Building permits, zoning and land rules in Haakon County, South Dakota
40Index Score / 100 #65 of 66 in South Dakota
Haakon County, South Dakota directs unincorporated-area building-permit questions to the Auditor's Office, but the county page does not say which projects need a building permit1. Inside Philip, the city requires building permits for specified work and administers zoning; South Dakota DANR rules govern septic systems at addresses both inside and outside Philip234.
At a glance
Building permit
Unconfirmed for unincorporated land; ask the Haakon County Auditor before building51
Zoning
Varies by location; Philip has zoning, while no local zoning ordinance applied to one rural project area6
Septic review
State rules apply; conventional systems generally do not require advance state plan submission47
RV living
Long-term occupancy on unincorporated private land is unconfirmed; ask the Auditor1
Tiny homes
No confirmed county rule for occupancy, minimum size, foundation or placement8
Owner-builder
A narrow state exemption lets qualifying owners wire their own residence; it is not a general building-permit exemption9
Private well
Many domestic uses are exempt from a water-right permit, but a licensed driller is still required10
State-highway driveway
SDDOT permission is required before construction begins11
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Do you need a building permit in Haakon County, South Dakota?
The safest answer for unincorporated Haakon County is to ask the Auditor's Office before starting work. The county's notice sends building- and highway-permit questions there but does not identify covered projects, exemptions, inspections or fees1. Available information suggests ordinary residential building permits are not required in unincorporated areas, but we could not confirm that against the county's own notice5. Inside Philip, the city requires building permits for new construction, additions, alterations, demolition, moving structures and changes of occupancy or use; listed exemptions still must comply with city codes and zoning2. Philip has adopted the 2021 International Residential Code for one- and two-family dwellings and the 2021 International Building Code12. South Dakota's default construction standard excludes farmsteads and farmstead accessory buildings, but that exclusion does not waive every local permit or approval13.
Who handles Haakon County building permits, and how do you reach them?
The Haakon County Auditor's Office is the published first call for building- and highway-permit questions, at 605-859-2800 in the county courthouse at 140 S Howard, Philip1. Ask whether the parcel is under county or municipal jurisdiction, whether the work needs building or floodplain approval and whether a county-road approach is involved. We could not confirm county building inspections, occupancy certificates, fees or a general owner-builder exemption for unincorporated land. Inside Philip, building and floodplain permit applications go to the City Office for review and City Council action2. Philip requires an occupancy certificate before a new or altered building is occupied or used14. Septic does not move to Philip with building permits: South Dakota DANR's statewide rules govern on-site wastewater throughout Haakon County4.
Does Haakon County have zoning?
Zoning in Haakon County varies by location: Philip administers zoning and subdivision regulations within the city, while no local zoning ordinance applied to the rural Philip Wind project area when its application was submitted6. That project-area finding does not prove every unincorporated parcel is unzoned3. Ask the Auditor's Office to confirm current zoning, setbacks, lot coverage, building height and minimum dwelling or lot size for a specific rural parcel1. Land division remains regulated even where zoning is absent: before a plat for land outside a municipality can be recorded, it must be submitted to the Haakon County Board of Commissioners, subject to the state-law exceptions and approval conditions15. Inside Philip, the city administers zoning; septic systems remain governed by South Dakota DANR's statewide rules164.
How do septic permits work in Haakon County?
Haakon County septic systems are governed by South Dakota's statewide on-site wastewater rules and the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources4. A conventional individual system may be designed and installed under the state chapter without submitting plans and specifications for advance approval; nonconventional installations receiving human waste need state review before construction7. DANR may inspect an on-site system at any time, though the rule does not promise a routine inspection of every installation17. Only 2.3% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for conventional drain fields, so make the site and soil evaluation an early feasibility test18. If public sewer is available under the state rule's jurisdiction, service-request and distance conditions, a private on-site system cannot be used19.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on land in Haakon County?
