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Sioux Falls Building Permit Guide
Francis Thumpasery
Ready to pour footings, replace a roof, or raise a new warehouse along I-29, but not sure what paperwork comes first? In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the codes are fairly straightforward, yet missing a single checklist item can turn a quick review into weeks of back-and-forth.
This guide delivers a clear overview of the Sioux Falls permitting process, showing you exactly which permits you need, the documents reviewers expect, and the fastest path to permit, whether you’re patching drywall in a split-level or breaking ground on a multistory commercial build.
Simplify permitting in Sioux Falls with PermitFlow. Learn more here.
What requires a building permit in Sioux Falls?
Sioux Falls requires permits for most construction work that affects a building's structure, safety systems, or overall footprint.
Examples of projects that typically need a building permit in Sioux Falls:
- Lower-level finish
- Additions and remodels
- Decks
- Window and exterior door replacement
- Re-shingle and re-side
- Storage buildings or sheds larger than 200 square feet (smaller sheds will need a Zoning placement permit)
- Razing
- Fence/placement/carport/home occupation/sign/driveway permits (required by the Zoning Department)
What doesn’t require a building permit in Sioux Falls?
Not every home improvement or construction job needs Sioux Falls permits.
Here's what you can typically do without a building permit in Sioux Falls:
- Landscape-only retaining walls less than 4 feet in height
- Painting, papering and similar finish work
- Window awnings for dwellings, projecting not more than 54”
- Kitchen cabinets
- Swings and other playground equipment
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Sioux Falls?
Yes, you need a permit for fences over 7 feet tall in Sioux Falls. Shorter fences might not need a building permit, but they usually still require a zoning permit.
Sioux Falls building permit costs
Sioux Falls building permit fees are based on your project's construction value. The city uses set rates to estimate what your project is worth, then applies a fee schedule based on that amount.
Residential projects:
A residential building permit’s base valuation is based on a dollar per square foot schedule:
- Finished habitable space: $126.00/sq ft
- Finished basements: $77.00/sq ft
- Unfinished space (basement and upper levels): $40.00/sq ft
- Attached garages: $41.00/sq ft
- Detached garages: $37.00/sq ft
Apart from that, the total permit fee depends on the project valuation. Here’s a breakdown of these costs.
| Valuation range |
Permit fee |
| $1 – $4,000 |
$40.00 |
| $4,001 – $25,000 |
$32.50 for the first $2,000 plus $6.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, up to $25,000
|
| $25,001 – $50,000 |
$170.50 for the first $25,000 plus $4.50 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, up to $50,000
|
| $50,001 – $100,000 |
$283.00 for the first $50,000 plus $3.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, up to $100,000
|
| Over $100,000 |
$433.00 for the first $100,000 plus $2.50 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof
|
Commercial projects:
- Apartments (Type V construction): $124.00/sq ft
- Apartments (Type III – fire retardant wood): $145.00/sq ft
- Basement garages (Type I construction): $91.00/sq ft
- Attached garages (Type V construction): $41.00/sq ft
- Detached garages (Type V construction): $37.00/sq ft
| Valuation range |
Permit fee |
| $1 – $2,000 |
$40.00 |
| $2,001 – $25,000 |
$45.00 for the first $2,000 plus $9.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, up to $25,000
|
| $25,001 – $50,000 |
$252.00 for the first $25,000 plus $6.50 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, up to $50,000
|
| $50,001 – $100,000 |
$414.50 for the first $50,000 plus $4.50 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, up to $100,000
|
| $100,001 – $500,000 |
$639.50 for the first $100,000 plus $3.50 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, up to $500,000
|
| Over $500,000 |
$2,039.50 for the first $500,000 plus $3.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof
|
View the Sioux Falls permit fee schedule for the most up-to-date figures.
How to get a building permit in Sioux Falls
Step 1: Figure out what permits you need
Talk to the Building Services Division first to find out which permits your project requires. You might need building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits. Call 605 367-8670 to discuss your project and determine permitting needs.
