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1. What projects do I need a building permit for?

A building permit is required for any new construction or relocation of buildings, including mobile homes and any structures such as sheds or buildings 200 square feet or greater. Building permits will also be required for interior construction or reconstruction.

2. What codes have been adopted by Lawrence County?

The 2012 IRC Residential Code, 2012 International Property Maintenance Code, 2012 International Mechanical Code, 2012 Fire Code, and all appropriate amendments and additions to those codes are all codes that have been adopted by Lawrence County.

3. What are the regulations for septic systems?

All septic systems in Lawrence County need a septic permit first, then you will need to obtain a Registered Professional Engineer to design your septic system. Both of these items must take place prior to the issuance of a building permit.

The fee for the Septic Permit Application is $10.

4. What can and cannot be sent to an inmate?

Undergarments

The inmate may have undergarments brought in from the outside. Please mark each item with the inmate's name in black permanent marker. These garments must be white (no exceptions) and the inmate is only allowed three undergarments of each type:

• Bra (Bras cannot have any underwires)
• T-shirts (long or short sleeved)
• Underwear

Medications

The inmate may have his or her medication while incarcerated. The medications must be presented to the jail in this manner:

• The medication must be in the bottle or package it came in.
• The medication must have the original prescription label on the bottle or package.

Mail

Mail cannot be brought to the Sheriff's Office. Mail must go through the postal system. No package or letter will be accepted by hand delivery. All mail must be addressed in the following manner and must include a valid return address:
Lawrence County Jail
Attn: Inmate's Name
P.O. Box 405
Deadwood, SD 57732

5. What is an occupancy permit?

A document showing that all required inspections have been completed, passed, and that the structure is safe for occupancy.

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1. What are the fees for applications in the County?

Please view the Lawrence County Zoning Ordinance (PDF) to see all fees associated with the different types of applications.

2. What is my property zoned?

To find what your property is zoned, please provide the zoning designation of your property by providing us with the street address and the parcel number for the property which can be located on your most recent tax statement.For more information please contact the Planning and Zoning department at 605-578-3871.

3. What are the zoning categories in Lawrence County?

The zoning categories in Lawrence County are:

• A-1: General Agricultural: Development density is approximately 1 lot per 40 acres.
• A-2: Residential Agriculture: Development density is approximately 4 lots per 40 acres; 8-acre minimum lot size.
• PF: Park Forest: Development density is approximately 8 lots per 40 acres; 5-acre average, 2-acre minimum.
• RR: Rural Residential: Development density is approximately 8 lots per 40 acres; 5-acre average, 2-acre minimum.
• SRD: Suburban Residential: Development density is based on whether or not you have a central water and/or sewer system. The average density is 2 acres, unless you can prove you can support smaller.
• GC: General Commercial: Development density is 1 acre, unless you can prove you can support smaller. If there is a residence on the property, minimum lot size is 2 acres.
• RC: Recreation Commercial: Development density is 1 acre, unless you can prove you can support smaller. If there is a residence on the property, minimum lot size is 2 acres.
• HSC: Highway Service Commercial: Development density is 1 acre, unless you can prove you can support smaller. If there is a residence on the property, minimum lot size is 2 acres.
• C/LI: Commercial/Light Industrial: Development density is 1 acre, unless you can prove you can support smaller. If there is a residence on the property, minimum lot size is 2 acres.
• I-1: General Industry: Development density is 1 acre, unless you can prove you can support smaller. If there is a residence on the property, minimum lot size is 2 acres.
• PUD: Planned Unit Development: The intent of the Planned Unit Development District (PUD), regulations is to permit greater flexibility, and consequently, more creative and imaginative design for the development of residential and nonresidential areas than generally is possible under conventional zoning regulations.
  • It is further intended to promote more economical and efficient use of the land while providing a harmonious variety of land uses, a higher level of urban amenities, preservation of natural scenic qualities of open space, environmental protection, concurrent and adequate public facilities, timing, phasing, and sequencing for the proposed development within the PUD, all contingent upon completion of its review process. In addition, reasonable assurance to the developer is intended regarding ultimate approval before expending complete design monies while also providing county officials with assurances that the project will retain the character envisioned and protect public health, safety and general welfare. All PUD requests shall include the Design Standards set out in the Lawrence County Subdivision Regulations and shall conform to the Change of Zoning section of the Lawrence County Zoning Ordinance.
    
