Issuu

Photo by Rebel VanLoh

Departmentof CommunityDevelopment

What We Do:

Building Services Division

•Plans examination and building code enforcement

•Building permitting and inspections

•Staff support for Building Code Board of Appeals and Air Quality Board

Current Planning Division

•Plans examination and zoning ordinance enforcement

•Review and processing of land use applications

•Prepares zoning code ordinances and municipal code amendments

•Air Quality monitoring and permitting

•Staff support for the Planning Commission

Long Range Planning Division

•Comprehensive Master Planning

•Transportation Planning

•Neighborhood Planning

•Residential and non-residential growth analysis and projections

•Land Use Plan Amendments

•Staff support for the Metropolitan Planning Organization and committees

Code Enforcement Division

•Respond to complaints registered by citizens, Mayor, City Council, or other City Officials

•Initiate enforcement action on violations observed by enforcement officers where no complaints have been filed

•Administer the processes of noticing and abatement of violations

•Assist in the enforcement of the requirements of the Sign Code

Parking Enforcement Division

•Enforces parking regulations

•Monitors parking that is metered, permitted and/or time restricted

•Maintains several City owned parking lots and the downtown parking structure

•Provides support services to the Parking Advisory Board

•Educates the public on the City's Parking Ordinances

•Serves as an advocate for continued development in downtown Rapid City

Planning Projects Division

•Coordinates planning projects and other studies surrounding growth, development and redevelopment of Rapid City

•Facilitates the creation and implementation of ordinances, policies and procedures

•Historic Preservation

•Reviews development applications and conducts annexation studies

•Staff support for the Historic Preservation Commission, Historic Sign Review, grant management and a community education program

Photo by Darrell Shoemaker

ALookintoHistoricPreservation

From its early beginnings as “Hay Camp” to its current day status as the largest city in western South Dakota, Rapid City has seen significant growth and change. Certain buildings and landmarks within the City serve as valuable examples of important stages along this journey of change. The Rapid City Historic Preservation Commission is committed to preserving these places that are a part of Rapid City’s legacy.

The Rapid City Historic Preservation Commission is comprised of seven citizen volunteers appointed by the Mayor and City Council. It is staffed and housed within the City of Rapid City’s Community Development Department. The HPC’s primary duties include:

• Conducting Historic Reviews

• Educating the public on historic properties and issues within the City

• Nominating properties to State and National Registers of Historic Places

• Expending/Recommending Funding

• Maintaining a collection of historic preservation information/archival data

IS A HISTORIC REVIEW REQUIRED?

Historic reviews are required for structures within the West Boulevard Historic District and the Downtown Historic District, as well as individually listed structures on the National Register of Historic Places, including their environs. Contact the Planning Projects Division to see if a historic review is required for your project.

Some common examples include:

Featurestoryby: JenniferBergstrom

Please visit the Historic Preservation Commission website at www.rapidcityhpc.com for more information.

Historic Window Restoration Workshop

June 5 June 14-15

The “Y” House 830 Quincy Street 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Historic Preservation Seminar

The Dahl Arts Center 9:00 – 10:30 am

West Boulevard Summer Festival Wilson Park

Historic Real Estate Workshop

The Dahl Arts Center 9:00 am – 4:30 pm

The HPC is wrapping up its 2024-25 grant cycle with several exciting free events in June.

Austin Historical, Inc. will present an in-person Historic Preservation Seminar on June 5th that will focus on the benefits of historic preservation. They will also host a Historic Window Renovation Workshop at the “Y” House at 830 Quincy Street on June 6-7th Space is limited, so please contact the Planning Projects Division at 605-394-4120 ext 2339 to reserve your spot today!

Kevin Kuchenbecker with the City of Deadwood Historic Preservation will host an all-day Historic Real Estate Workshop on June 17th at The Dahl Arts Center from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm Continuing education credits with the SD Real Estate Commission will be offered. This event will be open to the general public as well!

DID YOU KNOW?

A variety of financial resources are available to support the rehabilitation of historic structures.

