Lodging Licensure and Codes

Get a lodging establishment license for a bed and breakfast, specialty resort, hotel, or vacation home with these five steps. Ensure you review all relevant health and safety manuals and codes.

Review Statutes & Rules Find Additional Resources

STEP 1 — COMPLETE THE 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
• Download and fill out the 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 (CDC)

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 the 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 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 the layout plan and the plan review questionnaire.
2. Department sends a written notification regarding approval or changes required.
3. Department approves facility plan once all areas of the plan comply with the 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 on-site inspection to determine compliance with administrative rules.

STEP 5 — APPROVAL FOR LICENSING

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