Building permits and land rules in McPherson County, South Dakota
35Index Score / 100 #66 of 66 in South Dakota
Unincorporated McPherson County, South Dakota requires a building/use permit, issued by the county Zoning Officer, for buildings, structures and specified site-preparation work1. County zoning applies to the same unincorporated land, except the mapped area within generally one mile of Eureka, which is under city jurisdiction2. Septic permits and installation rules come from the state, through South Dakota DANR, not the county34.
At a glance
Building permit
Required in the county's jurisdiction; issued by the Zoning Officer1
Zoning
Yes in unincorporated areas, except the mapped area under Eureka's jurisdiction2
Septic
Governed by South Dakota DANR rules; confirm the review path before installation54
RV and tiny-home living
Not confirmed; ask county Planning & Zoning what the parcel's district allows6
Owner-builder
A qualifying resident owner may do electrical work under a homeowner permit, but county permits and state inspections still apply78
Agricultural building lot
Generally at least 2 acres for permitted uses in the Agricultural District, subject to a stated exception9
Domestic well
A water-right permit is generally unnecessary unless use exceeds 25,920 gallons daily or a peak rate of 25 gallons per minute10
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Do you need a building permit in McPherson County, South Dakota?
Yes. Unincorporated McPherson County requires a building/use permit before a building or structure is erected, moved, enlarged, structurally altered or used11. The requirement also reaches accessory buildings and excavation, filling, grading, lagooning or dredging done to prepare a future construction site1. Field crops and grasslands are exempt from the building permit in the Agricultural Land District, but that narrow exemption does not cover every farm building or agricultural activity12. Apply to the county Zoning Officer with a scaled site plan showing existing and proposed buildings, intended uses and utilities13. A nonconforming proposal may also need administrative review, a conditional use or a variance1. McPherson County expressly requires cannabis establishments to conform to the International Building Code, but we could not confirm a generally adopted county building code for an ordinary home; ask Planning & Zoning which construction standards apply14.
Who issues building permits in McPherson County, and how do you reach the office?
McPherson County Planning & Zoning accepts building permit applications and makes printed building, drainage, variance and conditional-use forms available in its office15. Planning & Zoning is a function of the Equalization Office in the McPherson County Courthouse15. Reach the office at 605-439-3663 or mail P.O. Box 50, Leola, SD 5745615. The published building-permit fee is $25 for projects costing from $0 through $999,999; projects costing $1,000,000 or more are charged $100 per million, and fees are reviewed each January16. The Zoning Officer grants or denies a complete building/use permit application within a reasonable time13. We could not confirm a routine county inspection schedule or separate certificate-of-occupancy process, so ask the office what inspections and closeout documents your project needs.
Does McPherson County have zoning, and what does it allow?
McPherson County zoning applies in unincorporated areas, but the mapped area within generally one mile of Eureka is under City of Eureka jurisdiction2. The county districts are Agricultural, Commercial/Industrial, Lake Park and Town, and the Official Zoning Map controls where they apply17. In the Agricultural Land District, eligible building lots for permitted uses generally need at least 2 acres, subject to the ordinance's stated exception9. Agricultural District buildings generally need a 150-foot front setback and 25-foot side and rear setbacks; corner lots have front yards on both streets, and the Board sets conditional-use setbacks18. Principal buildings there generally may not exceed 35 feet, although the ordinance lists exceptions19. Town District residential minimums depend on utilities: 20,000 square feet with public water and septic, 43,560 with a well and septic, or 9,600 with public water and sewer20. A manufactured home must have more than 700 square feet of occupied space and be at least 14 feet wide21. A modular home must have more than 1,000 square feet in a ranch style or 850 square feet in a split style, and sit on a permanent foundation22. We could not confirm a minimum floor area for site-built homes or a countywide lot-coverage limit.
How do septic permits work in McPherson County?