Long-term RV occupancy, temporary private-land camping and tiny-home occupancy could not be confirmed for unincorporated Haakon County. Ask the Auditor's Office about the exact parcel and proposed use before relying on an RV as construction housing or a permanent residence1. Inside Philip, travel trailers, motor homes and similar units may occupy only designated tourist pay-camp areas of manufactured-home parks with City Council approval2021. Philip does not allow an RV, camper trailer or tent to serve as a vacation-home rental22. A Philip short-term rental needs current city and state licenses, and the annual city license fee is $1,0002324. Replacement of an existing manufactured home on a Philip residential lot outside the designated area is conditional, including foundation, width, age and replacement-deadline requirements25. Off-grid sanitation is separate: chemical, incinerator and composting toilets require advance approval as experimental systems where water or electrical service is unavailable26.
Building a home in Haakon County: the steps, in order
Confirm whether the land is inside Philip and ask the Haakon County Auditor which building, road-access and floodplain approvals apply1.
If dividing rural land, submit the plat to the Haakon County Board of Commissioners before recording it, subject to state-law exceptions15.
Evaluate water and septic feasibility before finalizing the house site; just 2.3% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field18.
Follow the state septic chapter, submitting plans first if the design is not a conventional individual system7.
Use a licensed well driller and determine whether the proposed water use needs a state water-right permit10.
Obtain applicable plumbing and electrical approvals; the electrical owner's exemption is limited to qualifying owners wiring their own single-family residence9.
In Philip, obtain the city building permit and follow city zoning; elsewhere, ask the Auditor about building approval and zoning2161.
Get SDDOT approval before building an approach onto a state highway11.
What should you check before buying land in Haakon County?
Start with legal access, the road authority and any approach permit; a driveway onto a state highway needs SDDOT permission before construction11. Test the proposed septic area early because only 2.3% of county soils are rated without severe conventional drain-field limitations18. Confirm the water source and permit status: qualifying domestic farm, ranch, household and livestock uses can be exempt from a water-right permit, but the state still requires a licensed well driller10. Annual precipitation is about 18.2 inches, and severe drought has occurred in 16.8% of years, making dependable water planning especially important2728. Finally, ask the Auditor to confirm building, zoning, floodplain, RV and county-road rules for the parcel because those unincorporated-county details are not published clearly1.
Watch-outs
Available information suggests a general building permit is not required, but Haakon County itself directs building-permit questions to the Auditor; call before starting work51.
Philip's building permits, building codes, zoning and occupancy-certificate rule are municipal; South Dakota DANR rules still govern septic systems inside the city, and Philip's rules do not establish the rules for unincorporated Haakon County21216144.
A conventional septic system may avoid advance state plan review, but it must still meet the state chapter and may be inspected717.
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.
Haakon County highlighted among the South Dakota counties · colored by Index score
How Haakon County scores
Seclusion91100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1298% ev.
Admin Boringness78100% ev.
Durability35100% ev.
Property Autonomy67100% ev.
Carry Cost8296% 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 →
$153kTypical home
0.8%Property tax
$1,313Land / acre
18.2"Annual rain
16.8% of yrsSevere drought
21.7 / yr (+14.5)Mid-century 100°F days
22.1 daysMid-century dry spell
1.29" (+6.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.37×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,955Home insurance / yr
9.7% / yrInsurance growth
0.9%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
20,065People within 2 hr
480Radius comparison (15 mi)
1People / sq mi
1%Federal land
82.7%Land at 15% slope or less
2.3%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Haakon 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.
Town of Midland · Philip
Answers from the rulebook for Haakon County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Haakon County rules
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
Aggregate local zoning within Haakon County: the official Philip city page documents municipal zoning administration within the City of Philip, while the official Philip Wind application documents no local zoning ordinances applying to that Project Area.
Within the City of Philip, the municipal Planning & Zoning Committee administers and enforces zoning and subdivision regulations.
For the Philip Wind Project Area, the application states that no local zoning ordinances were in place that applied to the Project Area at the time of submittal.
This aggregate claim does not establish the zoning status of every other municipality, township, or special zoning area in Haakon County.
“The Planning & Zoning Committee is responsible for preparing and maintaining the City's Comprehensive Plan, administering and enforcing zoning and subdivision regulations, enforcing building codes, and carrying out ordinances for permits and inspection.”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate local-zoning status across Haakon County, including municipal zoning and the unincorporated Project Area described in the official state-hosted filing.
“The Project will be constructed on agricultural land in Haakon County. There are no local zoning ordinances in place that apply to the Project Area.”
