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Sioux Falls, SD Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Livestock allowed
Only on AG-zoned property
Chickens/rabbits without permit
Up to 6, no license
Roosters
Always prohibited
Max penalty
$500 fine or 30 days jail

Summary

Sioux Falls prohibits keeping livestock within city limits unless the property is zoned AG, Agricultural District, under § 90.008(f).

(f) It shall be unlawful for livestock to be kept within the city limits, except that such livestock may be kept on property that is classified as AG, Agricultural District under the zoning ordinance of the city of Sioux Falls. This section shall not apply to livestock kept as a part of any research, educational institution, stockyard, or temporarily exhibited.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-135: Current through local ordinance 54-26, passed 7-14-2026).

Full Breakdown

City Code § 90.008(f) makes it unlawful to keep livestock within the Sioux Falls city limits. The ban lifts only on land zoned AG, Agricultural District, under the city's zoning ordinance, or when livestock is part of research, an educational institution, a stockyard, or a temporary exhibit. Chickens and rabbits are handled separately under § 90.008(b): up to six may be kept on any personal land without a permit, roosters are always prohibited, and a city license under § 90.078 is required to keep more than six.

Violations & Fines

Violating § 90.008 draws the Code's general penalty under § 10.999: a fine up to $500, up to 30 days in the county jail, or both, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep goats or a horse in my Sioux Falls backyard?
No. Under § 90.008(f), livestock is barred citywide except on land zoned AG, Agricultural District, or for research, education, or exhibition uses.
How many chickens can I keep without a permit?
Up to six chickens or rabbits on any personal land under § 90.008(b), but roosters are prohibited regardless of number, per the same section.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Sioux Falls

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All Sioux Falls rules

How Sioux Falls compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Sioux Falls to another location·View the South Dakota animal ordinances overview

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