Building permits, zoning and land rules in Perkins County, South Dakota
47Index Score / 100 #37 of 66 in South Dakota
Within Perkins County, South Dakota's mapped planning jurisdiction, the appropriate zoning permit is required before a land use begins or changes and before a structure is erected or moved.1 A narrow exemption covers agricultural buildings that meet every district, acreage, setback and agricultural-use condition.2 South Dakota supplies the minimum rules for on-site wastewater systems, while local rules may be stricter.3
At a glance
Building permit
Required before a land use begins or changes or a structure is erected or moved1
Zoning
Yes, within the planning jurisdiction shown on the official zoning map4
Septic
State minimum standards apply; conventional systems can bypass state plan submission, but other systems require advance approval35
RV living
RV parks require conditional-use approval and cap stays at 30 days; private-parcel residence is unconfirmed6
Agricultural buildings
A narrow county permit exemption applies when every district, acreage, setback and agricultural-use condition is met2
Tiny homes
Possible as a permitted single dwelling if the design fits the dwelling definition; unlisted uses are prohibited78
Owner-builder
Limited state electrical-license and contractor's-excise-tax exemptions may apply; county zoning approval still applies9101
Private wells
A water-right permit may be required before drilling11
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Do you need a building permit in Perkins County, South Dakota?
Yes. Within the Perkins County planning jurisdiction shown on the official zoning map, the appropriate zoning permit is required before a land use begins or changes and before a structure is erected or moved.1 Building/Use Permit applications require newspaper notice and a 14-day public-comment period; conditional uses add Planning Commission review, notice to adjoining owners and County Commission consideration.12 The Planning and Zoning Director may inspect a proposed site at a reasonable time after notifying the applicant.13
A fee is due with a zoning-permit, variance or ordinance-amendment application, but the amount is set by County Commission resolution rather than stated in the ordinance.14 We could not confirm a separate Perkins County building-code adoption, general construction-inspection program or certificate-of-occupancy requirement. South Dakota's building-code framework identifies model codes, but local adoption and enforcement for a Perkins County project were not established.15 Covered plumbing and electrical work can still require state permits and inspections.1617
Who handles Perkins County permits, and how do you reach the office?
Perkins County's ordinance assigns zoning-permit applications to the Planning and Zoning Department, while the county Finance Office is the verified public contact for routing a caller to the current zoning official.1218 The Finance Office is at PO Box 126, Bison, SD 57620 and lists 605-244-5624 as its auditor phone.18
Request the appropriate county form and the list of materials for the permit type.12 Ask for the current fee resolution because a fee is required but no amount appears in the ordinance.14 Building/Use Permit applications have a 14-day public-comment period, while conditional-use applications require additional review and public notice.12 A zoning permit expires if the authorized building or use does not begin within 365 days, although a written extension of up to 180 days may be available.12 State plumbing, septic and electrical requirements remain separate from county zoning approval.31617
Does Perkins County have zoning?
Yes. The Perkins County ordinance governs land within the County Commissioners' planning jurisdiction shown on the official zoning map, and the commissioners administer and enforce it.419 The ordinance establishes the General Agricultural District.20 A primary structure in that district needs a lot of at least 39 acres.21 The general district standards call for 25-foot setbacks and a 35-foot maximum structure height, with use-specific exceptions.2223
A proposed agricultural building avoids a Building/Use Permit only if it is in the General Agricultural District, is on at least 39 acres or a parcel in a larger contiguous agricultural operation, stands at least 100 feet from every property line or public road, and serves an existing or clearly potential agricultural use.2 We could not confirm a county minimum dwelling size, lot-coverage rule, accessory-dwelling rule or operative subdivision ordinance, so ask Planning and Zoning before fixing a house site.
How do septic permits work in Perkins County?
South Dakota sets minimum requirements for on-site wastewater systems, and local governments may impose stricter requirements.3 A conventional individual system may be designed and installed under the state chapter without submitting plans for advance state approval; other installations receiving human waste require state review and approval before construction, and installers must be certified by the South Dakota Plumbing Commission.24 The state or its authorized representative may inspect an on-site system at any time, but the rule does not establish a universal pre-operation inspection.25
A septic system cannot be installed or operated where public wastewater is available, which requires the parcel to be within a municipality or sanitary district, a sewer collection system within 400 feet, and a request from that municipality or district to provide service.26 The state septic program answers on-site wastewater questions at (605) 773-4647.27 Only 7.6% of mapped county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so obtain a parcel-level site evaluation and confirm whether county rules add review before excavation.28
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on land in Perkins County?
