Tiny home rules in Sioux Falls, SD — covering tiny houses on wheels (THOWs), park model RVs, and tiny home on foundation builds — determine where they are legal and how they get permitted.
Sioux Falls has no separate tiny-home ordinance. Tiny houses on a permanent foundation must meet the 2021 International Residential Code adopted under Chapter 150 of the city code, and may be sited as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) under §159.305. Tiny houses on wheels (RVs) cannot be used as permanent dwellings.
The City of Sioux Falls adopted the 2021 IRC under §150.001 (Chapter 150 Building), effective January 1, 2022. IRC Appendix Q sets standards for tiny houses 400 sq ft or less; confirm with Building Services whether Sioux Falls activated Appendix Q or applies base IRC dwelling minimums. A foundation-built tiny house can serve as an ADU under §159.305 (Accessory Dwelling Units): detached ADUs cannot exceed 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area, attached ADUs cannot exceed 75%, and only one ADU is permitted per platted lot. Tiny houses on wheels (THOWs) are treated as recreational vehicles and cannot be used as permanent residences in residential zones. Confirm Appendix Q status and ADU specifics with Planning and Development Services at (605) 367-8254.
Occupying a tiny house on wheels as a permanent dwelling, building an unpermitted ADU, or exceeding ADU floor-area caps under §159.305 violates the zoning code and can lead to stop-work orders, removal, and fines through Code Enforcement.
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