Bolthole Index

Campbell County, South Dakota

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Campbell County, South Dakota

46Index Score / 100
#46 of 66 in South Dakota

Unincorporated Campbell County, South Dakota is reported not to require a general building permit for a home, but we could not confirm that answer in a current county ordinance1. Campbell County's current zoning status also remains unconfirmed2. State septic, electrical and plumbing requirements still apply345.

At a glance

Home building permit
Reported not required, but confirm the current county position with the Auditor16
County zoning
No current county ordinance or zoning map was confirmed2
Building code
The 2026 state default applies to qualifying nonresidential work, with homes, manufactured homes and farmsteads excluded from that default7
Septic
South Dakota DANR administers the statewide on-site wastewater rules38
Owner-builder electrical work
Allowed for a qualifying owner-occupied residence or farmstead, but a homeowner permit and inspections are still required910
RV or tiny-home living
We could not confirm a county rule; ask the County Auditor before relying on either use26
Well
A state water-right permit is required only for water uses that fall within the permitting rules; the driller must be licensed11
Septic soils
58.1% of county soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field12

Who to call

Also useful

Campbell County Auditor

First county contact for the current local permit, zoning, road-access and floodplain status

(605) 955-3366

PO Box 37, Mound City, 57646

Septic permits

South Dakota DANR On-Site Wastewater Systems

State on-site wastewater installation requirements and plan-review questions

(605) 773-4647

523 E Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD 57501-3182

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.

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

The best available answer for a home in unincorporated Campbell County is that a general county building permit is not required, but we could not confirm that answer in a current official ordinance1. Ask the Campbell County Auditor to confirm the rule for the parcel and project before ordering materials6. For qualifying construction begun after July 1, 2026, South Dakota's default standard is based on the 2024 International Building Code where a local government has not adopted its own ordinance; residential structures, mobile or manufactured homes, farmsteads and their accessory buildings are excluded from that specific default7. State law also bars local governments from requiring a building permit for substantially similar repairs or replacements of listed exterior parts of an owner-occupied detached house, including same-size doors and windows, nonstructural siding, gutters and fencing, except on designated historic property13. Other applicable codes and ordinances still apply14.

Who is the Campbell County building department and permit office?

We could not confirm a dedicated Campbell County building, planning or zoning office, so the practical first call is the Campbell County Auditor at (605) 955-336616. The state directory lists the Auditor at PO Box 37, Mound City, 576466. Ask that office whether the county has adopted a building-code ordinance, whether a local permit or inspection applies, who handles county-road approaches, and whether the parcel lies under a floodplain program6. Electrical and plumbing are separate state-administered tracks: qualifying electrical work requires notice, rough-in review before concealment and a final inspection before occupancy, while statewide plumbing inspection applies outside cities that administer their own inspection requirements45. Development in a floodplain needs a permit only where the relevant local community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, and we could not confirm Campbell County's participation status15.

Does Campbell County, South Dakota have zoning?

Campbell County's current zoning status is not established by a current official county ordinance, map or statement2. Available information reports no county zoning, but a buyer should not treat a parcel as unrestricted without current confirmation from the County Auditor26. South Dakota law allows a county board to regulate uses, building size, height, yards, lot coverage and population density through zoning, but that authority alone does not prove Campbell County adopted those controls16. Ask the County Auditor for any current zoning ordinance, subdivision rules, setbacks and parcel-specific restrictions before closing6. We also could not confirm county rules for minimum lot size, minimum dwelling size, accessory dwellings, manufactured-home placement or short-term rentals2. A vacation home operated as a lodging establishment needs a South Dakota Department of Health lodging license, but that state license does not settle county land-use approval17.

How do septic permits work in Campbell County?

South Dakota DANR administers the minimum on-site wastewater rules throughout Campbell County, subject to any stricter local requirements18. A conventional individual residential system may be designed and installed under the state chapter without submitting plans and specifications for DANR review, while a nonconventional installation or deviation requires state review and approval before construction19. Installers of individual and small wastewater systems must be certified by the South Dakota Plumbing Commission18. DANR or its authorized representative may inspect an installation, equipment or operation at any time, but the rule does not mandate the same routine inspection for every system20. A private system cannot be used when the property falls within a municipality or sanitary district, public sewer is within 400 feet, and that jurisdiction requests to serve it21. Across Campbell County, 58.1% of soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field, so obtain a parcel-level site evaluation12. DANR answers plan-review questions at (605) 773-46478.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Campbell County?

