Bolthole Index

Davison County, South Dakota

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

52Index Score / 100
#15 of 66 in South Dakota

Davison County, South Dakota requires a building permit before construction of a permanent structure in county-administered areas.12 County zoning also controls uses and setbacks, but the cities and Mitchell's extraterritorial district use their own offices.32 Start with Davison County Planning and Zoning before committing to a rural homesite.2

At a glance

Building permit
Required before constructing a permanent structure in county-administered areas12
Zoning
Yes; confirm the parcel's district and governing jurisdiction32
Septic
State minimum standards apply; ask county Planning and Zoning and DANR about the exact review path456
RV living
Countywide occupancy rule not confirmed; ask Planning and Zoning before relying on an RV as housing32
Tiny home
No special countywide occupancy rule confirmed; zoning and permanent-structure permitting still need review13
Owner wiring
A qualifying resident owner may do the work, but must obtain the state homeowner permit and inspections7
Private well
A state water-right permit is required only when the proposed water use falls within permit requirements8

Who to call

Building permits

Davison County Planning and Zoning Office

Building permits, zoning, 911 addresses, plats, conditional uses and variances in county-administered areas

(605) 995-8615 or (605) 995-8640

Davison County Courthouse 200 E 4TH AVENUE MITCHELL, SD 57301

Septic permits

South Dakota DANR Livestock Services Program

State onsite-wastewater installation requirements and information about submitting septic installation plans

(605) 773-4647

[email protected]

523 E Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD 57501-3182

Roads & driveways

Davison County Highway Department

County-road and right-of-way questions and private-land driveway approach applications

(605) 995-8625

1224 West 5th Ave. Mitchell, SD 57301

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 28, 2026.

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

Yes. Davison County requires a Building Permit Application before construction of any permanent structure in county-administered areas.12 The permit review is intended to confirm required setbacks and other zoning terms.2 Agricultural land is not automatically permit-free: the available material does not confirm a blanket county exemption for farm buildings, so ask Planning and Zoning before construction.12 South Dakota's separate default construction-design rule excludes qualifying farmsteads and accessory buildings from that state design standard, but the exclusion does not erase county zoning, permits or other approvals.9 County sources do not confirm a general construction-code adoption, routine inspection sequence or certificate-of-occupancy process; ask the office what plans and completion steps apply to the proposed structure.2

Who issues Davison County building permits, and how do you reach them?

Davison County Planning and Zoning issues county building permits and also handles zoning questions, addresses, plats, conditional uses and variances.2 The office is in the Davison County Courthouse at 200 E 4TH AVENUE, MITCHELL, SD 57301, and its published phone numbers are (605) 995-8615 and (605) 995-8640.2 County jurisdiction does not cover every Davison County address: zoning inside Ethan, Mt. Vernon and Mitchell goes to the respective city office, and Mitchell administers building permits, conditional uses and variances in its extraterritorial district one mile beyond the city limits.2 Give the office the parcel location or legal description and describe every proposed structure and use so staff can identify the governing jurisdiction, district, setbacks, application and fee.2

Does Davison County have zoning?

Yes. Davison County has an adopted zoning ordinance for county-administered land, and the county office uses building-permit review to check setbacks and other ordinance terms.32 South Dakota law allows a county zoning ordinance to regulate building size, lot coverage, yards, open space, density, and the location and use of structures and land.10 The available material does not confirm one countywide minimum dwelling size, general building-height cap, lot-coverage limit or accessory-dwelling rule. Ask Planning and Zoning for the parcel's current district, permitted uses, setbacks and any variance or conditional-use path before designing a home, shop or accessory structure.2 Land inside Ethan, Mt. Vernon, Mitchell or Mitchell's extraterritorial district follows the relevant city process rather than the county process described here.2

How do septic permits work in Davison County?

