South Dakota / Sioux Falls

EV Charger Permit in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

It depends

Sometimes, depending on the project

Before installing a receptacle or circuit for a Level 2 charger rated over 5 kilowatts, or any new circuit over 30 amps.

Confirmed on official page Verified

Issued byCity of Sioux Falls Planning and Development Services, Building Services (zoning permits from the Zoning office)

By Mario Bailey, verified against official sources

Quick answer

Sioux Falls has no EV-specific rule; its electrical code decides it. An electrical permit is required to install a receptacle for, or connect to, any equipment totaling more than 5 kilowatts, and to add one new circuit greater than 30 amps, so a typical Level 2 charger on a 40 or 50 amp circuit needs a City electrical permit. A service upgrade for the charger needs one too.

Typical threshold: Equipment rating of the charger; one new circuit over 30 amps also needs a permit.

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When a permit is usually needed

Before installing a receptacle or circuit for a Level 2 charger rated over 5 kilowatts, or any new circuit over 30 amps.

What an EV charger permit costs in Sioux Falls

Line item
EV charger permitBy formula2026 Mechanical, Electrical, or Plumbing Permit Fees (City of Sioux Falls PDF): the fee is set on the MEP valuation, $40 for "$0.01 to $5,000.00" and "$40 for the first $5,000, plus $6 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $25,000"; a homeowner's permit is $25 plus that fee (Code of Ordinances Table 104.5 "Homeowner s permit" $25 for plumbing; IMC Table No. 1-A "Homeowner's permit" $25 for mechanical).
Fee schedule in forceOfficial scheduleRead . Fees are the jurisdiction’s; we do not mark them up or estimate them.

How to apply in Sioux Falls

In Sioux Falls, in most of the US, installing a Level 2 (240 volt) home EV charger is handled as an electrical permit built around a load calculation and a single line diagram showing the new dedicated circuit. A Level 1 charger that simply plugs into an existing 120 volt outlet typically needs no permit unless new wiring is added.

What most EV charger permit applications include:

  • For Sioux Falls, a Level 2 charger needs its own dedicated 240 volt circuit and requires an electrical permit with inspection, since each outlet installed for EV charging must be fed by an individual branch circuit with no other outlets on it (NEC 625.40).
  • For Sioux Falls, the application includes an electrical load calculation showing the existing service panel has enough spare capacity for the added EVSE demand, worked out using the standard dwelling load calculation method (NEC 220.83).
  • For Sioux Falls, the breaker or other overcurrent device feeding the charger must be sized for continuous duty, rated at not less than 125 percent of the equipment's maximum load (NEC 625.41).
  • Plan submittal typically includes a single line diagram showing conductor size, breaker size, conduit, and panel rating, plus the charger's manufacturer specifications, since the EVSE itself must be a listed product (NEC 625.5).
  • For charging equipment rated over 60 amps or over 150 volts to ground, the application has to show a disconnecting means installed in a readily accessible location and capable of being locked open (NEC 625.43).
  • For Sioux Falls, the charger must be shown connected and fastened in place according to the manufacturer's installation instructions, whether it is hardwired or a plug in unit on a dedicated receptacle (NEC 625.44).

General submittal guidance from National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), Article 625 Electric Vehicle Charging System and Article 220 Load Calculations, 2017 to 2023 editions. Source. City of Sioux Falls Planning and Development Services, Building Services (zoning permits from the Zoning office) sets the exact checklist for Sioux Falls.

Where to apply in Sioux Falls:

City of Sioux Falls Planning and Development Services, Building Services (zoning permits from the Zoning office)

  • Building Services, City Center (first floor), 231 N. Dakota Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
  • Phone: (605) 367-8670

Inspections and closing out your permit

In Sioux Falls, a Level 2 EV charger installation gets a rough wiring inspection if any new conductors will be hidden inside walls, ceilings, or run underground, then a final inspection that checks the dedicated circuit, breaker sizing, any required GFCI protection, the disconnect, and the charger's listing before the permit closes.

  1. In Sioux Falls: if new EVSE conductors will be concealed in a wall or ceiling, or run underground, they must pass a rough wiring inspection before being covered, since that inspection confirms the dedicated branch circuit required for the charger (NEC 625.40).
  2. In Sioux Falls: at final inspection, the breaker or other overcurrent device serving the charger is checked to confirm it is properly rated for the continuous EV charging load (NEC 625.41).
  3. In Sioux Falls: any receptacle installed for EV charging, as opposed to a hardwired connection, has to be checked for ground fault circuit interrupter protection (NEC 625.54).
  4. In Sioux Falls: where the EVSE is rated over 60 amps or 150 volts to ground, the inspector confirms a lockable, readily accessible disconnecting means was installed (NEC 625.43).
  5. In Sioux Falls: the inspector verifies the charger, along with its fittings and associated equipment, carries a nationally recognized testing laboratory listing (NEC 625.5).
  6. In Sioux Falls: mounting height is checked against the manufacturer's instructions, with the coupling means generally required to sit at least 18 inches above an indoor floor or 24 inches above outdoor grade unless the equipment is listed otherwise (NEC 625.50).

