Food & Lodging Safety

• Food Service, Lodging and Campground Establishments
  • Inspection Scores
  • Inspection FAQs
  • Campground Licensure
  • Lodging Licensure
  • Food Service Licensure
  • Food Service Code
  • Temporary Food Service
  • Mobile Food Service
  • Manager Training
  • Fact Sheets for Operators
• File a Complaint
• Farmers Markets
• Fish Consumption Advisories
• Preventing Foodborne Illness
• Links

Getting a South Dakota Lodging Establishment License

(bed & breakfasts, specialty resorts, hotels, vacation homes)

Step 1 — Complete Lodging Licensing Packet

Download the following materials or call the Office of Health Protection, at (605) 773-4945 to request a packet.

• Lodging Establishments Health and Safety Manual (Administrative Rules of SD):
  • 44:02:02 Hotels | 61:15 - Fire Safety Standards
  • 44:02:05 Specialty Resorts | SDCL 34-18-22.1 & SDCL 34-18-22.2 - Fire Safety Standards
  • 44:02:06 Bed & Breakfast Establishments
  • 44:02:08 Vacation Homes | SDCL 34-18-22.3 - Fire Safety Standards
    
• Department of Health License Application
• Lodging Facilities Plan Review Questionnaire
• Lodging Facilities Checklist
• Water Recreational Facilities (pools, spas) Plan Review Questionnaire
• Egress Window Requirements
• Recommended Standards for Swimming Pool Design and Operation
• Suggested Health and Safety Guidelines for Public Spas and Hot Tubs

Step 2 — Meet Requirements

1. South Dakota Codified Law 34-18-23 requires lodging establishments to notify the Department of construction and alteration projects.

   • 30 days before construction starts, submit a detailed floor plan of lodging and water recreational facilities to the Office of Health Protection. Plans should be drawn to a recommended scale of 1/8 " = 1 foot.

   • Layout plans must be stamped by a professional engineer or architect for facilities larger than 4,000 square feet.

   • Complete plan review questionnaire and submit with a floor plan to:
     SD Department of Health - Office of Health Protection - 600 E. Capitol - Pierre, SD - 57501-2536

2. If the establishment uses private sewer or water systems, they must be approved by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, 605-773-3351.

3. Complete, notarize, and submit the license/registration application with the correct fee 30 days before completion of construction to:
   SD Department of Health - Office of Health Protection - 600 E. Capitol - Pierre, SD - 57501-2536
   

Step 3 — Department of Health Review

1. Department reviews layout plan and plan review questionnaire.

2. Department sends a written notification regarding approval or changes required.

3. Department approves facility plan once all areas of plan comply with appropriate Administrative Rules of South Dakota — ARSD 44:02:02 Hotels, 44:02:05 Specialty Resorts, 44:02:06 Bed & Breakfast Establishments, 44:02:08 Vacation Homes.

Questions? Contact a Health Protection Advisor in your region.

Step 4 — State Inspection

During the construction process and before the business opening, the department conducts an onsite inspection to determine compliance with administrative rules.

Step 5 — Approval for Licensing

The department issues a lodging license once the license application is made, plan review is completed, and final inspection determines compliance.

Additional Information Links

South Dakota Hotel and Lodging Association
Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers of South Dakota
Governor's Office of Economic Development, Business Start-Up information
South Dakota Retailers Association
South Dakota State Plumbing Commission
South Dakota State Electrical Commission
South Dakota Department of Revenue
South Dakota Retailers Association