    

4. Does Lawrence County regulate the zoning in municipalities?

No, each of the four municipalities in Lawrence County has its own zoning regulations. You should contact the City Offices of Spearfish, Deadwood, Lead or Whitewood for information on properties that are in the municipal boundaries.

5. What are the uses allowed on my property?

The uses allowed in each zoning district are outlined in Article 3-District Regulations in the Lawrence County Zoning Ordinance (PDF). You can also visit the Planning and Zoning department's office to view other uses that are not mentioned in the ordinance. 

Allowed uses are those allowed as a matter by right on a property.

6. I don't see the use I want on my property listed, what should I do?

It is the job of the Planning and Zoning office to interpret the zoning ordinance. To discuss the proposed use that is not listed please contact the Planning and Zoning department at 605-578-3871. In many instances if a use is not listed within a zoning district it is inferred that the use is not allowed within that district, particularly if that use is listed in another category. In some rare cases the Planning and Zoning administrator determines if a use is appropriate within a zoning district.

7. Where are mobile homes permitted?

Mobile homes are permitted in any zoning district as a single residence on a single lot, unless restricted by covenants and or the like. All mobile homes need a moving permit from the Lawrence County Treasurers office and a building permit from Planning and Zoning. Mobile Home Parks are not permitted.

8. What are setbacks?

Setbacks are the distances required between structures or uses and property lines. These distances vary within each zoning district, for specific setback requirements in each district please refer to the Lawrence County Zoning Ordinances (PDF). Variances can be made to some setbacks by applying to the Planning and Zoning office and then having a recommendation meeting with the Planning and Zoning Board and a public hearing in front of the board of appeals.

9. What is a utility easement?

Utility easements are encountered on many properties in the County which have been created by the subdivision process. Generally these easements are there to accommodate the placement of water, sewer, gas or communication lines or to allow for the free flow of storm water across properties so it is properly managed. No permanent structure is allowed in any utility easement, all utilities or improvements, to include approaches, proposed to be located in a county right-of-way must be approved by the County before installation is made.

10. I want to operate a business from my home, what permits do I need?

First, you should consult with the Health Department and / or other agencies, depending on the type and size operation you intend. If you want to operate a simple office from the home as many individuals do these days, no permit is required and to do so is permitted in any residence so long as there is no outside appearance of an office or business operating there and no additional traffic is generated. 

Home occupations are only allowed in the Zoning Districts which lists Home Occupation. Planning and Zoning may require more detail on other types of business operations to determine if they are permitted in specific zoning categories so it is best to contact the office at 605-578-3871. Bear in mind that there are distinctly different residential and business zoning categories so there is legislative intent to keep the two uses separate.

11. I intend to start a new business, where do I find information on where I can locate it and what permits do I need?

Planning and Zoning can tell you which zoning districts are appropriate for the type of business you are starting or relocating and we can give you information regarding where each of these zoning districts are in the County. For more information on building permits for new structures or redoing old ones, please contact the Planning and Zoning department at 605-578-3871.

12. What are the county sign regulations?

The numerous requirements for business signs are contained in Article 4 Supplemental Regulations of the Lawrence County Zoning Ordinance, to view the county's full Zoning Ordinance please view the Lawrence County Zoning Ordinance (PDF). The regulations vary on-premises and off-premises businesses, very few signs do not require zoning certificates so it is best to check with the Planning and Zoning department for your specific needs.

13. How do I subdivide my property?

Subdivision is a very complicated tool used by developers and people whom want to sell off a piece of property to others, break off a piece for a family member or for various other reasons. Each zoning district has different requirements based on density, therefore this question can depend on numerous conditions on the specific property. 

For example, a park forest has the average density that is 5 acres, therefore you would need at least 10 acres to subdivide one parcel into two 5-acre parcels.

14. What does it mean if my property is located within the FEMA floodplain?

If the Floodplain Administrator determines your property is located within the FEMA Floodplain area you will be required to obtain a detailed flood study from a Professional Registered Engineer to prove your building will be located out of the floodplain, or you may need to determine elevation of the proposed site prior to issuance of a building permit.