South Dakota DANR administers the statewide minimum requirements for individual and small on-site wastewater systems, while local governments may impose stricter requirements4. McPherson County identifies DANR rather than a county septic authority for on-site wastewater systems, so county Planning & Zoning issues the building/use permit while the state sets the septic rules3. For any plat in the Lake Park District, the developer must provide for a DANR-approved sewage system before plat approval, and individual on-site systems must meet the state rules23. Contact the DANR On-Site Wastewater Systems Program at (605) 773-4647 about installation plans and the review required for a proposed system24. We could not confirm whether every conventional residential system follows a general permit or inspection process, so settle that question with DANR and county Planning & Zoning before installation. About 59.6% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field; that countywide figure cannot replace a parcel-level soil and site evaluation25. South Dakota also requires installers of individual and small wastewater systems to be certified24.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on land in McPherson County?
We could not confirm a McPherson County rule that directly allows or prohibits long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy. Because unincorporated land is zoned, ask McPherson County Planning & Zoning whether the parcel's district permits the proposed dwelling and whether a building/use permit, conditional use or variance is required611. For land in the mapped area under Eureka's jurisdiction, direct the same zoning questions to the City of Eureka; septic rules there are still the state's24. A structure sold as a tiny home may face a specific dimensional rule if it is classified as a manufactured home: manufactured homes must contain more than 700 square feet of occupied space and be at least 14 feet wide21. In a county-regulated private campground, no manufactured home is allowed except one used as the campground office26. An off-grid sanitation plan is separate: when water or electricity is unavailable, state rules allow specified unconventional systems, with advance approval required for specified experimental systems27.
How do you build a home in McPherson County, step by step?
Ask McPherson County Planning & Zoning to confirm the parcel's jurisdiction, zoning district and allowed use; the mapped area near Eureka is handled by the city2.
Check the district's lot, setback and height standards before designing the home91819.
If land must be divided, discuss the subdivision with the Board of County Commissioners before proceeding with the plat28.
Prepare the scaled site plan and building, use and utility information required with the county building/use permit application13.
Resolve any conditional use or variance before construction1.
Contact DANR about septic design, installation-plan review and installer requirements; a Lake Park plat must provide for a DANR-approved sewage system before approval24423.
Determine whether the well use needs a water-right permit; when one applies, approval must come before drilling29.
Obtain state electrical and plumbing approvals. Qualifying resident owners may wire their own home under the homeowner process, but a permit and inspections still apply830.
What should you check before buying land in McPherson County?
Start with jurisdiction and zoning: the county's Official Zoning Map controls unincorporated zoning status, while the mapped area near Eureka is under city jurisdiction312. Check access before closing. We could not confirm the county's own driveway rule, but a new or modified connection to a South Dakota state highway needs state permission before construction starts32. Water needs advance planning: domestic use generally avoids a water-right permit unless it exceeds 25,920 gallons per day or a peak rate of 25 gallons per minute10. The county averages about 21 inches of precipitation annually and has experienced severe drought in about 10.3% of years3334. Typical farmland value is about $2,389 per acre, while the effective property-tax rate is about 1.6% and the median annual property-tax bill is about $1,218353637.
Watch-outs
The mapped area within generally one mile of Eureka is under city rather than McPherson County zoning jurisdiction2.
We could not confirm county rules for RV living, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy; the only dwelling-size rules we found cover manufactured homes (more than 700 square feet) and modular homes (more than 1,000 square feet ranch or 850 split), so ask Planning & Zoning about the specific parcel and use6212215.
A qualifying owner-builder electrical exemption is only from licensure; an approved homeowner permit and inspections are still required8.
We could not confirm McPherson County's access-approach requirements even though the county ordinance index identifies an Access Approach Ordinance; ask Planning & Zoning before creating or changing a county-road entrance15.
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.
McPherson County highlighted among the South Dakota counties · colored by Index score
How McPherson County scores
Seclusion87100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1194% ev.
Admin Boringness49100% ev.
Durability39100% ev.
Property Autonomy67100% ev.
