planning & Zoning office for the appropriate fee.”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
County building permits, conditional uses, variances, and plats.
Permanent structures require a building permit application before construction.
Conditional uses require a Conditional Use Application.
Structures not meeting minimum size or setback requirements require a Variance Application.
Plat applications must be submitted before the published Planning and Zoning deadlines.
Projects requiring permits must begin within 180 days and be substantially completed within two years after commencement unless extended for special circumstances.
permit commencement deadline: 180 days (Special-circumstances extension may be requested) · permit substantial-completion period: 2 years (After commencement; extension may be requested)
“All projects requiring building permits must begin the project within 180 days from the date of the building permit. Failure to do so will render the building permit void and require the property owner to start over with the building permit process and pay the applicable fees.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Published (with conditions) — County building-permit process for permanent structures.
“Any permanent structures will require a Building Permit Application prior to construction. This is to ensure your project meets the required setbacks and other terms of the ordinance.”
An individual owner personally installing electrical wiring and fixtures in a residence or farmstead owned and resided in by that individual.
The exemption is from electrical licensure requirements, not from permitting or inspection.
An approved homeowner permit must be obtained before electrical work begins.
The exemption does not apply to commercial or rental property.
Mobile-home and modular-home installations are allowed only when the unit is on an owner-occupied lot at the time of installation; otherwise a licensed South Dakota electrical contractor is required.
A final inspection is required before occupancy.
“an "owner's exemption" as an exemption from licensure requirements”
Building code adoptedPartial
South Dakota building-code adoption framework for local governments, including residential structures and county or municipal construction standards.
For residential structures, the statute authorizes the governing body of a municipality to adopt the 2024 International Residential Code; the quoted residential authorization does not name counties.
A residential-structure rule may not require installation of a sprinkler system and may not impose requirements more stringent than the 2024 International Residential Code.
A residential structure means a detached one-family or two-family dwelling, a townhouse not more than three stories with a separate means of egress, and related accessory structures.
For buildings other than residential structures, a local-unit ordinance must comply with the 2024 International Building Code, subject to statutory exclusions and permitted amendments.
The nonresidential rule does not apply to HUD-compliant mobile or manufactured homes, may not require fire sprinklers in a single-family dwelling, and does not apply to qualifying specialty resorts or vacation-home establishments constructed to Group R-3 requirements.
Where a local unit has not adopted a qualifying ordinance, the default 2024 International Building Code design standard applies to covered construction commenced after July 1, 2026, but the default does not apply to residential structures, mobile or manufactured homes, farmsteads, or accessory structures.
residential model code: 2024 International Residential Code (Municipal governing body authorization; no sprinkler requirement; no requirements more stringent than the code) · nonresidential model code: 2024 International Building Code (Statutory exclusions apply) · default nonresidential design-standard commencement: > 2026-07-01 (The default does not apply to residential structures, mobile or manufactured homes, farmsteads, or accessory structures)
“The governing body of a municipality may enact requirements for construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal, and demolition of a residential structure by adopting the 2024 edition of the International Residential Code, as published by the International Code Council, Incorporated.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Partial — Statewide South Dakota building standards for construction and related work within a local unit of government that has not adopted an ordinance prescribing standards under SDCL § 11-10-5.
“The design standard [...] of any building commenced after July 1, 2026 [...] must be based on the 2024 edition of the International Building Code”
Partial — South Dakota building-code standards for construction within local units of government, including unincorporated county areas.
“The design standard for construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal, and demolition of any building commenced after July 1, 2026, within the boundaries of any local unit of government that has not adopted an ordinance prescribing the standards pursuant to § 11-10-5, must be based on the 2024 edition of the International Building Code as published by the International Code Council, Incorporated. [...] The provisions of this section do not apply to any residential structure as defined in § 11-10-12, mobile or manufactured home, or farmstead and any accessory structure or building thereto.”
InspectionsRequired
Plumbing installations in South Dakota outside cities that administer their own plumbing inspection requirements.
The exception is for cities with their own inspection requirements.
Inspection requests generally require at least 72 hours advance notice, excluding weekends and holidays.
Inspections occur after a plumbing installation certificate is secured.
“You must have a plumbing inspection certificate for all plumbing installations.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Electrical wiring installations subject to South Dakota Electrical Commission inspection.
“A final inspection is required for all jobs prior to occupancy.”
Septic permitLimited
New individual and small on-site wastewater systems in Davison County, with state plan review.
DANR should be contacted before installation of any new on-site system except a conventional on-site system serving an individual residence.
Plans and specifications must be submitted to DANR for installations receiving human excreta other than a conventional individual onsite system under ARSD 74:53:01:03.
Works of sanitary significance require plans and specifications at least 30 days before planned construction under ARSD 74:53:04:05.
All installers of individual and small wastewater systems must be certified by the South Dakota Plumbing Commission.
Local governments may impose more stringent requirements.
“You should contact DANR prior to the installation of any new on-site system except those conventional on-site systems serving an individual residence. DANR will review information about the on-site system to make sure it complies with the regulations.”
Well permitLimited
Water-well drilling and proposed water uses statewide in South Dakota.
A water-right permit is required only for proposed water uses that fall within the permitting requirements; the official page directs applicants to the Using Water in SD page to determine whether a permit is needed.
When a water-right permit is required, state law requires approval before well drilling.