We could not confirm a current Campbell County rule that allows or prohibits living in an RV or tiny home on private land2. Campbell County's uncertain zoning status is not permission to occupy either type of unit, so ask the County Auditor about the specific parcel, duration and sanitation plan26. South Dakota's campground license covers a regulated campground business and requires state review and an on-site health inspection; that rule does not answer whether an owner may live in a personal RV on private land22. Off-grid sanitation has a clearer state framework: where water or electricity is unavailable, vault privies may be used, while chemical, incinerator and composting toilets are experimental systems requiring DANR approval before installation2324. A tiny home still needs a lawful wastewater solution even though its county occupancy and placement rules remain unconfirmed252.

Building a home in Campbell County: what are the steps?

  1. Ask the Campbell County Auditor in writing to confirm the current building-permit, zoning, subdivision, floodplain and county-road-access requirements for the parcel612.
  1. Determine the water source; a state water-right permit applies only to covered water uses, must precede drilling when required, and every well driller must hold a license11.
  1. Have the septic site evaluated and contact DANR before choosing any system that is not a conventional individual residential installation198.
  1. Obtain the homeowner electrical permit before personally wiring a qualifying home or farmstead, then arrange the required rough-in and final inspections1026.
  1. Arrange the state plumbing certificate and inspection unless a city-administered program applies5.
  1. Obtain SDDOT approval before building an approach to a state highway, and finish right-of-way construction within 45 days after starting it27.
  1. For disturbance of one acre or more, prepare the stormwater plan and submit the state notice with the first-year fee at least 15 days before construction; published fees run from $100 for less than 5 acres to $750 for 80 acres or more2829.

What should you check before buying land in Campbell County?

Start with written confirmation from the County Auditor because Campbell County's general building-permit and zoning positions are not backed by a current ordinance in the available record126. Test the proposed home and drain-field area because only 58.1% of county soils lack severe limits for a conventional septic field12. Campbell County averages about 19 inches of precipitation a year, and severe drought occurs in 11.6% of years, so verify well yield and water rights before treating a water plan as settled303111. The land is mostly gentle and open, with 97.2% at a slope of 15% or less and 0.7% forest cover, which makes wind exposure and shelter planning practical due-diligence items3233. Campbell County has 1.8 people per square mile, and the nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 170 miles from the county center, so confirm contractor travel costs and emergency access3435. The median property-tax bill is about $1,266 a year, with an effective rate near 1.4%3637.

Watch-outs

  • A reported lack of a general home permit is not the same as an official no-permit ordinance; confirm the current answer with the Campbell County Auditor16.
  • The statewide default building standard can apply to qualifying nonresidential work even though homes, manufactured homes and farmsteads are excluded from that particular default7.
  • A driveway onto a state highway needs SDDOT approval before right-of-way construction begins, and a controlled-access highway may allow limited access or none at all2738.

Sources

  1. KELOLAND News - Campbell County Considers Zoning (2026 county census)
  2. KELOLAND News - Campbell County Considers Zoning (2026 county census)
  3. South Dakota DANR - Septic Tank Systems (2026 county census)
  4. South Dakota Electrical Commission - Homeowner Wiring (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  5. South Dakota Plumbing Commission - Inspections (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  6. Campbell County Auditor (dor.sd.gov)
  7. SDCL 11-10-6 — New construction standards—No building code ordinance—International Building Code applied—Exclusions, quoted and re-checked
  8. South Dakota DANR On-Site Wastewater Systems (danr.sd.gov)
  9. South Dakota Electrical Commission - Homeowner Wiring (2026 county census)
  10. South Dakota Electrical Commission - Homeowner Wiring (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. South Dakota Water Rights — Drilling a Well (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  13. Codified Law 11-10-15 - No building permit for certain repairs and replacements, quoted and re-checked
  14. Codified Law 11-10 - Building Codes and Standards, quoted and re-checked
  15. National Flood Insurance Program (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. 2000 Session Laws Chapter 69 — Planning and zoning statutes revised (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Food and Lodging Licensure and Codes, quoted and re-checked
  18. One-Stop Permitting and Regulation Guide (2025 Edition), quoted and re-checked
  19. Rule 74:53:01 Individual and Small On-Site Wastewater Systems, quoted and re-checked
  20. Rule 74:53:01 Individual and Small On-Site Wastewater Systems, quoted and re-checked
  21. Rule 74:53:01 Individual and Small On-Site Wastewater Systems, quoted and re-checked
  22. Campground Licensure and Codes, quoted and re-checked
  23. Rule 74:53:01 Individual and Small On-Site Wastewater Systems, quoted and re-checked
  24. Administrative Rule 74:53:01 — Individual and Small On-Site Wastewater Systems (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. On-Site Wastewater Systems in South Dakota (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  26. South Dakota Electrical Commission - Homeowner Wiring, quoted and re-checked
  27. Access Management, quoted and re-checked
  28. Stormwater Permit for Construction Activities, quoted and re-checked
  29. Stormwater Permit for Construction Activities, quoted and re-checked
  30. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  32. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  33. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  34. Population density: Bolthole Index county data
  35. Distance to the nearest metro area: Bolthole Index county data
  36. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  37. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  38. Access Management Public Information Handout, quoted and re-checked

