Building Services division issues the following permits:

• Building Permits
• Electrical Permits
• Plumbing Permits
• Mechanical Permits
• Rental Housing Registration
• Plan Review
• Vacant Building Registration

Zoning Division issues the following permits: 

• Zoning Permits
• On-premise Sign Permits
• Off-premise Sign Permits
• Temporary Sign Permits
• Fence Permits 
• Home Occupation Permits 
• Manufactured Home Placement Permits 
• Flood Plain Development Permits 
• Water Source Protection Questionaire
• Driveway Permits
• Daycares 
• Placement Permits

Important reminders:

• You will need to obtain a building permit PRIOR to beginning any work on your project. Where a contractor is hired to do the work, the homeowner should require the contractor to obtain the permit. If a homeowner is doing the work himself/herself, they may obtain the permit.
• Most residential permits can be issued within 10-15 minutes while you are in the office.
• Permits must be applied for in person at Building Services, 224 West Ninth Street, Sioux Falls S.D. and are not available on line. Permit Fee Schedules are found in the document from the link on the right.
• The following information typically is necessary to obtain a building permit:
• In cases where a new building or addition to an existing building are to be constructed, provide a site plan showing the location of all existing and proposed buildings and additions. (See Zoning Site Plan Checklist)
• The address where the work is to be completed.
• The name of the owner of the property.
• The use or occupancy for which the proposed work is intended.
• The electrical, plumbing, and mechanical contractor.
• The architect of record and/or the structural engineer of record, if applicable.
• Provide the valuation of the proposed construction.
• Provide plans, diagrams, or other data, which adequately describes how the work is to be constructed. 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.
• For work usually considered as repair or remodeling, a complete description of the work may be all that is required, such as shingling or siding.
• For work consisting of new buildings or additions to existing buildings, information drawn to scale must clearly indicate the extent of the work proposed and must show in detail that the work will conform to the application codes. A complete set of plans suitable for review should include:
  • Two copies of the site plan
  • Foundation plans
  • Floor plans
  • Elevations
  • Roof plans
  • Sections and details
  • One PDF copy of all plans on CD

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. A Placement Permit is required from the Zoning Division.
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 and driveways. Sidewalks in the right of way require a permit from Engineering. Driveway permits are required from the Zoning Division.
4. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
5. Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 18 inches deep.
6. Swings and other playground equipment.
7. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.