Please visit www.rapidcityhpc.com or contact the Planning Projects Division for more information.

CurrentPlanning

1stQuarterOverviewfor2025

As of March 31, The Current Planning Division has accepted 78 development applications so far in 2025 Of the submitted applications, the majority are for subdivision of land, and the next two highest number of submittals are for Planned Development Overlays and Conditional Use Permits. So far in 2025, 72 new lots have been platted and 235 new lots were preliminarily approved Current Planning Division staff also manages the Air Quality Program From January to March 2025, there were 103 active permits and 6 permits that were issued

The Current Planning Division assists in the administration, leadership, management, and quality control of current planning development applications, which guides the physical development of the City. The Division provides local officials, developers, engineers and others with information and assistance regarding comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations and other ordinance requirements and their application to specific development proposals The Division provides support and administration for the functions and agendas of the Planning Commission. It is the goal of this Division to develop partnerships and strong working relationships with other departments, elected and appointed officials and the public to attain excellent customer service

The division reviews development proposals and commercial building permits for conformance with Rapid City Municipal Code (RCMC) Title 17 –Zoning, and reviews all plat applications within the City’s 3-mile platting jurisdiction for conformance with RCMC Title 16 –Subdivisions. The Division also reviews Air Quality permits and ensures conformance with RCMC Chapter 8.34 – Fugitive Emissions and the Abatement of Smoke

Block 5 Planned Development Overlay

Major Amendments:

• 24PD028: To allow on-sale liquor use

• 25PD001: Sign exceptions

The Block 5 project at 525 Saint Joseph Street has been underway since 2022. The project consists of a 10-story mixed use building with commercial retail space, a covered parking garage, apartments, and a hotel and conference center As the building is nearing completion, the applicant has most recently submitted two major amendments to the Planned Development Overlay on the property to allow on-sale liquor in conjunction with the hotel and conference space, and a sign package to request exception to the total size and number of signs allowed due to the large scale of the building Both amendments were approved and will be integrated into the final project. (links to the project files are in the PPT)

Air Quality Update | Public Service Announcement

REMINDER REGARDING UNCOVERED TRUCK LOADS WITHIN AIR QUALITY CONTROL ZONE: City Environmental Planner Morgan Twombly reminds the public that all truck loads must be covered for drivers passing through the City’s Air Quality Control Zone

It is a violation of Rapid City Municipal Code to transport materials that have the potential to emit fugitive dust without a covering. All vehicles used for transporting such materials must be equipped with a tarp

“This includes those passing through Rapid City on the interstate as well as those hauling material outside the City but within the Air Quality Control Zone The zone is a 10x10 mile area around all of Rapid City, excluding the portion which is located within the city limits of Box Elder,” said Twombly “Truck loads, no matter how small, must be covered, and large material is not exempt ”

Twombly said the issue greatly impacts Rapid City’s air quality.

“This is an issue that has persisted for quite some time and directly contributes to Rapid City’s air quality,” Twombly said “Contractors, in particular, are well aware of the requirement ”

Contractors are advised covering truck loads is a stipulation of approval for air quality permits, and failure to cover loads will result in fines up to $500 per day of violation or 30 days in jail

LongRangePlanning

TheLongRangePlanningDivisioniscurrentlyinvolvedwithanumberofexcitingprojects!

The Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), formerly known as the Long Range Transportation Plan is in development. The purpose of this plan is to encourage and promote a safe and efficient transportation system to serve future year transportation demands. Results of the MTP process are intended to serve the overall mobility needs of the area, while also being cost effective and consistent with state and local goals and objectives This document presents the tasks and data requirements to identify and develop a list of transportation projects to meet anticipated future demand needs of the Rapid City Metropolitan Planning Area (MPA) through the year 2050 Major components of this process include consistency with federal and state guidelines and significant attention to public participation, mapping, data development, and model validation. These components will establish a policy foundation for metropolitan transportation decisions affecting the MPA

Study Area Map

The Railyard Relocation and Railway Alignment Study recently kicked off In 2022, the Rapid City Area Metropolitan Planning Organization adopted the Cambell Street Structure Study This study examined the reconstruction of a bridge structure on Cambell Street in Rapid City, as well as possible changes to the routing of motorized and non-motorized traffic through the area of study.

