Planning and Zoning FAQs
Explore answers to common questions about zoning regulations, building permits, and long-term planning strategies that shape the landscape of our city.
Yes – If any of these apply:
• the deck is over 30 inches off the ground,
• in the floodplain,
• Changing the shape and structure of an existing deck.
It will still need to adhere to setback requirements.
No – If the deck it is 30 inches or less off the ground and is not located in the floodplain. You
will still need to observe the setbacks (which are found in Chapter 44 Zoning, Article III Zoning
Districts, Division 2 Specific Districts)
No - If the shed is under 200 sq ft and is not located in the floodplain. You still need to observe
the setbacks for your location. Information on setbacks can be found in Chapter 44 Zoning, Article III Zoning Districts, Division 2 Specific Districts.
Yes - If the structure is over 200 sq ft. You will still need to adhere to setback and floodplain
requirements.
No - If the structure meets the definition of carport and is not located in the floodplain. A
carport is typically:
1. A roofed and usually, detached structure.
2. Has no more than two walls.
3. Provides space for the parking of no more than two motor vehicles or trailers.
4. Not a building except for setback purposes.
A carport will still need to adhere to setback and floodplain requirements.
No – The City of Box Elder does not allow Conex boxes, sea boxes, ISO containers, or shipping containers to be used for storage in residential areas within city limits.
No – The City of Box Elder does not allow any person to keep/raise, chickens, ducks, geese or other domestic fowl, in any house, pen, coop, enclosure or free-range within the city limits.
A violation can be reported several different ways. The preferred and most effective method is to fill out the form under the “Contact” tab on the city website www.boxelder.us. In the “Refer to:” field, choose “Report a Nuisance” to ensure the report will be forwarded to the proper department.
A violation can also be reported by calling Code Enforcement at 605-923-1404 and speaking directly to one of our code enforcement officers. Another method to report a violation is to contact one of our code enforcement officers in person at Box Elder City Hall 420 Villa Dr., Box Elder, SD (soon to change to the new Public Works Administration Building). They may still ask that you fill out the form online to ensure proper tracking and follow up.
Generally, yes - Plumbing & Electrical permits are issued by the State. Information on how to apply for an electrical or plumbing permit can be found online at the following locations:
South Dakota Electrical Commission
https://dlr.sd.gov/electrical/default.aspx
South Dakota Plumbing Commission
https://dlr.sd.gov/plumbing/default.aspx
Yes - If the windows are going to be larger.
No - If the windows are the same size or smaller
No - You as a homeowner, may have one unpaid assistant to help replace your roof. However, if you hire a contractor, the contractor will need to have a City of Box Elder contractor’s license.
You will be required to obtain a permit and may be asked to remove flooring or drywall so that the Building Inspector can complete an inspection of your work. Additionally, the Town’s Building Official has the option of attaching a monetary penalty to your permit.
Please also keep in mind that insurance companies, building appraisers, and realtors often contact us to verify that we’ve issued permits.
You can refer to the FEMA Map Service Center online and type in your address.
https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home
Call 605-791-8138 or email planning@boxelder.us the day before you need an inspection.
When calling or sending an email, be prepared to provide:
• Project address
• Permit number
• Contractor’s name and contact person
The city has adopted - the 2018 International Building Codes
The City of Box Elder uses the State of South Dakota for our Electrical & Plumbing inspections and defers to the current edition as adopted and enforced by the State of South Dakota.
