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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Hot Springs
A building permit is required for construction, enlargement, alteration, or repair of buildings or structures; erection, installation, enlargement, repair, removal, conversion, or replacement of gas or mechanical systems; moving, demolishing, or changing occupancy of a building; roofing or reroofing work; additions or porch/deck reconstruction; window/door replacement that alters openings or egress; carports, sheds, or accessory structures; fencing exceeding 7 feet; retaining walls over 18 inches tall; and mobile home installations requiring HUD inspection.
- Exempt Roofing work 60 square feet or less covering unenclosed spaces
- Exempt Exact-size window/door replacement without framing changes
- Exempt Siding repair or replacement
- Exempt Deck board replacement on unenclosed decks under 30 inches high and under 200 sq. ft.
- Exempt General maintenance and landscaping
- Exempt Fencing 7 feet tall or under
- Exempt Retaining walls under 18 inches tall
- Exempt Accessory structures no greater than 200 sq. ft.
- Exempt Water tanks supported on grade under 5,000 gallons
- Exempt Open decks not exceeding 200 sq. ft. or greater than 30 inches above ground
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from other city code requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building and Code Official at 605-745-4104 before proceeding.
- Completed permit application form
- Construction plans and specifications
- Site plan showing property lines and proposed work
- Property description
- Project scope information
- Building code
- International Building Code (IBC) with all subsequent amendments; enforced by the Building and Code Official
- Permit validity
- Not publicly stated; contact Building Official
- Owner-builder
- Not publicly stated; contact Building Official for owner-builder requirements
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must meet state-level requirements under SDCL Chapter 36-21C for residential work. All electrical and plumbing contractors must be state-licensed. A current business license is required to operate in Hot Springs.
Source: Building Development Department / Building and Code Official ↗
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly stated; contact Building Official for current estimate
- 01 Contact Wesley Foss, Building Official, at 605-745-4104 or hsinspect@hs-sd.org to discuss your project.
- 02 Obtain permit application forms from the city's online document center or City Hall (303 N. River Street).
- 03 Prepare and submit the completed permit application with required documentation.
- 04 The Building and Code Official reviews the application for compliance with the International Building Code (IBC) and local ordinances.
- 05 All permitted construction work undergoes mandatory work scope review and inspection by the Building and Code Official before commencement.
- 06 Conduct inspections as required during construction.
- 07 Receive final approval upon completion of all required inspections.
Typical processing time: Not publicly stated; contact Building Official for current estimate
Source: Building Development Department / Building and Code Official ↗
Fee schedule
Hot Springs building permit fees
Contact Building Official or City Hall at 605-745-3135 for payment methods and fee schedule information.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 605-745-4104 (phone)
- hsinspect@hs-sd.org (email)
- Scheduling deadline
- Not publicly stated; contact Building Official
- Inspection hours
- Business hours during normal city operations; contact for details
- Time windows
- Not publicly detailed; contact Building Official
Typical sequence: All permitted construction undergoes mandatory work scope review and inspection by the Building and Code Official.
Source: Building Development Department / Building and Code Official ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about Hot Springs permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Hot Springs, SD? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Hot Springs, SD? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Hot Springs, SD? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Hot Springs, SD? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Hot Springs, SD? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Hot Springs, SD? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Development Department / Building and Code Official before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.