Rapid City, SD Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Before any earth-disturbing activity begins
- Fee, under 10,000 sq ft
- $100 permit fee
- Fee, 10,000-43,560 sq ft
- $250 permit fee
- Fee, over 1 acre
- $500 permit fee
- Exempt threshold
- Earth moving under 300 cubic yards
- Appeal deadline
- 10 days to Common Council
Summary
Anyone disturbing earth in Rapid City needs an erosion and sediment control permit before grading, with fees scaled by site size from $100 to $500, unless the disturbance is under 300 cubic yards or another listed exemption applies, under Municipal Code Chapter 8.46.
A. Any person performing earth disturbing activities shall first submit for approval an erosion and sediment control permit application and plan. The fee for an erosion and sediment control permit shall be based on the size of the site as follows: 1. Site less than 10,000 square feet = $100 permit fee. 2. Site 10,000 to 43,560 square feet = $250 permit fee. 3. Site greater than 43,560 square feet = $500 permit fee. ... ... D. An erosion and sediment control permit application and plan is not required for the following activities: 1. Earth moving activities of less than 300 cubic yards. ... ... F. All applicants shall, if applicable, obtain coverage under the State of South Dakota's General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction Activities.
Full Breakdown
A. Fees are tiered by site size: $100 for sites under 10,000 square feet, $250 for sites between 10,000 and 43,560 square feet (1 acre), and $500 for sites larger than 1 acre. B-C). D include earth moving under 300 cubic yards, emergency work to protect life or property, existing agricultural or nursery operations, sidewalk and driveway installation, underground utility work confined to hard-surfaced areas, and state-approved mining. F). 5 inches or more. 110. 140.
Violations & Fines
Any act prohibited or required under Chapter 8.46 is punished under the general penalty at RCMC § 1.12.010: a fine of $1 to $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both, with each day of a continuing violation a separate offense under § 8.46.120. A violator is also liable to the city for the cost of restoration under § 8.46.130, on top of any criminal fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to grade my Rapid City lot?
How often must a construction site be inspected for stormwater compliance?
What happens if I violate my stormwater permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rapid City
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