Development FAQs
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Building Permits
Do I Need a Building Permit?

If the value of the project is more than $300, you will need to apply for a permit.  Permit fees are applied for projects valued at $500 or more.  The fee schedule can be found here.

Some maintenance does not require a building permit, such as replacing carpet, painting a house, or installing new gutters.  Call our department at (605) 347-4422 ext. 3 if you have questions.

Apply online at CitizenServe.

How Do I Apply for a Building Permit?

Please log in to CitizenServe to submit an application.  If you have not visited this website before, please create an account, then proceed with the permit application.  You can apply for permits, licenses, and other applications through CitizenServe.  You are able to submit plans, request inspections, and pay for your permit through this site.

We no longer accept paper applications.

How Do I Use CitizenServe?

Please refer to our step-by-step guide.

I Want to Put a Storage Shed in my Backyard. Do I Need a Building Permit?

If the storage shed is under 144 sq. ft., you do not need a building permit.  If it is over 144 sq. ft., building code regulations apply and a permit is required.  As a general rule, residential property owners are allowed up to two storage sheds (temporary structures under 144 sq. ft.) on their property.  Storage sheds are not allowed in the front setback.

Do I Need a Permit for a Carport?

Yes, you will need to obtain a building permit.  The carport needs to meet the regulations found under the International Residential Code for buildings.  You will also need to provide a site plan to ensure the structure meets the setbacks for your zoning district.

Collapsible carports or canopy storage shelters are not allowed in city limits.

Apply online at CitizenServe.

I am Grading My Lot. Do I Need a Permit?

Title 2.11.02 of the City Ordinance says that any land disturbance from 1,000 sq ft to 1 acre will require a grading permit.  Apply online at CitizenServe.

Any projects disturbing more than 1 acre of land will require a copy of the South Dakota General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction Activities which is issued by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (SDDANR).

In addition, best management practices are required to be in place for any grading project or larger construction project.  A list of examples can be found here.

I Don't Have Access to a Computer. Don't You Have a Paper Application?

No, we no longer accept paper applications.  You will need to have access to a computer to submit an application online.  You will also need a valid email address in order to use CitizenServe

If you need help obtaining a permit, please call us at (605) 347-4422 ext. 3, or stop by our office at City Hall located 1040 Harley-Davidson Way.

I Have Just Submitted My Building Permit on CitizenServe, Why Can't I Pay For It?

City staff still needs to review and approve the application.  After staff reviews the application, you will receive an email stating that your permit status has changed to "Approved, Pending Payment."   Payment can be made via credit, debit, or bank account once the application is approved.  City staff will contact you directly if they need more information about your project.

If 24 hours have passed and the status of your project has not changed or if you have not been contacted by city staff, please call Planning and Permitting at (605) 347-4422 ext. 3.

What Inspections Do You Require?
  • Footings
  • Foundation Walls
  • Deck Footing
  • Framing
  • Flatwork
  • In-Ground Tap Inspections
  • Mid-Roof (Ice and Water Barrier)
  • Gas Line Pressure Test
  • Final

Please note that the City of Sturgis does not conduct plumbing or electrical inspections.  All electrical wiring installations must be inspected by a State Electrical Inspector (rough-in and final).  See The South Dakota Electrical Commission's webpage regarding Homeowner Wiring.

You must have a plumbing inspection certificate for all plumbing installations.  See the South Dakota Plumbing Commission website for more information.

I Am Replacing My Roof Due to Hail Damage. Do I Need a Permit?

Yes, you will need to apply for a building permit.  An inspection is required to ensure that an ice and water barrier has been installed from the lowest point of the roof's edge to a point at least 24" inside the exterior wall line of the building.  Your contractor must be licensed with the city, and the building permit received prior to starting work on the project.

Apply online at CitizenServe.

My Friend is a Contractor and is Helping Me With My Building Project. Does He/She Need to Have a City License?

Yes.  We will need to ensure that anyone that is hired for a project has their state excise tax number and liability insurance.

Can I Put a Conex Container for Storage In My Backyard?

No.  We do not allow conex boxes, sea boxes, ISO containers, or shipping containers in city limits.

I Have a Pool in My Backyard. Do I Need a Fence?