Within Perkins County's mapped planning jurisdiction, a commercial RV park in the General Agricultural District requires a Conditional Use Permit, and an RV-park stay may last no more than 30 days.6 That rule does not answer whether long-term RV occupancy is allowed on an ordinary private parcel outside an RV park, so ask Planning and Zoning for a written parcel-specific answer.29
A tiny home can use the single-dwelling framework if it qualifies as a dwelling unit with independent sleeping, cooking and sanitation facilities; a Building/Use Permit is required in the General Agricultural District.7 If a proposed tiny-home use does not fit an ordinance definition or the applicable use table, the use is prohibited; a use variance is unavailable, but the owner may seek an ordinance amendment.8 We could not confirm a minimum dwelling floor area or accessory-dwelling rule, so get the county's classification in writing before ordering a structure.
Building a home in Perkins County: what are the steps?
Give the Finance Office the parcel description and project concept, and ask for the current Planning and Zoning contact.18
Confirm that the parcel is within the mapped planning jurisdiction, then verify its zoning designation and allowed use; primary structures in the General Agricultural District require at least 39 acres.421
Request the correct application and fee resolution, then submit the required materials early enough for public notice and review.1214
Obtain the zoning permit before beginning or changing the use or erecting or moving a structure; verify every condition before relying on the agricultural-building exemption.12
Determine whether public wastewater is available before designing septic; if not, confirm whether the proposed system requires state plan approval.2624
Confirm water, plumbing and electrical requirements; an owner doing qualifying electrical work may avoid licensure but still needs the homeowner permit and inspections.11169
An owner building solely for personal use without intending to sell or lease may avoid a contractor's excise-tax license for the owner's own work, while hired contractors still owe the tax on their receipts.10
If the driveway enters a state highway, obtain state permission before access construction.30
What should you check before buying land in Perkins County?
Begin with legal buildability, wastewater, water and access. Perkins County has about 1 person per square mile, and the nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 281 miles from the county center.3132 That remoteness makes contractor availability, hauling distance and emergency planning practical parts of a building budget.
For wastewater, only 7.6% of mapped soils avoid a severe conventional-drain-field limitation, so obtain a parcel-level site evaluation before committing to a house location.28 For water, confirm likely well conditions and whether the intended use needs a water-right permit before drilling.11 If access is from a state highway, construction cannot start until the state access permit is issued.30 Ask the county whether the parcel lies in a regulated floodplain because participating South Dakota communities require permits for floodplain development.33 Finally, treat the county's 1.3% effective property-tax rate and $1,405 median annual bill as context, then obtain the parcel's assessment and actual tax history.3435
Watch-outs
Within Perkins County's mapped planning jurisdiction, a zoning permit is required before beginning or changing a land use and before erecting or moving a structure, except for an agricultural building that meets every condition of the narrow exemption.12
A primary structure in the General Agricultural District requires at least 39 acres, with general setbacks of 25 feet and a maximum height of 35 feet subject to exceptions.362223
County zoning fees are required but set by County Commission resolution, so request the current amount before filing.14
Where public wastewater meets the state availability test, an on-site wastewater system cannot be installed or operated.26
A Perkins County RV park requires conditional-use approval in the General Agricultural District and caps a stay at 30 days, but long-term RV residence on an ordinary private parcel remains unconfirmed.37
An owner-builder electrical exemption is only an exemption from licensure; a qualifying owner still needs a homeowner permit and inspections.9
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.
Perkins County highlighted among the South Dakota counties · colored by Index score
How Perkins County scores
Seclusion91100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency18100% ev.
Admin Boringness49100% ev.
Durability42100% ev.
Property Autonomy67100% ev.
Carry Cost84100% ev.
Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →
$175kTypical home
1.3%Property tax
$1,179Land / acre
17.2"Annual rain
17.3% of yrsSevere drought
13.1 / yr (+10)Mid-century 100°F days
23.2 daysMid-century dry spell
1.16" (+6.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.35×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,925Home insurance / yr
1.8% / yrInsurance growth
3.25%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
6,557People within 2 hr
341Radius comparison (15 mi)
1People / sq mi
7.5%Federal land
90.9%Land at 15% slope or less
7.6%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Perkins 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.
Ada Township · Antelope Township · Barrett Township · Beck-Highland Township · Town of Bison · Bison Township · Burdick Township · Cash Township · Chance Township · Chaudoin Township · Clark Township · De Witt Township · Duell Township · Englewood Township · Flat Creek Township · Foster Township · Fredlund Township · Glendo Township · Grand River Township · Hall Township · Horse Creek Township · Lemmon · Liberty Township · Lincoln Township · Lodgepole Township · Lone Tree Township · Maltby Township · Marshfield Township · Martin Township · Meadow Township · Moreau Township · Rainbow Township · Rockford Township · Scotch Cap Township · Sidney Township · Strool-Plateau Township · Trail Township · Vail Township · Vrooman Township · Wells Township · White Butte Township · Wilson Township
Answers from the rulebook for Perkins County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Perkins County rules
Building permitRequired
Structures erected or moved and land uses commenced or changed within the Perkins County zoning jurisdiction.
