Fence installation in Rapid City, South Dakota
Fences for city lots on both sides of the Gap, from older neighborhoods by Rapid Creek to new homes on the ridges.
Rapid City is the Pennington County seat, with 74,703 residents at the 2020 census. It sits at about 3,356 feet on the eastern edge of the Black Hills, split by a low ridge into west and east halves where Rapid Creek cuts through the Gap. The Westside fills the Red Valley between the foothills and the Dakota Hogback.
What do Rapid City yards usually need?
- Privacy fences along alleys in older neighborhoods near downtown and West Boulevard
- Chain link and wood dog fences on smaller lots in North Rapid
- Vinyl and cedar fences in newer subdivisions on the south and east sides
- Garden fences tall enough to stop the deer that live inside city limits
- Metal fence sections near the house on foothill lots with higher wildfire risk
The city's fence rules in brief
In residential districts, fences can be 4 feet in a front yard and 6 feet elsewhere. A building permit is required for fences over 6 feet. A fence in a platted easement needs written approval from the City Engineer, and one in the public right-of-way needs Common Council approval. Barbed wire isn't allowed in residential districts. Building Services handles permits and contractor licenses, and the city advises making sure a contractor is licensed in Rapid City.
Creek and floodplain lots
Since the 1972 flood, most of Rapid Creek's floodplain has been kept as parks and green space. If your lot backs onto the greenway or a drainage, ask the contractor to check easements before setting posts.
Common questions
Do contractors work in every part of Rapid City?
Yes. Call with your address and we'll connect you with a contractor that works there.
Do I need a contractor licensed with the city?
The City of Rapid City advises hiring contractors licensed in Rapid City and notes that a state license is usually only an excise tax license.
Services in Rapid City
- Wood privacy fencesCedar and treated pine privacy fences for backyards, alleys and side yards, built to stand up to Black Hills wind.
- Vinyl fencesLow-upkeep vinyl privacy, picket and rail fences that don't need staining.
- Chain link fencesGalvanized and black-coated chain link for dogs, kids, side yards and long runs.
- Ranch and acreage fencingRail, pipe, woven wire and smooth wire for horses, livestock and larger lots outside town.
- Fence repair and gatesNew posts, replacement sections, storm repairs, and gates that swing and latch the way they should.
Nearby areas
Backyard to close in, a gate that drags, or a fence the wind laid over?
Call the number above and a fence contractor who works in your part of the Black Hills will set a time to look at the line.