Bolthole Index

McCook County, South Dakota

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in McCook County, South Dakota

42Index Score / 100
#63 of 66 in South Dakota

Unincorporated McCook County, South Dakota requires a building permit before new development, a change of use, or moving in a structure1. County zoning covers unincorporated land outside approved municipal joint-zoning areas2. Call McCook County Planning & Zoning for application and fee information; South Dakota DANR administers state septic requirements, with plan approval required for systems other than conventional individual systems345.

At a glance

Building permit
Required before regulated development; the landowner applies to the Zoning Administrator1
Zoning
Yes, for unincorporated land except approved municipal joint-zoning areas6
Septic authority
South Dakota regulates on-site wastewater; state plan approval applies to systems other than conventional individual systems75
Owner-builder
No contractor's excise-tax license for a project solely for your own use and not intended for sale or lease; county permits still apply81
RV / tiny home living
RV and tiny-home occupancy remain unconfirmed; manufactured homes must have at least 950 square feet of occupied space910
Setbacks
Lake Residential side yards require 9 feet; ask Planning & Zoning for other districts11
Wells
A water-right permit depends on the proposed use and, when required, must be approved before drilling12

Who to call

Building permits

McCook County Planning & Zoning

Building permits, zoning administration, plats, conditional use permits, variances and E911 rural addressing for unincorporated McCook County

605-425-2681

mccookdoe@mccookcountysd.gov

PO Box 38, Salem, SD 57058

Roads & driveways

McCook County Highway Department

Maintains 285 miles of county road and 69 bridges; the county's Planning & Zoning office names Highway as the road authority that signs off for county roads on plats

(605) 425-2731

331 W. Norton, Salem, SD 57058

Floodplain permits

McCook County Emergency Management (Floodplain Administrator)

Issues the Floodplain Development Permit required before any development in a mapped McCook County floodplain

(605)-421-8392

mcems2@triotel.net

Online permits →

Septic permits

South Dakota DANR On-Site Wastewater Systems Program

Administers state on-site wastewater requirements for McCook County; state plan approval applies to systems other than conventional individual systems, and additional county requirements remain unconfirmed

(605) 773-4647

523 E Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD 57501-3182

Also useful

McCook County Drainage Department

Reviews and issues drainage permits for tiling and ditching projects in unincorporated McCook County; the County Commission sits as the County Drainage Board

(605) 425-2080

drainage@mccookcountysd.gov

130 W Essex Ave, Salem, SD 57058

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 11, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in McCook County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in McCook County, South Dakota?

Yes. In unincorporated McCook County, the Zoning Administrator must issue a building permit before new development, a change of use, moving in a structure, or another action regulated by the zoning ordinance1. The landowner must submit the application, required attachments and county fee, including a scaled plan showing lot dimensions, setbacks and existing buildings1. A permit becomes void if work does not start within 180 days or is suspended or abandoned for 180 days; one extension of up to 180 days may be available on written request1. South Dakota's building-code default for qualifying nonresidential construction does not replace McCook County's zoning permit131.

Who issues McCook County building permits, and what are the fees?

McCook County Planning & Zoning administers building permits, rural addresses, plats, conditional uses and variances14. Call McCook County Planning & Zoning at 605-425-2681 for application and fee information; the mailing address is PO Box 38, Salem, SD 57058315. The published building-permit fee is 0.1% of project cost plus $50, with project cost including materials and labor16. Starting work before applying doubles the regular application fee, and all applicable fees must be paid before the county acts on an application or appeal16. Variance and conditional-use applications cost $150 each, while an amendment or change of zone costs $25016.

Does McCook County have zoning, and what does that mean for RVs, tiny homes and minimum home size?

Yes. McCook County zoning covers all unincorporated land except areas approved for municipal joint zoning jurisdiction6. Inside Salem, the city sets zoning; South Dakota DANR still administers state on-site wastewater requirements174. Uses, structures, lots and yards must meet the applicable district rules, and a noncompliant proposal may need a variance, amendment or conditional-use approval before a building permit can issue9. The Agricultural district requires at least 1 acre for all uses; a single-family dwelling also requires no other dwelling on the quarter-quarter section, approved public-road access and retention of the remaining land in agriculture or its present use18. The Lake Residential District has a 9-foot minimum side-yard setback11. A manufactured home erected on site must have at least 950 square feet of occupied space and meet federal HUD standards10.

How do septic permits work in McCook County?

