Food & Lodging Safety

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
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

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
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.
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

Department reviews the layout plan and plan review questionnaire.
Department sends a written notification regarding approval or changes required.
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, the plan review is completed, and the final inspection determines compliance.