Written September 29, 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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County locator

Campbell County in South Dakota

46
County map
Campbell County highlighted among the South Dakota counties · colored by Index score

How Campbell County scores

Seclusion89100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1592% ev.
Admin Boringness86100% ev.
Durability36100% ev.
Property Autonomy67100% ev.
Carry Cost8296% 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 →

$205kTypical home
1.4%Property tax
$2,316Land / acre
19"Annual rain
11.6% of yrsSevere drought
8.7 / yr (+6.8)Mid-century 100°F days
21.1 daysMid-century dry spell
1.28" (+6.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.46×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,558Home insurance / yr
3.2% / yrInsurance growth
2.44%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
404People within 30 min
39,665People within 2 hr
1,715Radius comparison (15 mi)
1.8People / sq mi
29%Federal land
97.2%Land at 15% slope or less
58.1%Septic soil without severe limits
261,950 acWorkable land screen
0.7%Wooded land
43.3°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Campbell County

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

Campbell County rules

  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Campbell County had no county zoning as of the wind-farm zoning debate (commission chair: 'we have no regulations at all'); a temporary zoning ordinance was proposed in 2019 but no authoritative source confirms permanent county zoning was adopted.

    KELOLAND News - Campbell County Considers Zoning ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

South Dakota rules that apply here

  • Building permitNot required

    Repair or substantially similar replacement of listed existing exterior parts of a detached single-family owner-occupied residential structure, including door dimensions unchanged, downspout, fascia, fencing panel or post, gutter, nonstructural siding, soffit, and window dimensions unchanged.

    • The exemption applies notwithstanding county, municipal, or township authority to prescribe building codes or standards or issue building permits.
    • Nothing in the statute relieves a homeowner from compliance with any other applicable building code or ordinance.
    • A county, municipality, or township may require permits for repairs or substantially similar replacements involving exterior parts of a designated historical property as authorized under chapter 1-19B.

    door dimensions: remain the same · window dimensions: remain the same · siding: nonstructural

    “a county, municipality, or township may not require a building permit for the repair or substantially similar replacement”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Repair or substantially similar replacement of specified existing exterior parts of a detached single-family owner-occupied residential structure anywhere in South Dakota, including Campbell County.
      “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:”
  • 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”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Non-exempt building construction within any South Dakota local unit of government, potentially including Campbell County, when the local unit has not adopted an ordinance under SDCL 11-10-5.

    • Applies to construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal, and demolition commenced after July 1, 2026.
    • The applicable design standard must be based on the 2024 edition of the International Building Code.
    • Each local unit of government may adopt an ordinance allowing local administration and enforcement.
    • The section does not apply to residential structures as defined in SDCL 11-10-12, mobile or manufactured homes, farmsteads, or accessories thereto.
    • Farmstead means a farm or ranch, including any structure or building located on the land.
    • A nonresidential mobile or manufactured home is excluded when constructed to applicable prevailing HUD standards and compliant with applicable accessibility standards.
    • Specialty resorts or vacation home establishments constructed to Group R-3 of the 2024 International Building Code are excluded.

    building code edition: 2024 International Building Code · construction commencement threshold: > 2026-07-01 (Excludes residential structures, mobile or manufactured homes, farmsteads and accessory structures or buildings, plus the other statutory exceptions.)

    “any building commenced after July 1, 2026 [...] local unit of government that has not adopted an ordinance [...] 2024 edition of the International Building Code”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — Nonresidential construction standards in Campbell County and other South Dakota local-government areas that have not adopted an ordinance under South Dakota Codified Law 11-10-5.
      “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.”
    • Partial — Buildings commenced after July 1, 2026, within a South Dakota local unit of government that has not adopted an ordinance prescribing building standards under SDCL 11-10-5.
      “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”
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Electrical installations covered by a South Dakota homeowner wiring permit, including applicable installations in Campbell County
      “Any installer must provide at least 72-hour notification to the inspector or the Commission office for an inspection. [...] A final inspection is required for all jobs prior to occupancy.”
    • 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 in Campbell County, including unincorporated areas and incorporated places, subject to any applicable local requirements.