South Dakota's on-site wastewater rules govern systems in McCook County, but we could not confirm whether the county adds stricter requirements19. State plan approval before construction applies to installations receiving human waste other than conventional individual on-site wastewater systems; all systems must follow the state chapter, and a system cannot be installed where public wastewater service is available under the rule5. We could not confirm a universal permit or inspection sequence for a conventional residential system, so ask DANR and McCook County Planning & Zoning before installation19. DANR's on-site wastewater program can be reached at (605) 773-464720. Only 11.8% of McCook County soils are rated “not limited” for a conventional septic drain field, so evaluate the site early; a low rating does not mean septic is impossible21.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in McCook County?

McCook County's published zoning districts cover unincorporated land except areas approved for municipal joint zoning jurisdiction, but we could not confirm a specific rule for RV or tiny-home occupancy during construction or afterward6. Uses and structures must comply with the parcel's district, and a proposal that does not comply may need a variance, amendment or conditional-use approval9. The confirmed 950-square-foot standard applies specifically to manufactured homes erected on site; it does not answer whether a tiny home or RV may be occupied10. Before placing either one, call McCook County Planning & Zoning at 605-425-2681 and ask which district covers the parcel and what approval is required15.

Building a home in McCook County: the steps, in order

  1. Ask McCook County Planning & Zoning to identify the zoning district, allowed use, lot-area rule and applicable setbacks2215.
  2. Prepare the landowner's building-permit application with the fee, required attachments and a scaled plan showing the lot, setbacks and existing buildings1.
  3. Complete any needed variance, conditional-use or zoning-amendment process before the building permit can issue916.
  4. Ask DANR and the county which septic requirements apply, including whether state plan approval is needed, and evaluate the site because only 11.8% of county soils are rated “not limited” for conventional drain fields521.
  5. Obtain floodplain approval when applicable and the proper road-access permission before driveway work232425.
  6. Arrange electrical and plumbing permits and inspections before work is covered; state electrical inspection fees for a new single-family service up to 200 amperes are $208262728.

What to check before you buy land in McCook County

McCook County gets about 26.5 inches of precipitation a year, with severe drought in roughly 10.8% of years, so confirm a dependable water source before buying2930. A well needs a water-right permit only when the proposed use triggers one under state law; when required, approval must come before drilling12. A test well before water-right approval requires permission from the state chief engineer12. Farmland runs about $6,395 an acre, the typical home value is around $300,726, and the effective property-tax rate is roughly 1%, with a median bill around $2,133 a year31323334. Also verify septic suitability, driveway authority and floodplain status before closing212423.

Watch-outs

  • McCook County's RV and tiny-home occupancy rules remain unconfirmed; the confirmed 950-square-foot minimum applies to manufactured homes erected on site10.
  • We could not confirm McCook County building-inspection or certificate-of-occupancy requirements; ask Planning & Zoning when applying for a building permit3.
  • McCook County variance, conditional-use and rezoning applications are due by 3:30 PM on the first business day of each month35.

Sources

  1. 2014 Revised Zoning Regulations for McCook County, updated through Ordinance 2025-07, quoted and re-checked
  2. 2014 Revised Zoning Regulations for McCook County, updated through Ordinance 2025-07, quoted and re-checked
  3. Planning and Zoning | McCook County, quoted and re-checked
  4. On-Site Wastewater Systems in South Dakota (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  5. Rule 74:53:01 Individual and Small On-Site Wastewater Systems, quoted and re-checked
  6. 2014 Revised Zoning Regulations for McCook County, compiled through Ordinance 2025-07, quoted and re-checked
  7. South Dakota Feedlot Permit Program - Septic Tank Systems, quoted and re-checked
  8. Self-Contractors, quoted and re-checked
  9. 2014 Revised Zoning Regulations for McCook County, updated through Ordinance 2025-07, quoted and re-checked
  10. 2014 Revised Zoning Regulations for McCook County, updated through Ordinance 2025-07, quoted and re-checked
  11. DeCramer v. Dorale, McCook County zoning appeal, quoted and re-checked
  12. Drilling a Well - Where to start, quoted and re-checked
  13. SDLRC - Codified Law 11-10 - Building Codes and Standards, quoted and re-checked
  14. Planning and Zoning | McCook County, quoted and re-checked
  15. McCook County Planning & Zoning (mccookcountysd.gov)
  16. 2014 Revised Zoning Regulations for McCook County, updated through Ordinance 2025-07, quoted and re-checked
  17. Salem: Planning & Zoning - Salem, SD (McCook County), quoted and re-checked
  18. 2014 Revised Zoning Regulations for McCook County, updated through Ordinance 2025-07, quoted and re-checked
  19. South Dakota Feedlot Permit Program - Septic Tank Systems, quoted and re-checked
  20. South Dakota DANR On-Site Wastewater Systems Program (danr.sd.gov)
  21. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Planning and Zoning | McCook County, quoted and re-checked
  23. National Flood Insurance Program (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. McCook County Highway Department — Application for Entrance or Widening of Entrance, quoted and re-checked
  25. Instructions: Applying for permission for driveway or intersection on a South Dakota state highway (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  26. South Dakota Electrical Rules, Chapter 20:44:20 Inspection Fees, quoted and re-checked
  27. South Dakota Plumbing Commission - Inspections (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. South Dakota Electrical Wiring Rules Bulletin (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  29. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data
  32. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data
  33. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  34. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  35. Planning & Zoning - McCook County, quoted and re-checked

