South Dakota § 31-21-1 - Affidavit that ditch should be opened--Contents of affidavit--Notice of meeting of board of county commissioners--Examination of premises.

Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 31-21-1 — Affidavit that ditch should be opened--Contents of affidavit--Notice of meeting of board of county commissioners--Examination of premises., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 31-21-1. Affidavit that ditch should be opened--Contents of affidavit--Notice of meeting of board of county commissioners--Examination of premises.

Whenever any officer or person having charge of any road shall file with the chairman of the township board of supervisors or board of county commissioners having jurisdiction of such road, his affidavit stating:

(1)    That such road runs into or through any swamp, bog, or meadow, or other lowland;

(2)    That it is necessary or expedient that a ditch should be opened through land belonging to any person;

(3)    The probable length of such ditch and the width and depth of the same as near as possible, the point at which it is to commence, its general course, and the point near which it is to terminate;

(4)    The names of persons owning the land, if known;

(5)    A description of the land over which such ditch must pass; and

(6)    That the road at that point cannot be made passable without extraordinary expense unless such ditch is laid out and opened;

it shall be the duty of the chairman of such board immediately to make out a notice and fix therein a time not less than six nor more than sixty days from the date thereof when the board of supervisors or board of county commissioners will meet at the place described in such affidavit and personally examine the premises.

Source: SL 1883, ch 112, § 87; CL 1887, § 1335; RPolC 1903, § 1740; RC 1919, § 8598; SDC 1939, § 28.1201.

Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 31-21-1

What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 31-21-1 cover?

Section 31-21-1 ("Affidavit that ditch should be opened--Contents of affidavit--Notice of meeting of board of county commissioners--Examination of premises.") is part of the South Dakota Codified Laws, the codified statutory law of South Dakota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite South Dakota § 31-21-1?

A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 31-21-1" (South Dakota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of South Dakota law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Dakota attorney.

How does South Dakota § 31-21-1 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Dakota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Dakota.