Sioux Falls, SD Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)
Construction hours in Sioux Falls, SD, sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances, set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Key Facts
- Allowed hours
- 6:00 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
- Noise cap
- 75 dBA at 50 feet
- Permit needed
- No, within hours/cap
- Enforcement
- Health director
- Outside hours
- Falls under general noise ban
Summary
Construction noise is allowed 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. without a permit, capped at 75 dBA measured 50 feet away.
The following exceptions shall be allowed between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. in residential or commercial land use zones... (e) Construction work. Operating, or causing to be used or operated, any equipment used in construction, repair alteration or demolition work on buildings, structures, streets, alleys or appurtenances in any land use district where the operation causes a sound pressure level no more than 75 dbA measured at a distance of 50 feet
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
Sioux Falls treats construction equipment noise as an exception to its general noise code rather than a separate permit scheme. Operating equipment for construction, repair, alteration or demolition of buildings, structures, streets, alleys or appurtenances is allowed in any land use district between 6:00 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. without a sound permit, provided the sound pressure level stays at or below 75 dBA measured 50 feet from the source. Work generating noise outside that window, or above the decibel cap, falls back under the general noise-disturbance prohibitions and requires a permit from the health director for relief.
Violations & Fines
Violations of the general noise code carry the penalty set in § 10.999; running loud equipment after 10:30 p.m. or before 6:00 a.m. without a permit is a code violation the health department can cite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can construction crews work at 5 a.m. in Sioux Falls?
Is a permit required for daytime construction noise?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sioux Falls
How Sioux Falls compares: Cities with the Strictest Construction Hours·Compare Sioux Falls to another location·View the South Dakota noise ordinances overview
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