Sioux Falls, SD Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Sioux Falls, SD, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Private tree removal
- No city permit required
- Public/right-of-way tree
- Permit required from parks director
- Nuisance trees
- Owner must treat or remove
- Stump grinding
- 6-8 inches below grade required
- Enforcing agency
- Parks and Recreation Department
Summary
Sioux Falls does not require a permit to remove a tree on private property. A permit is only required to remove a tree growing in a public place, such as the street parking strip.
No person shall remove trees in public places without first procuring a permit from the director.
(b) Any permitted tree removal requires treatment of the residual tree stump by grinding the stump and major flare roots to a depth of six to eight inches below grade. (1957 Rev. Ords., § 11.903; 1992 Code, § 42-39) (Ord. 11-77, passed 2-14-1977; Ord. 94-08, passed 7-21-2008; Ord. 37-12, passed 6-12-2012)
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
Under City Code § 94.035(a), a permit from the parks and recreation director is required only to remove a tree in a public place, including the parking strip between the curb and sidewalk (the STREET TREE definition in § 94.001). Homeowners removing trees entirely on their own private property face no city permit requirement, unless the director has declared the tree a nuisance under § 94.015 for being dead, diseased, or insect-infested, in which case the owner must treat or remove it per § 94.017. Public-tree removal permits must state the number and species being removed, and stump grinding to 6 to 8 inches below grade is mandatory under § 94.035(b).
Violations & Fines
Removing a public-place tree without a permit, or damaging/destroying trees through negligence or noncompliance, makes the responsible party liable for repair, removal and replacement costs under § 94.039, with general penalties under § 10.999.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree on my own property in Sioux Falls?
What is a public-place tree that needs a permit?
Can the city make me remove a tree on my own land?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sioux Falls
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