Cambell Street is a north-south arterial street that includes a large structure over the main rail line and multiple rail switching lines utilized by the Rapid City, Pierre and Eastern Railroad (RCPE). The structure is currently anticipated to be reconstructed around the year 2030 The RCPE switchyard is located adjacent to Cambell Street south of the structure

Railyard Relocation & Railway Alignment Study

The study evaluated multiple options for the realignment of roadways to enhance mobility over and around the structure. As a part of the study, the idea of relocating the railyard was introduced. By relocating the railyard, the switching movements could be moved to a location that will no longer block arterial and local streets in Rapid City Additionally, a desire to identify a possible reconfiguration of the rail lines through Rapid City was identified to provide a more efficient through movement of rail traffic

All train traffic through Rapid City must utilize the railyard switching facility, as there is no direct eastwest rail route through the city. The main RCPE line currently uses a “Y” intersection at Pressler Junction, located near the intersection of SD Highway 44/Omaha Street and 3rd Street in central Rapid City. All trains entering the city must travel to the railyard before reversing direction and exiting the city. These switching movements can block traffic on multiple streets in the southeastern area of Rapid City, including East Saint Patrick Street, an east-west arterial street Traffic congestion due to the switching movements can also have a significant effect on emergency response

The intent of this project is to build upon the foundation created by the Cambell Street Structure Study to examine the feasibility of relocating the current RCPE switchyard in Rapid City to an alternate location or locations, identify prospective locations, provide planning level cost estimates for relocation scenarios, and determine if a more efficient rail line configuration can be identified.

The study will consider impacts to the existing RCPE rail line and switchyard, traffic patterns on roadways affected by the RCPE rail line, and mobility of non-motorized transportation users, with a focus on the Cambell Street structure reconstruction or removal

The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan is underway. This Action Plan is funded through a discretionary USDOT grant program, and Rapid City was awarded the grant to complete the Plan in 2023 The intent of this project is to build upon the foundation created by the existing Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan to create a plan to reduce or eliminate roadway fatalities and serious injuries in Rapid City for all roadway users, and provide a list of prioritized projects for future SS4A Implementation The purpose of the SS4A program is to improve roadway safety by significantly reducing or eliminating roadway fatalities and serious injuries through safety action plan development and implementation focused on all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation users, motorists, personal conveyance and micro mobility users, and commercial vehicle operators. After the Plan is complete, Rapid City will be eligible to apply for additional SS4A funding to construct recommended infrastructure improvements

PlanningProjects

ComprehensivePlanOpenHouse andSpeakerPanelEvent:

The Rapid City Community Development Department hosted an open house and speaker panel event at the Dahl Arts Center January 16, 2025 as part of the comprehensive plan update process. Public engagement events offered throughout this planning process will allow community members to shape the future of Rapid City for generations in a way that aligns with our community’s shared needs and values During the open house, attendees were asked to identify their top priorities, concerns, and suggestions on a wide range of comprehensive plan elements including education, housing, design and community character, infrastructure, public services and facilities, connectivity and transportation, arts and culture, and community engagement Following the open house, a speaker panel featuring members of the community shone bright as they presented on personal stories and community-oriented projects reflecting on shared experiences, successes celebrated, and hopes for the future. This event marked the beginning of the next phase of the comprehensive plan update process where feedback from the community will be used to identify concrete goals, objectives, and actions to be implemented over the next 10 years The draft comprehensive plan document will be presented for Planning Commission and City Council review in August of this year.

