On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Buffalo County
A building permit is required for new structures and additions in unincorporated Buffalo County. This includes sheds, garages, pole buildings, grain bins, and similar structures.
One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not exceeding 120 square feet
Sidewalks and driveways (though the applicable road authority may require separate permits)
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar interior finish work
Prefabricated swimming pools less than 18 inches deep
Minor home renovations and repairs
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not exceeding 120 square feet
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways (though the applicable road authority may require separate permits)
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar interior finish work
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools less than 18 inches deep
- Exempt Minor home renovations and repairs
Note: Specific exempt work categories and any additional local exemptions are not fully documented. Contact the Buffalo County Auditor's Office to confirm whether a specific project requires a permit.
Required documents
- Completed application form
- Site plan showing property boundaries and proposed structure location
- Architectural and engineering plans
- Property description
- Owner and contractor information with license numbers
- Building code
- South Dakota Codified Law Chapter 11-10 requires that if a local unit of government adopts any standards for new construction, it must comply with the 2021 International Building Code (IBC). Buffalo County's formal adoption status is unknown; contact the Auditor's Office to confirm current applicable building standards.
- Permit validity
- Not publicly stated; contact department for details
- Owner-builder
- Work by homeowners on their own primary residence may qualify for exemptions, but not for rental or commercial properties
- Contractor requirements
- General and residential contractors must register with the South Dakota Contractors' Registry under SDCL Chapter 36-21C. Electrical contractors must be licensed by the South Dakota State Electrical Commission. Plumbers must be licensed by the South Dakota State Plumbing Commission.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly stated; contact department for current estimate
- 01 Contact the Buffalo County Auditor's Office via phone (605-293-3217), email (buffalo.aud@midstatesd.net), or in-person to request building permit application forms.
- 02 Complete the application form with required documentation including site plans, architectural drawings, and contractor information.
- 03 Submit application to the Auditor's Office with all required documents.
- 04 County staff will review plans for compliance with applicable building codes and county ordinances.
- 05 Pay applicable permit fees (contact office for current fee schedule).
- 06 Receive issued permit and post on site before construction begins.
- 07 Schedule required inspections at specified construction phases (footing/foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, final).
- 08 Upon final inspection approval, receive Certificate of Occupancy.
Typical processing time: Not publicly stated; contact department for current estimate
§ 04
Fee schedule
Buffalo County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Not publicly listed; contact Auditor's Office for current fee schedule
Contact department for fee schedule and payment procedures. Fees may be based on project valuation, square footage, or fixed amounts. Payment likely made in person at 112 Osman Ave., Gann Valley, or by phone appointment.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (605) 293-3217 (phone)
- Buffalo County Auditor's Office (in-person)
- Scheduling deadline
- Not publicly stated; contact department
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Time windows
- Not publicly detailed; contact department
Typical sequence: Inspections typically required at footing/foundation, framing, mechanical systems, and final phases. Specific protocols and timelines not publicly documented.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Buffalo County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Buffalo County, SD? ▸
A building permit is required for new structures and additions in unincorporated Buffalo County. This includes sheds, garages, pole buildings, grain bins, and similar structures.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Buffalo County, SD? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Buffalo County, SD are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Not publicly listed; contact Auditor's Office for current fee schedule.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Buffalo County, SD? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Buffalo County, SD, follow these steps: 1. Contact the Buffalo County Auditor's Office via phone (605-293-3217), email (buffalo.aud@midstatesd.net), or in-person to request building permit application forms. 2. Complete the application form with required documentation including site plans, architectural drawings, and contractor information. 3. Submit application to the Auditor's Office with all required documents. 4. County staff will review plans for compliance with applicable building codes and county ordinances. 5. Pay applicable permit fees (contact office for current fee schedule). 6. Receive issued permit and post on site before construction begins. 7. Schedule required inspections at specified construction phases (footing/foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, final). 8. Upon final inspection approval, receive Certificate of Occupancy.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Buffalo County, SD? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Buffalo County, SD typically run Not publicly stated; contact department for current estimate. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Buffalo County, SD? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Buffalo County, SD. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not exceeding 120 square feet; Sidewalks and driveways (though the applicable road authority may require separate permits); Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar interior finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools less than 18 inches deep; Minor home renovations and repairs. Note: Specific exempt work categories and any additional local exemptions are not fully documented. Contact the Buffalo County Auditor's Office to confirm whether a specific project requires a permit. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Buffalo County, SD? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Buffalo County, SD via: (605) 293-3217, Buffalo County Auditor's Office. Not publicly stated; contact department.
last verified April 2026
source Buffalo County Auditor's Office ↗
entry id permits/south-dakota/buffalo/buffalo-county
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Buffalo County Auditor's Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.