Building Permit FAQs

A building permit ensures code compliance for structural integrity and minimum life safety for building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems.

For any construction on a structure regulated by the building code. If you are unsure you need one, call 605 367-8670. Some projects for which a permit is required:

• Lower-level finish,
• Additions and remodels,
• Decks,
• Window and exterior door replacement,
• Re-shingle and re-side,
• Storage buildings (sheds) larger than 200 square feet. (smaller sheds will need a Zoning placement permit),
• Razing,
• Fence/placement/carport/home occupation/sign/driveway permits are required by the Zoning Department. 

• Landscape only retaining walls less than 4 feet in height
• Painting, papering and similar finish work
• Window awnings for dwellings, projecting not more than 54”
• Kitchen cabinets
• Swings and other playground equipment

Not unless licensed electrical, mechanical and plumbing contractors complete the work. Homeowners who live in and own a single-family dwelling and do the work themselves must obtain separate electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits.

An approximate cost of the work must be provided. Complete site, foundation, floor plans, specifications and diagrams may be required to detail how the proposed work is to be completed. 

Permit fees start at $40, but the total cost increases as the value of construction projects goes up. If you'd like to learn more about how building permit fees are determined, you can find detailed information in this PDF. For specific information on MEP permit fees, please review this PDF.

Work must begin and an inspection requested within 180 days of the permit being issued.

Work done without obtaining a building permit is a problem for both the homeowner and inspector. Inspectors can’t check work they can’t see, which requires removing wall and/or ceiling coverings for a proper inspection. If code violations are discovered, they must be corrected. An individual who refuses to obtain a building permit is subject to penalties through the code enforcement process.

Yes, 80% of the fee may be refunded, if no work is done within 180 days of issuance.

Yes. Contact Building Services at (605) 367-8672 to verify if a contractor is licensed. Building Services licenses residential contractors, electrical contractors, plumbing contractors and mechanical (heating, AC, and refrigeration) contractors. 

You can also check our Currently Licensed Contractors page where we publish a list of contractors  licensed with the City of Sioux Falls.

All permit information is online. Click the following link and enter the address for which the permit was obtained. This site is updated every Sunday. You may also contact Building Services at 605-367-8670. 

Check For Permit

A toll-free number is provided by South Dakota One Call, 811.

Inspectors are available in the office Monday through Friday from 8-9 a.m. or 4:30-5 p.m. They can be reached at the following numbers:
Building 605-367-8251
Electrical 605-367-8250
Mechanical 605-367-8252
Plumbing 605-367-8253

You can contact a Property Maintenance Inspector at 605-978-6900 to report rundown and unsafe housing conditions. The City also requires vacant buildings that meet certain criteria to be registered to ensure they are secured and maintained.

No person shall occupy, allow to be occupied, advertise for occupancy, solicit occupants of, or let to another person for occupancy any residential rental unit within the City that has not been permitted as residential rental unit by the city. All rental properties must be registered with the City to ensure they meet minimum housing standards. An application is available online or at the Building Services Department. There is no fee for this application.

Go to the Building Services office, first floor City Center, 231 N. Dakota Avenue. It’s open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
You can pay by cash, check or credit card (Visa, Master Card or Discover).

Cash, check or credit cards (VISA, MASTER CARD OR DISCOVER) and ACH (E-Check) are acceptable forms of payment.

Notice: Effective January 5, 2026, a card service fee will apply to all payments made with a credit or debit card.

Learn more about this transition and explore other payment options at siouxfalls.gov/card-payment

Other than CSS, a building permit can be obtained at the Building Services office which is located on 1st floor of City Center which is located at 231 N. Dakota Avenue.

The Building Services office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.