South Dakota offers opportunities for both residential and commercial development, but contractors and developers must navigate a permitting system that is largely locally administered.
While the state sets some building code standards, most construction permitting is handled by cities and counties, each with its own requirements, fees, and review processes.
Learn about what requires a building permit in South Dakota, who issues them, application requirements, costs, unique considerations, and the steps to obtain approval.
Who issues building permits in South Dakota?
Permits are issued by local cities or counties, not by a centralized state agency. Larger municipalities manage their own permitting, while rural areas often rely on county planning departments.
Examples of permitting authorities in South Dakota include:
- City of Sioux Falls – Building Services Division
- City of Rapid City – Building Services Department
- Pennington County Planning Department
- Minnehaha County Planning & Zoning
South Dakota building permit requirements
In South Dakota, most construction, alteration, or demolition projects that affect structural, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing systems require a building permit.
Local jurisdictions define the specifics, but common projects include:
- New residential and commercial buildings
- Additions and structural remodels
- Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work
- Roofing and siding (depending on the jurisdiction)
- Garages, decks, and accessory structures
- Demolition of existing structures
- Commercial tenant improvements
Projects that may not require permits: Painting, flooring replacement, small non-structural repairs, or minor landscaping features.
While requirements vary by jurisdiction, typical building permit applications will request:
- Completed local application form
- Construction drawings (engineer/architect stamp required for commercial and multifamily projects)
- Site plan with lot dimensions, potential setbacks, and utilities
- Contractor license/registration information
- Proof of bonding and insurance (where applicable)
- Valuation of work and project description
Some jurisdictions may also require:
- Zoning review and approval before permit issuance
- Energy code compliance documentation (depending on local adoption)
- Stormwater permits for larger land-disturbing projects
South Dakota building permit costs
Building permit fees are set locally, typically based on project valuation, square footage, or a flat fee for smaller jobs.
Typical fee structures include:
- Residential construction: $5-$12 per $1,000 of project valuation
- Commercial construction: $8-$15 per $1,000 of project valuation
- Flat fees for items like water heaters, furnaces, roofing, or small sheds
- Plan review fees – usually 25-65% of the building permit fee
Unique considerations when permitting in South Dakota
Local code adoption
South Dakota does not mandate a statewide building code for all jurisdictions, though many municipalities adopt versions of the IBC, IRC, and IECC. Contractors should always confirm which code cycle the jurisdiction uses.
Weather and climate factors
Projects often need to account for snow load, wind load, and frost depth, which vary across the state. Local building officials may require additional structural details.
Agricultural exemptions
In rural counties, farm structures may be exempt from building permits. Always check with the county planning office.
Septic and water system permits
In unincorporated areas, separate permits for wells and septic systems are often required.
How to get a building permit in South Dakota
The building permit process typically follows these steps:
- Identify jurisdiction – Confirm whether the project falls under city or county authority.
- Check local requirements – Review permit checklists and zoning rules from the AHJ.
- Prepare application materials – Include plans, site drawings, contractor license info, and valuation.
- Submit application – Many larger cities like Sioux Falls and Rapid City offer online permitting portals.
- Plan review – Staff review plans for compliance with building, zoning, fire, and utility codes.
- Pay permit fees – Fees are assessed after review and must be paid before the permit is issued.
- Permit issuance – The approved permit must be displayed on-site during construction.
- Inspections – Schedule required inspections for structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
- Final approval – For major projects, a Certificate of Occupancy is issued upon successful completion of all inspections.
