On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Sioux Falls
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
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
- Exempt Retaining walls under 4 feet in height
- Exempt Painting and finish work (wallpaper, cabinets, carpet)
- Exempt Window awnings projecting less than 54 inches from exterior wall
- Exempt Kitchen cabinet replacement
- Exempt Playground equipment
- Exempt Fences 7 feet or under (zoning permit may still apply for shorter fences -- confirm with zoning)
- Exempt Storage buildings 200 sq ft or under
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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Residential approximately 48 hours for plan review; commercial varies
- 01 Determine whether a permit is required by reviewing the city's permit information page or calling Building Services at (605) 367-8670.
- 02 Create an account on the CSS portal.
- 03 Prepare all required documents: completed application, construction plans/blueprints, site plan showing property boundaries and proposed work, mechanical/electrical/plumbing specifications.
- 04 Submit application and documents through the CSS portal.
- 05 Await plan review. Residential plans are generally reviewed within 48 hours.
- 06 Pay all applicable fees through the portal before permit issuance.
- 07 Post the permit card visibly at the job site.
- 08 Schedule required inspections through the CSS portal or by calling (605) 367-8670.
- 09 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 ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective January 1, 2026
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$40
02
Plan check fee
No plan check fee for residential; commercial projects may incur plan review fees
03
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.
04
Penalty (no permit)
$100 fine for construction without permit
Fees paid through CSS portal prior to permit issuance
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective January 1, 2026) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- CSS portal (online)
- (605) 367-8670 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Typical sequence: Footing/foundation, framing, mechanical/electrical/plumbing rough-in, insulation, final inspection and certificate of occupancy
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Sioux Falls permits
01 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
02 How much does a building permit cost in Sioux Falls, SD? ▸
Building permit fees in Sioux Falls, SD are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Sioux Falls, SD? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Sioux Falls, SD, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Sioux Falls, SD? ▸
Building permit processing times in Sioux Falls, SD typically run Residential approximately 48 hours for plan review; commercial varies. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Sioux Falls, SD? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Sioux Falls, SD? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Sioux Falls, SD via: CSS portal, (605) 367-8670.
last verified April 2026
source Building Services Division, City of Sioux Falls Planning and Development Services ↗
entry id permits/south-dakota/minnehaha/sioux-falls
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Services Division, City of Sioux Falls Planning and Development Services before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.