South Dakota § 44-9-1 - Persons entitled to lien--Property affected--Extent of lien--Exceptions.

Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 44-9-1 — Persons entitled to lien--Property affected--Extent of lien--Exceptions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 44-9-1. Persons entitled to lien--Property affected--Extent of lien--Exceptions.

Whoever shall, at the request of the owner or the duly authorized agent or representative of the owner, or of any contractor or subcontractor, furnish skill, labor, services, including light, power, or water, equipment, or materials for the improvement, development, or operation of property as hereinafter specified, shall have a first lien thereon and the appurtenances thereto, prior and superior to all other liens except those of the state or of the United States, and except existing liens, mortgages, or other encumbrances then of record or of which the lien claimant has actual notice, for the price or value of the same, so furnished, subject to the further provisions of this chapter, as follows:

(1)    For the erection, alteration, repair, or removal of any building, fixture, bridge, fence, or other structure or for grading, filling in, or excavating the same, or for digging or repairing any ditch, drain, well, cistern, reservoir, or vault thereon or for laying, altering, or repairing any sidewalk, curb, gutter, paving, sewer, pipe, or conduit in or upon the same or in or upon the adjoining half of any highway, street, or alley upon which the property abuts, a lien upon the said improvement and the land on which it is situated, or to which it may be removed;

(2)    For the construction, alteration, or repair of any line of railway or of any telegraph, telephone, electric light, or power line, or of any line of pipe, conduit, or subway or any structure, appliance, or fixture upon or appertaining to any of them, a lien upon the public utility so constructed, altered, or repaired and upon the line, plants, and property thereof and upon all the rights, franchises, and privileges of the owner appertaining thereto;

(3)    Upon any mine or mining claim, oil or gas well or spring, a lien upon the same and any rights, privileges, franchises, easements, and tangible property and other property or appliances appurtenant thereto, for any of the items hereinbefore specified or referred to as giving right to a lien.

Source: SL 1879, ch 41, § 8; CL 1887, §§ 2039, 2046; SL 1895, ch 134, § 1; RPolC 1903, §§ 2573, 2580; SL 1903, ch 182; SL 1909, ch 49, §§ 1, 11; SL 1913, ch 263, §§ 1, 3; SL 1915, ch 243, §§ 1, 11; RC 1919, §§ 1631, 1642, 1643, 1645; SDC 1939, § 39.0701.

Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 44-9-1

What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 44-9-1 cover?

Section 44-9-1 ("Persons entitled to lien--Property affected--Extent of lien--Exceptions.") is part of the South Dakota Codified Laws, the codified statutory law of South Dakota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite South Dakota § 44-9-1?

A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 44-9-1" (South Dakota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of South Dakota law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Dakota attorney.

How does South Dakota § 44-9-1 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Dakota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Dakota.