Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Fort Pierre, SD?

• Yes. Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Fort Pierre under the City’s Vacation Home ordinance (Q-15).
• They are treated as “Vacation Homes” and are permitted by conditional use in specific commercial and planned development zoning districts (General Commercial Q-6-102, Highway Commercial Q-6-201, Park/Riverfront/Fairground Q-8-102, and Planned Development District Q-10-102).
• Vacation Homes are prohibited in floodways and excluded from Industrial and Sale Barn Districts.
• Operators must obtain both a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and an annual City license; a State lodging license is required prior to obtaining the City license.

Source: Fort Pierre Vacation Home Ordinance (Q-15), “Vacation Home,” Fort Pierre Municipal Code.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Fort Pierre

1. Confirm zoning eligibility

• Vacation Homes are permitted by conditional use in General Commercial, Highway Commercial, Park/Riverfront/Fairground, and Planned Development Districts; prohibited in floodways; excluded from Industrial and Sale Barn Districts.
• If your property is in a Planned Development District (PDD), verify PDD bylaws/covenants permit Vacation Homes.
• Ensure the site has access to an improved public road and meets screening and compatibility expectations from adjacent properties and operations.

2. Pre-application consultation

• Contact the Director of Public Works to review the process, schedule, and technical requirements (e.g., egress, parking, fire safety).
• Engage with the Planning & Zoning Commission staff for conditional use criteria.

3. State lodging license

• Obtain the required annual State lodging license prior to applying for the City license.
• Maintain compliance with South Dakota lodging regulations (e.g., inspections, health and safety standards) referenced in Q-15-101 and related code sections.

4. Conditional Use Permit (CUP)

• Submit a CUP application to the Director of Public Works at least 4 months before start-up or permit expiration.
• The P&Z Commission will review and recommend action to the City Council.
• CUP approval is not transferable and expires per the permit terms (valid 1–3 years, not to exceed 3 years).

5. City Vacation Home License

• After receiving the State license and CUP, apply for the annual City license through the Finance Officer.
• Submit proof of insurance listing the City as additional insured; provide the rental agreement and house rules; and maintain a Guest Registry with guest contact information for 3 years.
• Licenses run January 1 to December 31. Renewal applications and documents are due no later than December 31 each year.

6. Building permits and safety upgrades

• Secure building permits for new construction, conversion to Vacation Home, or major renovations.
• Obtain separate permits for gas, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, grading, drainage, and erosion control as applicable.
• Meet building, fire, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and property maintenance code requirements.

7. Prepare the property and operations

• Install required egress windows (5.7 sq ft net clear opening; 24" high x 20" wide), smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers (2A10BC).
• Provide adequate off-street parking (one space per bedroom/camping unit; one space per 5 allowable guests) and screen solid waste containers (≤200 feet from the home).
• Document and post emergency contacts, evacuation plans, and local ordinances.

8. Re-inspection and ongoing compliance

• Expect periodic City inspections and a re-inspection fee for each re-inspection.
• Monitor license and permit expirations; re-apply for the CUP 4 months before expiration.
• Maintain the Guest Registry, insurance, and compliance logs.

Source: Fort Pierre Vacation Home Ordinance (Q-15), “Vacation Home,” Fort Pierre Municipal Code.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application
  • Submitted 4 months before start-up/expiration; reviewed by P&Z Commission and City Council.
• State lodging license (annual)
  • Required prior to City license issuance.
• City Vacation Home License (annual)
  • Application via Finance Officer; due by December 31 each year.
• Insurance
  • Minimum: General Liability $1M/$2M; Vacation Home Property Insurance; Excess Policy; list City as additional insured.
  • Other coverages may be required by State statute (Workers’ Compensation, Vehicle Insurance, Swimming Pool Liability).
• Building permits
  • For new construction, conversion, or major renovation; includes separate permits for gas, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, grading, drainage, and erosion control.
• Guest Registry
  • Maintain accurate guest contact information; retain for 3 years; subject to review at renewal.
• Operations documentation
  • House rules; rental agreement; posted emergency contacts; evidence of solid waste service; vermin control plan; fire safety and egress verification.
• Parking plan
  • Off-street parking: one space per bedroom/camping unit; one space per 5 allowable guests; no front-yard parking; overnight street parking prohibited.

Source: Fort Pierre Vacation Home Ordinance (Q-15), Fort Pierre Building Code; S-1-5 Fees.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals (Fort Pierre and South Dakota)

City of Fort Pierre (Vacation Home Ordinance Q-15)

• Zoning allowances

  • Allowed by conditional use in General Commercial, Highway Commercial, Park/Riverfront/Fairground, and PDD; prohibited in floodways; excluded from Industrial and Sale Barn Districts.
  • Must be compatible with adjacent operations; screened as required by P&Z; access to improved public roads required.