    • South Dakota's minimum requirements and standards are in SDCL Chapter 34A-2 and ARSD Article 74:53:01.
    • Local governments may have more stringent regulations; the cited official source does not identify a Campbell County local rule.
    • DANR should be contacted before installation of any new on-site system except a conventional on-site system serving an individual residence.
    • Plans and specifications must be submitted to DANR for installations receiving human excreta other than a conventional individual onsite system, under ARSD 74:53:01:03.
    • All persons intending to install individual and small wastewater systems must be certified by the South Dakota Plumbing Commission.
    “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.”
    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

    Installation of on-site wastewater systems in Campbell County under South Dakota's individual and small on-site wastewater rules.

    • Plans and specifications must be submitted to the secretary for review and approval before construction for installations receiving human excreta other than a conventional individual on-site wastewater system.
    • A conventional individual on-site wastewater system may be designed and installed under Chapter 74:53:01 without submitting project plans and specifications for secretary review and approval.
    • Any proposed deviation from the chapter requires secretary review and approval under Chapter 74:53:03 with plans, specifications, and supporting information prepared by a registered professional engineer or licensed plumber.
    • Existing systems installed before February 28, 1975, are generally exempt unless changed, causing groundwater pollution, or allowing wastewater to surface; abandoned systems are not exempt.
    • Local governments may impose more stringent requirements.
    “without submission of project plans and specifications”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Installation, equipment, and operation of on-site wastewater systems in Campbell County.

    • Inspection is discretionary and may occur at any time; the rule does not require a routine inspection for every system.
    • The inspection authority belongs to the secretary of the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources or the secretary's authorized representative.
    “may be made at any time”
  • Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)

    Off-grid sanitation using unconventional systems where water or electrical service is unavailable in Campbell County.

    • Vault privies, chemical toilets, incinerator toilets, or composting units shall 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 as an experimental system before installation.
    • Unconventional systems must be sized, installed, operated, and maintained according to manufacturer specifications; waste must be disposed of in vault privies, holding tanks, or as provided by the septage-disposal rule.
    • Cesspools and pit privies are prohibited; operation of a cesspool or pit privy constructed after February 28, 1975, is prohibited.
    “all unconventional systems are considered experimental systems”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • 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.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Use of an on-site wastewater system instead of connection to a public wastewater system in Campbell County.

    • An on-site wastewater system may not be constructed, installed, or operated where a public wastewater system is available.
    • A public wastewater system is considered available when the structure or wastewater system is within the jurisdictional boundaries of a municipality or sanitary district, the public sewer collection system is within 400 feet of the premises, and the municipality or sanitary district requests to provide service.
    • The rule addresses public wastewater/sewer availability; it does not establish a countywide requirement for public water connection.

    public sewer collection distance: <= 400 feet (All other availability conditions must also be met.)

    “exists within 400 feet”
  • 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.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Construction of a driveway, access approach, or intersection connecting property to a South Dakota state highway, including such connections serving property in Campbell County.

    • The rule applies to access to state highways, not automatically to county-maintained or other local roads.
    • The applicant must submit the application to the SDDOT Area Engineer and provide additional information requested by the Department; listed possible materials include an access approach design, vicinity map, traffic volumes, site plans, traffic control plan, liability insurance, development plan, drainage plan, traffic impact study, and revegetation plan.
    • The Department reviews the application; if approved, the access must be constructed and maintained according to the permit and standard conditions.
    • Construction within the state highway right-of-way may not proceed until the access permit is issued.
    • The access must be completed within 45 days from initiation of construction within the highway right-of-way, subject to one construction-time extension request to the Area Engineer.
    • A utility permit is required for utility work within the highway right-of-way.
    • A permit may expire if access is not under construction within one year of issuance; one written one-year extension may be requested before expiration.
    • For significant changes affecting access operation, traffic volume, or vehicle type, the property owner or permittee must contact the Department to determine whether a new permit and access modification are required.

    application review follow-up: 30 days (If the application is not completed within 30 days, a Department employee will contact the applicant with an update.) · completion of access construction within highway right-of-way: 45 days (One construction-time extension may be requested from the Area Engineer.) · permit construction commencement period: 1 year (One written one-year extension may be requested before permit expiration.)

    “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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Driveway or other access to a South Dakota controlled-access highway facility in or serving Campbell County.
      “Controlled access facilities are segments of highway where either no access or only limited access to the highway is allowed. Interstate highways are an example of controlled access facilities where no access to the highway is allowed.”
    • Limited — New or modified driveways and intersections connecting to South Dakota state highways.
      “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.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    A short-term rental operated as a lodging establishment in Campbell County and elsewhere in South Dakota.