Roughly 150 community members attended the vacation home rental open house held January 28, 2025 at the Dahl Arts Center The event was hosted by the Rapid City Community Development Department with support from Current Planning, Long-Range Planning, and Project Planning Division staff and members of the Advisory Committee Community members including those from local neighborhood groups, vacation home rental operators, and hotel operators showed up to the event provide input on a wide array of potential regulatory options including licensing and registration, zoning and housing types, occupancy limits and parking, and city and neighborhood saturation. Following the event, City staff created an online survey mirroring the feedback opportunities provided at the open house to allow members of the community who were unable to attend the open house the opportunity to voice their concerns regarding the potential regulatory options. Approximately 250 community members were engaged through the online survey Feedback gathered through the open house event and online survey is currently being reviewed by the Short Term Rental Advisory Committee and will help inform a draft ordinance to be recommended for review and approval by the Planning Commission and City Council later this spring.

Historic Review processes are established in South Dakota codified Law 1-19A-11.1 and Rapid City Municipal Code Chapter 17.54.080. The historic review process uses the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation (the Standards) when reviewing proposed projects These are best practices for the treatment of historic property In general, the Standards recommend repairing historic fabric rather than replacing it whenever possible. If replacement is necessary due to substantial deterioration, the new material should match the old in design, color, texture, and material whenever possible A historic review may be required for any project affecting the exterior of a structure within a historic district or its environs Interior alterations are reviewed on a limited basis for commercial properties. Please contact Jennifer Bergstrom, Special Projects Planner I, at 605-394-4120 ext. 2339 to determine if a historic review is required for your project

Urban3 Economic Analysis:

Near the end of 2024, the City of Rapid City took a major step towards better understanding our community’s long-term fiscal health with the launch of the Urban3 Economic Analysis. Urban3 is a consulting firm working to bridge the gap between economic analysis, public policy, and urban design, empowering communities with the ability to promote development patterns that both ensure its longterm fiscal success and create a strong sense of place A recurring theme of the currently adopted Rapid City Comprehensive Plan is for the City to promote a balanced pattern of growth that is compact and efficient to reduce urban sprawl, however, the City currently lacks essential economic and land use data to assess and understand the fiscal implications of our current growth pattern – that’s where Urban3 comes in. Urban3 will work partner with the City of Rapid City, South Dakota Department of Revenue, and Pennington County Department of Equalization to procure infrastructure, tax assessment, and sales tax data to analyze the fiscal implications of differing development patterns down to the level of individual parcels but at the scale of the entire community The study is set to be completed in November of this year and will serve as an important tool in assisting City staff and decision makers to guide Rapid City into a financially sustainable future.

BuildingServices

CITY BUILDING SERVICES RELEASE PERMITS & VALUATION TOTALS FOR FIRST QUARTER OF YEAR

Articleby:DarrellShoemaker

The City issued 206 building permits with a combined valuation of more than $17.8 million in March For the first quarter of 2025, the City has issued 496 building permits with a total combined valuation of more than $57.8 million.

City officials indicate the first quarter totals are down compared to similar periods in recent years. The January through March valuation total is the lowest valuation total for the first quarter of the year since 2020 ($51.8 million) and 2015 ($56.6 million). March 2020 was the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic period, which initiated a four-month period of sluggish permit valuation totals.

By comparison, building permit valuation totals were higher for the first quarter in recent years with $95.84 million recorded in 2024, $117 74 million in 2023, 91 43 million in 2022 and $74 80 million in 2021

“We’ve been here before,” said Community Development Director Vicki Fisher “Building permit activity and valuation totals fluctuate and we’re feeling the impacts with the current uncertainty in the marketplace, with continued high interest rates and cost of materials.

“In the 2008 time frame, during the Great Recession period, permits and valuation totals took a huge dip. This current slowdown in activity is not unique to Rapid City Numerous communities in our region and throughout the country are experiencing impacts in one way or the other from high interest rates, cost of materials and a level of uncertainty During a time of transition, it’s not uncommon for there to be a slow down as builders, contractors, developers and home buyers take a wait-andsee approach.”

Fisher and City officials anticipate the current trend is short-lived with various indicators showing continued growth in the area Fisher says lower interest rates would help foster the building of single-family homes in the area while the building of apartment complexes may slow in the short-term

ParkingEnforcement

Block 5 Project:

The Parking Enforcement Division is gearing up for a busy summer. The Block 5 Project is projected to finish in May. The mixed-use building will contain retail and restaurant space; a hotel and convention center; and apartments The project completion will coincide with the start of tourism season in the Black Hills We anticipate parking occupancy levels to rise in the area, and we will be closely monitoring the area to see if any parking system adjustments are needed.

