How much does a building permit cost in Aberdeen, SD?

The minimum permit fee is $35.00. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based sliding scale: $0-$500: $35.00 flat; $501-$2,000: $35.00 + $3.50 per $100; $2,001-$25,000: $87.50 + $12.41 per $1,000; $25,001-$50,000: $372.93 + $9.31 per $1,000; $50,001-$100,000: $605.68 + $6.47 per $1,000; $100,001-$500,000: $929.18 + $5.88 per $1,000; $500,001-$1,000,000: $3,281.18 + $5.54 per $1,000.

How do I apply for a building permit in Aberdeen, SD?

1. Review the Permit Requirements document to determine if your project requires a permit. 2. Download or obtain the Building Permit Application form. 3. Prepare required documents: completed application, site plan, construction drawings, and any other project-specific documents. 4. Visit the Building Inspection office, 3rd Floor, City Hall, 123 South Lincoln Street, Aberdeen, SD 57401. 5. Submit application and documents in person. 6. Staff reviews for compliance with applicable building codes and zoning requirements. 7. Pay the permit fee (do not write a check in advance -- fees are calculated at the counter and may vary slightly from published schedule). 8. Receive issued permit; post on the project site. 9. Schedule required inspections with the Building Inspection Department at 605-626-7017 as construction progresses. 10. Final inspection conducted; certificate of occupancy issued upon approval.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Aberdeen, SD?

Typical processing time is Not publicly stated; contact 605-626-7017 for current estimate.

What work is exempt from building permits in Aberdeen, SD?

The following work is generally exempt: Sheds and accessory structures under 200 square feet (though a site plan is still required); Ordinary maintenance and repair that does not change the structural elements, occupancy, or systems of a structure; Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinet and counter top installation, and similar finish work. Note: Full exempt work list should be confirmed with the Building Inspection Department at 605-626-7017 or reviewed in the Aberdeen Municipal Code.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Aberdeen, SD?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 605-626-7017. Not publicly stated; contact department.

City Building Permits

Aberdeen, SD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

South Dakota Brown County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All land within the incorporated city limits of Aberdeen. Aberdeen operates fully independent permit and inspection authority. Floodplain administration also handled by the city within its own limits.

Department: Building Inspection Department, Community Development Department
Address: 123 South Lincoln Street, 3rd Floor, Aberdeen, SD 57401
Phone: 605-626-7017
Website: https://www.aberdeen.sd.us/94/Building-Inspection

Online Permit Portal

Open Building Inspection Department

Platform: In-person Submission • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Review the Permit Requirements document to determine if your project requires a permit.
Download or obtain the Building Permit Application form.
Prepare required documents: completed application, site plan, construction drawings, and any other project-specific documents.
Visit the Building Inspection office, 3rd Floor, City Hall, 123 South Lincoln Street, Aberdeen, SD 57401.
Submit application and documents in person.
Staff reviews for compliance with applicable building codes and zoning requirements.
Pay the permit fee (do not write a check in advance -- fees are calculated at the counter and may vary slightly from published schedule).
Receive issued permit; post on the project site.
Schedule required inspections with the Building Inspection Department at 605-626-7017 as construction progresses.
Final inspection conducted; certificate of occupancy issued upon approval.

Typical processing time: Not publicly stated; contact 605-626-7017 for current estimate

Source: Building Inspection Department, Community Development Department

General Requirements

A permit is required for new construction, additions, alterations, repairs to structural elements, changes of occupancy, and installation of mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems. A permit is required for sheds larger than 200 square feet. Sheds under 200 sq ft still require submission of a site plan. Setbacks from property lines must be met for all structures.

Required Documents

Completed building permit application
Site plan showing property lines and structure location
Construction drawings or specifications as applicable to project scope