Written October 11, 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.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, McCook County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleMcCook CountyHanson CountyTurner CountyLake CountyMiner CountyMinnehaha CountyHutchinson County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsDANRDANRSD DANRDANRDANRCounty Planning Dept.DANR

County locator

McCook County in South Dakota

42
County map
McCook County highlighted among the South Dakota counties · colored by Index score

How McCook County scores

Seclusion63100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1792% ev.
Admin Boringness51100% ev.
Durability40100% ev.
Property Autonomy67100% ev.
Carry Cost69100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$301kTypical home
1%Property tax
$6,395Land / acre
26.5"Annual rain
10.8% of yrsSevere drought
8.9 / yr (+7.5)Mid-century 100°F days
20.3 daysMid-century dry spell
1.54" (+6.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.63×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,999Home insurance / yr
5.7% / yrInsurance growth
0.92%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
5,407People within 30 min
717,892People within 2 hr
7,777Radius comparison (15 mi)
10.1People / sq mi
9.5%Federal land
97.8%Land at 15% slope or less
11.8%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
43,028 acWorkable land screen
1.1%Wooded land
46°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in McCook 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: Benton Township · Bridgewater · Bridgewater Township · Brookfield Township · Canistota · Canistota Township · Emery Township · Grant Township · Greenland Township · Jefferson Township · Montrose · Montrose Township · Pearl Township · Ramsey Township · Richland Township · Salem Township · Spencer · Spring Valley Township · Sun Prairie Township · Union Township

Answers from the rulebook for McCook County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

McCook County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New development, changes of use, moving structures, and other actions regulated by the McCook County zoning ordinance in unincorporated McCook County.

    • A building permit must be issued by the Zoning Administrator before the regulated action occurs.
    • The application must be completed by the landowner and returned to the Zoning Administrator for review.
    • A complete application requires required attachments and county fees, one copy of scaled building or alteration plans showing lot dimensions, shape, setbacks, and existing building locations, and any additional information lawfully requested by the Zoning Administrator.
    • A permit expires if work is not commenced within 180 days, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days; recommencement requires a new permit if applicable.
    • The Zoning Administrator may grant one extension of up to 180 days upon written request showing circumstances beyond the permittee's control.
    • If the proposal is noncompliant, a permit may issue only after an applicable variance, amendment, or conditional-use process.
    • The zoning ordinance applies to unincorporated land except areas approved for municipal joint zoning jurisdiction.

    permit commencement deadline: 180 days (The permit becomes null and void if work is not commenced within this period.) · maximum permit extension: 180 days (Available upon written request showing circumstances beyond the permittee's control; no permit may be extended more than once.)

    “No new development, change of use, moving in of structures, or other action [...] shall occur without a Building Permit issued by the Zoning Administrator.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County land-use and zoning administration identified for McCook County.

    • The opened official listing describes county land-use regulation and planning-and-zoning services but does not provide the current ordinance text or dimensional standards.
    “Regulates land use and development within a county, ensuring orderly growth and protecting property values. Issues building permits, 911 addresses, and assist with applications for plats, conditional use permits, and variances.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Land-use and development regulation administered through McCook County Planning and Zoning.
      “Regulates land use and development within a county, ensuring orderly growth and protecting property values. Issues building permits, 911 addresses, and assist with applications for plats, conditional use permits, and variances.”
    • Present (with conditions) — McCook County zoning regulations and zoning district boundaries on unincorporated land.
      “all unincorporated land within McCook County except those areas which have been approved for municipal joint zoning jurisdiction.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County-level local zoning and land-use administration in McCook County.