It is possible for property to be determined to be considered unbuildable and you may want to take the time to look into this prior to buy a lot in Lawrence County. For more information please contact the Planning and Zoning department.

15. What does it mean if I am in the 3-mile jurisdiction for the city of Spearfish?

If your property is located within this jurisdiction this means any building permit or platting will be handled by the city of Spearfish, you will fall under their platting regulations, however you will still fall under Lawrence County Zoning Regulations and Variance requirements. For more information please call the city of Spearfish at 605-642-1333.

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1. What projects do I need a building permit for?

A building permit is required for any new construction or relocation of buildings, including mobile homes and any structures such as sheds or buildings 200 square feet or greater. Building permits will also be required for interior construction or reconstruction.

2. Is there a penalty for not getting a building permit?

A stop work order will be issued until a building permit is issued and the building permit fee will be twice the cost of the permit had it been issued prior to the start of construction.

3. What do I need to get a building permit?

Any lot under forty acres must be platted before a building permit can be issued.

When applying for a building permit you must

• Complete the application
• Provide two full sets of building plans drawn to scale
• Provide a plot to plan drawn to scale
• Provide proof of sewer permit number and septic design if applicable
• Provide a wildfire mitigation plan or survivable space plan if applicable
• Provide a list of all contractors working on the job site

For more information please contact the Planning and Zoning department.

4. How long does it take to get a building permit?

In most cases, if all the required information is supplied, a building permit can be issued on the same day. However, the permit issuance may be delayed for receipt of information or on-site inspection.

5. When does my building permit expire?

If the work described in any building permit has not been commenced within 180 days from issuance of the building permit, the building permit will then expire.

6. Can I get an extension for my building project?

Yes, the building official is authorized to grant in writing, extensions that do not exceed 180 days per extension. The requestion for an extension will need to be requested in writing and have a justifiable cause demonstrated.

7. What codes have been adopted by Lawrence County?

The 2012 IRC Residential Code, 2012 International Property Maintenance Code, 2012 International Mechanical Code, 2012 Fire Code, and all appropriate amendments and additions to those codes are all codes that have been adopted by Lawrence County.

8. What inspections will be done by the building official?

The building official will conduct the following inspections for all building permits issued on or after February 3, 2014

• Footing and Foundations 
• Framing and Final

For more information please contact the Planning and Zoning department.

9. How much notice is needed to schedule inspections?

There is a 24 hour notice required to set an appointment for inspection.

10. Is there a penalty for not requesting the necessary inspections?

Yes, a stop work order will be issued, a fine may be imposed, construction may have to be removed or exposed in order to rectify the inspection and a no occupancy permit will be issued.

11. Did the building permit fees go up because of building inspections?

No, the fee schedule has not increased because of inspection at this time.

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1. How do I apply for a variance (VAR) for my property?

To apply for a Variance (VAR) you can contact our office by telephone at 605-578-3871 or you can email the Planning and Zoning department for the appropriate forms. You can also have these forms mailed of faxed to you, for more information please contact the Planning and Zoning department.

The forms must be completed in detail so that all of the legal requirements are met to schedule the variance hearings. 

Variances cost $250. 

Variances can not automatically be granted. Each applicant must be able to substantiate that their property is unique or different and that there would be a practical hardship which is not self-imposed if the variance is not granted.

2. How do I apply for a change of zoning (COZ)?

To view the forms for applying for a change of zoning (COZ) (PDF) you can contact the Planning and Zoning department by phone at 605-578-3871 or email the Planning and Zoning department for the needed forms. The forms can be mailed or faxed to you and they must be completed in detail so that all of the legal requirements are met to schedule the COZ hearings.

The charge to apply for a change of zoning is $350.

3. How do I apply for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP)?

Just contact our office by telephone at 605-578-3871 or email the Planning and Zoning department. These forms can either be mailed or faxed to you and must be completed in detail so that all of the legal requirements are met to schedule the CUP hearings.

Conditional use permits cost $350.

4. How do I apply for a planned unit development (PUD)?

Just contact our office by telephone at 605-578-3871 or email the Planning and Zoning department. These forms can either be mailed or faxed to you and must be completed in detail so that all of the legal requirements are met to schedule the PUD hearings.

