Accessory Structures in Rapid City, SD (2026)
3 verified accessory structures rules for Rapid City, South Dakota, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Rapid City requires the property owner to live on-site to have an accessory dwelling unit, limits each single-family lot to one ADU, and allows ADUs only in specific residential and agricultural zoning districts under Municipal Code § 17.50.219.
Accessory dwelling unit rules in Rapid City
Significant RestrictionsRapid City Municipal Code § 17.50.219C, D, E
C. Owner occupied. ... No accessory dwelling unit shall be created, established, or occupied in a single-family dwelling unless the owner of the property occupies either a portion of the main dwelling or a detached accessory unit on the same single-family lot. ... ... D. Zoning districts. An accessory dwelling unit which meets ordinance requirements may be allowed in a single-family dwelling un...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Rapid City requires the property owner to live in either the main house or the accessory dwelling unit before an ADU can be created, established, or occupied. The Common Council adopted the standard, codified at Rapid City Municipal Code Section 17.50.219, to keep secondary units tied to owner-occupied lots rather than pure rental investment properties.
Rapid City ADU Owner-Occupancy Rule
Some RestrictionsRapid City Municipal Code § 17.50.219.C
C. Owner occupied. No accessory dwelling unit shall be created, established, or occupied in a single-family dwelling unless the owner of the property occupies either a portion of the main dwelling or a detached accessory unit on the same single-family lot. For the purpose of this section, the term "owner occupied" shall be defined as full time residency within the home by the bona fide property...
Shed & Carport Rules
Rapid City exempts small accessory sheds from the building permit requirement but treats larger ones like any other structure. Under Rapid City Municipal Code § 15.04.160, a one-story detached tool or storage shed needs no building permit as long as its floor area does not exceed 120 square feet. Zoning separately lists a shed for storing maintenance or recreation equipment as a permitted accessory structure for dwellings under § 17.50.210.
Rapid City Shed Size and Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsRapid City Municipal Code §§ 15.04.160, 17.50.210
A. A building permit shall not be required for the following: 1. Building: a. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet; ... Accessory uses shall be permitted as specified in § 17.50.200, and such accessory uses shall be applicable to the principal use and shall include, but not be...