Swimming Pools & Spas in Minnehaha County, SD (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Minnehaha County, South Dakota.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Minnehaha County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Pool Permits

Minnehaha County only exempts small prefabricated above-ground pools from the building permit required by the 2021 IBC: those less than 18 inches deep, no larger than 5,000 gallons, and accessory to a single-family home. The code separately defines any structure holding water over 18 inches deep as a regulated 'swimming pool,' which needs a permit.

Minnehaha County Swimming Pool Permit Rule

Some Restrictions

Minnehaha County Ordinance MC 61-22 (2021 IBC), § 105.2, item 9

9. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 18 inches (457 mm) deep, are not greater than 5,000 gallons (18 925 L) and are installed entirely above ground.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Fencing & Safety Requirements

Minnehaha County requires every residential swimming pool holding 18 inches or more of water to be enclosed by a barrier at least 42 inches tall, with gaps no wider than a 4-inch sphere and self-closing, self-latching gates. Ordinance MC 61-22 applies the requirement, part of the 2021 IBC, only in the unincorporated county; existing pools get 90 days to comply once notified.

Minnehaha County Pool Fence Requirements

Some Restrictions

Minnehaha County Ordinance MC 61-22, 2021 IBC as amended, §§ 3109.3, 3109.3.1, 3109.3.1.3

3109.3 Residential swimming pools. Residential swimming pools shall be completely enclosed by a barrier complying with Sections 3109.3.1 through 3109.3.3. 3109.3.1 Barrier height and clearances. The top of the barrier shall be not less than 42 inches (1,066 mm) above grade measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool. The vertical clearance between grade and the bo...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Swimming Pools & Spas by City in Minnehaha County

1 cities in Minnehaha County have their own swimming pools & spas rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

Sioux FallsPop. 192,517

2 verified rules • Fencing & Safety Requirements, Pool Permits

All Minnehaha County ordinances

See every category we cover for Minnehaha County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Minnehaha County Ordinance Hub →