Carry Cost84100% 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 →
$78kTypical home
1.6%Property tax
$2,389Land / acre
21"Annual rain
10.3% of yrsSevere drought
6.6 / yr (+5.4)Mid-century 100°F days
21.2 daysMid-century dry spell
1.34" (+6.8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.53×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,492Home insurance / yr
4.2% / yrInsurance growth
1.57%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
1,101People within 30 min
75,794People within 2 hr
1,559Radius comparison (15 mi)
2.1People / sq mi
53.9%Federal land
98.2%Land at 15% slope or less
59.6%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in McPherson 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.
Carl Township · Eureka · Town of Hillsview · Hoffman Township · Leola · Town of Long Lake · Wachter Township · Wacker Township · Weber Township · Town of Wetonka
Answers from the rulebook for McPherson County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
McPherson County rules
Building permitRequired
Buildings, structures, excavation, accessory buildings, filling, grading, lagooning, and dredging related to site preparation for future construction in the county jurisdiction.
A permit is issued by the Zoning Officer; administrative review, conditional use, or variance approval may be required for nonconforming proposals.
“No building or other structure shall be erected, moved, added to, structurally altered or used without a permit issued by the Zoning Officer.”
Building code adoptedPartial
Cannabis establishments regulated by the county zoning ordinance.
The located provision establishes International Building Code conformance for cannabis establishments; no general countywide building-code adoption was verified.
“All Cannabis Establishments are required to be constructed in conformance with the International Building Code as provided in SDCL 11-10.”
County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)
Zoning in the unincorporated areas of McPherson County.
The area within generally one (1) mile of the City of Eureka, as designated on the zoning map, is under the jurisdiction of the City of Eureka.
“the provisions of this Ordinance shall apply within the unincorporated areas of McPherson County, South Dakota”
Local zoningPresent
McPherson County zoning in unincorporated areas governed by the County Zoning Ordinance and Official Zoning Map.
The area within generally one mile of the City of Eureka, as designated on the zoning map, is under City of Eureka jurisdiction.
The ordinance identifies zoning districts and district-specific development requirements.
“Pursuant to SDCL 11-2, 1967, as amended, the provisions of this Ordinance shall apply within the unincorporated areas of McPherson County, South Dakota, as established on the map entitled “The Official Zoning Map of McPherson County, South Dakota.” The area within generally one (1) mile of the city limits of the City of Eureka, as designated on the zoning map, shall be under the jurisdiction of the City of Eureka.”
Zoning districtsPublished
Zoning districts identified by McPherson County for unincorporated areas.
The ordinance states that the official zoning map governs development within the listed districts.
“For the purpose of this Ordinance, the unincorporated areas of the County may be divided into any of the following zoning districts: A-Agricultural; CI-Commercial/Industrial; LP-Lake Park; and TD-Town District.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Published (with conditions) — Zoning districts and the Official Zoning Map for unincorporated McPherson County.
“The unincorporated area of the County is hereby divided into zones, or districts, as shown on the Official Zoning Map”
Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified
Manufactured homes used as dwellings in unincorporated McPherson County, excluding the area within generally one mile of the City of Eureka designated on the zoning map, which is under City of Eureka jurisdiction.
A manufactured home must have more than 700 square feet of occupied space in a single, double, expanded, or multi-section unit.
The home must have a minimum width of 14 feet.
The home must be anchored to the ground or a permanent foundation according to the manufacturer's specifications.
The home must use a perimeter enclosure of metal, vinyl, wood, or Styrofoam according to the manufacturer's specifications and enclosing the entire perimeter.
The home may not be older than 20 years from the date of manufacture.
A legal nonconforming manufactured home may be replaced after application to and approval by the Zoning Officer, provided the replacement meets the section's requirements; a variance from the maximum-age requirement may be granted under specified consent and compliance conditions.
manufactured-home occupied space: > 700 square feet · manufactured-home minimum width: >= 14 feet · manufactured-home maximum age: <= 20 years from date of manufacture (Variance may be available under Section 5.10.01.)
