South Dakota Retaining Wall Permit Requirements

Statewide Building Code

South Dakota adopts the 2015 International Residential Code (IRC) and the 2015 International Building Code (IBC) as the foundational building codes for residential and commercial construction. Local jurisdictions may have additional amendments.

R404.4 Retaining Walls

Section R404.4 Retaining Walls of the 2015 IRC outlines requirements for the design and construction of retaining walls:

  • Retaining walls over 4 feet in height (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall) must be designed by a registered design professional.
  • Walls must account for lateral soil pressure, drainage, and potential surcharge loads from structures or slopes above.

These requirements ensure the safety and structural integrity of retaining walls under various load conditions.

When Is a Retaining Wall Permit Required?

In South Dakota, permit requirements for retaining walls vary by municipality. Generally:

  • Retaining walls over 4 feet in height typically require a building permit and must be designed by a licensed engineer.
  • Retaining walls 4 feet or less may be exempt from permits, provided they do not support a surcharge (e.g., adjacent structures, slopes, or driveways).

For example:

  • In Rapid City, retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall) are exempt from building permits.
  • In Sioux Falls, landscape-only retaining walls less than 4 feet in height typically do not require a building permit.

It’s essential to consult your local building department to determine specific requirements for your project.

Front Yard Setback Requirements

Setback requirements for retaining walls are determined by local zoning ordinances and can vary between municipalities. For instance:

  • In Minnehaha County, the minimum front yard setback is 30 feet in certain zoning districts.
  • In Spink County, the minimum front yard setback is 20 feet in small towns and 75 feet in agricultural zones.

It’s crucial to consult your local planning or zoning department to determine specific setback requirements for your property.

Local Jurisdiction Requirements

Sioux Falls

  • Permit Requirement: Landscape-only retaining walls less than 4 feet in height typically do not require a building permit
  • Process: For walls over 4 feet or those supporting a surcharge, contact the City of Sioux Falls Building Services for permit requirements.

Rapid City

  • Permit Requirement: Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall) are exempt from building permits.
  • Process: For walls over 4 feet or those supporting a surcharge, contact the Rapid City Building Services for permit requirements.

Aberdeen

  • Permit Requirement: A permit is required for any construction, including retaining walls, that involves building, altering, or repairing structures.
  • Process: Contact the Aberdeen Building Inspection Department for permit applications and requirements.

Brookings

  • Permit Requirement: Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall) are exempt from building permits.
  • Process: For walls over 4 feet or those supporting a surcharge, contact the Brookings Building Services for permit requirements.

Watertown

  • Permit Requirement: Building permits are required for all residential and commercial projects, including retaining walls.
  • Process: Apply for permits through the Watertown Online Permitting System.

In South Dakota, retaining walls over 4 feet in height or those supporting additional loads typically require a building permit and must be designed by a licensed professional engineer. Setback requirements and permit exemptions vary by municipality. Learn more about our engineering services in South Dakota here.