The required instrument is the appropriate Zoning Permit, including a Building/Use Permit or Conditional Use Permit.
Conditional Use Permits apply to uses and associated structures that may have significant impacts or create nuisances.
Applications are processed under regulations in effect on the filing date.
Agricultural buildings may qualify for an exemption under Article II, Section 2.A.a.
“No land use shall be commenced or changed and no structure shall be erected or moved until the appropriate Zoning Permit is obtained.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Buildings, structures, and land uses within the Perkins County Commissioners' planning jurisdiction that are subject to the Perkins County Zoning Ordinance.
“Proposed agricultural buildings do not require a Building/Use Permit if all of the following criteria are met:”
InspectionsLimited
Site inspections associated with county zoning permits.
Inspection is discretionary: the Planning and Zoning Director may inspect the site.
Inspection must occur at reasonable times with notice to the applicant.
“Upon application for a Zoning Permit, the Planning and Zoning Director may inspect the site to determine compliance with the requirements of this Ordinance. Such inspection shall be at reasonable times with notice provided to the applicant.”
County-wide zoningPresent
Lands within the planning jurisdiction of the Perkins County Commissioners.
The ordinance governs lands within the planning jurisdiction established on the Official Zoning Map.
The ordinance was dated July 25, 2024, with first reading July 16, 2024 and second reading July 25, 2024.
“This Ordinance shall govern all lands within the planning jurisdiction of the Perkins County Commissioners”
Local zoningPresent
County-administered zoning within Perkins County.
The Perkins County Commissioners administer and enforce the ordinance.
The ordinance does not annul other ordinances, rules, regulations, or statutes; where restrictions differ, the more restrictive or higher standard controls.
“It shall be the responsibility of the Perkins County Commissioners to administer and enforce this Ordinance.”
Zoning districtsPublished
The Perkins County zoning district classification and official zoning map.
The ordinance establishes one zoning district: General Agricultural District.
The Official Zoning Map is certified by the County Finance Officer and is part of the ordinance.
“For the purposes of this Ordinance, Perkins County is divided into the following zoning district: General Agricultural District.”
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
Primary structures in the General Agricultural District.
The ordinance states the minimum lot area for primary structures is 39 acres.
The zoning district and zoning-map designation control applicability.
minimum lot size: >= 39 acres
“SUMMARY OF STANDARDS IN THE GENERAL AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT Standard General Agricultural District Minimum Lot Size 39 acres Minimum Setbacks 25 feet Maximum Height 35 feet”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Specified — Primary structures in Perkins County's General Agricultural District.
“Minimum Lot Size 39 acres [...] a. Minimum lot size. The minimum lot area for primary structures is stated in the table above.”
SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)
Structures in the General Agricultural District.
Wind Energy Systems and Wireless Telecommunication Facilities have separate setback requirements under Article III, Section 8.
“SUMMARY OF STANDARDS IN THE GENERAL AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT Standard General Agricultural District Minimum Lot Size 39 acres Minimum Setbacks 25 feet Maximum Height 35 feet”
Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)
Structures in the General Agricultural District.
Chimneys, flag poles, and satellite dishes may extend above the height limit.
Agricultural buildings such as silos and barns, radio and television transmission towers, utility power poles, water towers, and public safety facilities are exempt if set back at least one foot for every one foot in height from property lines.
Wind Energy Systems and Wireless Telecommunication Facilities are exempt if Article III, Section 8 requirements are met.
maximum height: 35 feet (Listed structures and facilities have stated exemptions.)
“The maximum height for structures is stated in the table above. i. Exceptions to maximum height. 1. Chimneys, flag poles, and satellite dishes may extend above the height limit.”
Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)
Recreational vehicle parks in the Perkins County General Agricultural District; this source establishes the county rule for that district, not unrestricted RV residence on every parcel.
A recreational vehicle park is a commercial use where one or more lots are rented to recreational-vehicle users for temporary purposes.
A Conditional Use Permit is required in the General Agricultural District.
There is no minimum required stay in a recreational vehicle park, but the maximum stay is thirty (30) days.
Uses where unoccupied recreational vehicles are offered for sale or lease, or are stored, are not Recreational Vehicle Parks.