$200,000.00

$180,000.00

$160,000.00

$140,000.00

$120,000.00

$100,000.00

$80,000.00

$60,000.00

$40,000.00

$20,000.00

1st Quarter 2025 Citations: 3489

Immobilized vehicles: 33

ADA space violations: 33

Expired meter violations: 2285 - 65%

Timed parking violations: 618 - 18%

Leased parking violations: 280 - 8%

Other: 306 - 9%

CodeEnforcement

CodeEnforcementUpdate:

Code Enforcement has had a mild winter with a lack of snowy days, but have kept busy with trying to keep our city clean We have had a large uptick in the number of calls and complaints about junk or stored vehicles on the streets or private property. Our city laws do not allow people to store their vehicles on the city streets (more than 24 hours) or on their lawns. We have had an ongoing issue with unlicensed vehicles with flat tires in driveways, streets and yards We are working with the police to rectify this problem and removing these nuisances We never stop abating and cleaning up nuisance properties of junk and debris as well. On a related note, Code Enforcement has reinforced it’s relationships with the RCPD, RCFD, Building Services and Public Works with Support from our City Attorney This city wide team approach has helped us to better communicate and reach out to one another for assistance This could be the cleanup of an illegal camp, a crime ridden neighborhood or a house that needs to be demolished. All of our city divisions work together to solve these problems, each doing their part, in their area of expertise or responsibility. We are all working to make Rapid City a cleaner and safer place to live and raise a family

Properties need to be maintained throughout the growing season. All grass and weeds having reached a height greater than 8 inches can be declared a nuisance. Grass and Weeds 8.28.020

The city shall have the right to inspect and cause the removal of any dead or diseased trees on private property within the city if such trees constitute a hazard to life or property or harbor pests which constitute a threat to other trees within the city Dead Trees 12.32.100

All bushes/shrubs/trees overhanging any city sidewalk shall be kept trimmed so that the space between said sidewalk and the lowest branch overhanging said sidewalk is not less than 7 feet...and the lowest branch overhanging said street and alley is not less than 11 feet. Overhanging branches 12.32.130

Damage

Nuisance

Multiple

Sight

Snow/Ice

Grass

Tree/Bush

Vehicle

Department Happenings

NEW EMPLOYEE 2025 | WELCOME BACK MARLO KAPSA!

Having previously served as a Current Planner in 2022, Marlo Kapsa returned to the City of Rapid City Community Development team in January of 2025 as the Planning Projects Division Manager. After graduating from Belle Fourche High School, Marlo earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies with a Minor in Water Resources from Montana State University and a Graduate Degree in Urban Design and Planning from the University of Washington. Her education and professional planning experience in both the public and private sectors have shaped her expertise in transportation, land use, and hazard mitigation planning Since moving back to South Dakota in 2020, Marlo has worked as a planner in Meade County and Rapid City and prior to her new role as Planning Projects Division Manager, she served as the Planning Director for the City of Spearfish Welcome back, Marlo!

PLANNING COMMISSION NEWS | GOOD LUCK BROOK!

On March 27, 2025 the Rapid City Planning Commission said goodbye to Brook Kaufman, who has served as a member of the Commission since July of 2022. For the last three years, Brook has stood as CEO for Visit Rapid City, which is Rapid City’s official Destination Marketing Organization. Brook will now serve as the new CEO for Visit Corpus Christi in Texas Department staff and other commission members wish her well on her next endeavor!

