Community Development

The Building Department is responsible for issuing building permits within the city limits and the Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction.

A building permit is required for the following:

• New construction
• Addition to a building or structure
• Alteration of a building or structure
• Repair of an existing building or structure
• Shingling, siding and window replacement
• Demolition of a building or structure

Work exempt from permits:

• One-story detached accessory structures provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (setback zoning requirements apply)
• Fences not over 6 feet high.(setback zoning requirements apply)
• Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom grade elevation to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.
• Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
• Painting papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
• Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 18 inches deep
• Swings and other playground equipment accessory to a one or two family dwelling
• Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.

Building Codes adopted by the City of Yankton:

• 2003 International Building Code
• 2003 International Residential Code
• 2003 International Mechanical Code
• 2003 International Fuel Gas Code
• 2008 National Electric Code
• 2008 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities ANSI 117-1-2003
• 2009 Uniform Plumbing Code

Codes are on file in the Office of the City Building Official