Varies (with conditions) — Local zoning across Haakon County, aggregated from independently sourced municipal and rural/project-area rules.
“The Planning & Zoning Committee is responsible for preparing and maintaining the City's Comprehensive Plan, administering and enforcing zoning and subdivision regulations, enforcing building codes, and carrying out ordinances for permits and inspection.”
Absent — The agricultural Philip Wind Project Area identified in the South Dakota PUC application within Haakon County.
“The Project will be constructed on agricultural land in Haakon County. There are no local zoning ordinances in place that apply to the Project Area. Philip Wind has collaborated with Haakon County to enter into a RUA for the use, improvement, repair, and restoration of roads within the county, and will obtain required road crossing, approach, and utility permits required for the Project.”
County-wide zoningAbsent
No county planning/zoning department or zoning ordinance is evident for Haakon County; zoning appears limited to the City of Philip.
Electrical wiring and fixture installations in an owner-occupied residence or farmstead under the South Dakota Electrical Commission.
An approved homeowner permit is required before starting electrical work.
A wiring permit is required when a $30 or more fee is generated.
Homeowners may not perform installations on commercial or rental property with a homeowner permit.
Mobile-home or modular-home installations are restricted to units located on an owner-occupied lot at the time of installation; otherwise a licensed South Dakota electrical contractor must perform the work.
wiring permit fee threshold: >= 30 USD (The page states a wiring permit is required when a $30 or more fee is generated.)
“You MUST have an approved homeowner permit BEFORE starting any electrical work. [...] a wiring permit is required when a $30 or more fee is generated (see below).”
Owner-builder exemptionConditional
Electrical wiring in a person's single-family residence in Haakon County under South Dakota's statewide Owner's Exemption
The applicant must not have applied for an Owner's Exemption permit in the last three years.
The applicant must occupy or intend to occupy the residence as the applicant's personal dwelling unit.
The applicant may not rent or lease any part of the residence.
The applicant or the applicant's spouse must be the only persons performing the wiring.
A permit used in violation of the rule will receive a final subject or final void.
This rule concerns electrical wiring permits and does not establish a general exemption from county zoning, building, plumbing, septic, or other requirements.
“A permit for wiring a person's residence may only be issued if: (1) The applicant has not applied for a permit under the Owner's Exemption in the last three years; (2) The applicant occupies or intends to occupy the residence as his or her personal dwelling unit; (3) The applicant does not rent or lease any part of the residence; and (4) The applicant or applicant's spouse are the only persons performing the wiring.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Available (with conditions) — An individual owner personally installing electrical wiring and fixtures in a residence or farmstead owned and resided in by that individual.
“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.”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Partial — Certain construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal, or demolition of buildings commenced after July 1, 2026, within a South Dakota local unit of government that has not adopted an ordinance under SDCL 11-10-5, including potentially applicable portions of Haakon County.
“within the boundaries of any local unit of government that has not adopted an ordinance prescribing the standards [...] must be based on the 2024 edition”
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.”
Who permits septicState
Individual and small on-site wastewater systems statewide in South Dakota.
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources secretary or authorized representative administers the state on-site wastewater requirements.
The state rules are minimum requirements; local governments may impose more stringent requirements, according to the DANR permitting guide.
“The authority for regulating on-site wastewater systems is found in SDCL Chapter 34A-2.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
State — On-site wastewater systems in Haakon County, including unincorporated areas, under South Dakota statewide rules.
“South Dakota's regulations for on-site wastewater systems are found in the Administrative Rules of South Dakota, Chapter 74:53:01 at this link.”
Septic permitLimited
Construction and installation of on-site wastewater systems in Haakon County.
Plans and specifications must be submitted for review and approval before construction for installations receiving human excreta other than a conventional individual on-site wastewater system.
A conventional individual on-site wastewater system may be designed and installed under Chapter 74:53:01 without submitting project plans and specifications for review and approval.
Any requested deviation from Chapter 74:53:01 requires secretary review and approval with plans, specifications, and supporting information prepared by a registered professional engineer or licensed plumber.
Systems constructed after February 28, 1975, must comply with Chapter 74:53:01 where public wastewater collection and treatment systems are not available.
