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 to 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
Sioux Falls ADU permit questions
- Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Sioux Falls?
- Yes. An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Sioux Falls requires a building permit. ArchPermit tracks 13 cited requirements for this jurisdiction (12 required, the rest conditional). Always confirm the exact forms, fees, and code edition with the local permitting authority that issues the permit.
- What does an ADU permit package require in Sioux Falls?
- Core required items include: ADU Dimensional Compliance (size/location); Additional Off-Street Parking (shown on plans); Corner-Pin Grade Elevations + Minimum Ground Elevation; Cross Sections & Framing Details; Exterior Elevations; Floor Plans, plus 6 more. Each requirement links to its authoritative source, and nothing is permit-ready until an independent licensed professional reviews and seals it.
- How are ADU permits submitted in Sioux Falls?
- Sioux Falls accepts permit submittals via Customer Self-Service (CSS) portal. ArchPermit prepares a draft package you can submit there after a licensed architect reviews and seals it.