Fire Regulations in Sioux Falls, SD (2026)
6 verified fire regulations for Sioux Falls, South Dakota, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pit Rules
Sioux Falls allows recreational fires and portable outdoor fireplaces under the city-adopted International Fire Code (IFC) Chapter 3, Section 307. Recreational fires must be no more than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet tall, kept at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material (15 feet for portable fireplaces), constantly attended until extinguished, and only burn clean wood, charcoal, or manufactured logs. The Sioux Falls Fire Rescue can order any fire extinguished if it creates a hazardous or nuisance condition (IFC §307.3).
Recreational Fires & Fire Pits in Sioux Falls
Some RestrictionsFireworks
Although South Dakota legalizes the sale and use of consumer (1.4G) fireworks statewide during seasonal windows under SDCL Chapter 34-37, the City of Sioux Falls prohibits the possession, sale, and discharge of fireworks within the corporate city limits under its home-rule authority. Violation is a Class 2 misdemeanor under Sioux Falls Code. The ban applies year-round, including July 4 and New Year's Eve. Sparklers, snakes, smoke devices, and other novelties are also covered.
Fireworks Banned Within Sioux Falls City Limits
Heavy RestrictionsBrush Clearance
Sioux Falls does not have a wildfire-style defensible-space ordinance (the city sits in a low-wildfire-risk prairie/urban setting), but it does enforce a Tall Grass, Weeds & Rank Vegetation ordinance under Title 51 (Property Maintenance) requiring grass and weeds to be kept under 8 inches. Property owners are responsible for clearing vegetation, dead trees, and combustible debris from their property. Failure to maintain triggers a notice from Code Enforcement and city-contracted abatement at the owner's expense, plus an administrative fee.
Vegetation, Tall Grass & Weed Clearance Rules
Some RestrictionsOutdoor Burning
Open burning of leaves, yard waste, trash, construction debris, or other materials is prohibited within Sioux Falls city limits under the adopted International Fire Code (IFC §307) and the city's Health & Sanitation ordinances (Title 96). The only allowed outdoor fires are (1) compliant recreational fires/portable fireplaces under IFC §307.4, (2) cooking fires (grills, smokers), and (3) larger open burns explicitly permitted by the Sioux Falls Fire Marshal for land-clearing or training. Yard waste must be disposed via the city's curbside collection or drop-off at the Yard Waste & Wood Drop-Off Site.
Open Burning Prohibited Except Recreational Fires & Permitted Land Clearing
Heavy RestrictionsWildfire Zones
Sioux Falls is not located in a designated Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone and has no city-adopted wildfire hazard severity classification. The eastern South Dakota prairie/urban setting is classified as low wildfire risk by federal and state agencies, and there are no defensible-space, ember-resistant construction, or fuel-modification ordinances at the city level. Wildfire risk planning falls under regional South Dakota Wildland Fire response and the South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources (DANR), which can declare statewide fire-danger restrictions under SDCL §34-37-16.1.
No Designated Wildfire Hazard Zones in Sioux Falls
Few RestrictionsPropane Storage
Sioux Falls regulates the storage and use of propane (LP-gas) under the adopted International Fire Code (IFC) Chapter 61 and NFPA 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code). Residential cylinders up to 20 lb (typical grill tanks) may be stored outdoors with minimal restrictions. Larger residential storage — 100-lb cylinders and stationary tanks — must meet IFC distance and protection requirements. Commercial/industrial LP-gas installations require Fire Marshal review and may require a permit. Storage inside residential dwellings and basements is restricted.
Propane & LP-Gas Storage Under Adopted Fire Code
Some RestrictionsLooking for Minnehaha County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sioux Falls city rules.
Fire Regulations in Minnehaha County →