The board's decision to incorporate the special zoning area may be referred to a vote of the qualified voters of the proposed special zoning area pursuant to §§ 7-18A-17 to 7-18A-24, inclusive. The qualified voters of the proposed special zoning area may refer the decision within twenty days after its publication by filing a petition signed by five percent of the registered voters in the special zoning area, based upon the total number of registered voters at the last preceding general election. The filing of a valid petition requires the submission of the decision to incorporate the special zoning area to a vote of the qualified voters of the proposed special zoning area for its rejection or approval. The effective date of the incorporation of the special zoning area on which a referendum is to be held shall be suspended by the filing of a referendum petition until the referendum process is completed.
SDCL 11-2-47.1