South Dakota DANR administers statewide minimum requirements for individual and small onsite wastewater systems, while local governments may impose stricter requirements.45 Davison County's available material does not confirm a universal local permit or inspection path for every residential system, so ask County Planning and Zoning and DANR what review applies before installation.26 Septic feasibility deserves early attention because only 1.1% of Davison County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field.11 That countywide soil rating is a screening signal rather than a site-specific decision. Where water or electricity is unavailable, state rules allow specified unconventional sanitation systems, but experimental systems other than vault privies require state approval of plans and specifications before installation.12

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

We could not confirm a Davison County rule that directly allows or prohibits long-term RV occupancy or temporary camping on private land. Because Davison County administers zoning and permits permanent structures in county-administered areas, ask Planning and Zoning how the parcel's district treats RV occupancy, utility hookups and living onsite during construction.312 We also could not confirm a special tiny-home occupancy rule or a general minimum dwelling size. A tiny home intended as a permanent structure should be taken to Planning and Zoning for permit and land-use review before purchase or placement.12 Off-grid sanitation is a separate question: unconventional systems other than vault privies are experimental under state rules and require approval of plans before installation.12

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

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is under Davison County, a city or Mitchell's extraterritorial jurisdiction before using the county process.2
  1. Ask Davison County Planning and Zoning for the district, allowed residential use, setbacks, plat status, applications and current fees.32
  1. Evaluate water and wastewater early; a state water-right permit is required only when the proposed well use falls within permit requirements, and onsite wastewater must meet state minimum standards.85
  1. Submit the county Building Permit Application before constructing a permanent structure.12
  1. Arrange separate plumbing and electrical compliance; qualifying owner wiring still needs a homeowner permit, and state-regulated electrical and plumbing work is inspected.71314
  1. Resolve access with the County Highway Department for a county-road approach or with South Dakota DOT for a state-highway connection.1516

What should you check before buying land in Davison County?

Confirm the parcel's governing jurisdiction, zoning district, buildable area and legal access before closing because county and city permit authority differs by location.32 Investigate wastewater feasibility early: only 1.1% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field.11 For a private well, determine whether the intended water use requires a state water-right permit before drilling.8 Ask the County Highway Department about a county-road approach; access to a state highway requires South Dakota DOT permission before construction.1516 Check mapped flood risk because participating South Dakota communities require permits for floodplain development, though Davison County's parcel-specific floodplain process was not confirmed.17 The effective property-tax rate is about 1.2%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $2,361.1819

Watch-outs

  • Do not use the county permit process for land inside Ethan, Mt. Vernon, Mitchell or Mitchell's extraterritorial district; those areas go through the relevant city office.2
  • Davison County's RV occupancy, temporary-camping, tiny-home occupancy and general minimum-home-size rules were not confirmed; ask Planning and Zoning before treating a small or movable dwelling as allowed.32
  • Only 1.1% of Davison County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so investigate the actual homesite before finalizing a house location.11
  • A driveway connecting to a South Dakota state highway needs state permission before construction, while the Davison County Highway Department publishes a separate private-land driveway approach application.1615

Sources

  1. Davison County Planning and Zoning (2026 county census)
  2. Davison County Planning and Zoning Office (davisoncounty.org)
  3. Davison County Planning and Zoning (2026 county census)
  4. South Dakota DANR Septic Systems (2026 county census)
  5. On-Site Wastewater Systems in South Dakota (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  6. South Dakota DANR Livestock Services Program (danr.sd.gov)
  7. South Dakota Electrical Commission - Homeowner Wiring (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. South Dakota Water Rights - Drilling a Well, quoted and re-checked
  9. South Dakota Codified Law Chapter 11-10: Building Codes and Standards (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. 2000 Session Laws Chapter 69 — Planning and zoning statutes revised (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  12. Administrative Rule 74:53:01 — Individual and Small On-Site Wastewater Systems (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. South Dakota Electrical Commission - Homeowner Wiring (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. South Dakota Plumbing Commission - Inspections (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Davison County Highway Department (davisoncounty.org)
  16. Instructions: Applying for permission for driveway or intersection on a South Dakota state highway (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. National Flood Insurance Program (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  19. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 28, 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

Davison County in South Dakota

52
County map
Davison County highlighted among the South Dakota counties · colored by Index score

How Davison County scores

Seclusion67100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency2398% ev.
Admin Boringness49100% ev.
Durability51100% ev.
Property Autonomy67100% ev.
Carry Cost79100% ev.