    • The source confirms county planning and zoning administration but does not identify separate municipal or township ordinances.
    “Regulates land use and development within a county, ensuring orderly growth and protecting property values. Issues building permits, 911 addresses, and assist with applications for plats, conditional use permits, and variances.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Published McCook County zoning districts governing unincorporated land within McCook County, except areas approved for municipal joint zoning jurisdiction.

    • The regulations and zoning district boundaries apply to all unincorporated land within McCook County except areas approved for municipal joint zoning jurisdiction.
    • The county zoning map is incorporated by reference and is part of the regulations; the maps are to be filed with the Register of Deeds.
    • The compiled regulations are updated through Ordinance 2025-07 dated 11-25-25.

    zoning district: AG Agricultural · zoning district: RR Rural Residential · zoning district: LR Lake Residential · zoning district: C Commercial · zoning district: LI Light Industrial · zoning district: HI Heavy Industrial · zoning district: FC Flood Plain/Conservation · zoning district: PD Planned Development

    “The regulations and zoning district boundaries set forth in this Ordinance shall apply to all unincorporated land within McCook County except those areas which have been approved for municipal joint zoning jurisdiction. [...] The County is hereby divided into the following districts: AG Agricultural RR Rural Residential LR Lake Residential C Commercial LI Light Industrial HI Heavy Industrial FC Flood Plain/Conservation PD Planned Development”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Manufactured homes erected on site in unincorporated McCook County, subject to applicable zoning-district permissions and other county requirements.

    • The manufactured home must also meet or exceed federal HUD Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards.
    • The regulation separately requires skirting and anchoring requirements.

    minimum occupied space: >= 950 square feet (when erected on site)

    “The manufactured home shall meet or exceed the federal HUD Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards. 5. At least 950 square feet of occupied space when erected on site.”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Lots and building sites in the Agricultural (AG) zoning district in unincorporated McCook County.

    • Single-family dwelling eligibility also requires no other dwellings on the quarter-quarter section, approval for access onto a public road, and retention of the remaining portion as agricultural land or its present use.
    • The AG district's lot-and-yard table states a one-acre lot area for all uses.
    • Other county zoning districts have separate lot-area regulations.

    minimum lot area in AG district: >= 1 acre (all uses in the AG district)

    “Lot Area Lot Width Front Yard Side Yard Rear Yard Maximum Height All Uses 1 acre 150 feet 50 feet”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Side-yard setbacks in the Lake Residential District under section 5.03 of the 2014 Revised Zoning Regulations.

    • The cited official opinion describes the Lake Residential District rule; other districts may differ.
    • A variance may be sought, but the cited case states the Board of Adjustment exceeded its authority in the challenged variance decision.

    minimum side-yard setback: 9 feet

    “As specified in section 5.03 of the 2014 Revised Zoning Regulations for McCook County, the Lake Residential District requires a minimum setback of nine feet for side yards.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New entrances or widening of entrances from a McCook County highway in McCook County, South Dakota.

    • The entrance location must be checked by the McCook County Highway before construction.
    • Entrances or widened entrances must be built to McCook County specifications.
    • The property owner is responsible for labor, equipment, fill, and a culvert if necessary.
    • The property owner constructs the entrance, subject to final inspection by the McCook County Highway Department.
    • The permit expires 180 days after the requested installation date.
    • Highway Superintendent authorization and approval are provided on the form.

    permit validity period: 180 days after requested installation date

    “APPLICATION FOR ENTRANCE OR WIDENING OF ENTRANCE FROM A McCOOK COUNTY HIGHWAY [...] Permit expires 180 days after date requested installation date.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    McCook County building permits and county planning-and-zoning applications in unincorporated areas.

    • The zoning regulations provide that fees are established by County Commission resolution and that the current fee schedule is available from the Zoning Administrator.
    • All applicable fees must be paid in full before action is taken on an application or appeal.
    • If activity begins before application, the application fee is double the regular fee.
    • The current county building-permit form states that the building permit fee is based on project cost and materials and labor.

    building permit fee: 0.1% of project cost plus $50.00 USD (project cost is materials plus labor) · variance fee: 150 USD · conditional use fee: 150 USD · amendment/change-of-zone fee: 250 USD · temporary use application fee: 150 USD

    “Building Permit Fee: Project Cost (materials & labor) 0.1 % + $50.00”
  • Permit processPartial

    McCook County planning, zoning, and building-permit application process.

