Minnehaha County, SD Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

The Minnehaha County Zoning Ordinance (Article 12.03) permits limited nonresidential activity in conjunction with a residence in zoning districts where dwellings are permitted (principally A-1 Agricultural and RR Rural Residential), provided the home occupation does not alter the residential character of the neighborhood. The county Planning & Zoning FAQ confirms three baseline standards: (1) only residents of the dwelling may be employed by or participate in the occupation; (2) only limited and incidental sale of products may occur on the premises; (3) the occupation must be operated by a member of the family residing in the dwelling. A Major Home Occupation -- one that exceeds the minor thresholds (typically because it has on-site customer traffic, deliveries, outside storage, or a larger footprint) -- requires a Conditional Use Permit application reviewed by the County Board of Adjustment under Article 19.00 procedures. Inside the City of Sioux Falls, Brandon, Hartford, Dell Rapids and other incorporated municipalities, the municipal zoning code applies instead of the county ordinance. The county Planning & Zoning office at 415 N. Dakota Ave., Sioux Falls (605-367-4204) processes applications.