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Sioux Falls, SD Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governs
Privately owned structural BMPs
Enforcing agency
Dept. of Public Works
Alteration notice
30 days advance notice required
Correction window
Up to 90 days to fix
Failure reporting
Immediate notice to city required

Summary

Sioux Falls requires owners of privately built stormwater best management practices, like detention ponds and filters, to build, operate, and maintain them properly and report failures to public works.

(a) It is a violation for any owner to improperly construct or operate or fail to maintain the proper function of privately owned structural BMPs. Maintenance activities include, but are not limited to, removing trash and debris, reseeding, mowing, pest control, removing sediment accumulation, removing vegetation, replacing filter media, and repairing eroded areas.

Source: Sioux Falls Public Works StormwaterView 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

Under City Code Chapter 55, any property owner with a privately owned structural BMP (detention pond, retention basin, filter media, etc.) that drains to the municipal stormwater system must keep it functioning properly. Required upkeep includes removing trash, debris, and sediment, reseeding and mowing, pest control, replacing filter media, and repairing eroded areas. Owners must also notify the public works department immediately of any pollutant discharge or physical failure of a BMP, and give 30 days' notice before significant alterations. The public works department can order additional BMPs if discharges keep occurring.

Violations & Fines

Improper construction, operation, or failed maintenance of a private BMP; dumping debris or yard waste in one; blocking city inspection access; or failing to report a discharge/failure: enforced by public works with a Notice of Violation, up to 90 days to correct, and § 40.999 penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has to maintain a stormwater BMP in Sioux Falls?
The owner or operator of the property where a privately owned structural BMP, like a detention pond or filter system, is located.
What counts as a maintenance violation?
Letting trash, sediment, or eroded areas accumulate, or failing to reseed, mow, or replace filter media so the BMP stops working properly.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Sioux Falls

Flood Elevation RequirementsSome RestrictionsFlood ZonesSignificant RestrictionsErosion ControlSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Coyote ManagementSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Exotic PetsHeavy Restrictions

All Sioux Falls rules

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