Pool Permit in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
It depends
Sometimes, depending on the project
Before building or installing a pool or spa other than a prefabricated pool less than 24 inches deep, and before filling it (the barrier must be inspected first).
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
The City's residential code exempts only prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep from a building permit; other pools need one under the City's adopted swimming pool and spa code. Every outdoor pool must have a barrier at least 48 inches high that is installed, inspected and approved before the pool is filled, and a fence over 48 inches needs a zoning fence permit. Connecting a pool, spa or hot tub always needs a separate electrical permit.
Typical threshold: Prefabricated swimming pools; the barrier rules apply to pools with 24 inches or more of water.
Who is pulling this permit?
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When a permit is usually needed
Before building or installing a pool or spa other than a prefabricated pool less than 24 inches deep, and before filling it (the barrier must be inspected first).
What a pool permit costs in Sioux Falls
How to apply in Sioux Falls
In Sioux Falls, a residential pool permit application covers both construction and safety: a scaled site plan, structural plans for the pool, a barrier plan showing how the pool will be enclosed, and an electrical plan covering bonding and the equipment disconnect.
What most pool permit applications include:
- Pool and spa design and construction fall under the residential code chapter that folds in the swimming pool and spa code, and permit review checks plans against that chapter (IRC R326).
- For Sioux Falls, the site plan must show pool equipment such as pumps, filters, and heaters set back at least 36 inches from the outside of the required barrier (ISPSC 305.2.9).
- For an in-ground pool, engineered structural plans covering the shell and reinforcing steel, with the responsible structural engineer's license information, are a standard part of the submittal (per official pool submittal checklists).
- For Sioux Falls, a barrier plan identifying the fence, pool structure, or dwelling wall that will enclose the pool must be submitted and must comply with the code's barrier chapter (ISPSC 305).
- Electrical plans must show the pool's equipotential bonding design, since the shell, perimeter surfaces, and metal fittings within 5 feet of the water must all tie into a common bonding grid (NEC 680.26).
- For Sioux Falls, the electrical plan must also show a disconnecting means for the pool equipment that is readily accessible and within sight of the equipment (NEC 680.13).
General submittal guidance from 2021 IRC R326 (adopting the ISPSC), ISPSC 2021 Section 305, and NEC 2020 Article 680. 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, pool inspections track the concrete pour: the steel and bonding grid are checked before gunite or shotcrete goes in, bonding is checked again before decking is poured, and the permanent barrier and remaining electrical work are checked at final before the pool can be filled and used.
- In Sioux Falls: before gunite or shotcrete is sprayed, the inspector checks the rebar against the engineered plans and confirms the equipotential bonding wire is stubbed out and tied into the steel, since it will be buried in concrete afterward (NEC 680.26).
- In Sioux Falls: a bonding inspection separately confirms coping, decking, ladders, handrail cups, and any other metal within 5 feet of the water are tied to the bonding grid, and it must pass before coping is installed (NEC 680.26).
- In Sioux Falls: a temporary barrier at least 4 feet high must enclose the site from the moment excavation starts until the permanent barrier is finished, and inspectors check for it throughout construction (ISPSC 305.1.1).
- In Sioux Falls: a pre-plaster inspection confirms the circulation equipment's electrical work is installed and all bonding is complete before the pool's interior finish goes on (NEC 680.26).
- In Sioux Falls: at final inspection the permanent barrier is checked against the code's requirements and the equipment and cover-mechanism bonding must be complete before the pool can be filled and used (ISPSC 305, NEC 680.26).
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 NEC 2020 Article 680.26 (equipotential bonding) and ISPSC 2021 Section 305 (barriers). Source. An open permit left un-inspected can surface later in a title search or home sale.
Your Pool Permit checklist for Sioux Falls
- Confirm the requirement. Sometimes, depending on the project. Typical threshold: Prefabricated swimming pools; the barrier rules apply to pools with 24 inches or more of water. Usually needed: Before building or installing a pool or spa other than a prefabricated pool less than 24 inches deep, and before filling it (the barrier must be inspected first).
