How much does a building permit cost in Pierre, SD?

Fees are calculated as: Pierre maintains a detailed fee schedule. Specific fees vary by project type and valuation..

How do I apply for a building permit in Pierre, SD?

1. Complete a building permit application (available online at pierresd.portal.opengov.com or at City Hall). 2. Submit application and associated documents to the Building Official for review. 3. Building Official reviews application for compliance with adopted building codes. 4. Receive feedback and approval/denial decision. 5. Pay permit fees. 6. Obtain issued permit before starting construction.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Pierre, SD?

Typical processing time is Small projects: 2-4 days; Larger, complex projects: 1-4 weeks.

What work is exempt from building permits in Pierre, SD?

The following work is generally exempt: Decks not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade without railings; Storage structures under 120 square feet; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops; Platforms and sidewalks not exceeding 30 inches in height; Shallow swimming pools (under 24 inches deep, under 5,000 gallons); Retaining walls less than 4 feet in height; Window awnings and playground equipment. Note: All projects not listed in the exemptions above require a building permit.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Pierre, SD?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (605) 773-3071. Not publicly stated; contact department.

City Building Permits

Pierre, SD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Pierre, South Dakota. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

South Dakota Hughes County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All projects within City of Pierre limits and its extra-territorial boundaries.

Department: Pierre Building Department
Address: 2301 Patron Parkway, Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: (605) 773-3071
Website: https://www.cityofpierre.org/552/Building-Permits

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Pierre OpenGov Portal

Platform: OpenGov • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Do I Need a Permit?

Application Process

Complete a building permit application (available online at pierresd.portal.opengov.com or at City Hall).
Submit application and associated documents to the Building Official for review.
Building Official reviews application for compliance with adopted building codes.
Receive feedback and approval/denial decision.
Pay permit fees.
Obtain issued permit before starting construction.

Typical processing time: Small projects: 2-4 days; Larger, complex projects: 1-4 weeks

Source: Pierre Building Department

General Requirements

Most projects require permits unless they fall within specific exemptions. Projects that DO require permits include most residential, commercial, and structural work.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Associated project documents as specified on application

Permit validity: Not publicly stated; contact Building Department
Building code: City of Pierre adopts the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Mechanical Code for mechanical systems, and the Uniform Plumbing Code as adopted by South Dakota.
Owner-builder: Homeowners may apply for permits for owner-occupied structures.
Contractor requirements: Residential contractors must be licensed in the City of Pierre. Contractors may apply with owner approval.

Fees

Permit fee formula: Pierre maintains a detailed fee schedule. Specific fees vary by project type and valuation.
Penalty (no permit): Minimum fine: $50 OR double the permit cost (whichever is greater)
Payment note: Contact the Building Department at (605) 773-3071 or access the fee schedule through the online portal at pierresd.portal.opengov.com for current rates.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Decks not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade without railings
Storage structures under 120 square feet
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops
Platforms and sidewalks not exceeding 30 inches in height
Shallow swimming pools (under 24 inches deep, under 5,000 gallons)
Retaining walls less than 4 feet in height
Window awnings and playground equipment

Important: All projects not listed in the exemptions above require a building permit.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(605) 773-3071 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Not publicly stated; contact department
Inspection hours: Not publicly detailed; contact department
Time windows: Not publicly detailed; contact department

Typical inspection sequence: Not publicly detailed; contact department

Additional Resources

Building code: City of Pierre adopts the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Mechanical Code for mechanical systems, and the Uniform Plumbing Code as adopted by South Dakota.
License lookup guide: South Dakota Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: South Dakota Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
South Dakota hub: South Dakota Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Pierre Building Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pierre Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Pierre, SD?: Most projects require permits unless they fall within specific exemptions. Projects that DO require permits include most residential, commercial, and structural work.
How much does a building permit cost in Pierre, SD?: Fees are calculated as: Pierre maintains a detailed fee schedule. Specific fees vary by project type and valuation..
How do I apply for a building permit in Pierre, SD?: 1. Complete a building permit application (available online at pierresd.portal.opengov.com or at City Hall). 2. Submit application and associated documents to the Building Official for review. 3. Building Official reviews application for compliance with adopted building codes. 4. Receive feedback and approval/denial decision. 5. Pay permit fees. 6. Obtain issued permit before starting construction.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Pierre, SD?: Typical processing time is Small projects: 2-4 days; Larger, complex projects: 1-4 weeks.
What work is exempt from building permits in Pierre, SD?: The following work is generally exempt: Decks not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade without railings; Storage structures under 120 square feet; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops; Platforms and sidewalks not exceeding 30 inches in height; Shallow swimming pools (under 24 inches deep, under 5,000 gallons); Retaining walls less than 4 feet in height; Window awnings and playground equipment. Note: All projects not listed in the exemptions above require a building permit.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Pierre, SD?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (605) 773-3071. Not publicly stated; contact department.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Pierre can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works

Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

Other cities in Hughes County

Hughes Blunt Harrold

View all Hughes County jurisdictions →