    • The South Dakota Department of Health licenses lodging establishments.
    • Applications must be submitted through the online system beginning July 1, 2026; paper applications are no longer accepted after that date.
    • The source does not establish a county zoning treatment or any Campbell County-specific short-term-rental restriction.
    “Get a lodging establishment license for a bed and breakfast, specialty resort, hotel, or vacation home with these four steps. Ensure you review all relevant health and safety manuals and codes. [...] Steps 1-3 must be completed before issuance of a lodging license.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    South Dakota construction projects, including projects in Campbell County, that disturb one or more acres and require coverage under the state construction stormwater general permit.

    • Coverage is required when construction activity disturbs one or more acres, including construction support activities and phased or larger common-plan projects.
    • The first-year stormwater fee must accompany the Notice of Intent.
    • Credit-card payments incur a 2.5% charge and eCheck payments incur a 0.75% charge.

    construction stormwater fee for less than 5 acres: 100 USD · construction stormwater fee for 5 to less than 40 acres: 250 USD · construction stormwater fee for 40 to less than 80 acres: 500 USD · construction stormwater fee for 80 acres or more: 750 USD · credit-card payment charge: 2.5 percent · eCheck payment charge: 0.75 percent

    “NOIs must also include the first year's stormwater fee, billed to the owner of the project, as follows: Construction Stormwater Fees <5 acres | $100 5 to < 40 acres | $250 40 to < 80 acres | $500 80+ acres | $750 [...] There is a 2.5% charge for credit card payments and a .75% charge for eCheck payments.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — South Dakota state electrical wiring permits, including residential and farmstead wiring subject to state administration.
      “A wiring permit may be obtained for twenty dollars from the commission office. A wiring permit is valid for three years from the date the permit is issued.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    South Dakota state electrical wiring permits and inspections.

    • The installer must send the white permit copy to the Commission within 15 calendar days after starting the installation.
    • The permit hard copy must be posted at the job site when electrical work starts.
    • At least 72 hours' notice is required before inspection.
    • A rough-in inspection must occur before wiring is covered, and a final inspection is required before occupancy.
    • Homeowner permits are limited to qualifying owner-occupied residences or farmsteads and cannot be used for commercial or rental property.

    white permit copy submission deadline: 15 calendar days after starting installation · inspection notice: >= 72 hours

    “Within fifteen calendar days after starting an electrical installation, the installer shall send the white copy to the office of the commission.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — South Dakota construction projects, including projects in Campbell County, that require construction stormwater permit coverage.
      “To obtain coverage under this General Permit, the Notice of Intent (NOI) must be submitted at least 15 days prior to the commencement of construction. Please be aware that a permit will not be issued until all necessary information has been received, including payment of the annual fee. If construction of your site is already in progress, submit the completed NOI immediately. [...] A SWPPP is required to be developed prior to submitting your NOI.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Temporary camping at a campground operated as a regulated establishment in South Dakota, including Campbell County.

    • A campground license is required for a new business or change of ownership.
    • The application must be reviewed by the regional advisor.
    • The South Dakota Department of Health conducts an on-site inspection to determine compliance with administrative rules.
    • Steps 1-3 must be completed before issuance of a campground license.
    “Get a campground license for a new business or a change of ownership with these four steps. Ensure you review all relevant health and safety manuals and codes. [...] The Regional Advisor will review your application and contact you to schedule your inspection. [...] The Department of Health conducts an on-site inspection to determine compliance with administrative rules. [...] Steps 1-3 must be completed before issuance of a campground license.”
  • 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.”

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 buildings in Campbell County, including unincorporated areas
  • Local zoning — Local zoning within Campbell County, including any municipal, township, or other subordinate local rules.
  • Zoning districts — County zoning districts, zoning maps, and district regulations in Campbell County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Campbell County, South Dakota.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in unincorporated Campbell County, South Dakota.
8 more unanswered
  • Setbacks
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Subdividing land

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 Campbell County, South Dakota

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

Campbell County scores 46/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 404 people within a 30-minute drive and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property. Watch-outs: thin water margin (19″/yr rainfall) and elevated current hazard exposure.

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

Campbell County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (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 Campbell County, South Dakota?

Land in Campbell County runs about $2,316 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Campbell County?

Campbell County gets about 19" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 11.6% of years.

How remote is Campbell County?

A representative private-land location has about 404 people within a 30-minute drive and 39,665 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.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Campbell compares in South Dakota

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