Conditional-use proposals are subject to Planning and Zoning Director review, Planning Commission review and recommendation, County Commission consideration, and the ordinance's public-hearing and notice procedures.
maximum stay: 30 days (There is no minimum required stay.)
“RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARK: A commercial use where one or more lots are rented to users of recreational vehicles that are occupied for temporary purposes. There is no minimum required stay in a recreational vehicle park; however, the maximum stay is thirty (30) days.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Limited — Occupancy of recreational vehicles in a Perkins County recreational vehicle park.
“RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARK: A commercial use where one or more lots are rented to users of recreational vehicles that are occupied for temporary purposes. There is no minimum required stay in a recreational vehicle park; however, the maximum stay is thirty (30) days.”
Limited — Recreational vehicle parks within the planning jurisdiction shown on the Official Zoning Map of Perkins County, including the General Agricultural District.
“There is no minimum required stay in a recreational vehicle park; however, the maximum stay is thirty (30) days.”
Tiny homesAllowed (with conditions)
A tiny home that qualifies as a dwelling unit and is classified as a single-dwelling unit under Perkins County Ordinance 2024-01.
The structure must have independent living facilities, including provisions for sleeping, cooking, and sanitation, and be designed for residential occupancy by a household.
Single-dwelling units require a Building/Use Permit in the General Agricultural District use table.
A zoning permit must be obtained before the land use is commenced or changed or the structure is erected or moved.
The ordinance does not expressly define the term tiny home; written Planning and Zoning interpretation may be needed for a particular design.
“DWELLING UNIT: A building, or a portion of a building that has independent living facilities including provisions for sleeping, cooking, and sanitation, and that is designed for residential occupancy by a household.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Prohibited — A proposed tiny-home use that is not identified in the applicable zoning-district use table or the ordinance definitions.
“Any proposed use not identified in the use tables [...] shall be deemed a prohibited use.”
Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Proposed agricultural buildings in the General Agricultural District.
The property must be in the General Agricultural District.
The parcel must be at least 39 acres, or part of a larger agricultural operation contiguous to the parcel.
The building must be at least 100 feet from every property line or public road.
An existing agricultural use must exist, or the property must have obvious potential for an agricultural use for which the building is needed.
minimum parcel size: >= 39 acres (Alternatively, the parcel may be part of a larger agricultural operation contiguous to the parcel.) · minimum building distance: >= 100 feet (Measured from any property line or public road.)
“Proposed agricultural buildings do not require a Building/Use Permit if all of the following criteria are met:”
Permit feesVariable (with conditions)
Zoning Permit, Variance, or Ordinance Amendment applications.
A fee is due upon application.
The amount is set by resolution of the County Commission.
The ordinance does not state the current dollar amount.
“Upon application, a fee shall be paid for a Zoning Permit, Variance, or Ordinance Amendment request. The fee shall be set by resolution of the County Commission.”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
County zoning permit, Building/Use Permit, Conditional Use Permit, variance, and ordinance-amendment processes.
Building/Use Permit applications require a complete application, county newspaper notice, and a 14-day public-comment period.
Conditional Use Permit applications require Planning and Zoning Director review, Planning Commission review and recommendation, public notice at least 14 days before the hearing, certified-mail notice to adjoining landowners at least 14 days before the hearing, and County Commission consideration.
A zoning permit expires if the authorized building or use is not commenced within 365 days; an extension of up to 180 days may be requested.
Permit, variance, and ordinance-amendment fees are set by County Commission resolution.
public comment period: 14 days · zoning permit commencement deadline: 365 days (An extension not exceeding 180 days may be granted upon written request.)
“The 14-day public comment period shall begin on the day the notice appears in the newspaper, and shall end 14 days thereafter.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Published (with conditions) — County zoning permit applications in Perkins County.
“The request for a Zoning Permit must be made on the appropriate application form furnished by the Planning and Zoning Department and must be accompanied by the items required for the type of permit.”
South Dakota rules that apply here
Owner-builder exemptionConditional
An individual owner personally installing electrical wiring in the owner’s qualifying residence, farmstead, qualifying single-family dwelling under construction, or qualifying private non-habitable property in South Dakota.
The exemption is from electrical licensure; an approved homeowner permit is required before electrical work starts.
A wiring permit is required when a $30 or more fee is generated.
The statutory residence definition is a detached owner-occupied single-family dwelling.
The exemption covers the person’s own residence, including attached or unattached accessory structures and the parcel, the person’s own farmstead, a single-family dwelling under construction that the owner intends to occupy as a residence, or private non-habitable property not substantially used in connection with the owner’s trade or business.
