Permit Requirements for Amherst, South Dakota
For Plumbing projects in Amherst, determining the correct permitting authority depends on whether the project site is located within the incorporated city limits or in an unincorporated area of Marshall 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 Amherst is located within Marshall County, the following broader county regulations may also apply to your project:
South Dakota, Marshall County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Marshall County Building & Safety Divisions and Jurisdiction
In Marshall County, South Dakota, building permits and related safety regulations fall under the purview of the Planning & Zoning Department. This department is responsible for issuing building permits, as well as handling variance, conditional use, and ReZone applications. They also manage E911 addressing for areas outside of incorporated cities and oversee drainage permits within the county's jurisdiction. For questions regarding floodplains, this office is also the point of contact.
Rules for Properties in Unincorporated Areas
For properties located in unincorporated areas of Marshall County, a building permit is required for various construction activities. Generally, a permit is necessary for:
- Improvements to any structure with a market value exceeding $3,000.
- Any new structure or building, regardless of cost, if additional land or area is needed for its placement.
- Storage sheds with an area of 80 square feet or larger. Sheds smaller than 80 sq ft do not require a permit but must adhere to setback requirements.
- Driveways (concrete, asphalt, paved, or graveled) that abut a county road or are located within a county right-of-way.
- Any change in the use or occupancy of a building or structure.
The permit application process involves contacting the Marshall County Planning & Zoning Department, describing the proposed project, obtaining and completing the necessary application form, and submitting it with required documentation such as a property description, site plan, and estimated construction cost. The Zoning Administrator reviews the application for compliance with the Marshall County Zoning Ordinance and the 2021 International Building Code (IBC). Fees are based on the estimated cost of construction.
While the state of South Dakota has overarching plumbing standards and codes administered by the South Dakota Plumbing Commission, local municipalities can enforce their own inspection systems, provided they comply with state codes. For plumbing work, licensed plumbers must report work to the commission before commencing and all installations, except minor repairs, are subject to state inspections. Homeowners performing their own plumbing installations in their residence or farmstead must also obtain a homeowner plumbing installation certificate (permit) and are subject to inspections. This homeowner permit is exclusively for single-family dwellings.
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