“Pursuant to SDCL 11-2, 1967, as amended, the provisions of this Ordinance shall apply within the unincorporated areas of McPherson County, South Dakota, as established on the map entitled “The Official Zoning Map of McPherson County, South Dakota.” The area within generally one (1) mile of the city limits of the City of Eureka, as designated on the zoning map, shall be under the jurisdiction of the City of Eureka.”
5 more reviewed findings on this topic
Specified — Manufactured homes used as dwellings in the unincorporated areas of McPherson County.
“A manufactured home shall: a. Have more than 700 square feet of occupied space in a single, double, expanded or multi-section unit. b. Have a minimum width of fourteen (14) feet.”
Specified — Modular homes used as dwellings in unincorporated McPherson County, excluding the area within generally one mile of the City of Eureka designated on the zoning map, which is under City of Eureka jurisdiction.
“more than one thousand (1,000) square feet in ranch style”
Specified — Modular homes used as dwellings in the unincorporated areas of McPherson County.
“Modular homes shall have more than one thousand (1,000) square feet in ranch style and eight hundred fifty (850) square feet split and be placed on a permanent foundation.”
Specified — Manufactured homes in unincorporated McPherson County
“Have more than 700 square feet of occupied space in a single, double, expanded or multi-section unit.”
Specified — Modular homes in unincorporated McPherson County
“Modular homes shall have more than one thousand (1,000) square feet in ranch style and eight hundred fifty (850) square feet split and be placed on a permanent foundation.”
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
Eligible building lots for permitted uses in the Agricultural Land District.
Conditional-use lots have minimum lot area and yard setbacks determined by the Board of Adjustment.
The Board may allow a smaller minimum for an additional single-family farm dwelling on an existing farmstead if the stated conditions are met.
Minimum lot width is 150 feet.
minimum lot size: >= 2 acres (subject to the Agricultural Land District exceptions) · minimum lot width: >= 150 feet
“Minimum Lot Size: All eligible building lots for permitted uses shall be a minimum of two (2) acres, except as provided in 7.a of this Section.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
District specific (with conditions) — Eligible building lots for permitted uses in the A Agricultural District.
“All eligible building lots for permitted uses shall be a minimum of two (2) acres, except as provided in 7.a of this Section.”
District specific (with conditions) — Residential lots in the TD Town District.
“Public Water Supply/Septic Tank -- 20,000 Sq. Ft.”
SetbacksSpecified
Buildings and eligible building lots in the McPherson County Agricultural District.
All buildings must comply with public road right-of-way and lot-line yard requirements.
Eligible building lots must generally be at least two acres and 150 feet wide.
Corner lots require front yards on both streets.
Conditional-use setbacks and minimum lot areas are determined by the Board of Adjustment.
Additional residential requirements apply within one mile of a concentrated animal feeding operation, including a Setback Waiver and Right to Farm Notice before a building permit is issued.
minimum lot size: >= 2 acres (Except as provided for an additional single-family farm dwelling on an existing farmstead.) · minimum lot width: >= 150 feet · front yard setback: >= 150 feet (Corner lots require front yards on both streets.) · side yard setback: >= 25 feet · rear yard setback: >= 25 feet
“All buildings shall be set back from public road right-of-way lines and lot lines to comply with the following yard requirements: [...] 3. Front Yard: The minimum depth of the front yard setback shall be one hundred fifty (150) feet [...] 4. Side Yard: The minimum depth of a side yard setback shall be twenty-five (25) feet. 5. Rear Yard: The minimum depth of a rear yard shall be twenty-five (25) feet.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Specified — Buildings in the Agricultural Land District.
“Front Yard: The minimum depth of the front yard setback shall be one hundred fifty (150) feet [...] Side Yard: The minimum depth of a side yard setback shall be twenty-five (25) feet. Rear Yard: The minimum depth of a rear yard shall be twenty-five (25) feet.”
Specified — Residential, commercial, and industrial lots in the McPherson County Town District.
