Will I need permits to build a home?

• <div><p>Yes, new home construction will always require <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/do-i-really-need-building-permit.htm">building permits</a>, no matter where you live. In most cases, you’ll need a general construction permit, along with plumbing and electrical permits for the utility lines in your home. Depending on where you live, you’ll likely find that you also need permits for things like connection to a sewage system or installing exterior components, like decks, driveways, patios, and curb cutouts. Leave navigating the permits required for new home construction to a professional to ensure your home is built legally and safely.</p></div>

Get matched with top land surveyors in Rapid City, SD

Q: How long does a land survey take?

• <div><p>A land survey can take anywhere from a few hours to a month or more, depending on the size of the property, the type of survey, the property&rsquo;s accessibility and topography, and the availability of historical property records. A simple boundary survey to determine a fence line can be completed in a day while surveying 50 acres of undeveloped woodlands may take weeks or longer.</p></div>

Q: Do surveys have to be recorded?

• <div><p>Surveys completed by licensed surveyors can be recorded with a local surveying records office, and in most cases, they will be. Filing survey reports categorize them as legal documents, and they can be used whenever legal documentation of your property&rsquo;s boundaries is needed. While you&rsquo;re not required to file survey documents, it&rsquo;s a good idea to do so. </p></div>

Q: What is involved in a topographic survey?

• <div><p>Detailed mapping of elevation changes and natural features on the property.</p></div>

Q: How do you prepare for a land survey?

• <div><p>To prepare for a land survey, you must thoroughly check your land surveyor&rsquo;s qualifications, reviews, and fees to align with your expectations. When it is time for the survey to be conducted, ensure that you have all your documents organized and available, know and mark your property lines, and inform your neighbors that the survey is happening. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Land Surveying pros in Rapid City, SD

*The Angi rating for Land Surveying companies in Rapid City, SD is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Land Surveying needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Land Surveying companies in Rapid City, SD is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Land Surveying needs.

Last update on November 09, 2025

Reviewed in September 2021
Tad was very professional as an electrician and offered excellent customer service. As a result thru his my remodel landed much better than I anticipated. And really enjoyed time with Tad. Huge thanks.
ROC Electric, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2016
We have worked with Shane and Lawn Sculptors for about 15 years at two separate properties. He and his team have always been courteous and professional as well as "getting the job done". We have been extremely pleased with our experience and will continue to call on Lawn Sculptors for our...
Lawn Sculptors
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Reviewed in January 2014
This was a tough job because Chad had to match the existing doors, trim, and wall texture. He extended the walls of the stairwell to make a landing at the bottom and enclosed the entire area. He knew the building codes and installed the proper venting for the new enclosure so the furnace would...
Carroll Construction
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Reviewed in October 2013
Very professional. They need to be reminded that cleanup means more than the floors. The overspray and dust lands on the tops of tables, etc. Thank you.
Climate Doctors
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Reviewed in September 2013
When I called Action's office, they told me they were booked out months in advance, so I told them to send someone over that evening and I'd pay the after hours rate to get the problem fixed promptly (there's not shutoff valve to the fridge, otherwise I would have just shut off the water to the...
Action Mechanical Inc
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Reviewed in September 2013
This past saturday we woke up with no cool air and plans of having a full house/backyard for labor day weekend. Called around, checked here on angies lists and found Land M here in piedmont. I called and they were able to get here pretty quickly actually which was a relief as we had decided to...
L & M SERVICE SPECIALIST
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Reviewed in February 2010
Outstanding service. From the time I first went into their showroom, to the several return visits and calls before we finally decided what we wanted, to the company's survey and build, I couldn;t have asked for more. I've heard this company is a bit more expensive than their competitors (don't...
Murphy Sheds
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Find Land surveyors in Rapid City

Stumbling Bison Inc

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Stumbling Bison Inc

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18 years of experience

We provide drafting services for Home owners, Architects, Engineers and Land Surveyors. Currently we have two employees and two subcontractors in Architectural design, Engineering and Civil Design.

Land Surveying questions, answered by experts

A land survey can take anywhere from a few hours to a month or more, depending on the size of the property, the type of survey, the property’s accessibility and topography, and the availability of historical property records. A simple boundary survey to determine a fence line can be completed in a day while surveying 50 acres of undeveloped woodlands may take weeks or longer.

Surveys completed by licensed surveyors can be recorded with a local surveying records office, and in most cases, they will be. Filing survey reports categorize them as legal documents, and they can be used whenever legal documentation of your property’s boundaries is needed. While you’re not required to file survey documents, it’s a good idea to do so.

Yes, new home construction will always require building permits, no matter where you live. In most cases, you’ll need a general construction permit, along with plumbing and electrical permits for the utility lines in your home. Depending on where you live, you’ll likely find that you also need permits for things like connection to a sewage system or installing exterior components, like decks, driveways, patios, and curb cutouts. Leave navigating the permits required for new home construction to a professional to ensure your home is built legally and safely.

Detailed mapping of elevation changes and natural features on the property.

To prepare for a land survey, you must thoroughly check your land surveyor’s qualifications, reviews, and fees to align with your expectations. When it is time for the survey to be conducted, ensure that you have all your documents organized and available, know and mark your property lines, and inform your neighbors that the survey is happening.

The Rapid City, SD homeowners’ guide to land surveying services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

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