Landscaping Rules in Sioux Falls, SD (2026)
7 verified landscaping rules for Sioux Falls, South Dakota, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Sioux Falls requires property owners to maintain grass and weeds at a height of no more than 8 inches. Violations result in notice from Code Enforcement and the city may mow the property and bill the owner if not corrected.
Sioux Falls Grass Height & Lawn Maintenance
Heavy RestrictionsTree Trimming
Sioux Falls requires property owners to maintain trees so branches do not obstruct sidewalks, streets, or sight lines. Branches over sidewalks must have at least 8 feet of clearance; over streets, 14 feet. The city manages boulevard trees through the Urban Forestry program.
Sioux Falls Tree Trimming & Removal Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Private tree removal on residential property in Sioux Falls generally does not require a permit. However, boulevard trees between the sidewalk and street are city property and require approval from Urban Forestry before removal. Dead or hazardous trees must be removed by the property owner.
Sioux Falls Tree Removal Regulations
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Sioux Falls does not impose permanent mandatory water restrictions for lawn irrigation. During drought conditions, the city may implement voluntary or mandatory watering schedules. The city water supply comes from the Big Sioux River and wells.
Sioux Falls Water Use & Irrigation Restrictions
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Sioux Falls allows native plants and prairie grasses as an intentional landscaping feature without requiring a variance, provided they are properly maintained. An alternative landscape plan under § 160.599 must be submitted when substituting native plantings for standard turf requirements.
Native Plants and Alternative Landscape Plans in Sioux Falls
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Sioux Falls § 160.485 requires at least 90% of any required front yard setback to be landscaped with living ground cover. Artificial turf and synthetic vegetation are explicitly prohibited as substitutes for living plant material anywhere in the required setback.
Artificial Turf Prohibited in Front Yard Setbacks
Heavy RestrictionsComposting
Sioux Falls has no specific ordinance prohibiting residential backyard composting. Chapter 57 of the city code addresses yard waste through licensed haulers and the municipal landfill's free composting center, making backyard composting a permissive activity.