“a. Minimum Yard Requirements: Front -- Twenty-five (25) feet Side -- Fifteen (15) feet Rear -- Twenty-five (25) feet b. Minimum Lot Size: Public Water Supply/Septic Tank -- 20,000 Sq. Ft. Well/Septic Tank ----------------------- 43,560 Sq. Ft. Public Water Supply/Public Sewer -- 9,600 Sq. Ft.”
Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)
Principal buildings in the A Agricultural District.
Buildings must meet FAA standards within one mile of airports.
Exceptions include agricultural buildings, chimneys, smokestacks, cooling towers, radio and TV towers, water tanks, meteorological towers, wind energy systems, private wind energy conversion systems, and wireless telecommunications towers and facilities.
principal building height: <= 35 feet (No principal building shall exceed two and one-half stories or thirty-five feet; listed structures are excepted.) · principal building stories: <= 2.5 stories (Listed structures are excepted.)
“no principal building shall exceed two and one-half (2 1/2) stories or thirty-five (35) feet in height.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Specified — Principal buildings in the Agricultural Land District.
“Further, no principal building shall exceed two and one-half (2 1/2) stories or thirty-five (35) feet in height. Exceptions include the following structures:”
Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)
Recreational vehicles located and occupied as temporary living quarters in a private campground in unincorporated McPherson County
The use is limited to a campground setting.
A private campground must comply with the ordinance's minimum lot-area, campsite-area, setback, access-road, water, sewage, garbage, staffing, guest-record, health, and other requirements.
Private campgrounds are conditional uses where authorized by the applicable zoning district and must meet Chapter 5.25.
A variance may reduce the one-mile dwelling and 1,320-foot property-line separation only if waivers are obtained from all affected occupied dwellings or property owners and the agreement is recorded at the campground owner's expense.
If the conditional-use permit is revoked, campers or RVs must be removed or the site restored as directed by the Board of Adjustment.
minimum private campground lot area: >= 5 acres · minimum campsite area: >= 2000 square feet · setback from existing occupied dwelling: >= 1 mile (May be reduced by variance with required waivers and recorded agreement) · setback from property line: >= 1320 feet (May be reduced by variance with required waivers and recorded agreement)
“The purpose of this chapter is to provide for areas in the county for recreational vehicles to be located and occupied as temporary living quarters in a campground setting.”
Manufactured homesLimited
Manufactured homes in county-regulated private campgrounds.
No manufactured homes may be located in a campground except one manufactured home used as an office.
Other manufactured-home placement rules were not fully extracted for all zoning districts.
manufactured homes allowed as campground office: 1 home (office use only)
“No manufactured homes shall be located in the campground with the exception of one (1) manufactured home to be used as an office.”
Septic permitLimited
Plats in McPherson County's Lake Park District.
The developer must provide a South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources-approved sewage system before plat approval.
Individual onsite wastewater systems must meet state regulations under Chapter 74:53:01.
Lake Park District lots must meet minimum state private-sewage-disposal requirements; the ordinance specifies watertight septic tanks connected to a drain field, an 80-foot shoreline setback for the drain field, and no drain area deeper than five feet.
Lots under 20,000 square feet without central sewer require sealed holding tanks; existing septic tanks and drain fields on such lots are nonconforming and may not be replaced after ordinance adoption.
drain-field shoreline setback: >= 80 feet · maximum drain-area depth: <= 5 feet · lot area threshold for sealed holding tank: < 20000 square feet (unless connected to a central sewer system)
“The developer of any plat shall provide for a South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources approved sewage systems and provide provisions that are binding on the developer before such plat is approved. At a minimum, the installation and utilization of individual onsite wastewater systems shall meet state regulations, Chapter 74:53:01.”
Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Field crops and grasslands in the Agricultural Land District.
The exemption is specifically stated for field crops and grasslands and does not establish a blanket exemption for all agricultural structures or activities.
“Field crops and grasslands (exempt from building permit).”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision of land in McPherson County.
