What should Rapid City hosts know about at least two off-street parking?

At least two off-street parking spaces are required for all vacation rentals.

What should Rapid City hosts know about properties with more than 5?

Properties with more than 5 bedrooms require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP).

What should Rapid City hosts know about maximum stay duration is 28?

Maximum stay duration is 28 consecutive days.

What should Rapid City hosts know about rentals operating 14 days or?

Rentals operating 14 days or fewer annually do not need local registration.

What should Rapid City hosts know about no portion of the dwelling?

No portion of the dwelling unit can be located within a designated floodway.

Rapid City

Permissive

STRs Allowed

South DakotaLast updated: February 12, 2026

Baseline Verification

100%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 12, 2026

Summary

Rapid City requires a local vacation home registration, state lodging licensure, and adherence to specific parking and occupancy standards for all properties rented more than 14 days per year.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 0 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Permit required
•Reporting required
•Safety standards required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•Low permit fee
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To operate a short-term rental in Rapid City, you must obtain both a state health lodging license and a state sales tax license before registering your property annually with the city. Hosts must provide at least two off-street parking spaces and limit occupancy to two people per bedroom plus two additional guests. If your rental has more than five bedrooms, you must also obtain a Conditional Use Permit.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$95

Processing Time

4-6 weeks

Max Fine

$1,000

5 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Rapid City: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Rapid City: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Rapid City allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Condo, Townhouse, Duplex, Apartment.

Requirements(16)

•Rapid City STR warning: Rentals operating 14 days or fewer annually do not need local registration.
•Rapid City requires STR registration. The permit is called "Vacation Home Registration". Apply through Community Development Department. Processing time: 4-6 weeks. Renewal is required.
•Rapid City: You must display your permit/registration number on your Airbnb listing.

Application Process(7)

•How to set up an STR in Rapid City: To operate a short-term rental in Rapid City, you must obtain both a state health lodging license and a state sales tax license before registering your property annually with the city. Hosts must provide at least two off-street parking spaces and limit occupancy to two people per bedroom plus two additional guests. If your rental has more than five bedrooms, you must also obtain a Conditional Use Permit.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Rapid City charges a registration fee of $95 (annual).

Taxes(2)

•South Dakota has a state sales tax of 0.042% that applies to STR rentals.
•Rapid City charges a Municipal Sales & Lodging Tax of 0.03%. This applies to stays under 28 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO remit state and city sales taxes; however, hosts must still file zero-dollar returns.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Rapid City occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom + 2 additional guests. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Rapid City limits STRs to a maximum of 12 guests. Formula: 2 per bedroom + 2 additional guests
•Rapid City limits stays to a maximum of 28 nights.
•Rapid City enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Rapid City: Maximum stay duration is 28 consecutive days.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Rapid City requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Floor plan with exits clearly marked, Egress windows in all sleeping rooms, State health inspection required.

Penalties(2)

•Rapid City: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Rapid City enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $100 fine. Second offense: $250 fine. Third offense: $500 fine. Daily fine: Each day of non-compliance constitutes a separate offense.. Maximum fine: 1000. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(2)

•Rapid City exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Properties rented for 14 or fewer days per calendar year (Casual Use Exemption), Bed and Breakfast establishments (regulated separately).
•Rapid City: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

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Sioux Falls

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Sioux Falls requires short-term rentals to be registered with the city and licensed by the state, with specific safety and occupancy standards defined in the 2024 updated zoning ordinance.

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Spearfish

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Short-term rentals in Spearfish are not currently regulated by city-specific ordinances, but operators must obtain a mandatory South Dakota state lodging license and register for state and local taxes.

0.1% total tax

Brookings

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The City of Brookings requires all short-term rentals to obtain an annual permit, comply with specific residential standards, and remit state and local lodging taxes.

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Vermillion

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Short-term rentals in Vermillion are regulated under the general Rental Housing Code, which requires mandatory registration and biennial inspections for all rental dwellings.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Rapid City

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

5 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

Requirements(16)

Application Process(7)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other South Dakota Markets

Sioux Falls

Spearfish

Brookings

Vermillion

Rapid City

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

5 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Rapid City?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Rapid City?

3Are there occupancy or parking limits in Rapid City?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Rapid City?

Related Content

Other South Dakota Markets

Sioux Falls

Spearfish

Brookings

Vermillion