    • The official listing directs applicants to call for application-process information.
    • The official listing directs applicants to call for fee information.
    • The listed service area is McCook County, South Dakota.
    “Application process Call for information Fees Call for information Service area Mccook County, SD”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — County planning and zoning permit process.
      “Application process Call for information Fees Call for information”
    • Published (with conditions) — County planning, zoning, building-permit, variance, conditional-use, rezoning, plat, and rural-address application processes.
      “CUP, Rezoning, and Variance Applications are due on the 1st business day of each month by 3:30 PM”

South Dakota rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    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”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — A project owner acting as the general contractor for construction solely for the owner's use in McCook County, regarding South Dakota contractor's excise tax licensing and tax treatment.
      “If your project is solely for your use and you do not intend to sell or lease it, you do not need a contractor’s excise tax license. A project owner acting as the general contractor on their construction project does not owe the contractor’s excise tax on their work.”
  • 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 — Nonresidential construction in McCook County where the local unit of government has not adopted a qualifying building-code ordinance.
      “The provisions of this section do not apply to any residential structure”
    • 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.

    installation certificate fee: 20 USD · single-family inspection fee: 110 USD · small-structure inspection fee: 100 USD (Five or fewer fixtures.) · large-structure inspection fee: 275 USD (Six or more fixtures.)

    “You must have a plumbing inspection certificate for all plumbing installations.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State (with conditions) — On-site wastewater systems in McCook County insofar as South Dakota minimum regulations govern.
      “South Dakota has developed installation requirements for on-site wastewater systems. These design requirements ensure that wastewater discharged into these systems is treated properly and will not pose a risk to human health or the environment.”
    • State (with conditions) — On-site wastewater systems in McCook County under South Dakota requirements.
      “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

    On-site wastewater installations in McCook County subject to South Dakota statewide wastewater rules.

    • Plans and specifications must be submitted to the secretary for review and approval before construction for installations receiving human excreta, except conventional individual on-site wastewater systems.
    • Installation and operation must comply with approved plans and specifications.
    • All on-site wastewater systems constructed after February 28, 1975, must comply with Chapter 74:53:01.
    • An on-site wastewater system may not be constructed, installed, or operated where a public wastewater system is available; availability includes a sewer collection system within 400 feet when the municipality or sanitary district requests service.
    • Local governments may adopt more stringent requirements.
    “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.”
  • Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)

    Unconventional off-grid sanitation systems where a water or electrical system is unavailable statewide.

    • Vault privies, chemical toilets, incinerator toilets, or composting units must be used when a water or electrical system is unavailable.
    • Except for vault privies, all unconventional systems are experimental systems and require plans and specifications submitted to the secretary for approval before installation.
    “all unconventional systems are considered experimental systems”
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Water-right permits for wells and water uses in McCook County.
      “Permitting. 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.”
    • Limited — Water-right permitting for wells and water uses in McCook County.
      “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.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (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.

    • The parcels must be platted into lots, numbered, and the plat recorded before any instrument of transfer may be recorded.
    • If an actual survey is necessary, the land must be surveyed and the plat recorded.
    • The requirement does not apply to parcels subject to a contract with the United States Secretary of Agriculture under the Conservation Reserve Program that are being transferred to or from the South Dakota Building Authority.
    “within or without the corporate limits of any municipality [...] he shall cause the parcels of land so divided to be platted into lots”
  • 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.”
  • 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 McCook 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.

  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured 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 — Certificates of occupancy in McCook County.
  • Septic inspection — Inspection of on-site wastewater systems in McCook County.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Water and sewer connection requirements for property in McCook 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 McCook County, South Dakota

Is McCook County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

McCook County scores 42/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: workable self-sufficiency basics (26.5″/yr rainfall) and elevated current hazard exposure.

Do you need a building permit in McCook County, South Dakota?

McCook 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 McCook County, South Dakota?

Land in McCook County runs about $6,395 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in McCook County?

McCook County gets about 26.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 10.8% of years.

How remote is McCook County?

A representative private-land location has about 5,407 people within a 30-minute drive and 717,892 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.

How McCook compares in South Dakota

Compare side-by-side →See all 66 South Dakota counties ranked →