Permits
The SMSC issues several types of permits for construction related projects on tribal land. Please review the information below to ensure that you are applying for the correct permits for your project. More than one permit type may be required for your project.
Building Permits
A building permit gives you legal permission to start construction of a building project in accordance with the approved drawings and specifications. The drawings and specifications must be approved, and then a permit is issued. The purpose of the permit is to ensure that the building project meets minimum safety, zoning, and aesthetic requirements enforced by the SMSC and required by the Tribal Building Code.
A building permit is required for all work not specifically exempt from the building code. This applies to residents, contractors, and commercial owners. Even if you are a homeowner, you need a permit to work on your own home. A building permit is also required when work is structural in nature, such as adding or replacing beams, posts, joists, and/or rafters. When a building permit is issued, at least one inspection is required before the work can be approved. If you are using a contractor, they will schedule the inspection. If you are not using a contractor, you or a person 18 years of age or older must be at the property during the inspection.
Some projects may require more than one permit. To determine which permits you need for your project, please call SMSC Building Inspector Ethan Johnson at 952.233.4243.
Site Development Permits
A Site Development Permit (SDP) is required any time there is a soil disturbance equal to or greater than 500 ft². The SMSC defines area of disturbance to include all areas that will be excavated, graded, driven on with equipment, serve as materials storage, have soil piles, or will otherwise have exposed soils at any point in a project. Applying for or having an approved Building Permit does not replace or remove the need for a Site Development Permit in instances where one is required. Review the table below and the available forms and resources for more information.
If you need additional help with determining what you need for a Site Development Permit, please contact the Natural Resources Department using this form or by email to naturalresources@shakopeedakota.org.
| Soil Disturbance | Site Development Permit | Permit Fee | Erosion Control Escrow | Documents Needed | Example Projects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 500 ft² disturbed and less than 5 cubic yards of fill | No | None | None | None | Small patio, sidewalk |
| 500 ft² – 9,999 ft² | Yes | None | None | SDP application | Driveway reconstruction, small landscaping, retaining wall, addition, demolition |
| 10,000 ft² – under 1 acre | Yes | $340 | $1,500 | SDP application, completed checklist (less than one acre) including all required elements | New home construction, whole yard landscaping |
| 1 acre and above | Yes | $340 | $1,500 first acre, $1,000 each additional acre | SDP application, completed checklist (SWPPP) including all required elements, SWPPP | Road projects, new neighborhood developments |