Systems existing before February 28, 1975, are generally exempt unless changed, polluting groundwater, or allowing wastewater to surface; abandoned systems are not exempt.
preexisting-system cutoff: February 28, 1975 (Exceptions apply for changed systems, groundwater pollution, wastewater surfacing, and abandoned systems.)
“Plans and specifications for all installations which receive human excreta, other than a conventional individual on-site wastewater system, must be submitted to the secretary for review and approval prior to construction. Installation and operation of these systems shall be in accordance with the approved plans and specifications. A conventional individual on-site wastewater system may be designed and installed in accordance with this chapter without submission of project plans and specifications to the secretary for review and approval.”
Septic inspectionLimited
Installation, equipment, and operation of on-site wastewater systems in Haakon County.
Inspection is authorized at any time by the secretary or the secretary's authorized representative; the rule does not state that every system receives a mandatory routine inspection.
“Inspection of the installation, equipment, and operation of an on-site wastewater system may be made at any time by the secretary or the secretary's authorized representative.”
Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)
Unconventional sanitation systems where water or electrical service is unavailable in Haakon County.
When a water or electrical system is unavailable, vault privies, chemical toilets, incinerator toilets, or composting units shall be used.
Except for vault privies, all unconventional systems are experimental systems and require plans and specifications submitted to the secretary for approval before installation.
Unconventional systems must also meet the applicable sizing, installation, operation, maintenance, venting, receptacle, nuisance, and waste-disposal requirements in ARSD 74:53:01:40.
“Vault privies, chemical toilets, incinerator toilets, or composting units shall be used when a water or electrical system is not available. With the exception of vault privies, all unconventional systems are considered experimental systems, and plans and specifications shall be submitted to the secretary for approval as an experimental system prior to installation.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Allowed (with conditions) — Unconventional off-grid sanitation systems where a water or electrical system is unavailable statewide.
“all unconventional systems are considered experimental systems”
Well permitLimited
Use of water from a well in Haakon County, including groundwater diverted other than through a common water distribution system.
A water right permit is required for water uses except the domestic uses and qualifying water-distribution systems described by the state.
No separate permit is required for water use supplied from a water distribution system.
Domestic farm, ranch, household, and livestock use from other than a common water distribution system does not require a water right permit when it does not exceed 25,920 gallons per day and does not exceed a peak diversion rate of 25 gallons per minute.
The domestic exemption includes irrigation of a noncommercial family garden, trees, lawn, shrubbery, or orchard no larger than one acre; lawn, tree, and garden watering within a city or town, or from another common water distribution system, is covered by that system's water right.
A noncommercial drip-irrigation system not exceeding 18 gallons per minute does not require a permit even if the irrigated area exceeds one acre.
Use from other than a common water distribution system not exceeding 18 gallons per minute for schools, parks, other public recreation areas, geothermal heating or cooling of a single household, and noncommercial on-farm alcohol production does not require a water right permit.
Water-distribution systems, including towns, rural water systems, subdivisions, and mobile-home parks, that do not pump more than 18 gallons per minute are excepted; certain such systems may still need to comply with Safe Drinking Water Standards.
A permit is required for domestic farm, ranch, household, or livestock use from other than a common water distribution system in excess of either 25,920 gallons per day or 25 gallons per minute; any well allowed to flow more than 18 gallons per minute; irrigation of more than one acre; commercial use from other than a common water distribution system; industrial, manufacturing, gravel-washing, or mining uses supplied other than by a common water distribution system; geothermal business or institutional use except an individual home using 18 gallons per minute or less; a school, park, rest area, or other public recreation-area use over 18 gallons per minute; and hospital, nursing-home, or church use supplied other than by a common water distribution system.
Temporary water permits may be issued for temporary short-term industrial, manufacturing, gravel-washing, and mining projects supplied other than by a common water distribution system.
Permit-application fees are set by SDCL 46-2-13(2).