Step 2: Get your paperwork ready
Collect all the documents you'll need, such as:
- Completed Sioux Falls building permit application
- Detailed construction plans or blueprints
- Site plans that show your property boundaries and the work you're planning
- Specifications for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems
Use the Residential Submittal Review Requirements Checklist (or the Commercial Checklist) to make sure you’re checking all the boxes and including all required documentation.
Step 3: Submit your application
Submit your Sioux Falls building permit application and documents through the Customer Self-Service (CSS) portal. This online system lets you apply for permits, check your application status, pay fees, and schedule inspections.
Step 4: Plan review and approval
The Building Services Division reviews your application and plans to make sure they follow building codes. If they need changes, they'll tell you what to fix. There is no plan review fee for residential projects, but there may be one for commercial projects.
Residential plans are generally reviewed within 48 hours, but may take longer depending on the complexity of your plans and how backed up the BSD is. All plans are reviewed in the order they’re received.
Step 5: Get your permit
Once approved, you'll have to pay all pertinent fees before you receive your Sioux Falls building permit. When you have it in hand, make sure to post it at your job site.
Step 6: Schedule inspections
When the project’s underway, schedule the required inspections to make sure your work matches the approved plans and codes. You can schedule inspections through the CSS portal or by calling the Building Services Division directly.
Sioux Falls permitting resources
Need help navigating Sioux Falls' permit process? The city provides several resources to make getting permits easier and answer your questions.
Streamline Sioux Falls permitting with PermitFlow
Even a “simple” submittal can burn hours your team should spend selling or on the job site. PermitFlow turns permitting into a background task, so your team stays focused on the work that pays.
With PermitFlow, you get:
- Local experts: Our Sioux Falls permitting specialists prepare rock-solid applications that meet the city’s latest checklists, fee tables, and plan-review quirks — no back-and-forth edits, no surprises.
- Permitting in one place: Monitor every submittal and revision request across all active jobs from one intuitive dashboard.
- Quicker approvals: Avoid delays by submitting applications that are prepared right the first time
Stop letting permitting dictate your timeline. Talk with a PermitFlow advisor and see how we can help keep your projects on track.
Ready to pour footings, replace a roof, or raise a new warehouse along I-29, but not sure what paperwork comes first? In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the codes are fairly straightforward, yet missing a single checklist item can turn a quick review into weeks of back-and-forth.
This guide delivers a clear overview of the Sioux Falls permitting process, showing you exactly which permits you need, the documents reviewers expect, and the fastest path to permit, whether you’re patching drywall in a split-level or breaking ground on a multistory commercial build.
Simplify permitting in Sioux Falls with PermitFlow. Learn more here.
What requires a building permit in Sioux Falls?
Sioux Falls requires permits for most construction work that affects a building's structure, safety systems, or overall footprint.
Examples of projects that typically need a building permit in Sioux Falls:
- Lower-level finish
- Additions and remodels
- Decks
- Window and exterior door replacement
- Re-shingle and re-side
- Storage buildings or sheds larger than 200 square feet (smaller sheds will need a Zoning placement permit)
- Razing
- Fence/placement/carport/home occupation/sign/driveway permits (required by the Zoning Department)
What doesn’t require a building permit in Sioux Falls?
Not every home improvement or construction job needs Sioux Falls permits.
Here's what you can typically do without a building permit in Sioux Falls:
- Landscape-only retaining walls less than 4 feet in height
- Painting, papering and similar finish work
- Window awnings for dwellings, projecting not more than 54”
- Kitchen cabinets
- Swings and other playground equipment
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Sioux Falls?
Yes, you need a permit for fences over 7 feet tall in Sioux Falls. Shorter fences might not need a building permit, but they usually still require a zoning permit.
Sioux Falls building permit costs
Sioux Falls building permit fees are based on your project's construction value. The city uses set rates to estimate what your project is worth, then applies a fee schedule based on that amount.
