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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Buffalo
A building permit is required for all new construction and additions within the Town of Buffalo.
Note: Specific exempt work categories are not publicly enumerated. Contact the Planning & Zoning Department at 605-375-3130 to determine permit requirements for your specific project.
- Completed permit application form
- Site plan showing property lines and proposed structure location
- Construction plans and drawings (as required for project type)
- Property description
- Building code
- Buffalo, as a South Dakota municipality, must comply with the 2021 International Building Code as its minimum standard as required by South Dakota Codified Laws Chapter 11-10. The town may have adopted a more recent edition or specific amendments. Contact the Planning & Zoning Department at 605-375-3130 for confirmation of current code edition and local amendments.
- Permit validity
- Not publicly stated; contact Town Hall
- Owner-builder
- Not publicly stated; contact Town Hall
- Contractor requirements
- State registration under SDCL Chapter 36-21C (administered by South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation) is required for residential contractors. Electrical and plumbing work requires a state-licensed contractor regardless of project size.
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly stated; contact Town Hall for current estimate
- 01 Read all required information provided by the Town of Buffalo.
- 02 Print and complete the building permit application form (available on town website or by visiting/calling Town Hall at 605-375-3130).
- 03 Prepare required drawings and site plans per code requirements.
- 04 Return completed application to Buffalo City Hall (107 1st Street).
- 05 Town staff will direct you on next steps and any required meetings.
- 06 May be required to meet with the Planning & Zoning Committee (depends on project type and scope).
- 07 Submit permit fee payment.
- 08 Receive permit and schedule required inspections.
- 09 Conduct construction under permit.
- 10 Request final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy.
Typical processing time: Not publicly stated; contact Town Hall for current estimate
Fee schedule
Buffalo building permit fees
Contact the Town of Buffalo at 605-375-3130 to obtain current fee information for your specific project type. Payment made at Town Hall.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 605-375-3130 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Not publicly stated; contact Town Hall
- Inspection hours
- Not publicly detailed; contact Town Hall
- Time windows
- Not publicly detailed; contact Town Hall
Typical sequence: Not publicly detailed; contact Town Hall
Frequently asked
Common questions about Buffalo permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Buffalo, SD? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Buffalo, SD? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Buffalo, SD? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Buffalo, SD? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Buffalo, SD? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of Buffalo Planning & Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.