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Sioux Falls, SD Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Swimming pool permit rules in Sioux Falls, SD, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.

Key Facts

Permit-exempt depth
Under 24 inches deep
Governing code
2021 IRC as locally amended
Enforcing office
Sioux Falls Building Services
Max penalty
$500 fine, 30 days jail

Summary

Sioux Falls exempts prefabricated pools under 24 inches deep from a building permit; anything deeper needs one from building services before you set it up.

R105.2 Work exempt from permit. Exemption from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code... Building: ... 7. Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep.

Source: Sioux Falls §150.177 PermitsView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-135: Current through local ordinance 54-26, passed 7-14-2026).

Full Breakdown

Sioux Falls adopted the 2021 International Residential Code and amended it locally in § 150.002. That amendment carries over IRC § R105.2's exempt-work list, and item 7 exempts "prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep" from building permit requirements. A backyard kiddie pool or shallow inflatable clears that bar automatically. Anything deeper -- most standard above-ground pools -- needs a building permit from the city's building services division before installation, and the exemption doesn't waive other rules like zoning setbacks or electrical bonding once the pool goes in.

Violations & Fines

Setting up a permit-required pool without one is a Code of Ordinances violation, punishable under the general penalty in § 10.999: up to a $500 fine, up to 30 days in jail, or both, with each day of noncompliance counted as a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a small above-ground pool in Sioux Falls?
No -- prefabricated pools under 24 inches deep are exempt from a building permit under § 150.002 (adopting IRC § R105.2).
What if my above-ground pool is deeper than 24 inches?
You need a building permit from building services before installing it; the depth exemption doesn't apply.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Sioux Falls

Fencing & Safety RequirementsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Coyote ManagementSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Exotic PetsHeavy Restrictions

All Sioux Falls rules

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