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Sioux Falls, SD Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

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

Key Facts

Barbed wire
Banned in residential districts
Electric fencing
Citywide ban absent board approval
Zoning overlay
Barbed/razor wire barred near residential parcels
Max penalty
$500 fine or 30 days jail

Summary

Sioux Falls prohibits barbed wire fences in residential districts outright, and separately bans electric fencing citywide unless the electrical board of appeals approves it.

(a) No barbed wire fence shall be erected or maintained in a residential district as defined by the zoning regulations. (b) No fence shall be erected or maintained in a residential district in a manner as to unreasonably obstruct the view of others or their access to light or air.

Source: Sioux Falls Code § 160.480 FencesView 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

City code § 96.007 bans barbed wire fencing in any residential district and bars fences that unreasonably block a neighbor's view, light, or air. The zoning code's fence standards (§ 160.480(k)) add a second layer, barring barbed or razor wire permits on any parcel abutting residentially used or zoned land. Electric fencing is banned citywide under the city's local amendment to the National Electrical Code (§ 150.201.1, amending NEC 110.27(D)) unless the electrical board of appeals and examiners approves it.

Violations & Fines

Violating § 96.007 is a general-penalty offense under § 10.999: up to a $500 fine, up to 30 days in the county jail, or both, with each day of violation a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put barbed wire on a fence in a Sioux Falls residential neighborhood?
No. City code § 96.007(a) prohibits barbed wire fences in any residential district, regardless of height or placement.
Is an electric fence allowed around a Sioux Falls yard?
Not without approval. The city's electrical code amendments ban electric fencing citywide unless the electrical board of appeals and examiners signs off.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Sioux Falls

Height LimitsSome RestrictionsFence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsRetaining WallsSome 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

Compare Sioux Falls to another location·View the South Dakota fence regulations overview

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