PERMITS

Work exempt from permit. Permits shall not be required for the following. Exemption from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

Building:

1. One-story detached accessory structures provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet.
2. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom grade elevation to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.
3. Sidewalks not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not in the public way.
4. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
5. Prefabricated swimming pools and fishponds that are less than 18 inches deep.
6. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling.
7. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall.

Permit Information: When applying for a building permit, plans are required. Plans shall be drawn to scale and be of sufficient clarity to indicate the nature of work and extent of the work proposed to show that the proposed work is in compliance with the building code. If any changes and/or additions to the approved plans are made after the permit is issued, revised plans must be submitted for approval, examples of information required for permit issuance are:

• House addition or garage
• Basement Finish
• Exterior decks

Permits must be applied for in person at Planning and Building Services, 224 West Ninth Street, Sioux Falls S.D. and are not available on line.

REMEMBER THE MORE INFORMATION YOU HAVE THE FASTER PERMIT ISSUANCE WILL GO!!

Permit Fees: For information on permit fees use the link in the left menu area. 
Permit Inspections. All construction or work for which a permit is required is subject to inspection and all such construction or work must remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved.

It is the responsibility of the permit applicant to cause the work to remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes. The City of Sioux Falls is not liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required to allow inspection.

1. The permit holder must notify the building inspector when the work is ready for inspection. To request an inspection, call 367-8251 or 367-8670 and allow a one-half day notice. After-hours inspections can be logged in on the answering machine at 367-8251 or 367-8670. Inspection requests can be faxed at 367-6045. The following inspections are required:
   
   
   • a) Footing Inspection. To be made after excavations for footings are complete, forms and reinforcing steel are in place prior to pouring.
   • b) Frame Inspection. To be made after the roof, all framing, fire blocking, and bracing are in place and all pipes, chimneys and vents are complete and the rough electrical, plumbing, and mechanical items are in place.
   • c) Final Inspection. When the building is completed prior to occupancy.
     
   • The building inspector will either approve that portion of the construction as completed or will notify the permit holder that changes are necessary for compliance.
     
     
2. Calling for inspection. When calling for inspections, be prepared to give the following information:
   
   Street Address
   Name of Contractor
   Type of Inspection Needed
   Permit Number
   Date/Time When Responsible Party Will Be Present
   If the project is not ready for the inspection requested when the inspector arrives on the job site, the inspection will be rejected and a reinspection fee may be charged.
   
   
3. Contractor or responsible adult present during inspection. Inspectors will not enter the living portion of an occupied dwelling unless an adult or contractor with authority over the dwelling is present and gives permission.