How much does a building permit cost in Sioux Falls, SD?

The minimum permit fee is $40. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based for both residential and commercial. Residential unit costs: finished habitable space $126/sq ft, finished basements $77/sq ft, unfinished space $40/sq ft, attached garages $41/sq ft, detached garages $37/sq ft. Tiers range from $40 base up to $2.50 per additional $1,000 for projects over $100,000; commercial tiers up to $3.00 per additional $1,000 for projects over $500,000.. Plan check fee: No plan check fee for residential; commercial projects may incur plan review fees.

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

1. Determine whether a permit is required by reviewing the city's permit information page or calling Building Services at (605) 367-8670. 2. Create an account on the CSS portal. 3. Prepare all required documents: completed application, construction plans/blueprints, site plan showing property boundaries and proposed work, mechanical/electrical/plumbing specifications. 4. Submit application and documents through the CSS portal. 5. Await plan review. Residential plans are generally reviewed within 48 hours. 6. Pay all applicable fees through the portal before permit issuance. 7. Post the permit card visibly at the job site. 8. Schedule required inspections through the CSS portal or by calling (605) 367-8670. 9. Obtain final inspection approval and certificate of occupancy where required.

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

Typical processing time is Residential approximately 48 hours for plan review; commercial varies.

What work is exempt from building permits in Sioux Falls, SD?

The following work is generally exempt: Retaining walls under 4 feet in height; Painting and finish work (wallpaper, cabinets, carpet); Window awnings projecting less than 54 inches from exterior wall; Kitchen cabinet replacement; Playground equipment; Fences 7 feet or under (zoning permit may still apply for shorter fences -- confirm with zoning); Storage buildings 200 sq ft or under.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Sioux Falls, SD?

Inspections can be scheduled via: CSS portal, (605) 367-8670.

City Building Permits

Sioux Falls, SD - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

South Dakota Minnehaha County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All construction within Sioux Falls city limits. The city also shares a joint zoning ordinance with Minnehaha County for a three-mile extraterritorial area outside city limits; however, building permits in that fringe area are handled by the county unless annexed.

Department: Building Services Division, City of Sioux Falls Planning and Development Services
Address: 231 N. Dakota Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Phone: (605) 367-8670
Website: https://www.siouxfalls.gov/business-permits/permits-licenses-inspections/permits/building-permits

Online Permit Portal

Open Customer Self-Service (CSS) Portal

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

Additional resources:

Permit Lookup / Public Search

Application Process

Determine whether a permit is required by reviewing the city's permit information page or calling Building Services at (605) 367-8670.
Create an account on the CSS portal.
Prepare all required documents: completed application, construction plans/blueprints, site plan showing property boundaries and proposed work, mechanical/electrical/plumbing specifications.
Submit application and documents through the CSS portal.
Await plan review. Residential plans are generally reviewed within 48 hours.
Pay all applicable fees through the portal before permit issuance.
Post the permit card visibly at the job site.
Schedule required inspections through the CSS portal or by calling (605) 367-8670.
Obtain final inspection approval and certificate of occupancy where required.

Typical processing time: Residential approximately 48 hours for plan review; commercial varies

Source: Building Services Division, City of Sioux Falls Planning and Development Services

General Requirements

New construction, additions, lower-level finishes, decks, remodels, window and exterior door replacement, re-shingling, re-siding, storage buildings over 200 sq ft, fences over 7 feet high, razing

Required Documents

Building permit application
Construction plans/blueprints
Site plan
Mechanical/electrical/plumbing specs
Residential and commercial submittal checklists

Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), 2020 National Electrical Code
Owner-builder: Homeowners are not required to hold a contractor license to perform work on their own property; a building permit is still required.
Contractor requirements: Residential contractors performing work requiring a building permit on 1- and 2-family dwellings and townhomes must hold a City of Sioux Falls Residential Building Contractor license, which requires passing the Construction Supervisor Examination; a surety bond is also required.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $40
Plan check fee: No plan check fee for residential; commercial projects may incur plan review fees
Permit fee formula: Valuation-based for both residential and commercial. Residential unit costs: finished habitable space $126/sq ft, finished basements $77/sq ft, unfinished space $40/sq ft, attached garages $41/sq ft, detached garages $37/sq ft. Tiers range from $40 base up to $2.50 per additional $1,000 for projects over $100,000; commercial tiers up to $3.00 per additional $1,000 for projects over $500,000.
Penalty (no permit): $100 fine for construction without permit
Payment note: Fees paid through CSS portal prior to permit issuance

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective January 1, 2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Retaining walls under 4 feet in height
Painting and finish work (wallpaper, cabinets, carpet)
Window awnings projecting less than 54 inches from exterior wall
Kitchen cabinet replacement
Playground equipment
Fences 7 feet or under (zoning permit may still apply for shorter fences -- confirm with zoning)
Storage buildings 200 sq ft or under

Inspections

How to Schedule

CSS portal (online)
(605) 367-8670 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Footing/foundation, framing, mechanical/electrical/plumbing rough-in, insulation, final inspection and certificate of occupancy

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), 2020 National Electrical Code
Zoning information: View zoning info
Adopted Building Codes
Permit Statistics
Contractor Licensing
Commercial Plan Review
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 Building Services Division, City of Sioux Falls Planning and Development Services before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sioux Falls Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Sioux Falls, SD?: New construction, additions, lower-level finishes, decks, remodels, window and exterior door replacement, re-shingling, re-siding, storage buildings over 200 sq ft, fences over 7 feet high, razing
How much does a building permit cost in Sioux Falls, SD?: The minimum permit fee is $40. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based for both residential and commercial. Residential unit costs: finished habitable space $126/sq ft, finished basements $77/sq ft, unfinished space $40/sq ft, attached garages $41/sq ft, detached garages $37/sq ft. Tiers range from $40 base up to $2.50 per additional $1,000 for projects over $100,000; commercial tiers up to $3.00 per additional $1,000 for projects over $500,000.. Plan check fee: No plan check fee for residential; commercial projects may incur plan review fees.
How do I apply for a building permit in Sioux Falls, SD?: 1. Determine whether a permit is required by reviewing the city's permit information page or calling Building Services at (605) 367-8670. 2. Create an account on the CSS portal. 3. Prepare all required documents: completed application, construction plans/blueprints, site plan showing property boundaries and proposed work, mechanical/electrical/plumbing specifications. 4. Submit application and documents through the CSS portal. 5. Await plan review. Residential plans are generally reviewed within 48 hours. 6. Pay all applicable fees through the portal before permit issuance. 7. Post the permit card visibly at the job site. 8. Schedule required inspections through the CSS portal or by calling (605) 367-8670. 9. Obtain final inspection approval and certificate of occupancy where required.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Sioux Falls, SD?: Typical processing time is Residential approximately 48 hours for plan review; commercial varies.
What work is exempt from building permits in Sioux Falls, SD?: The following work is generally exempt: Retaining walls under 4 feet in height; Painting and finish work (wallpaper, cabinets, carpet); Window awnings projecting less than 54 inches from exterior wall; Kitchen cabinet replacement; Playground equipment; Fences 7 feet or under (zoning permit may still apply for shorter fences -- confirm with zoning); Storage buildings 200 sq ft or under.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Sioux Falls, SD?: Inspections can be scheduled via: CSS portal, (605) 367-8670.

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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.

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