Paver patios and hardscaping in Rapid City
Patios, walks, walls and repairs across Rapid City, from flat lots east of the hogback to steep yards on the west side.
Rapid City is the county seat of Pennington County and counted 74,703 residents in the 2020 census. It grew up along spring-fed Rapid Creek, and the Dakota Hogback, with Skyline Drive along its crest, splits the city into distinct halves. That gives patio projects a lot of range: flat, open lots to the east, older tree-lined blocks near downtown, and sloped west-side lots that back up to ponderosa pine.
What do Rapid City homeowners ask for?
- Replacing a cracked or settled slab with a larger paver patio
- Terraced patios and block walls on hillside lots
- Fire pit circles set out in the yard, clear of the house and trees
- Resetting walks and patios that heaved on clay
City rules that touch paver work
The City of Rapid City licenses contractors and tells homeowners to make sure the contractor they hire is licensed with the city, since the state only issues an excise tax license. Building Services handles permits through eTRAKiT. An uncovered patio at grade is generally exempt, while covered patios and retaining walls over 4 feet need permits. The division also lists a Sidewalk Construction Permit for work on public sidewalks.
Floodplain lots
After the 1972 Rapid Creek flood killed 238 people, the city turned much of the creek floodplain into parkland. Some homes still sit near mapped floodplain, and Building Services issues Floodplain Development Permits. If your lot is close to the creek, ask whether your project needs one.
Common questions
Do contractors cover all of Rapid City?
Yes. Call with your address and we'll connect you with a contractor that works your part of town.
How do I check a contractor's Rapid City license?
The Building Services Division posts a current licensed contractors report on its web page, and staff can answer questions.
Services in Rapid City
- Paver patiosNew backyard patios and slab extensions on a compacted base built for swelling clay and deep frost.
- Paver walkways and drivewaysFront walks, gate paths, driveway borders and full paver driveways with a base sized for the load.
- Fire pit patiosPaver patios built around a wood or gas fire pit, with seat walls and room to keep the fire a safe distance from the house.
- Retaining walls and stepsBlock retaining walls, terraces and paver steps that turn a sloping Black Hills lot into usable flat ground.
- Paver repair and sealingReset heaved or sunken pavers, fix edges, re-sand joints, clean stains and seal faded surfaces.
Nearby areas
Ready for a patio that handles Black Hills winters?
Call the number above and a paver contractor who works your side of the Hills will come look at the yard and quote the job.