- Budget the fee. 2026 Building Permit Valuation/Fee Schedule (City of Sioux Falls, fee schedule dated 01/01/2026), "Residential Occupancies Building Permit Fee Schedule": "$1-4,000" $40.00; "$4,001-25,000" "$32.50 for the first $2,000 plus $6.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $25,000"; "$25,001-50,000" "$170.50 for the first $25,000 plus $4.50 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof". Residential projects have no plan review fee (Residential Plan Review page). A flat $40 permit fee applies to "swimming pool fence enclosures" (2026 fee schedule). Pool wiring is a separate electrical permit on the MEP fee schedule. Official fee schedule.
- Apply. In Sioux Falls, a residential pool permit application covers both construction and safety: a scaled site plan, structural plans for the pool, a barrier plan showing how the pool will be enclosed, and an electrical plan covering bonding and the equipment disconnect. Start at the Sioux Falls permit portal.
- Keep the office details handy. City of Sioux Falls Planning and Development Services, Building Services (zoning permits from the Zoning office). Phone: (605) 367-8670. Address: Building Services, City Center (first floor), 231 N. Dakota Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104.
- Plan for inspections. In Sioux Falls, pool inspections track the concrete pour: the steel and bonding grid are checked before gunite or shotcrete goes in, bonding is checked again before decking is poured, and the permanent barrier and remaining electrical work are checked at final before the pool can be filled and used.
Compiled from the official sources on this page. Last checked .
Frequently asked questions
- Do you need a pool permit in Sioux Falls?
- The City's residential code exempts only prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep from a building permit; other pools need one under the City's adopted swimming pool and spa code. Every outdoor pool must have a barrier at least 48 inches high that is installed, inspected and approved before the pool is filled, and a fence over 48 inches needs a zoning fence permit. Connecting a pool, spa or hot tub always needs a separate electrical permit. Prefabricated swimming pools; the barrier rules apply to pools with 24 inches or more of water. Always confirm with the office before starting.
- How much does a pool permit cost in Sioux Falls?
- 2026 Building Permit Valuation/Fee Schedule (City of Sioux Falls, fee schedule dated 01/01/2026), "Residential Occupancies Building Permit Fee Schedule": "$1-4,000" $40.00; "$4,001-25,000" "$32.50 for the first $2,000 plus $6.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $25,000"; "$25,001-50,000" "$170.50 for the first $25,000 plus $4.50 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof". Residential projects have no plan review fee (Residential Plan Review page). A flat $40 permit fee applies to "swimming pool fence enclosures" (2026 fee schedule). Pool wiring is a separate electrical permit on the MEP fee schedule. See the official fee schedule for current amounts.
- Where do you apply for a pool 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 a pool 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.
| Project | Permit needed? | Threshold | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom Remodel Permit | It depends | Finish 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 Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...dated 01/01/2026), "Residential Occupancies Building Permit Fee Schedule":... |
| Electrical Permit | It depends | Number 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... |
| EV Charger Permit | It depends | Equipment rating of the charger; one new circuit over 30 amps also needs a permit | ...Permit Fees (City of Sioux Falls PDF): the fee is set on the MEP valuation, $40 for... |
| Fence Permit | Permit required | Any size | "The permit fee is $20." (Fences page) |
| HVAC Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...Permit Fees (City of Sioux Falls PDF): the fee is set on the MEP valuation, $40 for... |
| Plumbing Permit | It depends | Stopping 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... |
| Roof Replacement Permit | Permit required | Any size | Flat $40: "The $40 minimum fee includes all residential re-shingle permits, siding... |
| Shed Permit | Permit required | Any size | "The minimum permit fee is $40.00 for accessory structures under 200 ft2" (Detached... |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...dated 01/01/2026), "Residential Occupancies Building Permit Fee Schedule":... |
| Water Heater Permit | Permit required | Any size | Plumbing 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 pool 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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