The Planning, Zoning, and Natural Resources Office is responsible for managing the physical growth of the unincorporated area of the County. The Lake County Comprehensive Development Plan is the official document used to guide decisions on land use matters. The comprehensive plan is designed to anticipate and deal constructively with changes occurring within the County.

Components of the plan include population trends and forecasts, land use analysis, transportation, public facilities, natural and environmental resources, and future development plan. The comprehensive plan is a "blueprint" for the future development of the County. Zoning and subdivision ordinances are specific regulations intended to carry out the plan.

Daily responsibilities of the department include enforcement of the zoning and subdivision regulations and issuance of zoning and building permits. Ordinances governing nuisances, solid waste disposal, and flood plain management are also administered by the department.

Staff

Carrie Schiernbeck

Planning, Zoning, and Natural Resources Officer Send an Email

Contact Information

Main Office

Address:
Lake County Zoning
200 E Center St
Madison SD 57042

Phone:
605-256-7610

Weekly Walk In Office Hours

Monday 9 am - 4 pm
Tuesday 1 pm - 4 pm
Wednesday 9 am - 4 pm
Thursday 9 am - 4 pm
Friday 9 am - 4 pm
*All other hours are by appointment only.

Please note this is a 1 person office. There are times in which the office is closed due to staffing. If you want a guarantee that someone will be available, it is highly recommended that you call ahead and make an appointment.

Announcements

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

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

Tax Assessment Freeze Program Deadline
Sunday, March 1, 2026

Elderly and disabled South Dakotans have until April 1 to apply for property tax relief under South Dakota's Assessment Freeze for the Elderly and Disabled Program. Applications are available at the local treasurer offices and on the Department of Revenue's website.

March - License Plate Renewal F/G/J
Sunday, March 1, 2026

Vehicle License plate renewal for vehicle owners with the FIRST letter in their LAST NAME that begins with F or G or J.

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

Complete applications due for the 4/21/2026 meeting

LOAD LIMITS - EFFECTIVE 3/6/25
Thursday, February 26, 2026

Seasonal Load Limits will be effective on 02/26/26 due to the unusual warm weather conditions. Full notice can be found under the Public Notices page

Drivers Exam closed
Monday, February 23, 2026

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

PUBLIC SNOW REMOVAL NOTICE
Friday, February 20, 2026

NOTICE: An individual who plows snow from a driveway onto a public road, or plows snow from a driveway across a public road piling it in the ditch, may be in violation of a SD law that prohibits dumping on or within highway right-of-ways. Intentional dumping on a highway right-of-way is a Class 1 misdemeanor. This may also be a violation of a SD law that prohibits the destruction of a highway grade or ditch, which is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Plat deadline 3/16/2026
Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Complete Plats due for 4/7/2026 meeting

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

Complete applications due for the 4/21/26 Meeting

CUP/Variance deadline 3/9/2026
Thursday, January 1, 2026

Complete applications due for 4/7/26 meeting

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