Entrance installations exceeding sixty amperes, circuits, or installation of electrical parts of other apparatus remain subject to inspection and payment of inspection fees; failure to report required work is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Homeowner permits may not be used for commercial or rental property; mobile-home or modular-home installations are not allowed unless the units are on an owner-occupied lot at the time of installation.
At least 72-hour inspection notice is required; rough-in inspection must occur before insulation, sheetrock, paneling, or other covering; final inspection is required before occupancy.
The cited statute records amendments in 2020, 2022, and 2024.
permit-fee threshold: >= 30 USD (A wiring permit is required when a $30 or more fee is generated.) · entrance installation capacity: > 60 amperes (Installations in excess of sixty amperes are subject to inspection and payment of an inspection fee.) · inspection notice: >= 72 hours (Notice must be provided before inspection.)
“No license is required of a person installing electric wiring in or on: (1) The person's own residence”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Conditional — Electrical wiring installed by an owner-builder in South Dakota, including Perkins County.
“No license is required of a person installing electric wiring in or on: (1) The person's own residence, including attached or unattached accessory structures and the parcel of land upon which the structures are situated; (2) The person's own farmstead; (3) The premises of a single-family dwelling unit that is in the process of being constructed if the person owns the premises and intends to occupy the premises as the person's residence when construction is complete; or (4) The premises of any private, non-habitable property owned by the person that is not substantially used in connection with a trade or business of the person.”
Available (with conditions) — An owner acting as the general contractor on a South Dakota construction project solely for the owner's use, where the owner does not intend to sell or lease the project.
“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.”
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 — State building-code framework applicable in South Dakota, including construction in Perkins County.
“The specific codes referenced in Title 11, Chapter 10 are: • 11-10-5 2021 Edition of the International Building Code • 11-10-7 2009 Edition of the International Energy Conservation Code • 11-10-11 2021 Edition of the International Property Maintenance Code • 11-10-12 2021 Edition of the International Residential Code”
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.”
Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)
On-site wastewater systems serving property in Perkins County.
South Dakota establishes minimum requirements and standards.
Local governments may impose more stringent requirements.
“The authority for regulating on-site wastewater systems is found in SDCL Chapter 34A-2. The regulations are in the ARSD Articles 74:53:01. These regulations are the state’s minimum requirements and standards, but local governments may have more stringent regulations.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
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.”
Septic permitLimited
On-site wastewater installations receiving human excreta in Perkins County.
Plans and specifications for installations other than conventional individual on-site wastewater systems require state review and approval before construction.
A conventional individual on-site wastewater system may be designed and installed under Chapter 74:53:01 without submission of project plans and specifications to the secretary.
Existing systems predating February 28, 1975 may be exempt unless changed, polluting groundwater, or allowing wastewater to surface.
“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.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — New or modified individual and small on-site wastewater systems in Perkins County.
“A conventional individual on-site wastewater system may be designed and installed in accordance with this chapter without submission of project plans and specifications”
Septic inspectionLimited
On-site wastewater system installation, equipment, and operation in Perkins County.
Inspection authority is discretionary rather than stated as a universal pre-operation inspection requirement.
“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.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Installation, equipment, and operation of on-site wastewater systems in Perkins County.
“Inspection of the installation, equipment, and operation of an on-site wastewater system may be made at any time”
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.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Private wells and water uses in Perkins County.
“Domestic use of water from other than a common water distribution system that does not exceed 25,920 gallons per day (which is 18 gpm pumped 24 hours per day) or a peak diversion rate of 25 gallons per minute (gpm) for:”
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
Wastewater utility connection or on-site wastewater use in Perkins County.
On-site wastewater systems may not be constructed, installed, or operated where a public wastewater system is available.
Availability includes location within a municipality or sanitary district, a sewer collection system within 400 feet, and a municipality or sanitary district request to provide service.
sewer collection distance: <= 400 feet (The rule also requires the other availability conditions.)
“No person may construct, install, or operate an on-site wastewater system where a public wastewater system is available.”
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”
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 Perkins County has no county-wide answer on these. Find your township or city in the list of places on this page, or call its clerk or zoning administrator.
Minimum dwelling size
Lot coverage
Camping on your land
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 Perkins 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 Perkins County, South Dakota
Is Perkins County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Perkins County scores 47/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 341 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (17.2″/yr rainfall).
Do you need a building permit in Perkins County, South Dakota?
Perkins 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) – On-Site Wastewater program (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 Perkins County, South Dakota?
Land in Perkins County runs about $1,179 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Perkins County?
Perkins County gets about 17.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 17.3% of years.
How remote is Perkins County?
A typical private-land location has about 341 people within 15 miles and 65,526 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.