The chief engineer may permit construction of a test well before obtaining the water-right permit; the test well may serve as the production well if the application is approved.
A water-right permit, when required and approved, provides five years to construct the water-use system and an additional four years to place all water to beneficial use.
A well driller's license is required before drilling any well or contracting to drill a well.
construction period after water-right permit approval: 5 years · period to place water to beneficial use: 4 years
“If a water right permit is needed, state law requires the permit to be approved prior to doing any well drilling.”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Limited — Private well drilling and water use in Davison County.
“Your proposed water use may require obtaining a water right permit.”
Required — Water wells in Davison County for which a South Dakota water permit is required.
“Before drilling a well for which a water permit is required, the well owner must obtain a permit.”
Limited — Water wells and water use in Davison County where a South Dakota water-right permit is required.
“Your proposed water use may require obtaining a water right permit. In order to determine whether you need a permit, please refer to the Using Water in SD web page. If a water right permit is needed, state law requires the permit to be approved prior to doing any well drilling.”
Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Farmsteads and accessory structures or buildings thereto under South Dakota's default construction-design standard when the local unit of government has not adopted an ordinance prescribing standards under SDCL 11-10-5.
The default standard applies to building work commenced after July 1, 2026.
The local unit of government may adopt an ordinance allowing local administration and enforcement of the design standard.
The exclusion is from SDCL 11-10-6's default 2024 International Building Code design standard; it does not establish that all local zoning, building, occupancy, or other requirements are waived.
The statute defines farmstead as a farm or ranch, including any structure or building located on the land.
Residential structures and mobile or manufactured homes are also excluded from this specific default-standard provision.
construction commencement date: > 2026-07-01 (The provision applies to buildings commenced after July 1, 2026.) · building standard: 2024 International Building Code (The default standard does not apply to a farmstead or accessory structure or building thereto.)
“farmstead and any accessory structure or building thereto.”
county zoning authorityGeneral
South Dakota county boards' authority to adopt zoning ordinances, including for unincorporated county land.
The authority is granted for promoting the health, safety, or general welfare of the county.
The statute authorizes regulation of building and land-use characteristics including height, number of stories, building and structure size, lot coverage, yards, courts, open spaces, population density, and locations and uses of buildings, structures, and land.
The authorized purposes expressly include trade, industry, residence, flood plain, and other purposes.
This claim identifies statewide enabling authority; whether a particular county has adopted an ordinance is a separate local question.
“For the purpose of promoting health, safety, or the general welfare of the county the board may adopt a zoning ordinance to regulate and restrict the height, number of stories, and size of buildings and other structures, the percentage of lot that may be occupied, the size of the yards, courts, and other open spaces, the density of population, and the location and use of buildings, structures, and land for trade, industry, residence, flood plain, or other purposes.”
county building authorityLimited
County authority to prescribe building standards and issue building permits for construction in South Dakota, including unincorporated areas.
Section 11-10-5 expressly addresses ordinances adopted by any local unit of government, and expressly provides for amendments to a county ordinance filed with the county auditor.
That provision concerns buildings other than residential structures as defined in § 11-10-12.
Section 11-10-12 expressly authorizes a municipality to enact residential-structure requirements using the 2024 International Residential Code, rather than expressly extending that authorization to counties.
A county, municipality, or township may not require permits for specified repairs or substantially similar replacements to existing exterior parts of a detached single-family owner-occupied residential structure, except designated historical property repairs authorized under chapter 1-19B.
Construction under the default § 11-10-6 standard is subject to the residential, manufactured-home, farmstead, accessory-structure, and specialty-resort exclusions stated there.
nonresidential code: 2024 International Building Code (County ordinances may amend, modify, or delete portions before enactment; HUD-compliant mobile or manufactured homes and specified Group R-3 specialty resorts or vacation home establishments are excluded; no single-family dwelling fire sprinkler may be required.) · permit exemption effective date: 2026 (Applies to listed repairs and substantially similar replacements of existing exterior parts.)
“Additional deletions, modifications, and amendments to the county ordinance may be made by the governing body and are effective upon their adoption and filing with the county auditor. [...] Notwithstanding any authority granted to a county, municipality, or township to prescribe building codes or standards or to issue building permits, a county, municipality, or township may not require a building permit for the repair or substantially similar replacement of any of the following existing exterior parts of a detached single-family owner-occupied residential structure:”
Set by your township or city, not the county
In South Dakota, zoning is adopted by each township or city, so Davison County has no county-wide answer on these. Find your township or city in the list of places on this page, or call its clerk or zoning administrator.
Minimum dwelling size
Lot coverage
Building height
Living in an RV
Camping on your land
Tiny homes
Accessory dwellings
Short-term rentals
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.
Certificate of occupancy — Certificate-of-occupancy requirements.
Septic inspection — On-site wastewater inspections in Davison County.
Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.
Living off-grid in Davison County, South Dakota
Is Davison County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Davison County scores 52/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: workable self-sufficiency basics (25.1″/yr rainfall).
Do you need a building permit in Davison County, South Dakota?
Davison County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.
How much does land cost in Davison County, South Dakota?
Land in Davison County runs about $4,642 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Davison County?
Davison County gets about 25.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 12.7% of years.
How remote is Davison County?
A representative private-land location has about 23,739 people within a 30-minute drive and 546,734 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.