Evidence strength: 99%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$258kTypical home
1.2%Property tax
$4,642Land / acre
25.1"Annual rain
12.7% of yrsSevere drought
12.3 / yr (+9.8)Mid-century 100°F days
21.8 daysMid-century dry spell
1.39" (+6.7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.55×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,671Home insurance / yr
4.5% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
23,739People within 30 min
546,734People within 2 hr
22,275Radius comparison (15 mi)
45.7People / sq mi
3.4%Federal land
97.4%Land at 15% slope or less
1.1%Septic soil without severe limits
3,126 acWorkable land screen
1.9%Wooded land
21.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
46.9°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Davison County

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

Davison County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    County Planning and Zoning states any permanent structure requires a Building Permit Application prior to construction, issued by the P&Z Office.

    Davison County Planning and Zoning ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

  • County-wide zoningPresent

    County adopted a Zoning Ordinance (permanent 1998, most recently amended effective July 2021) defining districts and permitted uses.

    Davison County Planning and Zoning ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

South Dakota rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    An individual owner personally installing electrical wiring and fixtures in a residence or farmstead owned and resided in by that individual.

    • The exemption is from electrical licensure requirements, not from permitting or inspection.
    • An approved homeowner permit must be obtained before electrical work begins.
    • The exemption does not apply to commercial or rental property.
    • Mobile-home and modular-home installations are allowed only when the unit is on an owner-occupied lot at the time of installation; otherwise a licensed South Dakota electrical contractor is required.
    • A final inspection is required before occupancy.
    “an "owner's exemption" as an exemption from licensure requirements”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Plumbing installations in South Dakota outside cities that administer their own plumbing inspection requirements.

    • The exception is for cities with their own inspection requirements.
    • Inspection requests generally require at least 72 hours advance notice, excluding weekends and holidays.
    • Inspections occur after a plumbing installation certificate is secured.

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

    “You must have a plumbing inspection certificate for all plumbing installations.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Who permits septicState

    Individual and small on-site wastewater systems statewide in South Dakota.

    • The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources secretary or authorized representative administers the state on-site wastewater requirements.
    • The state rules are minimum requirements; local governments may impose more stringent requirements, according to the DANR permitting guide.
    “The authority for regulating on-site wastewater systems is found in SDCL Chapter 34A-2.”
  • 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
  • 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 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.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    South Dakota state electrical wiring permits, including residential and farmstead wiring subject to state administration.

    • A wiring permit is required for electrical service entrances over 60 amperes, owner-exemption wiring, and other installations with an estimated inspection fee of at least $30.
    • Local inspection systems may have their own procedures, inspection fees, and regulations.
    • Inspection fees are separate from the $20 wiring-permit fee.

    wiring permit fee: 20 USD · permit validity: 3 years (A new permit is required if the installation extends beyond three years.) · late permit administrative fee: 250 USD (Applies when the permit is not dated at job start or is not renewed before expiration.)

    “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.”
  • 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.

  • Building code adopted — Building-code adoption for county-administered areas.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for county-administered construction.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Davison County zoning districts.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage limits in Davison County zoning districts.
  • Building height — General building-height limits in Davison County zoning districts.
8 more unanswered
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Septic permit
  • Septic inspection
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Short-term rentals

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 Davison County, South Dakota

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

Davison County scores 52/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: workable self-sufficiency basics (25.1″/yr rainfall).

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

Davison County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Davison County, South Dakota?

Land in Davison County runs about $4,642 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Davison County?

Davison County gets about 25.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 12.7% of years.

How remote is Davison County?

A representative private-land location has about 23,739 people within a 30-minute drive and 546,734 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 Davison County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Davison compares in South Dakota

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