Sioux Falls § 160.485 requires at least 90% of any required front yard setback to be landscaped with living ground cover. Artificial turf and synthetic vegetation are explicitly prohibited as substitutes for living plant material anywhere in the required setback.
Section 160.485 of the Sioux Falls Zoning Code (Chapter 160) establishes minimum landscape standards for all zoning districts. At least 90% of the required front yard setback must be maintained with living ground cover. The ordinance states that 'under no circumstances is the use of artificial plantings acceptable to meet the requirements of this section.' This prohibition applies to artificial turf, synthetic grass, and other non-living ground cover materials in front setbacks. The rule applies citywide across all residential and non-residential zoning districts. Back and side yards outside setbacks are not specifically addressed by § 160.485. Code Enforcement handles complaints regarding non-compliant landscaping.
Non-compliant landscaping is subject to code enforcement action, notice of violation, and administrative citation; owner must restore living ground cover.
Sioux Falls, SD
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