Well construction remains subject to South Dakota Well Construction Standards; a well driller must be licensed, and the driller must file a well completion report with the Water Rights Program within 30 days after completion.
domestic-use daily volume exemption threshold: <= 25920 gallons per day (Domestic farm, ranch, household, or livestock use from other than a common water distribution system.) · domestic-use peak diversion exemption threshold: <= 25 gallons per minute (Domestic farm, ranch, household, or livestock use from other than a common water distribution system.) · water-distribution-system exemption threshold: <= 18 gallons per minute (Towns, rural water systems, subdivisions, and mobile-home parks.) · flowing-well permit threshold: > 18 gallons per minute (Any well allowed to flow more than this rate requires a water right permit.) · noncommercial irrigation exemption area: <= 1 acre (Family garden, trees, lawn, shrubbery, or orchard; qualifying drip irrigation has a separate exception.)
“Except for the previously described domestic water uses and water distribution systems (e.g. towns, rural water systems, subdivisions, and mobile home parks) that do not pump more than 18 gpm, all uses of water require a water right permit pursuant to procedures in SDCL Chapter 46-2A. Water uses supplied from a water distribution system do not need a separate permit. Examples of uses which require a permit are:”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Water-well drilling and proposed water uses statewide in South Dakota.
“If a water right permit is needed, state law requires the permit to be approved prior to doing any well drilling.”
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
Use of an on-site wastewater system instead of connection to a public wastewater system in Haakon County.
An on-site wastewater system may not be constructed, installed, or operated when a public wastewater system is available.
Public wastewater is considered available when the premises are within the jurisdictional boundaries of a municipality or sanitary district, the public sewer collection system is within 400 feet of the premises, and the municipality or sanitary district requests to provide service.
public sewer collection distance: <= 400 feet (The municipality or sanitary district must also request to provide service, and the premises must be within municipal or sanitary-district jurisdictional boundaries.)
“No person may construct, install, or operate an on-site wastewater system where a public wastewater system is available. A public wastewater system is considered available to premises under the following circumstances:”
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.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Conditional — Construction standards for farmsteads and accessory structures or buildings in South Dakota, including Haakon County.
“The provisions of this section do not apply to [...] farmstead and any accessory structure or building thereto. [...] "farmstead" means a farm or ranch [...]”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Platting land outside municipal boundaries in Haakon County under South Dakota law
The plat must be submitted to the board of county commissioners before recording.
Approval under this section may not be required for a plat specified in SDCL 11-6-26.
The board must approve by resolution when the street system conforms to existing plats and county section lines, adequate access is provided to adjacent unplatted lands by public dedication or physically accessible section line, county subdivision regulations have been complied with, all taxes and special assessments are fully paid, and the plat and survey were lawfully executed.
The board may designate a county administrative official to approve plats instead.
A plat may not be recorded unless it bears the resolution or approval and the county auditor's certificate.
A denial by a designated administrative official may be appealed to the board of county commissioners.
“If any person wishes to plat any lands lying outside the boundaries of a municipality, the person shall be governed by this chapter. Before recording the person's plat in accordance with § 11-3-6, the person shall submit the plat to the board of county commissioners of the county wherein such lands are situated.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Regulated (with conditions) — Division of a government subdivision or platted tract or lot, within or outside municipal corporate limits, into parcels for transfer when the parcels cannot be described except by metes and bounds.
“within or without the corporate limits of any municipality [...] he shall cause the parcels of land so divided to be platted into lots”
Driveway accessLimited
New or modified driveways and intersections connecting to South Dakota state highways.
Permission from the South Dakota Department of Transportation is required for access to a state highway.
The application may require an access approach design, vicinity map, estimated traffic volumes, three copies of a site plan, traffic-control plan, liability insurance, development plan, drainage plan, traffic-impact study, and revegetation plan.
Construction cannot begin until the access permit is issued.
The permittee pays construction, maintenance, and removal costs.
The permit expires if access is not under construction within one year, subject to one written one-year extension.
Access construction must be completed within 45 days after initiation within the highway right-of-way.
application review update threshold: 30 days (If the application is not completed within 30 days, a Department employee will contact the applicant with an update.) · construction completion period: 45 days (Measured from initiation of construction within the highway right-of-way.)
“Construction of the access shall not proceed until the access permit is issued. The access shall be completed in an expeditious and safe manner and shall be finished within 45 days from the initiation of construction within the highway right-of-way.”
Building in a floodplainRequired
Development in floodplains within South Dakota communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program, including incorporated and unincorporated areas administered separately by local governments.
Participating communities must adopt and enforce a flood-damage-prevention ordinance.
