Departments

Yankton County Planning & Zoning

The Planning & Zoning Office is located on the second floor of the Yankton County Government Center building, the south office on the west side.

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday (closed for lunch from Noon-1pm)
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Phone:

(605) 260-4400 Opt. 9

Fax:

(605) 668-9682

Address:

321 W 3rd St. Suite 209
Yankton, SD 57078

Yankton County Zoning Ordinance

West Yankton Sanitary Sewer Study

The Planning Department is responsible for managing the physical growth of the unincorporated area of the County. The Yankton County Comprehensive Plan is the official document used to guide decisions on land use matters. The Comprehensive Plan is designed to anticipate and deal with changes occurring within the County. Read more

Services provided by the Planning & Zoning Office:

  • Building Permits
  • Plat Approval
  • Variances
  • Conditional Use Permit
  • Nuisance Abatement
  • Planning Projects & Implementation
  • Floodplain Development Permit
  • Agriculture Drainage Permit

Yankton County Planning Commission

Yankton County Commission is accepting applications for two positions on the Yankton County Planning Commission. The Planning Commission meets the second Tuesday of the month to review applications in accordance with the Yankton County Zoning Ordinance and provide recommendations/findings to the Yankton County Commission/Board of Adjustment. There may be other special meetings as assigned. These will be three year terms April 2027. Those who want to be considered for an appointment are asked to submit a written statement describing their background to email address: gary@co.yankton.sd.us or Yankton County Planning & Zoning, 321 West 3rd Street #209, Yankton, S.D. 57078. All applications will be submitted to the Yankton County Commissioners for review and selection on April 2, 2024.

All applications must be received by 5:00 p.m., Monday, March 25, 2024.

Those who want to be considered for an appointment are asked to submit a written statement describing their background to email address: gary@co.yankton.sd.us or Yankton County Planning & Zoning, 321 West 3rd Street #209, Yankton, S.D. 57078. All applications will be submitted to the Yankton County Commissioners for review and selection on April 2, 2024.

Yankton County Drainage Commission

Online Applications & Documents

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Staff

Gary Vetter

Development Services Director Send an Email

Bill Conkling

Deputy Zoning Administrator

Frequently Asked Questions

See below for the most frequently asked questions regarding Planning & Zoning.
  • Do I need a building permit?

    All buildings, structures, exterior remodeling and signs on property within the unincorporated area of Yankton County must have a valid Yankton County building permit. All building permits must be placed in a conspicuous place along the property's frontage to be visible from the nearest public access point.

    Violations will face penalties of up to $200.00 / violation, imprisonment up to 30 days / violation, or both. Violations will also face appropriate action or proceedings to prevent any illegal act, conduct, business or use in or about such premises in violation.

  • Where do I get a building permit?

    Building permits are available on the Planning & Zoning Department page located on the Yankton County website. A detailed site plan must be submitted with all building permits.

  • What is a Variance?

    A variance is a relaxation of the terms of the zoning ordinance where such variance will not be contrary to the public interest and where, owing to conditions peculiar to the property and not the result of the actions of the applicant, a literal enforcement of the ordinance would result in unnnecessary and undue hardship. As used in this ordinance, a variance is authorized only for area and size of structure or size of yards and open spaces; establishment or expansion of a use otherwise prohibited shall not be allowed by variance, nor shall a variance be granted because of the presence of nonconformities in the zoning district or uses in an adjoining district or because of conditions created by the landowner.

  • How do I apply for a Variance?

    The applicant will complete a draft building permit, establish the undue hardship caused by the zoning ordinance, then complete the required application online located on the Planning and Zoning Department page of the Yankton County website. The applicant will attend a public hearing before the Planning Commission and the Board of Adjustment.

  • What is a conditional use permit?

    Each Zoning District in Yankton County has permitted uses and structures and conditional uses. A conditional use is a use that would not be appropriate, generally or without restriction, throughout the zoning district, but which, if controlled as to number, area, location or relation to the neighborhood, would promote the public health, safety, morals, order, convenience, appearance, prosperity or general welfare. Such uses may be permitted in such zoning district as conditional uses, if specific provision for such conditional use is made in this ordinance.

  • How do I apply for a Conditional Use Permit?

    The applicant will establish specific use in a zoning district which is not a permitted use or structure then complete the required application online located on the Planning and Zoning Department page of the Yankton County website. The applicant will then proceed with a public meeting in front of the Planning Commission and the Board of Adjustment.

  • How can I report a public nuisance?

    The Planning & Zoning department is responsible for all county unincorporated property nuisance abatement. When reporting a public nuisance, please notify the Zoning Administrator.

Announcements

Yankton County Planning & Zoning
Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Yankton County Commission is accepting applications for two positions on the Yankton County Planning Commission. To find out more information or to apply for a position, please visit the Planning and Zoning page

Yankton County
Saturday, March 2, 2024

The Yankton County Government Center and all other Yankton County non-emergency offices will be closed on Friday, March 29th, 2024 and Monday, April 1st, 2024 to spend the Easter holiday with our loved ones.

Yankton County Treasurer
Friday, March 1, 2024

Reminder:
Yankton County residents that have last names starting with F, G and J have until March 31, 2024 to renew vehicle registration.

Yankton County Treasurer
Friday, March 1, 2024

Reminder:
The Elderly & Disabled Tax Assessment Freeze Application is due by April 1st, 2024. If you have any questions, please contact our office for more information.

Yankton County Auditor
Thursday, February 29, 2024

Now is the perfect time to double check your voter information for the upcoming elections. You can check your voter information on the Secretary of State's Website or you can stop by our office to make any changes.

Also the Absentee Request Form is available at this time you can complete with our office.

Yankton County Highway
Wednesday, November 15, 2023

The Yankton County Highway Department will begin their winter hours on Monday, November 20, 2023 and will run until further notice.

Winter hours are Monday through Friday 6:45am-3:00pm.

Main Phone:
(605) 260-4400

Address:
321 West 3rd Street, Suite 100 Yankton, SD 57078

Office Hours:
9:00am - 5:00pm CST, Monday-Friday
Closed on Holidays, Saturdays, & Sundays

Yankton County YouTube Channel

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