City Shares Home Improvement Tips, Reminders
Published on April 29, 2026
As temperatures rise, the City of Sioux Falls is offering guidance and reminders for homeowners planning home improvement projects this year. Projects that affect a home’s structural, electrical, mechanical or plumbing systems, as well as those that include permanent installations such as fences, decks, garages or sheds, require city-issued permits to ensure safety and maintain construction standards.
“Building permits protect homeowners by ensuring minimum safety standards are met and the proper installation of systems that protect homes from weather,” said Neil King, the city’s chief building official.
The city’s Building Services division, part of Planning and Development Services, administers the permitting process. Most permits require a site or construction plan as part of the application. Once submitted, city staff review applications and plans for compliance with building codes and zoning regulations. Staff then work with homeowners or licensed contractors to address needed revisions before issuing the permit.
As projects move forward, homeowners or contractors must schedule inspections at required stages of construction. A final inspection is required for all permits to close the project.
Permits are important to:
- Reduce potential hazards of unsafe construction
- Protect your home’s property value
- Avoid risk of having a property insurer deny coverage of work or damages caused by construction done without permits and inspections
- Make the property easier to sell, as proof of final inspections are required by financial institutions
- Avoid redoing the work that was unpermitted
- Comply with local ordinances and avoid costly fines or fees
Common Permit Types
Building Permits
Most home building projects require a city permit to ensure compliance with building codes related to structural integrity and minimum life safety standards for building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems.
Fences
A permit is required to build, move, replace or repair a fence. These regulations are intended to protect public safety, maintain neighborhood appearance, preserve privacy, reduce noise and ensure adequate air, light and visibility for all properties.
Detached Garages and Sheds
Permits are required before constructing or placing detached garages or sheds on a lot and sheds must be properly anchored.
Decks
A permit is required for decks of any size or material.
Aesthetic projects such as interior or exterior painting, carpet or other flooring replacement, cabinets and countertops, and gutters and fascia do not require a permit.
Helpful Reminders
- Homeowners may apply for and track permits online through the city’s Customer Self Service (CSS) system. Accounts are free and allow users to apply for permits, submit plans, pay fees and schedule inspections. CSS accounts typically take two business days to activate. The CSS system is available online.
- If a contractor is hired, homeowners should confirm the contractor is licensed with the city, as required based on the type of work being performed. A list of licensed contractors is available online at siouxfalls.gov/licensed-contractors.
- Plan ahead, as permit review and issuance generally take two business days. Requested inspections are typically completed within one to two business days.
- Call 811 before digging to avoid striking public or private utility lines in yards or in the public right-of-way.
- When uncertain, contact the city. Homeowners with questions about whether a project requires a permit can call the Planning and Development Services team at 605-367-8670 or visit the permit desk at City Center, 231 N. Dakota Ave.
Additional permit information can be found at siouxfalls.gov.