Permits are required for all types of development in the floodplain.
New or substantially improved homes and manufactured homes must be elevated above the Base Flood Elevation.
Non-residential buildings must be elevated or flood-proofed.
Elevation Certificates are required to document compliance.
NFIP participation and eligibility are established separately for incorporated and unincorporated areas; the source does not establish a single uniform permit process for every South Dakota location.
“Require permits for all types of development in the floodplain.”
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
South Dakota state electrical wiring permits, including residential and farmstead wiring subject to state administration.
A wiring permit is required for electrical service entrances over 60 amperes, owner-exemption wiring, and other installations with an estimated inspection fee of at least $30.
Local inspection systems may have their own procedures, inspection fees, and regulations.
Inspection fees are separate from the $20 wiring-permit fee.
wiring permit fee: 20 USD · permit validity: 3 years (A new permit is required if the installation extends beyond three years.) · late permit administrative fee: 250 USD (Applies when the permit is not dated at job start or is not renewed before expiration.)
“A wiring permit may be obtained for twenty dollars from the commission office. A wiring permit is valid for three years from the date the permit is issued.”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
South Dakota state electrical wiring permits and inspections.
The installer must send the white permit copy to the Commission within 15 calendar days after starting the installation.
The permit hard copy must be posted at the job site when electrical work starts.
At least 72 hours' notice is required before inspection.
A rough-in inspection must occur before wiring is covered, and a final inspection is required before occupancy.
Homeowner permits are limited to qualifying owner-occupied residences or farmsteads and cannot be used for commercial or rental property.
white permit copy submission deadline: 15 calendar days after starting installation · inspection notice: >= 72 hours
“Within fifteen calendar days after starting an electrical installation, the installer shall send the white copy to the office of the commission.”
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:”
Inside cities and towns in Haakon County
Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.
Building permitRequired
Building construction and related work within the City of Philip, Haakon County, South Dakota.
Permits are required for new construction, additions, alterations, demolitions, moving, and change of occupancy or use.
Permits are required for sheds over 200 square feet.
Permits are required for fences over 7 feet high.
General exemptions still require compliance with applicable codes and zoning regulations.
A one-story detached accessory structure is exempt only when its floor area does not exceed 200 square feet; zoning setback requirements still apply.
Other listed exemptions include fences not over 7 feet high; retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting a surcharge; certain water tanks up to 5,000 gallons and subject to a height-to-diameter or width ratio of 2 to 1; sidewalks and driveways; specified finish work; above-ground prefabricated swimming pools; playground equipment; certain window awnings; similar siding and roofing replacement; gutters, downspouts, storm windows; window replacement without altering the rough opening; structures or work on United States or South Dakota government property; decks not more than 30 inches above grade; and interior remodeling.
Building and flood plain development permits are submitted to the City Office or by email; permits are reviewed by the Building Committee and Building Consultant and presented at the next Council meeting.
shed permit threshold: > 200 square feet · fence permit threshold: > 7 feet high · accessory-structure exemption threshold: <= 200 square feet (One-story detached accessory structures; zoning setback requirements still apply) · retaining-wall exemption threshold: <= 4 feet high (Unless supporting a surcharge) · water-tank exemption capacity: <= 5000 gallons (Height-to-diameter or width ratio must not exceed 2 to 1) · deck exemption threshold: <= 30 inches above grade (At any point)
“When are Building Permits required? Permits are required for the following: New Construction Additions Alterations Demolitions Moving Change of Occupancy/Use Sheds (over 200 square feet) Fences (over 7' high)”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Construction and listed work within the City of Philip, South Dakota, an incorporated municipality in Haakon County.
“When are Building Permits required? Permits are required for the following: New Construction Additions Alterations Demolitions Moving Change of Occupancy/Use Sheds (over 200 square feet) Fences (over 7' high)”
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
Building construction within the City of Philip, South Dakota.
The ordinance states that the 2021 International Residential Code applies to one- and two-family dwellings and that the 2021 International Building Code is adopted.
The City of Philip ordinance includes amendments and exemptions; permit exemptions do not authorize work violating the code or other applicable laws or ordinances.
The ordinance states that the adopted code's jurisdiction means the City of Philip, South Dakota.
