Building, Zoning, Sign, Peddler (Transient Merchant) and Moving permits.

Building, Zoning, Sign, Peddler (Transient Merchant) and Moving permits are required in Sheldon. Building, Zoning and sign permits also apply in the 2-mile limit in O’Brien County.

Sheldon does have zoning in the City limits, and 2-miles into O’Brien County. Permits are required for most types of external construction, including steps, egress windows and decks. Permits are also required for signs (on-premise and off-premise advertising). Permits are also required for Peddler (Transient Merchant permits).

Permits typically take a week to 2 weeks to process unless Planning & Zoning Commission or Board of Adjustment hearings are needed. The City does have a moratorium (as of 3/18/26) in place on all off-premise new signage, and a moratorium in place on on-premise digital signage.

The main focus in our permitting process is setbacks and conformities (IE avoiding large machine sheds in a residential neighborhood). Sign permits are also required. Sheldon has a relatively simple and inexpensive permit process compared to many other communities. Our permit applications and fees can be found here.

The City of Sheldon does not look for property pins or easements. Beacon Schneider is an excellent free resource for property information. Sheldon is partly in Sioux and O’Brien Counties, so be sure you have the correct county selected if you are looking at properties on the West side of Western Avenue.