Building & Inspection Commonly Asked Questions

Commonly Asked Questions???????????

 
When do I need a building permit?
You would need a building permit for any structure you plan on constructing
except for accessory buildings 200 square feet or less or decks 100 square feet or less.  
There are other exceptions that exempt you from obtaining a building permit such
as replacing shingles on your roof or installing replacement windows etc.  If you
navigate under Ordinances and Forms on our web page and open up Ordinance No.
34, Meade County’s Building Code and Construction Enforcement Ordinance, there
is a list of exemptions under Article I, Section 1.01 that you can reference.  If you are
still not sure you need a building permit, please do not hesitate to call our office and
ask us at (605) 347-3818.
 
 
When do I need a septic permit?
You will need a septic permit for any new on-site wastewater treatment system or
septic system.  If you are replacing a septic tank, installing a drain field, placing a
holding tank or repairing your system, you also need a septic permit.
 
 
What are the property or yard setbacks for Meade County?
The setbacks in Meade County are as follows: Front Yard is 25 feet; Back Yard is 25
feet and the Side setback is 8 feet.
 
 
Can I get a variance for a setback, and how do I get one?
You may apply for a variance under most ordinances that fall under Planning.  For
example, if you want a variance for a setback, you would need to fill out a Non-
Hardship Variance Application, (which can be found on our web page), and bring it
to the courthouse to the Equalization and Planning Department and give it to our
Planning Secretary along with 10 copies of any supporting documentation, pictures
maps, sketches, etc.    
 
When the application is submitted, you will be required to place a sign in your front
yard, which we have in our office, and the sign must be placed so it can be easily
read by those who drive by your property.  You will then be asked to attend our
next regularly scheduled Planning Commission Meeting where you will present
your variance request to the Planning Commissioners.
 
There are some costs associated with the Non-Hardship Variance Process which are
the following:  Application fee of $85.00 (if the variance is recommended to be
approved by the Planning Commissioners) and a $25.00 sign rental fee, which
requires the sign to be returned once the variance is approved by the Meade County
Commissioners; which follows the Planning Commission Meeting at the beginning of
the following month.

Notices:

The EPA will be coming out with certification requirements to work on houses, such as remodleing, older homes due to "lead paint".  Contractors must be EPA certified by April 20th, 2010.  Please call our office for details at 605.347.3818.