Sewer-Water and Trenching LIcenses are overseen by the Trenching Board.
The purpose of the Board is to protect the public health, safety and welfare, and to guard against unsafe, unstable or short-lived products or services related to installation of utility systems, and to excavating in the public right-of-way. The Board consists of 6 members composed of Public Works Director, a registered professional engineer engaged in consulting business within the city, an employee of a nongovernmental utility company other than telecommunications having underground utilities within the city, representatives of 2 licensed contractors, and a representative from the telecommunications industry.
In 2021, the Board undertook to make updates to the Trenching Board Bylaws and Ordinance. A Trenching Board meeting has been requested for Thrusday, May 20, 2021 at 7am in the City Hall Council Chambers to hear comments and answer questions. All license holders and interested members of the public are invited to attend.
Click pdf here (137 KB) for summary information on the pending updates to the Trenching Board Bylaws and Ordinance 13.24.
The full text of the updated ordinance can be viewed pdf here (222 KB) .
The full text of the updated bylaws can be viewed pdf here (377 KB) .
For additional information on the license process, please use the links below.
• Rapid City Municipal Code Chapter 13.24 - Trenching Contractor's License
•
pdf
How to Become a Licensed Contractor
(42 KB)
•
pdf
License Application Form
(17 KB)
•
pdf
Study Guide for Sewer and Water Contractor or Installer license
(1.31 MB)
•
pdf
Study Guide for Trenching Contractor or Journeyman license
(703 KB)
If you have questions on obtaining a license, please contact Shannon Truax at (605) 394-4165, option 2 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Meetings are held the 3rd Thursday of the month from September through April. There are no meetings held in May, June, July, or August, unless requested.