Permit Requirements for Newell, South Dakota
For Plumbing projects in Newell, determining the correct permitting authority depends on whether the project site is located within the incorporated city limits or in an unincorporated area of Butte County.
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
Most jurisdictions require permits for Plumbing work to ensure safety and code compliance. The governing body responsible for issuing these permits varies by specific location:
General Plumbing Guidelines
Permits are usually required for new installations, structural modifications, or major repairs. While minor maintenance or cosmetic updates may be exempt, landowners should always verify local codes before work begins.
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Because Newell is located within Butte County, the following broader county regulations may also apply to your project:
South Dakota, Butte County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Butte County Building and Safety Jurisdiction
Butte County, South Dakota, handles building permits through its Equalization and Planning Department. This department is responsible for assessing property for tax purposes and also issues building and septic permits. They are located at 117 5th Avenue, Belle Fourche, SD 57717, and can be reached at 605-892-3950. Their hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Mountain Time.
Plumbing Permit Requirements for Unincorporated Areas
For properties in unincorporated areas of Butte County, a building permit is required if the property is located outside the city limits of Belle Fourche, Newell, or Nisland.
While Butte County itself does not currently require building code inspections, it is highly recommended that all work adheres to South Dakota Codified Law Chapter 11-10.
All plumbing work in South Dakota requires a valid state-issued plumbing installation certificate, which must be obtained from the South Dakota Plumbing Commission. This certificate must be reported to the commission before work commences. Most plumbing installations are subject to inspection by a state plumbing inspector, including underground, rough-in, and final inspections, unless the city where the structure is located has its own inspection requirements.
Homeowners performing plumbing work on their own residence or farmstead must obtain a homeowner plumbing installation certificate (permit) from the South Dakota Plumbing Commission. This permit is exclusively for single-family dwellings where the owner is performing the installation and must be completed according to the state plumbing code.
Plumbers must be licensed by the South Dakota State Plumbing Commission. Licensed plumbers are generally required to hold general liability insurance, with minimum coverage requirements specified by state regulations.
The application for a building permit in Butte County requires several documents, including a 911 address application, proof of sewer permit and septic design (or receipt of last pumping if existing), a site plan, and copies of plans or blueprints. Payment for fees is required at the time of application, and checks should be made payable to Butte County Planning.
All work must be started within 180 days and completed within two years from the date of issuance. One extension permit may be applied for prior to the expiration of the original permit.
Resources to Learn More
The following statewide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within South Dakota:
South Dakota Plumbing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines
State Statutes and Plumbing Codes
The state of South Dakota regulates plumbing through South Dakota Codified Law (SDCL) Chapter 36-25. Under this authority, the state has adopted the 2024 edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as the foundational technical standard for plumbing systems. This adoption includes state-specific amendments and rules promulgated by the state commission to govern the design, installation, and maintenance of plumbing systems, including potable water distribution, drainage, waste, and vent systems.
Primary State Agency
The primary agency responsible for setting and enforcing these standards is the South Dakota Plumbing Commission. This commission, which operates under the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, is tasked with administering state laws and regulations concerning plumbing, licensing plumbing contractors and plumbers, conducting examinations, and performing inspections of plumbing installations to ensure compliance with the adopted state code.
Resources to Learn More