Sioux Falls, SD Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

A carport in Sioux Falls — defined as a roofed structure providing space for the parking of motor vehicles, enclosed on no more than two sides — is regulated as an accessory structure under Sioux Falls Code of Ordinances § 160.093 (Accessory Uses) and as a building under Title 150 (adopting the 2021 IRC). Because carports have roof structures that must meet snow-load and wind-load requirements (Sioux Falls amends the IRC to 30 psf ground snow load), a full building permit is required regardless of size; there is no 200-sq-ft exemption analogous to sheds. Carports placed in the rear yard more than 10 ft from the main house can sit 2 ft from the side and rear property lines; carports closer to the house follow the standard 3-ft minimum side/rear setback. Carports CANNOT be located in the required front-yard setback under Sioux Falls Code § 160.553 (Residential Parking), which prohibits parking and parking covers in front-yard setback areas except in narrow exceptions. Attached carports must meet the same front-yard setback as the principal dwelling. Fabric-and-pipe portable car shelters are typically treated as temporary accessory structures and may be limited to 180 days per calendar year under residential code-enforcement practice. Carports must be anchored to resist Sioux Falls' design wind loads (Risk Category II, 115 mph ASCE 7). Building height is capped at 16 ft (one story) in residential districts. South Dakota statute SDCL § 9-29-1 provides the police-power basis; SDCL Chapter 11-4 enables municipal zoning.