• Conditional Use Permit and License

  • CUP validity: 1–3 years; re-apply at least 4 months before expiration; non-transferable.
  • City license: January 1–December 31; non-transferable; non-refundable fees.

• Occupancy and sleeping limits

  • Bedrooms: max 2 persons per bedroom unless larger size safely accommodates more; min bedroom area 70 sq ft for first person + 50 sq ft per additional person.
  • Total occupancy: daytime (6:00 AM–Midnight) limited by floor area (50 sq ft per person) or egress capacity; overnight limited to verified sleeping arrangements.

• Parking

  • Provide off-street parking as stated above; no front-yard parking; overnight parking on public streets prohibited; RV/camper parking on public streets limited to 2 hours continuous.

• Safety requirements

  • Egress windows (net clear opening ≥5.7 sq ft; 24" x 20" min; sill ≤44" above floor).
  • Smoke detectors in each sleeping room and on each level; CO detectors on each level and within 10 feet of sleeping room doors; operable exits.
  • Fire extinguishers: minimum 2A10BC on each floor; 75 feet max from kitchen/BBQ; annual inspection/tagging.
  • Enhanced systems:

    • 20 overnight guests: automatic fire detection and alarm system with pull stations and direct 911 call.

    • 30 overnight guests: detection/alarm system and automatic fire suppression per adopted Fire Code.

• Health, sanitation, and nuisance controls

  • Unauthorized discharge of wastewater prohibited.
  • Solid waste: sealed containers with tight lids; ≤200 feet from home; screened and identified; regular collection contract may be required.
  • Vermin control: inspections; professional extermination may be required for infestations.
  • No subleasing by non-licensees; no illegal activities; no large parties exceeding occupancy limits; comply with all city, state, and federal laws.

• Inspections and enforcement

  • City officials may enter at reasonable times for inspections; hazards must be corrected immediately.
  • Violations subject to fines per City Ordinance Chapter T-1-2; each day of violation is a separate offense; nuisance abatement permitted.

• Appeals

  • Appeals to Board of Adjustments and Appeals within 30 days of decision/notice; decisions may be appealed to circuit court.

Stanley County (Fort Pierre Urban Area)

• The provided materials do not include Stanley County–specific STR regulations beyond the City’s jurisdiction; Fort Pierre’s Vacation Home ordinance applies within City limits and the extra-territorial mile.

State of South Dakota

• Licensing

  • South Dakota does not issue a standalone statewide “short-term rental” license; however, the City requires an annual State lodging license prior to City licensing. Operators must also comply with state lodging laws (e.g., SDCL ch. 34-18) as referenced in Q-15.

• Taxes

  • State sales tax applies to lodging. Owners should register with the South Dakota Department of Revenue to collect and remit applicable sales and occupancy/tourism taxes. County or municipal add-ons may apply.

Source: Fort Pierre Vacation Home Ordinance (Q-15); RedAwning overview (SD context).

Contact Information

• City of Fort Pierre (City Hall)

  • Address: PO Box 700, 08 East 2nd Ave., Fort Pierre, SD 57532
  • Phone: (605) 223-7690
  • Office Hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM CDT, Monday–Friday

• Director of Public Works (Permit Administration)

  • Same address/phone as City Hall; Director or designee handles CUP applications and inspections.

• Finance Officer (City Vacation Home License)

  • Same address/phone as City Hall; processes license applications and fees.

• Planning & Zoning Commission (CUP Review/Recommendations)

  • Same address/phone as City Hall; P&Z reviews and forwards recommendations to City Council.

• Building Official (Building Permits)

  • Same address/phone as City Hall; issues building, electrical, gas, plumbing, and mechanical permits.

• Board of Adjustments and Appeals

  • Same address/phone as City Hall; hears appeals within 30 days of decisions.

• South Dakota Department of Revenue (Tax Registration and Remittance)

  • Website: sd.gov/departments/department_revenue/ (use the contact options provided on the site for lodging/sales tax inquiries)

Source: Fort Pierre City Contact Page; Vacation Home Ordinance (Q-15).

Links to Source Pages

• Vacation Home Ordinance (Q-15), Fort Pierre Municipal Code

  • www.fortpierre.com/doc/vacation-homes/

• Fort Pierre Ordinances Index

  • www.fortpierre.com/business/ordinances/

• Fort Pierre Code Library (Official City Code)

  • codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/ftpierresd/latest/ftpierre_sd/0-0-0-1

• South Dakota Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview (2025 Update)

  • www.redawning.com/pm/post/south-dakota-short-term-rental-laws

• City Contact Information

  • www.fortpierre.com/contact/

This guide is written for STR investors and operators in Fort Pierre, SD. It consolidates the City’s explicit Vacation Home regulations with the broader South Dakota tax context. For state licensing specifics (inspection thresholds, health standards), consult the South Dakota Department of Health and the Department of Revenue using the contacts above.