The ordinance records adoption of the 2021 building codes in Ordinance 2023-07, approved 06/05/2023.
adopted residential code: 2021 International Residential Code (One- and two-family dwellings; Chapters 1-10, 12-24, and 44) · adopted building code: 2021 International Building Code · building permit threshold for one-story detached accessory structures: <= 200 square feet (Permit exemption; zoning setback requirements still apply) · fence permit threshold: <= 7 feet high (Permit exemption) · retaining wall permit threshold: <= 4 feet high (Measured from grade on exposed side to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge)
“The City of Philip has adopted the following codes: - The 2021 International Building Code [...] - The 2021 International Residential Code”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Adopted (with conditions) — One- and two-family dwellings and other buildings regulated by the City of Philip within city limits.
“The common council hereby adopts the 2021 International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, [...] and the 2021 International Building Code”
InspectionsLimited
Permit and code inspection administration within the City of Philip.
The City page identifies the Building Committee as the building inspector and states that the City carries out ordinances for permits and inspection.
The page does not publish a universal inspection sequence or inspection timing requirements.
“The Planning & Zoning Committee is responsible for preparing and maintaining the City's Comprehensive Plan, administering and enforcing zoning and subdivision regulations, enforcing building codes, and carrying out ordinances for permits and inspection. The Building Committee which is comprised of three council members is designated as the building inspector for the City.”
Certificate of occupancyRequired
Buildings erected or altered, and land-use occupancy, within the City of Philip.
A certificate must be issued by the building inspector before a building is occupied or used.
For a new building or alteration, application is made with the building-permit application and issuance is within three days after written request following completion in conformity with the regulations.
A temporary certificate may be issued during completion or partial occupancy subject to restrictions ensuring occupant safety.
For vacant land or a change in land use, application is required before occupancy/use and issuance is within ten days if the use conforms.
The certificate must state compliance with building and health laws, ordinances, and the regulations; no excavation permit may issue before application for the certificate.
building certificate issuance period: 3 days (after written request and completion in conformity with regulations) · land certificate issuance period: 10 days (provided the use conforms)
“No vacant land shall be occupied or used except for agricultural use and no buildings hereafter erected, or altered, shall be occupied or used before and/or until a certificate for occupancy shall have been issued by the building inspector.”
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Properties within the incorporated City of Philip, Haakon County, South Dakota.
The City administers and enforces zoning and subdivision regulations through its Planning & Zoning Committee.
Specific district rules, permits, and exceptions require review of the City's zoning regulations and zoning map.
“The Planning & Zoning Committee is responsible for preparing and maintaining the City's Comprehensive Plan, administering and enforcing zoning and subdivision regulations, enforcing building codes, and carrying out ordinances for permits and inspection.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Present (with conditions) — Land and structures within the corporate city limits of Philip, South Dakota.
“The City of Philip, South Dakota, is hereby divided into the five (5) districts aforesaid”
Living in an RVLimited
Travel trailers, pickup coaches, motor homes, and camping trailers within designated tourist pay camp areas of City of Philip manufactured-home parks.
Only a designated tourist pay camp area of a manufactured home park may be used.
City Council approval is required.
The ordinance's planning and zoning jurisdiction is limited to land within the City of Philip corporate limits.
“Exception: Travel trailers, pickup coaches, motor homes or camping trailers may be allowed in a designated tourist pay camp area of the manufactured home park as approved by the City Council.”
Camping on your landLimited
Temporary camping by travel trailers, pickup coaches, motor homes, or camping trailers in designated tourist pay camp areas of manufactured home parks inside the City of Philip.
The use must be in a designated tourist pay camp area of a manufactured home park.
Approval by the City Council is required.
The cited provision addresses transient tourist-camp use and does not authorize general camping anywhere in the city.
“Exception: Travel trailers, pickup coaches, motor homes or camping trailers may be allowed in a designated tourist pay camp area of the manufactured home park as approved by the City Council.”
Manufactured homesLimited
Replacement of an existing Type I manufactured home on a residential lot outside the designated area in the City of Philip, South Dakota.
The Type I manufactured home must have existed on the residential lot outside the designated area at the effective date of the ordinance.
A minimum of two off-street parking spaces is required.
