Permit Requirements for Aurora, South Dakota
For Plumbing projects in Aurora, determining the correct permitting authority depends on whether the project site is located within the incorporated city limits or in an unincorporated area of Brookings County.
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
Most jurisdictions require permits for Plumbing work to ensure safety and code compliance. The governing body responsible for issuing these permits varies by specific location:
General Plumbing Guidelines
Permits are usually required for new installations, structural modifications, or major repairs. While minor maintenance or cosmetic updates may be exempt, landowners should always verify local codes before work begins.
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Because Aurora is located within Brookings County, the following broader county regulations may also apply to your project:
South Dakota, Brookings County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Brookings County Building & Safety Divisions and Jurisdiction
Brookings County, South Dakota, handles building permits and zoning ordinances through its Development Department, specifically the Zoning & Drainage Office. This department is responsible for administering county zoning ordinances and processing building permit applications. For properties within the county, building permits are generally required for erecting new structures, moving existing structures, or remodeling existing structures that involve changes to the building's size or design. However, buildings less than 120 square feet, such as tool sheds or playhouses, and minor repairs like residing or painting, do not require a permit. Agricultural structures that are semi-portable, such as feed bunks or temporary grain storage, are also exempt.
Rules for Properties in Unincorporated Areas
For properties in unincorporated areas of Brookings County, building permits are issued through the Brookings County Zoning & Drainage Office. The county has adopted the 2015 International Residential Code (IRC) and the 2015 International Building Code (IBC) to regulate construction. These codes provide minimum standards for safety, sanitation, and public welfare. Specific requirements for obtaining a building permit include providing the property's legal description, structure dimensions, floor plans (for residences), estimated cost, setback information, details on the water and sewer systems, and truss/rafter drawings. Plumbing work must comply with the Uniform Plumbing Code and may be performed by the owner in an owner-occupied structure or by a state-licensed plumber. All plumbing work is subject to inspection by a state plumbing inspector.
Resources to Learn More
The following statewide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within South Dakota:
South Dakota Plumbing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines
State Statutes and Plumbing Codes
The state of South Dakota regulates plumbing through South Dakota Codified Law (SDCL) Chapter 36-25. Under this authority, the state has adopted the 2024 edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as the foundational technical standard for plumbing systems. This adoption includes state-specific amendments and rules promulgated by the state commission to govern the design, installation, and maintenance of plumbing systems, including potable water distribution, drainage, waste, and vent systems.
Primary State Agency
The primary agency responsible for setting and enforcing these standards is the South Dakota Plumbing Commission. This commission, which operates under the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, is tasked with administering state laws and regulations concerning plumbing, licensing plumbing contractors and plumbers, conducting examinations, and performing inspections of plumbing installations to ensure compliance with the adopted state code.
Resources to Learn More