Sioux Falls ADU permit requirements
Last reviewed: June 22, 2026
Quick answer
Permitting an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Sioux Falls, South Dakota means pulling a building permit from the local authority that issues it. ArchPermit tracks 13 source-cited requirements (12 required, the rest conditional) for this jurisdiction. Submittals go through Customer Self-Service (CSS) portal. These requirements were last reviewed June 22, 2026; confirm the exact forms and fees with the local permitting authority.
A source-cited checklist of what an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) permit package needs in City of Sioux Falls. Every item links to its authoritative source; items that vary are flagged to confirm locally.
A detached ADU is a 'Permitted Special' accessory use (by-right with standards, not a discretionary conditional use) in the detached-dwelling zoning forms DD1–DD4/DD7 (RT-1/RT-2, RHP, RR), NOT in DD5 (manufactured-home). Standards (§ 160.093): one of the two units must be owner-occupied; additional off-street parking is required; the ADU is ≤40% of the main structure's square footage, rear yard only, ≥10 ft from the main dwelling, and keeps the same required yards as the principal building. There is no standalone ADU permit — a detached ADU uses the standard Residential Plan Review submittal set plus the § 160.093 standards (a conditional use permit is the fallback only if the standards can't be met). Attached ADUs are listed only for DD1 (rural RR) — confirm allowance in other districts.
- ADU Dimensional Compliance (size/location)required
Plans must demonstrate ≤40% of the main structure, rear yard only, ≥10 ft from the main dwelling, and the same required yards (§ 160.093).
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Additional Off-Street Parking (shown on plans)required
ADU-specific: one additional off-street parking space, as for an additional single-family dwelling (§§ 160.550 et seq.).
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Corner-Pin Grade Elevations + Minimum Ground Elevationrequired
Grade elevations at the lot's corner pins and the minimum ground elevation (top of black dirt at the lowest exposed part), required by Engineering.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Cross Sections & Framing Detailsrequired
Wall sections with R-values, glazing U-factor, eave depths; attic ventilation; stair sections; deck/patio sections; fire-resistive assembly details.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Exterior Elevationsrequired
Must match the site/floor plans; finished-floor elevation, building height, covered/uncovered decks/patios/porches.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Floor Plansrequired
Must match the site plan; exterior dimensions, room-use labels, plumbing fixtures/floor drains, square footages by level, decks/patios, window wells, attic/crawl access, safety glazing, rated walls/doors.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Foundation Planrequired
Footings, spread footings, foundation walls, interior column pads, deck piers/footings, window wells, unexcavated/crawl spaces with access + ventilation.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Owner-Occupancy Compliancerequiredverify locally
One of the two units must be owner-occupied (§ 160.093); the code states the requirement but the exact documentation submitted at application is not specified — confirm the form with Planning.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Residential Plan Review Application / New Construction Checklistrequired
Fillable application (address, contractors, applicant/signature), submitted via CSS or at the counter.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Roof Planrequired
Roof drainage and slope.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Site Planrequired
Property lines + lot dimensions, north arrow, all structure footprints with exact distances to property lines, required setbacks, driveway/parking, easements, address + legal description.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Sub-Permits (mechanical / electrical / plumbing)required
Issued as sub-permits to the main building permit; final trade inspections required before a Certificate of Occupancy.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Structural Engineering (with plans)conditional
Required at submittal for pre-engineered buildings, core floor + supporting foundations, or appendages >200 sf on piers (stamped by a SD-licensed engineer).
source · reviewed 2026-06-22