The replacement may be single-section and must be at least 14 feet wide as assembled.
The running gear and hitch must be removed.
The home must be anchored to a foundation and permanent footing meeting the listed HUD, continuous perimeter foundation, masonry or poured-concrete, and footing requirements.
Siding and roofing must be of types customarily used on site-constructed residences; the roof must be gabled with a pitch of at least 2/12.
The manufactured home may not be more than three years old from the date of manufacture.
Replacement must be completed within 60 days after removal of the existing structure or it may not be replaced.
Additions must match the home's exterior and comply with anchoring and foundation requirements.
The home must comply with City ordinances and building codes applicable to private dwellings, federal HUD Construction and Safety Standards, and Chapter 16, Section 5.0 if located in the designated floodplain.
The City may prescribe additional requirements as conditions for approval to protect neighboring property character, land-use compatibility, and occupant health and safety.
minimum home width: >= 14 feet (as assembled on site, measured across the narrowest portion) · maximum home age: <= 3 years from date of manufacture · replacement completion deadline: 60 days (after removal of the existing structure)
“Type I Manufactured Homes existing on residential lots outside the designated area [...] may be replaced”
Short-term rentalsLimited
Bed-and-breakfast facilities and vacation-home rentals available to the same guest or guests for no more than 30 consecutive days in the City of Philip, Haakon County.
A City license and Department license are required before operation.
The ordinance excludes a bed-and-breakfast facility or vacation-home rental available for rent for 14 or fewer days in a calendar year from its short-term-rental definition.
Recreational vehicles, camper trailers, and tents may not be occupied as a vacation-home rental.
The principal renter of a vacation-home rental must be at least 21 years old.
The City-wide cap is one bed-and-breakfast facility and four vacation-home rentals at any given time.
Existing Airbnb vacation-home rentals at ordinance passage were grandfathered only if fully compliant within 60 days of passage, including annual renewal.
maximum guest rental period: <= 30 consecutive days (Definition of short-term rental) · annual rental-days exclusion: <= 14 days per calendar year (A bed-and-breakfast facility or vacation-home rental available for this period is excluded from the ordinance's short-term-rental definition) · minimum principal-renter age: >= 21 years (Vacation-home rental)
“No more than one (1) bed and breakfast facility; and, no more than four (4) vacation home rentals”
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Annual City of Philip license for a short-term rental located within the City of Philip, Haakon County.
The applicant must submit the application, fee, and required documents to the City Office.
The application approval is provisional and contingent on securing a South Dakota Department of Health license; a copy of that state license must be submitted before the City issues its local license.
annual short-term-rental license fee: 1000 USD
“The applicable fee is due at the time of submitting this application. Approval of this application is provisional and contingent upon applicant securing a license from the SD Dept. of Health. Applicant must submit a copy of their state license before a local license will be issued by the City of Philip.”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Short-term-rental licensing in the City of Philip, Haakon County.
A short-term rental may not operate without a valid current City license and a valid current Department license.
The City application must be on the City form; the ordinance requires the application fee, owner and property information, proposed-use and occupancy information, local-contact information, a Department lodging license, a South Dakota sales-tax license, and insurance endorsement documentation.
The City Council considers an application only after the applicable City departments investigate eligibility.
The City rejects an application if the City license limit has been reached.
maximum bed-and-breakfast licenses: <= 1 license (City-wide limit at any given time) · maximum vacation-home-rental licenses: <= 4 licenses (City-wide limit at any given time)
“An application for a short term rental license must be made on a form provided by the city.”
Set by your township or city, not the county
In South Dakota, zoning is adopted by each township or city, so Haakon 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
Minimum lot size
Setbacks
Lot coverage
Building height
Tiny homes
Accessory dwellings
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 Haakon County, South Dakota
Is Haakon County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Haakon County scores 40/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 480 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (18.2″/yr rainfall) and elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure.
Do you need a building permit in Haakon County, South Dakota?
Haakon County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (on-site wastewater, ARSD 74:53:01). 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 Haakon County, South Dakota?
Land in Haakon County runs about $1,313 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Haakon County?
Haakon County gets about 18.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 16.8% of years.
How remote is Haakon County?
A typical private-land location has about 480 people within 15 miles and 199,822 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.