Yes.  Any pool greater than 2 feet in depth is required to be inside a 5 ft. tall fence with a lockable, self-closing gate.

Licensing
How Much is a Contractor's License?

The cost of a contractor's license is $125.  The license is good for one full year from the date it is issued.  You can apply for a contractor's license through the CitizenServe website.  You must also submit a copy of liability insurance and a copy of your state excise tax number.

Apply online at CitizenServe.

I Am a Contractor, But This is the Only Time I Will Work in Sturgis. Do I Need to Get Licensed?

Yes.  All contractors and subcontractors must obtain a license to work in Sturgis.

I Am a Licensed Contractor with the City, But I Will Have Several Subcontractors Working Under Me. Do They Need to be Licensed?

Yes, all subcontractors must be licensed with the City of Sturgis.  Please note that the use of day laborers is not permitted.

I Am a Property Owner and I Plan to Do a Project Myself with the Help of Family Members. Do I/They Need a License?

No, you are allowed to perform construction on your own residence without a Contractor's License. Please indicate on your building permit that you will be doing the work yourself and check off the appropriate statements.  The Building Inspector must schedule the necessary inspections for your project.  The City WILL NOT inspect plumbing or electrical installations.  This work must be completed and certified by a state licensed electrician or plumber.

Housing Development
I Am Looking at Developing Property in Sturgis. How Do I Get Started?

Please call us at (605) 347-4422 ext. 3.  Proper preparation and documentation will ease the application process and streamline your efforts.  Please refer to the following resources so you know what is expected if you decide to develop in Sturgis.

Title 19 - Subdivision of Land

Overview of Design Standards

Engineering - Standard Plates

Development Checklist

How Do I Find Out What Zoning District a Property is in?

For ease of use, you can use our Interactive Zoning Map application.  Type in the address, click on the property, and a pop-up window with more information will appear.  This pop-up also provides links to the Zoning Ordinance and any other additional information.

A map of the zoning districts is also available for download.

I Just Bought a Lot to Build a New Home in Sturgis. Do I Need to Install Sidewalk?

Yes.  If a property is developed infrastructure improvements are required.  Call us at (605) 347-4422 ext. 3 if you have additional questions.

Am I Allowed to Install a Gravel Driveway or Gravel Parking Pad?

No, gravel driving surfaces are not allowed.  All drives and parking pads must be hard surfaced (concrete or asphalt), including those drives that connect a driveway or parking pad to a public right-of-way.  Brick or pavers may be used subject to review by the Building Inspector.

Floodplain Development
How Can I Find Out if My Home Is in the Floodplain?

You can refer directly to the FEMA Map Service Center and type in your address, or use the Floodplain Map embedded in the City website.

My Home is Located in the 100-year Floodplain, and I would like to Remodel My Home. What Do I Need for my Building Permit?

All projects within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) require a Floodplain Development Permit.  This is in addition to a building permit, but there is no additional cost associated with the Floodplain Development Permit.  When you apply for your building permit, you will need to provide the total detailed cost for labor and materials.  If the project is considered to be Substantial Improvement (50% of the structure's market value BEFORE improvements), the structure must be brought into compliance with flood damage regulations, such as elevating the structure at or above the 100-year flood elevation, or following additional building regulations to meet FEMA's requirements.  See more on the FEMA website.

What is the FEMA 50% Rule?

This may also be known as the "Substantial Damage Rule."  If a structure is within the Special Flood Hazard Area, such as the 100-year floodplain, the general rule is that if the cost of improvements of the cost to repair the damage exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure, it must be brought up to current floodplain management standards.  Other improvements, such as a remodel or addition, will fall under this rule.  A floodplain development permit will also be required.  Call (605) 347-4422 ext. 3 for more details.

More information about the FEMA 50% rule can be found on their website.

How Do I Find Out What the FEMA 50% Threshold is for my Project?

If your home remodel or repair project is a small project or is minor required maintenance, you can use the assessed value of your home (or structure) to calculate the substantial improvement ratio.

If your project is substantial, it is recommended you obtain your structure's market value via a Broker's Opinion of Value from a licensed real estate broker, or building replacement appraisal to help determine the structure's value.  This will help increase the 50% threshold to allow for more repairs/remodels and to satisfy FEMA's requirements.