Sioux Falls's Property Maintenance: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles property maintenance a little differently. In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Property Blight

The code official can order Sioux Falls owners to repair, board up, or demolish structures that are dangerous, unsafe, or unfit for habitation under the city's property maintenance code.

Key details: Adopted code: 2021 International Property Maintenance Code. Enforcing agency: Neighborhood revitalization division. Owner options if repairable: Repair, board up, or demolish. Stalled construction trigger: 18+ months halted, secured meanwhile. Unpaid cost recovery: Special assessment lien on lot.

General penalty for unspecified Code violations: fine up to $500 and/or up to 30 days in county jail, with each day a continuing violation treated as a separate offense; unpaid abatement costs become a special assessment lien.

Compared to other cities, Sioux Falls takes a harder line on property blight. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Sioux Falls caps weeds and non-woody vegetation at 8 inches on any lot, vacant or occupied, under its amended property maintenance code.

Key details: Height limit: 8 inches, non-woody vegetation. Enforcement: Code official, city-wide. Right-of-way buffer: 25 ft mowed strip, unimproved lots. Occupied-property buffer: 12 ft mowed buffer required. Cost recovery: Billed to owner, special assessment.

Administrative citation under Title III, Chapter 40 after a two-week published notice goes uncorrected; city crews then cut/spray/remove the vegetation and bill the owner, with unpaid bills converted into a special assessment lien on the property.

Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

Sioux Falls property owners must clear sidewalk snow and ice within 48 hours after a snowfall ends, or the city can remove it and bill the property.

Key details: Clearing deadline: 48 hours after snowfall ends. City action trigger: 72 hours before city removes. Max fine: $500 per violation (§ 10.999). Cost recovery: Billed or specially assessed to owner. Snow dumping: Banned on sidewalks, parks (§ 96.102).

Unlawful under § 96.105; general penalty (§ 10.999) is up to a $500 fine and/or 30 days in jail, with each day of non-compliance a separate offense, plus city removal costs billed or specially assessed to the property.

The Bottom Line

Sioux Falls's property maintenance rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Sioux Falls is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Sioux Falls can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.