Fire pit rules in Sioux Falls, SD — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Sioux Falls allows recreational fires and portable outdoor fireplaces under the city-adopted International Fire Code (IFC) Chapter 3, Section 307. Recreational fires must be no more than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet tall, kept at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material (15 feet for portable fireplaces), constantly attended until extinguished, and only burn clean wood, charcoal, or manufactured logs. The Sioux Falls Fire Rescue can order any fire extinguished if it creates a hazardous or nuisance condition (IFC §307.3).
Sioux Falls adopted the International Fire Code by reference under the city Code of Ordinances (Title 50 Buildings & Construction series). IFC §307.4.2 governs recreational fires: fuel area shall not exceed 3 ft diameter, flames no taller than 2 ft, minimum 25 ft from any structure or combustible material, and constant attendance by a competent person with extinguishing means (garden hose, bucket, fire extinguisher) until the fire is fully out. Portable outdoor fireplaces (chimineas, manufactured fire pits) must be at least 15 ft from a structure on residential property and used per the manufacturer's instructions (IFC §307.4.3). Only clean, seasoned wood, charcoal, or commercially manufactured fire logs may be burned — leaves, yard waste, garbage, treated lumber, and rubber are prohibited as 'rubbish' burning (IFC §307.1.1). The Fire Code Official may prohibit any open burning that creates or adds to a hazardous condition. Sioux Falls air-quality rules under Title 96 (Health & Sanitation) reinforce the prohibition on burning trash, leaves, or yard waste in city limits.
Violations of the adopted Fire Code are misdemeanors under the general penalty provisions of the Sioux Falls Code of Ordinances. The Fire Marshal may order immediate extinguishment and issue citations. Fines for fire-code violations generally run up to $500 per offense; repeated nuisance fires can also be abated under SDCL §21-10-1 (nuisance) and the city's Title 120 nuisance provisions.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Sioux Falls, SD
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,...
Sioux Falls, SD
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...
Sioux Falls, SD
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 ...
Sioux Falls, SD
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 Fo...
Sioux Falls, SD
Sioux Falls treats abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperable vehicles as nuisances under § 93.026 of the City Code. On public streets, removal proceeds u...
Sioux Falls, SD
Sioux Falls § 160.480 permits standard residential fence materials (wood, vinyl, chain link, wrought iron, aluminum) but prohibits barbed wire and razor wire...
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