Residential projects:
A residential building permit’s base valuation is based on a dollar per square foot schedule:
- Finished habitable space: $126.00/sq ft
- Finished basements: $77.00/sq ft
- Unfinished space (basement and upper levels): $40.00/sq ft
- Attached garages: $41.00/sq ft
- Detached garages: $37.00/sq ft
Apart from that, the total permit fee depends on the project valuation. Here’s a breakdown of these costs.
| Valuation range |
Permit fee |
| $1 – $4,000 |
$40.00 |
| $4,001 – $25,000 |
$32.50 for the first $2,000 plus $6.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, up to $25,000
|
| $25,001 – $50,000 |
$170.50 for the first $25,000 plus $4.50 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, up to $50,000
|
| $50,001 – $100,000 |
$283.00 for the first $50,000 plus $3.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, up to $100,000
|
| Over $100,000 |
$433.00 for the first $100,000 plus $2.50 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof
|
Commercial projects:
- Apartments (Type V construction): $124.00/sq ft
- Apartments (Type III – fire retardant wood): $145.00/sq ft
- Basement garages (Type I construction): $91.00/sq ft
- Attached garages (Type V construction): $41.00/sq ft
- Detached garages (Type V construction): $37.00/sq ft
| Valuation range |
Permit fee |
| $1 – $2,000 |
$40.00 |
| $2,001 – $25,000 |
$45.00 for the first $2,000 plus $9.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, up to $25,000
|
| $25,001 – $50,000 |
$252.00 for the first $25,000 plus $6.50 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, up to $50,000
|
| $50,001 – $100,000 |
$414.50 for the first $50,000 plus $4.50 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, up to $100,000
|
| $100,001 – $500,000 |
$639.50 for the first $100,000 plus $3.50 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, up to $500,000
|
| Over $500,000 |
$2,039.50 for the first $500,000 plus $3.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof
|
View the Sioux Falls permit fee schedule for the most up-to-date figures.
How to get a building permit in Sioux Falls
Step 1: Figure out what permits you need
Talk to the Building Services Division first to find out which permits your project requires. You might need building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits. Call 605 367-8670 to discuss your project and determine permitting needs.
Step 2: Get your paperwork ready
Collect all the documents you'll need, such as:
- Completed Sioux Falls building permit application
- Detailed construction plans or blueprints
- Site plans that show your property boundaries and the work you're planning
- Specifications for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems
Use the Residential Submittal Review Requirements Checklist (or the Commercial Checklist) to make sure you’re checking all the boxes and including all required documentation.
Step 3: Submit your application
Submit your Sioux Falls building permit application and documents through the Customer Self-Service (CSS) portal. This online system lets you apply for permits, check your application status, pay fees, and schedule inspections.
Step 4: Plan review and approval
The Building Services Division reviews your application and plans to make sure they follow building codes. If they need changes, they'll tell you what to fix. There is no plan review fee for residential projects, but there may be one for commercial projects.
Residential plans are generally reviewed within 48 hours, but may take longer depending on the complexity of your plans and how backed up the BSD is. All plans are reviewed in the order they’re received.
Step 5: Get your permit
Once approved, you'll have to pay all pertinent fees before you receive your Sioux Falls building permit. When you have it in hand, make sure to post it at your job site.
Step 6: Schedule inspections
When the project’s underway, schedule the required inspections to make sure your work matches the approved plans and codes. You can schedule inspections through the CSS portal or by calling the Building Services Division directly.
Sioux Falls permitting resources
Need help navigating Sioux Falls' permit process? The city provides several resources to make getting permits easier and answer your questions.
Streamline Sioux Falls permitting with PermitFlow
Even a “simple” submittal can burn hours your team should spend selling or on the job site. PermitFlow turns permitting into a background task, so your team stays focused on the work that pays.
With PermitFlow, you get:
- Local experts: Our Sioux Falls permitting specialists prepare rock-solid applications that meet the city’s latest checklists, fee tables, and plan-review quirks — no back-and-forth edits, no surprises.
- Permitting in one place: Monitor every submittal and revision request across all active jobs from one intuitive dashboard.
- Quicker approvals: Avoid delays by submitting applications that are prepared right the first time
Stop letting permitting dictate your timeline. Talk with a PermitFlow advisor and see how we can help keep your projects on track.