Before subdivision, the subdivider must discuss the proposal with the Board of County Commissioners.
Preliminary and final application fees are required under the approved fee schedule.
Preliminary plat applications require seven copies and specified supporting information.
preliminary plat copies: 7 copies
“Prior to the subdivision of any land, the subdivider or his/her agent shall discuss informally with the Board of County Commissioners”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision of land in McPherson County.
“Prior to the subdivision of any land, the subdivider or his/her agent shall discuss informally with the Board of County Commissioners the proposed subdivision with reference to these Subdivision Regulations, the Zoning Ordinance, and the Comprehensive Plan.”
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
McPherson County planning and zoning permit applications governed by Ordinance #2024-1 and listed amendments.
The fee schedule is reviewed annually in January.
The applicant must pay the permit fee before the application is reviewed by the Zoning Board or Drainage Commission.
Publication and certified-mailing costs directly associated with the permit are billed in addition to the permit fee.
No permit is issued until those additional costs are reimbursed to McPherson County.
The resolution is dated January 6, 2026.
building permit fee for projects costing $0-$999,999: 25 USD (Based on cost of construction.) · building permit fee for projects costing $1,000,000 or more: per 100 USD per million (Based on cost of construction.) · rezone fee: 100 USD · variance permit fee: 100 USD · conditional use permit fee: 250 USD · drainage permit fee: 250 USD · data processing center permit application fee: 15000 USD · access approach permit application fee: per 50 USD per approach (Temporary approach fee is $150 per temporary approach.)
“Building Permit (based on cost of construction) $25 for projects costing $0 - $999,999 $100/million for projects costing 1,000,000+ Rezone Fee - $100 Variance Permit - $100 Conditional Use Permit - $250 Drainage Permit - $250 [...] Data Processing Center Permit Application Fee: $15,000 Access Approach Permit Application Fee: $50 per approach; $150 per temporary approach”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Published (with conditions) — County planning and zoning permits.
“Building Permit (based on cost of construction) $25 for projects costing $0 - $999,999 $100/million for projects costing 1,000,000+”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
County building/use permit and subdivision processes.
Building/use permit applications require a scaled site plan, existing and proposed building information, intended use, utilities, and other information lawfully required by the Zoning Officer.
The Zoning Officer grants or denies a building/use permit within a reasonable time.
“All applications for permits shall be accompanied by a site plan drawn to scale”
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”
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 (with conditions)
On-site wastewater systems serving McPherson County.
South Dakota regulations are in ARSD Chapter 74:53:01.
The state page identifies installation requirements and certified installers.
“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.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
State (with conditions) — On-site wastewater systems in McPherson County.
“South Dakota has developed installation requirements for on-site wastewater systems.”
State — Individual and small on-site wastewater systems statewide in South Dakota.
“The authority for regulating on-site wastewater systems is found in SDCL Chapter 34A-2.”
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 permitting for wells and groundwater uses in McPherson County.
“However, even domestic use of water requires a permit if your water use exceeds either 25,920 gallons per day or a peak pump rate of 25 gallons per minute.”
Limited — Water wells serving McPherson County.
“If a water right permit is needed, state law requires the permit to be approved prior to doing any well drilling.”
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.”
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 McPherson 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
Camping on your land
Tiny homes
Accessory dwellings
Short-term rentals
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.
Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for county-regulated buildings.
Septic inspection — Inspection requirements for on-site wastewater systems in McPherson County.
Mandatory utility hookup — Water and sewer connections for county-regulated development.
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 McPherson County, South Dakota
Is McPherson County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
McPherson County scores 35/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 1,101 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (21″/yr rainfall) and elevated current hazard exposure.
Do you need a building permit in McPherson County, South Dakota?
McPherson 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 McPherson County, South Dakota?
Land in McPherson County runs about $2,389 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in McPherson County?
McPherson County gets about 21" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 10.3% of years.
How remote is McPherson County?
A representative private-land location has about 1,101 people within a 30-minute drive and 75,794 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.