5. How do I apply for a temporary use permit (TUP)?

Just contact our office by telephone at 605-578-3871 or you can email the Planning and Zoning department for the forms. This permit shall be filled out in its entirety and shall be approved by the Planning and Zoning office prior to the activity taking place if the administrator is not comfortable with the issuance of a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) all TUPs may be heard by the County Commission. A TUP is a very specific application for an event related to:

• Bathrooms
• Garbage
• Hours of operation
• Noise
• Parking
• Other items

6. Where do I get the information I need about adjoining property owners that must be notified of my request for a variance, change of zoning, conditional use permit, or a planned unit development?

The information is provided by the Planning and Zoning office as part of your packets when you apply for these permits.

7. Where do I get permits for utilities improvements or approaches?

All permits need to be approved by the Lawrence County Highway Superintendent and all permit applications are available at their office, for more information please call the County Highway Superintendent at 605-578-2183.

All utilities or improvements, to include approaches, proposed to be located in a county right-of-way must be approved by the county before installation is made.

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1. What is an occupancy permit?

A document showing that all required inspections have been completed, passed, and that the structure is safe for occupancy.

2. What agencies require an occupancy permit?

Most lending institutions now require an occupancy permit in order to complete the loan process.

3. When is an occupancy permit issued?

For any structure that will be used for a residence or commercial business.

4. Who issues the occupancy permit?

The building official issues occupancy permits.

5. Is there a fee for an occupancy permit?

There is no fee required for an occupancy permit.

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1. What are the due dates for plats and applications for the planning and zoning meetings?

All items are due in our office 22 calendar days prior to a planning and zoning board meeting. Planning and zoning board meetings are held the first Thursday of every month unless otherwise scheduled. For more information please contact the Planning and Zoning department at 605-578-3871.

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1. What are the regulations for septic systems?

All septic systems in Lawrence County need a septic permit first, then you will need to obtain a Registered Professional Engineer to design your septic system. Both of these items must take place prior to the issuance of a building permit.

The fee for the Septic Permit Application is $10.

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1. While trying to make a long distance call from my office, I got 911 by mistake. Why?

The office telephone equipment probably requires dialing 9 to get an outside line. When you hit 9 to get the outside line and then 1 for long distance, two things could have occurred; either the 1 key was held down too long or accidentally hit twice.

Important Information

If you work in a building that requires 9 to get an outside line, you may need to dial 9 and then 9-1-1 in an emergency and you need to know what the physical address is of your location.Often businesses have a main switchboard, or are spread among different buildings on the same telephone system and only one address is associated with the business phone number. If you work in this environment, make sure to ask your employer and know:

• What do I need to dial to get 911 in an emergency?
• What is the physical address of the building I work in?

Many business phone systems display only the main business mailing address and not the actual location of the telephone being used to call 911. The 911 call taker will ask you to identify or verify your location.

2. What should I do if I call 911 accidentally?

This can happen to anyone, and does. If you dial 911 accidentally, stay on the line until the 911 call taker answers and explain that you misdialed and/or didn't mean to call 911. This saves the 911 call taker some very valuable time. If you call 911 by mistake and hang up, your call still goes through, but now the 911 center has to call you back to find out if an emergency really exists. A law enforcement officer may be sent to investigate and verify that everything is all right.

3. Who pays for 911?

The 911 system is paid for by a small fee on your monthly telephone bill as well as local city and county tax dollars.

4. If I dial 911 from my cell phone, will the call taker know where I am?

In most cases, yes. Local customers of Verizon and AT&T can generally be located to within about 100 feet when dialing 911 from their cell phone. Because of the mobile nature of cell phones, our 911 Dispatchers will always ask you to verify your location.

5. What if I don't know where I am calling from or can't speak, will the 911 call taker know where I am?

Local phone companies like Qwest, Midcontinent and Knology associate physical / billing addresses with hard wired phone numbers and these are updated regularly in the 911 system. When dialing 911 from your home or business phone (not a cell phone) the address is usually available electronically to the 911 call taker. Some internet phone services, like Vonage or Magic Jack, require the customer to enter a physical address to associate with the phone number and it must be updated if you move.

