Codes, exemptions & field inspections
This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.
Regulatory framework
Custer County expressly states that it has no county zoning or locally adopted building code. Ordinance 2 requires construction generally to comply with applicable South Dakota regulations and sound engineering and safety practices; the county does not inspect footings, foundations, framing, or finished structures, while state inspectors handle plumbing and electrical work.
Inspection lane
Call the Planning Department at 605-673-8174. The county requires final inspections of approaches to public roads and onsite wastewater systems, and septic installation must remain uncovered for inspection. It does not inspect footings, foundations, framing, or finished buildings; arrange electrical and plumbing inspections with the applicable South Dakota state inspectors.
Minor-work playbook
No building permit is required for a non-living structure without water or sewer that is 160 square feet or smaller, but the county requires a no-permit information form. Ordinance 2 also exempts attached residential appurtenances such as decks, porches, and window awnings; canopy carports; agricultural structures under 300 square feet; remodeling, normal maintenance, and repairs that do not enlarge the building; fences, corrals, livestock enclosures, swings/play equipment; and finish work such as painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, or cabinetry. Non-enlarging fire/storm repairs are exempt unless in a flood-hazard area or involving a nonconforming structure.
Field rule
A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.
Inspection pipeline
Request with lead time
Call the Planning Department at 605-673-8174. The county requires final inspections of approaches to public roads and onsite wastewater systems, and septic installation must remain uncovered for inspection. It does not inspect footings, foundations, framing, or finished buildings; arrange electrical and plumbing inspections with the applicable South Dakota state inspectors.
Preserve access
Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.
Close the record
Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.
Contractor verification
Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.
Planning reference
A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.
Open planning reference ↗Source trail
Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.
Project questions
Custer County Planning Department is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.
Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 605-673-8174.
N/A. The county publishes no standard review-time estimate and advises that incomplete submissions cause delays. A permit expires if work has not begun within six months or has not been substantially completed within one year; further work then requires an extension.
Call the Planning Department at 605-673-8174. The county requires final inspections of approaches to public roads and onsite wastewater systems, and septic installation must remain uncovered for inspection. It does not inspect footings, foundations, framing, or finished buildings; arrange electrical and plumbing inspections with the applicable South Dakota state inspectors.
Custer County expressly states that it has no county zoning or locally adopted building code. Ordinance 2 requires construction generally to comply with applicable South Dakota regulations and sound engineering and safety practices; the county does not inspect footings, foundations, framing, or finished structures, while state inspectors handle plumbing and electrical work. No building permit is required for a non-living structure without water or sewer that is 160 square feet or smaller, but the county requires a no-permit information form. Ordinance 2 also exempts attached residential appurtenances such as decks, porches, and window awnings; canopy carports; agricultural structures under 300 square feet; remodeling, normal maintenance, and repairs that do not enlarge the building; fences, corrals, livestock enclosures, swings/play equipment; and finish work such as painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, or cabinetry. Non-enlarging fire/storm repairs are exempt unless in a flood-hazard area or involving a nonconforming structure.
Field sequencing matters
Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.
When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.
Closeout file
Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.