Brookings County, SD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Covers unincorporated Brookings County and coordinates with nine incorporated municipalities: Arlington, Aurora, Bruce, Bushnell, Elkton, Sinai, Volga, White, and Brookings (city). County administers zoning ordinances and makes permit recommendations to the Commission.

Department

County Development Department / Planning & Zoning Department

Address

520 3rd Street, Brookings, SD 57006

Phone

(605) 696-8350

Website

https://www.brookingscountysd.gov/137/Building-Permits-Inspections

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Complete the Building Permit Application Form (available from county).
2. For concrete foundation work, submit the Concrete Foundation Form.
3. Submit application package to County Development Department at 520 3rd Street, Brookings, or by mail.
4. County reviews application for planning and zoning compliance.
5. County issues permit or contacts applicant if additional information is needed.
6. Post permit on site before construction begins.

Typical processing time: Not publicly specified; contact department directly for current estimate.

Source: County Development Department / Planning & Zoning Department

General Requirements

A construction permit is required for any new structure or addition in unincorporated Brookings County or in the county-served towns. This includes sheds, garages, pole buildings, grain bins, weigh scales, conveyors, and fences.

Required Documents

• Completed Building Permit Application Form
• Concrete Foundation Form (if applicable)
• Site plan showing property lines and proposed structure location
• Property description

Permit validity

Not publicly stated; contact department

Building code

South Dakota does not mandate statewide residential building codes. Local jurisdictions determine their own code requirements. At minimum, state law requires locally adopted codes to use the 2015 IBC or later.

Owner-builder

Not publicly stated; contact department

Contractor requirements

State registration under SDCL Chapter 36-21C required for residential building contractors. Electrical work requires a South Dakota state-licensed electrician (South Dakota Electrical Commission). Plumbing work requires a South Dakota state-licensed plumber (South Dakota Plumbing Commission). All contractors must carry a South Dakota contractor's excise tax license from the Department of Revenue.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Not publicly listed; likely flat or structure-type-based. Contact department for current fee schedule.

Payment note

Specific fee details available in the Permit Applications Information Booklet from County Development Department. Contact (605) 696-8350 for current fee structure.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the County Development Department / Planning & Zoning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (605) 696-8350 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Not publicly stated; contact department

Inspection hours

Contact department for business hours

Time windows

Not publicly detailed; contact department

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspections vary by project type. Contact County Development Department for detailed inspection procedures.

Additional Resources

• Building code: South Dakota does not mandate statewide residential building codes. Local jurisdictions determine their own code requirements. At minimum, state law requires locally adopted codes to use the 2015 IBC or later.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Planning & Zoning Department
• Permits & Forms
• Planning, Zoning & Drainage Ordinances
• South Dakota Department of Transportation - Access Permits
• South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation
• South Dakota Electrical Commission
• South Dakota Plumbing Commission
• South Dakota Department of Revenue
• License lookup guide: South Dakota Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: South Dakota Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• South Dakota hub: South Dakota Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Brookings County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Brookings County, SD?

A construction permit is required for any new structure or addition in unincorporated Brookings County or in the county-served towns. This includes sheds, garages, pole buildings, grain bins, weigh scales, conveyors, and fences.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Brookings County, SD?

Fees are calculated as: Not publicly listed; likely flat or structure-type-based. Contact department for current fee schedule..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Brookings County, SD?

1. Complete the Building Permit Application Form (available from county). 2. For concrete foundation work, submit the Concrete Foundation Form. 3. Submit application package to County Development Department at 520 3rd Street, Brookings, or by mail. 4. County reviews application for planning and zoning compliance. 5. County issues permit or contacts applicant if additional information is needed. 6. Post permit on site before construction begins.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Brookings County, SD?

Typical processing time is Not publicly specified; contact department directly for current estimate..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Brookings County, SD?

The following work is generally exempt: Buildings of 120 square feet or less do not require a building permit; Accessory structures 120 square feet or smaller are exempt; Agricultural buildings may be exempt under local zoning ordinances (verify locally). Note: Specific exempt categories are not fully enumerated. Contact County Development Department to determine permit necessity for any project.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Brookings County, SD?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (605) 696-8350. Not publicly stated; contact department.