Noise Ordinances in Sioux Falls, SD (2026)
10 verified noise ordinances for Sioux Falls, South Dakota, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Sioux Falls Code Chapter 93 sets nighttime quiet hours of 10:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. and caps stationary residential sound at 50 dB(A) at night (60 dB(A) day) measured at the property boundary. Amplified devices that are 'plainly audible' across a property line during those hours are a separate per-se violation under § 93.002(b)(2)B.
Sioux Falls Quiet Hours: 10:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Some RestrictionsConstruction Hours
Construction, repair, alteration and demolition work in Sioux Falls is exempt from the residential decibel caps only between 6:00 a.m. and 10:30 p.m., and only if the sound pressure level at 50 feet stays at or below 75 dB(A) (§ 93.006(e)). Outside those hours, ordinary residential limits (55 dB(A) night) and the per-se 'plainly audible' rule apply.
Construction Noise: 75 dB(A) at 50 ft, 6 a.m.–10:30 p.m. Exemption Only
Few RestrictionsBarking Dogs
Sioux Falls Code § 90.004 (Disturbing the Peace) gives Animal Control or any police officer authority to remove and impound an animal that is disturbing the peace when the owner cannot be located. Barking dogs are also a 'noise disturbance' under Chapter 93 — the Code Enforcement test is whether the barking annoys reasonable persons of normal sensitivities at the property boundary.
Barking Dogs: Animal Control Citation + Impoundment Authority
Some RestrictionsLeaf Blower Rules
Sioux Falls does not ban gas-powered leaf blowers and does not impose a separate leaf-blower curfew. Domestic blowers, mowers, edgers and similar grounds-maintenance equipment fall under § 93.006(f), which permits operation up to 75 dB(A) at 50 feet between 6:00 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. Commercial landscape crews using equipment over 5 horsepower may operate at up to 82 dB(A) at 50 ft in the same window under § 93.006(g).
Leaf Blowers and Lawn Equipment: 75 dB(A) at 50 ft, 6 a.m.–10:30 p.m.
Few RestrictionsAmplified Music & Events
Sioux Falls Code § 93.002(b)(2)B and (b)(3) make amplified music and loudspeakers per-se unlawful between 10:30 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. when 'plainly audible' across the property line. § 93.007 sound permits are available from the Health Director and cap permitted music at L90 70 dB(A) (drops to 65 dB(A) after 8 p.m.), expiring at 10:30 p.m. Downtown BID permits run until 11:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Amplified Music: Permits Required Above 70 dB(A); Downtown BID Until 11:30 p.m. Fri/Sat
Some RestrictionsAircraft Noise
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 Foss Field (KFSD) is a joint civil/military airport hosting the SD Air National Guard 114th Fighter Wing (F-16s), and overflight noise is addressed only through voluntary FAR Part 150 noise-compatibility planning, not municipal ordinance.
Aircraft Noise — Federal Preemption (Joe Foss Field / Sioux Falls Regional Airport)
Few RestrictionsIndustrial Noise
Sioux Falls Code § 93.003 (Use district noise levels) sets the property-line decibel limits applicable to industrial sources. Residential receivers are protected at 60 dBA day / 55 dBA night; commercial receivers at 65 dBA. Construction equipment noise is capped at 75 dBA measured at 50 feet under § 93.002.
Industrial Noise — Use District Limits & Construction Noise
Some RestrictionsDecibel Limits
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 dBA (all hours) in commercial districts. Nighttime hours run 10:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Measurements are A-weighted, taken at least 25 feet from the source and at least 4 feet above the ground.
Decibel Limits — Residential 60/55 dBA, Commercial 65 dBA
Some RestrictionsOutdoor Music
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 Improvement District has a tailored permit allowing L90 70 dBA with no more than five 77 dBA peaks per three-minute period; weeknight permits expire 10:30 p.m., weekend permits 11:30 p.m. Outside the BID, amplified sound after 10:30 p.m. is prohibited if plainly audible at the property line.
Outdoor Music & Amplified Sound — Permit Required Downtown
Some RestrictionsVehicle Noise
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, and has no cutout/bypass. Pass-by limits measured at 25 feet, 4 feet height: 80–84 dBA for passenger vehicles and 90–94 dBA for trucks over 10,000 lb GVWR/GCWR (varies by posted speed limit).
Vehicle Noise — § 93.008 Motor Vehicle Noise Limits
Some RestrictionsLooking for Minnehaha County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sioux Falls city rules.
Noise Ordinances in Minnehaha County →