With Brook leaving the Planning Commission there will some changes with other commissioners Eirik Heikes will move from serving as 1st Alternate to a Voting Member and Alicia Ginsberg will be moved to 1st Alternate in his place. Mayor Salamun has appointed Dr. Jeff Baillie to complete Brook’s term which expires in October of 2027 and will serve as 2nd Alternate for the Commission

The Department of Community Development houses a number of committees and boards and provides staff support for all of the meetings associated with each group The Rapid City Planning Commission/Zoning Board of Adjustment is a very important part of Community Development The purpose of the Planning Commission is to preserve the quality of life and natural environment, enhance economic vitality and diversity, and promote the cost effective delivery of public services of the community The Planning Commission makes recommendations to the Rapid City Common Council with regard to the establishment and implementation of land use planning policies within the Rapid City corporate limits and surrounding areas.

Pictured:BrookKaufman,VickiFisher–CommunityDevelopmentDirector,VinceVidaland MikeGolliher–PlanningCommissionmembers. PhotosprovidedbyDarrellShoemaker.

Members also consider and advise the Common Council on all proposed changes to the zoning and subdivision ordinances and prepares comprehensive plans for the physical development of the City and its planning jurisdiction

Members are appointed for 3 year terms, unless being appointed to fill an unexpired term The members of the Planning Commission also serve as members of the Zoning Board of Adjustment which promotes the health, safety and general welfare of the community by granting variances to the ordinances found in Title 17 of the Rapid City Municipal Codes

Upcoming Events

APRIL 21st –

25th | 54th ANNUAL CITY-WIDE CLEANUP WEEK

The Department of Community Development team is looking forward to participating in this year’s annual City-Wide Cleanup Week that is scheduled for April 2125! If you are interested in participating as well, highlights of the week will include:

 Fees waived for disposal of many items at the Rapid City Landfill Monday through Friday, 7 a m to 4 p m Fees will be available for private pickups, cars and small trailers Monday to Friday of Cleanup Week but not commercial vehicles. Commercial vehicles will still be charged normal tipping fees. All loads must be secured The Landfill will not accept Freon-based appliances or hazardous waste items or paint and there will be a fee for disposal of tires

 Landfill will not accept Freon-based appliances or hazardous waste items or paint and there will be a fee for disposal of tires

 Annual Community Cleanup Day is set for Saturday, April 26 The City’s Solid Waste Division is organizing volunteer groups and individuals to help clean up public spaces The City will provide trash bags and interested groups are encouraged to email ria.hannon@rcgov.org to determine available spaces.

Community Cleanup Week activities last year included nearly 2,000 volunteers armed with plastic bags combing through parks, along ditches, drainage areas, fence lines and neighborhoods in the community picking up tons of trash

On Saturday, April 26, Community Cleanup Day teams will collect trash and items and leave them curbside at their respective cleanup areas for collection There will be no admittance to the Landfill for cleanup items on Saturday. Regular paid access from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

JUNE 5th – 7th | PRESERVATION SEMINAR & HISTORIC WINDOW RESTORATION WORKSHOP

The Historic Preservation Commission is hosting a Preservation Seminar on Thursday, June 5th at The Dahls Arts Center from 9:00am–10:30am, followed by a 2-day hands-on Historic Window Restoration Workshop on Friday, June 6th through Saturday, June 7th at the “Y” House at 830 Quincy Street from 8:00am–5:00pm Scott Sidler, President of Austin Historical, Inc is the featured presenter

The Preservation Seminar on June 5th will last 90 minutes and will focus on the financial benefits of historic preservation both for homeowners and communities, how preservation affects property values, and benefits the local economy This will be an in-person presentation

toric preservation professionals Check it out!

Scott founded Austin Historical in 2010, which serves the needs of historic building owners He serves on a number of preservation boards, and runs a blog called “The Craftsman’s Blog”, which provides DIY content for owners of old homes and his www.instagram.com/thecraftsmanblog/

The Historic Window Restoration Workshop will consist of 2 full days of hands-on training June 6th through 7th where participants will have an opportunity to learn how to restore and maintain old or historic windows, and will guide participants through several detailed restoration processes Lunch will be provided both days

Locations and exact times of these events are being determined and will be announced soon. Space is limited, so please RSVP early. To register for the event, contact Jennifer.Bergstrom@rcgov.org or call 605-394-4120 ext. 2339.

PhotoandCleanupWeekinformation providedbyDarrellShoemaker