Permit validity: Not publicly stated; contact department
Building code: Aberdeen adopted the 2009 ANSI standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. Additional adopted codes referenced by the department include state-referenced editions of the IBC and IRC; confirm current adopted editions at 605-626-7017. Aberdeen Municipal Code Chapter 15.08 addresses code adoption.
Owner-builder: Not publicly stated; contact Building Inspection at 605-626-7017
Contractor requirements: State registration under SDCL Chapter 36-21C required for residential contractors (administered by SD Dept. of Labor and Regulation). Electrical and plumbing contractors must be state-licensed. Aberdeen may impose additional local qualification requirements; confirm with the Building Inspection Department.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $35.00
Permit fee formula: Valuation-based sliding scale: $0-$500: $35.00 flat; $501-$2,000: $35.00 + $3.50 per $100; $2,001-$25,000: $87.50 + $12.41 per $1,000; $25,001-$50,000: $372.93 + $9.31 per $1,000; $50,001-$100,000: $605.68 + $6.47 per $1,000; $100,001-$500,000: $929.18 + $5.88 per $1,000; $500,001-$1,000,000: $3,281.18 + $5.54 per $1,000
Payment note: Do not write checks prior to visiting City Hall; permit fees are calculated at the counter and may vary slightly from published schedule amounts. Payment made in person at 3rd Floor, City Hall.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Sheds and accessory structures under 200 square feet (though a site plan is still required)
Ordinary maintenance and repair that does not change the structural elements, occupancy, or systems of a structure
Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinet and counter top installation, and similar finish work

Important: Full exempt work list should be confirmed with the Building Inspection Department at 605-626-7017 or reviewed in the Aberdeen Municipal Code.

Inspections

How to Schedule

605-626-7017 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Not publicly stated; contact department
Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CT
Time windows: Not publicly detailed; confirm specific inspection windows with the department

Typical inspection sequence: Footing/foundation inspection; framing inspection; rough-in inspections for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical; insulation inspection; final inspection and issuance of certificate of occupancy. Specific sequence varies by project type; confirm with department.

Additional Resources

Building code: Aberdeen adopted the 2009 ANSI standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. Additional adopted codes referenced by the department include state-referenced editions of the IBC and IRC; confirm current adopted editions at 605-626-7017. Aberdeen Municipal Code Chapter 15.08 addresses code adoption.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Aberdeen Municipal Code (Full Ordinances)
City Ordinances Page
License lookup guide: South Dakota Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: South Dakota Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
South Dakota hub: South Dakota Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Building Inspection Department, Community Development Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aberdeen Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Aberdeen, SD?: A permit is required for new construction, additions, alterations, repairs to structural elements, changes of occupancy, and installation of mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems. A permit is required for sheds larger than 200 square feet. Sheds under 200 sq ft still require submission of a site plan. Setbacks from property lines must be met for all structures.
How much does a building permit cost in Aberdeen, SD?: The minimum permit fee is $35.00. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based sliding scale: $0-$500: $35.00 flat; $501-$2,000: $35.00 + $3.50 per $100; $2,001-$25,000: $87.50 + $12.41 per $1,000; $25,001-$50,000: $372.93 + $9.31 per $1,000; $50,001-$100,000: $605.68 + $6.47 per $1,000; $100,001-$500,000: $929.18 + $5.88 per $1,000; $500,001-$1,000,000: $3,281.18 + $5.54 per $1,000.
How do I apply for a building permit in Aberdeen, SD?: 1. Review the Permit Requirements document to determine if your project requires a permit. 2. Download or obtain the Building Permit Application form. 3. Prepare required documents: completed application, site plan, construction drawings, and any other project-specific documents. 4. Visit the Building Inspection office, 3rd Floor, City Hall, 123 South Lincoln Street, Aberdeen, SD 57401. 5. Submit application and documents in person. 6. Staff reviews for compliance with applicable building codes and zoning requirements. 7. Pay the permit fee (do not write a check in advance -- fees are calculated at the counter and may vary slightly from published schedule). 8. Receive issued permit; post on the project site. 9. Schedule required inspections with the Building Inspection Department at 605-626-7017 as construction progresses. 10. Final inspection conducted; certificate of occupancy issued upon approval.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Aberdeen, SD?: Typical processing time is Not publicly stated; contact 605-626-7017 for current estimate.
What work is exempt from building permits in Aberdeen, SD?: The following work is generally exempt: Sheds and accessory structures under 200 square feet (though a site plan is still required); Ordinary maintenance and repair that does not change the structural elements, occupancy, or systems of a structure; Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinet and counter top installation, and similar finish work. Note: Full exempt work list should be confirmed with the Building Inspection Department at 605-626-7017 or reviewed in the Aberdeen Municipal Code.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Aberdeen, SD?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 605-626-7017. Not publicly stated; contact department.

Need help with your project?

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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