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

Fees are calculated as: Not publicly listed; likely flat or structure-type-based given the range of permit types (pole buildings, grain bins, etc.).

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

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

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

The following work is generally exempt: Routine agricultural work and normal farming operations may not require a county construction permit (South Dakota county zoning statutes allow exemptions for agricultural activities; confirm with department); Minor repairs that do not change the use or footprint of a structure may be exempt; confirm with department. Note: Specific exempt categories are not publicly enumerated; the department advises contacting them directly to determine permit necessity for any project.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 605-626-7144. Not publicly stated; contact department.

County Building Permits

Brown County, SD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

South Dakota Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All unincorporated Brown County land. Also covers the incorporated towns of Claremont, Columbia, and Stratford. Excludes areas with joint jurisdiction agreements: Frederick, Groton, Hecla, Warner, Westport, and the City of Aberdeen. Floodplain administration handled by the county except inside the city limits of Frederick, Hecla, Groton, Verdon, Warner, Westport, and Aberdeen.

Department: Brown County Planning and Zoning Department
Address: 25 Market Street, Suite 7, Aberdeen, SD 57401
Phone: 605-626-7144 or 605-626-4010
Website: https://www.brown.sd.us/department/planning-zoning

Online Permit Portal

Open Brown County Planning and Zoning Department

Platform: In-person / Phone / Appointment • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Contact the Planning and Zoning Department by phone (605-626-7144 or 605-626-4010) or visit in person during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CT).
Describe the proposed project to determine whether a construction permit, floodplain development permit, or other permit type is required.
Obtain and complete the applicable permit application form.
Submit application with required documents and site plan.
Staff reviews the application for compliance with the Brown County Zoning Ordinance (Title 4) and Comprehensive Plan.
Pay applicable permit fee.
Receive issued permit; post on site before construction begins.
Request inspections as required by permit conditions.

Typical processing time: Not publicly stated; contact department for current estimate

Source: Brown County Planning and Zoning Department

General Requirements

A construction permit is required for any new structure or addition in unincorporated Brown County or in the county-served towns (Claremont, Columbia, Stratford). This includes sheds, garages, pole buildings, grain bins, weigh scales, conveyors/legs, and fences in small towns. A Floodplain Development Permit (FPDP) is required for any development in a designated floodplain area outside city limits (except the listed cities with their own floodplain authority).

Required Documents

Completed application form
Site plan showing property lines and proposed structure location
Property description

Permit validity: Not publicly stated; contact department
Building code: Brown County does not maintain a publicly stated adopted building code on its website; the county's authority is primarily zoning and land use regulation rather than structural code enforcement. Contact the department for confirmation. State law requires any locally adopted code to use at minimum the 2015 IBC.
Owner-builder: Not publicly stated; contact department
Contractor requirements: State registration under SDCL Chapter 36-21C (administered by SD Department of Labor and Regulation) is required for residential contractors. Electrical and plumbing work requires a state-licensed contractor regardless of project size.

Fees

Permit fee formula: Not publicly listed; likely flat or structure-type-based given the range of permit types (pole buildings, grain bins, etc.)
Payment note: Contact department; payment likely made in person at 25 Market Street, Suite 7, Aberdeen. Fee schedule not publicly posted on the county website; contact Planning and Zoning at 605-626-7144 for current fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Brown County Planning and Zoning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

605-626-7144 (phone)

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

Typical inspection sequence: Not publicly detailed; contact department

Additional Resources

Building code: Brown County does not maintain a publicly stated adopted building code on its website; the county's authority is primarily zoning and land use regulation rather than structural code enforcement. Contact the department for confirmation. State law requires any locally adopted code to use at minimum the 2015 IBC.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Zoning Ordinance (Title 4) PDF
Subdivision Regulations (Title 5)
Official Zoning Map
Brown County Ordinances Index
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 Brown County Planning and Zoning Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brown County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Brown County, SD?: A construction permit is required for any new structure or addition in unincorporated Brown County or in the county-served towns (Claremont, Columbia, Stratford). This includes sheds, garages, pole buildings, grain bins, weigh scales, conveyors/legs, and fences in small towns. A Floodplain Development Permit (FPDP) is required for any development in a designated floodplain area outside city limits (except the listed cities with their own floodplain authority).
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Brown County, SD?: Fees are calculated as: Not publicly listed; likely flat or structure-type-based given the range of permit types (pole buildings, grain bins, etc.).
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Brown County, SD?: 1. Contact the Planning and Zoning Department by phone (605-626-7144 or 605-626-4010) or visit in person during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CT). 2. Describe the proposed project to determine whether a construction permit, floodplain development permit, or other permit type is required. 3. Obtain and complete the applicable permit application form. 4. Submit application with required documents and site plan. 5. Staff reviews the application for compliance with the Brown County Zoning Ordinance (Title 4) and Comprehensive Plan. 6. Pay applicable permit fee. 7. Receive issued permit; post on site before construction begins. 8. Request inspections as required by permit conditions.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Brown County, SD?: Typical processing time is Not publicly stated; contact department for current estimate.
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Brown County, SD?: The following work is generally exempt: Routine agricultural work and normal farming operations may not require a county construction permit (South Dakota county zoning statutes allow exemptions for agricultural activities; confirm with department); Minor repairs that do not change the use or footprint of a structure may be exempt; confirm with department. Note: Specific exempt categories are not publicly enumerated; the department advises contacting them directly to determine permit necessity for any project.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Brown County, SD?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 605-626-7144. 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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