Wireless Service

Local wireless companies like Verizon and AT&T provide Lawrence County 911 with the ability to locate their customer's cell phones when they dial 911. The information displayed includes your cell phone number and the latitude and longitude of the phone.

6. If I need to report a crime but it is not an emergency, should I still call 911?

No. You can use any of the non-emergency lines for your local law enforcement agency. Some of those numbers include:

• Deadwood Police Department Phone: 605-578-2623
• Highway Patrol Phone: 605-393-8121
• Lead Police Department Phone: 605-584-1615
• Meade County Sheriffs Office Phone: 605-347-2681
• Pennington County Sheriffs Office Phone: 605-394-2151
• Rapid City Police Department Phone: 605-394-4131
• Spearfish Police Department Phone: 605-642-1300
• Whitewood Police Department Phone: 605-269-2550

7. Will I get an immediate response from the public safety agency if I call 911?

All law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services will respond to your need as quickly as possible. If these agencies are busy, a response will be provided in the order of urgency.

8. The 911 call taker asked for my address on a call. I thought they got the location information automatically. Doesn't that waste time to ask for it again?

The 911 call takers are trained to verify all of the information received automatically. Sometimes there are errors in the databases. The 911 call taker wants to be sure that the help you need is sent to the right place. They also need to get enough information to send you the right kind of help.

Stay on the Line

The 911 call takers are trained to help you provide the information needed, so stay on the line and answer all of their questions to the best of your ability. Sometimes, they may want you to stay on the line until law enforcement, fire or medical personnel actually arrive. They will tell you when it is okay to hang up.

9. I have a relative who is deaf and uses a special kind of phone, will it work with 911?

Your relative is probably using a text telephone called a TDD or TTY. The 911 center is equipped with that type of equipment. The 911 call takers receive special training on how to communicate with the hearing impaired community.

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1. What can and cannot be sent to an inmate?

Undergarments

The inmate may have undergarments brought in from the outside. Please mark each item with the inmate's name in black permanent marker. These garments must be white (no exceptions) and the inmate is only allowed three undergarments of each type:

• Bra (Bras cannot have any underwires)
• T-shirts (long or short sleeved)
• Underwear

Medications

The inmate may have his or her medication while incarcerated. The medications must be presented to the jail in this manner:

• The medication must be in the bottle or package it came in.
• The medication must have the original prescription label on the bottle or package.

Mail

Mail cannot be brought to the Sheriff's Office. Mail must go through the postal system. No package or letter will be accepted by hand delivery. All mail must be addressed in the following manner and must include a valid return address:
Lawrence County Jail
Attn: Inmate's Name
P.O. Box 405
Deadwood, SD 57732

2. Can I bring books for an inmate?

Yes. The books must be soft cover only. Please be advised that any book brought into the Lawrence County Jail facility will not be given back and becomes part of the Jail Library.

3. How do I post bail?

If the bond is "cash only" you have the option to pay in cash, or pay with a credit or debit card via CourtMoney. If the bond is "cash or surety," you may pay with cash or use a bail bonds company. For more information, review the Bail Bond Information Page.

4. How do I deposit money into an inmate's account?

You may come in person and place money into a kiosk located in the lobby of the Sheriff's Office:
80 Sherman Street
Deadwood, SD 57732

Online Account

You may also visit the Inmate Canteen website. Money can only be placed into the account if the inmate has an account set up. If there is no account, please call 605-578-2230 and ask for the jail. The jail will set up an account for the inmate.

5. How do I set up a prepaid calling account for an inmate?

You may come to the Sheriff's Office in person and place money into a kiosk located in the lobby. The money placed in the kiosk goes directly to the inmate and he / she may purchase a phone card directly from the jail. The Sheriff's Office is located at:
80 Sherman Street
Deadwood, SD 57732

Online Account

You may also visit Reliance Telephone and pay with a credit or debit card.

6. I can't receive or don't want to receive, telephone calls from an inmate. What do I do?

The Lawrence County Jail can block a telephone number so it cannot be called. If you find that an inmate is calling you and you do not want to receive their calls, please let us know and we will block your number. Please call 605-578-2230 and ask to speak to the County Jail, and they will promptly block your number.