Sioux Falls, SD Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Front yard height
- 4 feet maximum
- Side/rear yard height
- 6 feet maximum
- Near-intersection solidity
- Max 30% solid within 30 ft
- Vision clearance area
- No obstruction over 3 ft at corners
- Permit
- Fence permit required before building
Summary
Front-yard fences in Sioux Falls are capped at four feet, side and rear yard fences at six feet, and corner lots must keep the intersection vision clearance area clear under the city's Shape Places zoning ordinance.
(c) Front yard. Fences not more than four feet in height may be located on any part of the lot except that a fence may not be more than 30% solid where it is located within 30 feet of a street intersection, measuring along the property lines... (d) Side and rear yards. Fences not more than six feet in height may be erected within any side or rear yard.
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
A fence permit is required before construction. In front yards, fences may not exceed four feet, and if placed within 30 feet of a street intersection they can be no more than 30% solid. Side and rear yard fences may run up to six feet. Corner and double-frontage lots in DD and AD forms get limited exceptions to place a six-foot fence in the street-side front yard, subject to setback and design standards. Separately, the intersection vision clearance area bars any fence, wall, or planting over three feet tall within 30 feet of a corner's right-of-way lines.
Violations & Fines
Fences built over these height caps, more than 30% solid near an intersection, or without the required permit are code violations subject to enforcement under the zoning ordinance; noncompliant fences can be ordered removed or modified.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my front yard fence be in Sioux Falls?
What's the height limit for side and rear yard fences?
Do I need a permit to build a fence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sioux Falls
How Sioux Falls compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Sioux Falls to another location·View the South Dakota fence regulations overview
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