Effective April 21, 2015, Lake County, South Dakota adopted an open burning ordinance. The general provision of this ordinance states that open burning (with exceptions listed in the ordinance) is prohibited when the National Weather Service places a RED FLAG WARNING for the county or the GRASSLAND FIRE DANGER INDEX for the county is Very High or Extreme. The links below will take you to the National Weather Service Sioux Falls Office website for both of these ratings. Please note that the first link may show multiple dangers for a county/region such as a freeze warning.

Hazardous Weather website that includes RED FLAG WARNINGS for Lake County:

Grassland Fire Danger Index page:

You can also call the Sioux Falls office at (605) 330-4247 to request this information.

Burning Ordinance

Ordinance #15-59

For questions, you may also contact the Emergency Manager at 605-256-7611.

Announcements

Real Estate & Mobile Home Taxes - First Half
Wednesday, April 1, 2026

First half of Real Estate and Mobile Home Taxes due by the end of April. Please bring your tax notices with you. Tax payments must be made for the exact amount only.
Tax payments may be sent to the Treasurer's Office at 200 E. Center St, Madison, SD 57042 and MUST be postmarked by April 30. Please send your tax stubs to ensure proper credit to the correct parcels of land. Please note: Payments received or postmarked after April 30th will reflect a late fee and interest.

Property Tax Payment Drop Box
Wednesday, April 1, 2026

The Treasurer's Office also offers a drop box for property tax payments located between the double doors of the north entrance to the courthouse. Payments must include the payment coupon or parcel number with each payment and be in the exact amount only (all others will be returned). If you would like a receipt, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Payments dropped off after 4:30 p.m., M-F will be credited the following business day.

CUP/Variance Deadline 4/27/2026
Sunday, March 15, 2026

CUP/Variance Applications due for consideration for the May 19th meeting

Plat deadline 4/6/2026
Sunday, March 1, 2026

Complete applications due for the 4/21/2026 meeting

Drivers Exam closed
Monday, February 23, 2026

Due to staffing, the drivers exam, located at the 4-H grounds, is closed until further notice

CUP/Variance Deadline 3/23/2026
Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Complete applications due for the 4/21/26 Meeting

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