Schedule each inspection in advance and pass the final before you use the work or close the permit. Request inspections through the Sioux Falls permit portal or by phone at (605) 367-8670.

Inspection sequence from National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), Article 625 Electric Vehicle Charging System, 2017 to 2023 editions. Source. An open permit left un-inspected can surface later in a title search or home sale.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need an EV charger permit in Sioux Falls?
Sioux Falls has no EV-specific rule; its electrical code decides it. An electrical permit is required to install a receptacle for, or connect to, any equipment totaling more than 5 kilowatts, and to add one new circuit greater than 30 amps, so a typical Level 2 charger on a 40 or 50 amp circuit needs a City electrical permit. A service upgrade for the charger needs one too. Equipment rating of the charger; one new circuit over 30 amps also needs a permit. Always confirm with the office before starting.
How much does an EV charger permit cost in Sioux Falls?
2026 Mechanical, Electrical, or Plumbing Permit Fees (City of Sioux Falls PDF): the fee is set on the MEP valuation, $40 for "$0.01 to $5,000.00" and "$40 for the first $5,000, plus $6 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $25,000"; a homeowner's permit is $25 plus that fee (Code of Ordinances Table 104.5 "Homeowner s permit" $25 for plumbing; IMC Table No. 1-A "Homeowner's permit" $25 for mechanical). See the official fee schedule for current amounts.
Where do you apply for an EV charger permit in Sioux Falls?
You can apply through the Sioux Falls permit portal or contact the City of Sioux Falls Planning and Development Services, Building Services (zoning permits from the Zoning office) directly. The links are listed on this page.
Can a homeowner pull an EV charger permit themselves in Sioux Falls?
Under South Dakota law (SDCL 36-16-15; 36-25-17; ARSD 20:44:18:06): Yes, for your own home. No electrical license is needed to wire your own residence (a detached owner-occupied single-family dwelling) and its accessory structures, your own farmstead, or a single-family home you are building and will live in, but the work must be reported, permitted and inspected, and failing to report it is a Class 2 misdemeanor (36-16-15). The homeowner wiring permit is limited to one every three years, only for a home you occupy and do not rent out, and only you or your spouse may do the wiring (ARSD 20:44:18:06). No plumbing license is needed for plumbing in a home you own and occupy, or one you are building to live in, if the work meets the state plumbing code (36-25-17); a homeowner plumbing installation certificate is still required. Whether an owner may pull a local building permit is set by the city or county. Confirm how Sioux Falls applies this before you apply.

From the Library

What else needs a permit in Sioux Falls

Every other permit type we have verified for this jurisdiction, with the rule that applies here.

ProjectPermit needed?ThresholdTypical fee
Bathroom Remodel PermitIt dependsFinish work (tiling, cabinets, countertops, painting) and removing and reinstalling a toilet are exempt; remodels, new or moved plumbing, and five or more new electrical devices need permits...dated 01/01/2026), "Residential Occupancies Building Permit Fee Schedule":...
Deck PermitPermit requiredAny size...dated 01/01/2026), "Residential Occupancies Building Permit Fee Schedule":...
Electrical PermitIt dependsNumber of outlets, switches, receptacles or fixtures installed; two new circuits of 30 amps or less, one new circuit over 30 amps, any service change, or equipment over 5 kilowatts also needs a permit...Permit Fees (City of Sioux Falls PDF): the fee is set on the MEP valuation, $40 for...
Fence PermitPermit requiredAny size"The permit fee is $20." (Fences page)
HVAC PermitPermit requiredAny size...Permit Fees (City of Sioux Falls PDF): the fee is set on the MEP valuation, $40 for...
Plumbing PermitIt dependsStopping leaks, clearing stoppages and removing and reinstalling a toilet are exempt; replacing or rearranging valves, pipes or fixtures needs a permit...of Ordinances 150.302, 2024 UPC adopted by Ord. 6-26, passed 1-20-2026): "$0.01 to...
Pool PermitIt dependsPrefabricated swimming pools; the barrier rules apply to pools with 24 inches or more of water...dated 01/01/2026), "Residential Occupancies Building Permit Fee Schedule":...
Roof Replacement PermitPermit requiredAny sizeFlat $40: "The $40 minimum fee includes all residential re-shingle permits, siding...
Shed PermitPermit requiredAny size"The minimum permit fee is $40.00 for accessory structures under 200 ft2" (Detached...
Solar PermitPermit requiredAny size...dated 01/01/2026), "Residential Occupancies Building Permit Fee Schedule":...
Water Heater PermitPermit requiredAny sizePlumbing permit, Table 104.5 (Code of Ordinances 150.302): $40 for "$0.01 to $5,000.00"...

Everything above, sourced

Code references

National and state model-code sections the general guidance on this page is drawn from. They are not Sioux Falls documents; the office above sets the local rules.

How this EV charger permit page for Sioux Falls was verified. 2 official sources: siouxfalls.gov, codelibrary.amlegal.com; fee schedule: official document. Last checked by Mario Bailey, not confirmed with City of Sioux Falls Planning and Development Services, Building Services (zoning permits from the Zoning office). Rules change; confirm before you build. How we verify.

Last checked: Report an error on this page

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