Sioux Falls Code § 90.041 et seq. (Hobby Beekeeping, adopted 2019) allows up to four honeybee colonies per residential lot, subject to a city beekeeping permit, completion of an approved beekeeping class, neighbor consent, and a 6-foot flyway barrier around the apiary.
Sioux Falls legalized residential beekeeping in November 2019 through an ordinance creating a Hobby Beekeeping section within Chapter 90. The code permits up to four honeybee colonies per property in eligible residential zones with a hobby beekeeping permit issued by the city. Permit prerequisites include: (1) completion of a beekeeping educational course approved by the city, (2) written consent from adjoining property owners, (3) a flyway barrier — a solid fence or dense hedge at least six feet tall — between the colonies and adjoining lots so bees fly upward and over neighbors, (4) a water source on the apiary property to discourage bees from seeking water at neighbors' pools or birdbaths, and (5) registration of the apiary with the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) under SDCL Chapter 38-18 (Apiaries). Bees must be European honeybees (Apis mellifera); aggressive strains are prohibited. Hives must be kept in good condition and maintained to prevent swarming. Commercial beekeeping operations require AG zoning.
Operating an apiary without a permit, exceeding the 4-colony limit, or maintaining colonies without the required flyway barrier is a municipal violation enforced by Sioux Falls Code Enforcement. Permits may be revoked for nuisance complaints, and unregistered apiaries may also face civil penalties under SDCL § 38-18 administered by DANR.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Sioux Falls, SD
Sioux Falls Code § 93.008 prohibits operating a motor vehicle unless its exhaust system is free from defects, fitted with a muffler/noise-dissipative device,...
Sioux Falls, SD
Outdoor amplified music in Sioux Falls is subject to Chapter 93 use-district limits unless a special permit is obtained. The Main Street Sioux Falls Business...
Sioux Falls, SD
Sioux Falls Code § 93.003 sets maximum sound pressure levels at the property boundary: 60 dBA daytime / 55 dBA nighttime in residential use districts and 65 ...
Sioux Falls, SD
Aircraft-in-flight noise is preempted by federal law (FAA / 49 U.S.C. § 40103 navigable airspace) and is NOT regulated by Sioux Falls Code Chapter 93. Joe Fo...
Sioux Falls, SD
Sioux Falls treats abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperable vehicles as nuisances under § 93.026 of the City Code. On public streets, removal proceeds u...
Sioux Falls, SD
Sioux Falls § 160.480 permits standard residential fence materials (wood, vinyl, chain link, wrought iron, aluminum) but prohibits barbed wire and razor wire...
See how Sioux Falls's beekeeping rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.