The basic formula for creating an address under the Rural Addressing System of South Dakota is as follows:
(Location number) + (thoroughfare number/name) + (thoroughfare designator)
An example of an address using the above formula is:
12345 100th Ave.
The city, state and zip code remain the same.
Counties may voluntarily choose to designate addresses; if they do so, however, they must use this system.
All addressed locations must display the location number on the front of the principal structure to be visible from the roadway, or placed on a sign located at the principal entrance.
Before addressing can take place, follow several steps. First, the county commission system must officially adopt it, with the understanding that once the project is complete, the addresses must remain as they are.
Next, a person, persons or a governmental agency must be designated as the project leader. Preferably, this would be the same person or agency that will maintain the addressing system.
As a third step, find a map source. You may need to hire an engineer or consultant. Obtain maps from the South Dakota Department of Transportation, the U.S. Geological Survey, the county assessor's office, local utilities companies, the U.S. Postal Service and the U.S. Census Bureau.
Finally, gather your materials. Obtain a digital distance measuring device, a vehicle on which to mount the device, a headquarters where you can store maps and a computer with mapping software before beginning the rural addressing project.
First, designate a person or group of persons to complete the project before rural addressing can begin. One suggestion is the tax assessor's office. It already has the materials to find all of the properties needing addresses, and they would be the most efficient at maintaining the system, as citizens must submit to the tax assessor a permit application before constructing new buildings.
Volunteer organizations, such as volunteer firefighters, could also complete the project. Firefighters have the necessary vehicles and tools to locate all the properties involved.
Finally, reach out to local businesses and citizens who wish to volunteer their time. Create a committee to train volunteers and coordinate addressing.
Finally, since the rural addressing system must be kept in place once complete, funding and maintenance are key. You can obtain funding for the project from a variety of sources. Portions of the 9-1-1 surcharge can go for rural addressing, as well as donations from businesses and citizens. The creation of a more efficient address locating system will allow emergency services to find properties more quickly.
Raise funds from the sale of maps used for the project. Local businesses, agencies or individuals may be interested in purchasing them.
To maintain the system, follow these procedures:
1) Allow the citizen to cite the approximate location.
2) Handle requests for an address the same day, whenever possible.
3) Update maps when an address has been assigned.
