Sioux Falls, SD Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)

Unlike coastal jurisdictions, Sioux Falls has not adopted a gas-leaf-blower ban, an electric-only mandate, or a separate landscape-equipment curfew. Leaf blowers are regulated only through the general Chapter 93 framework: (a) § 93.006(f) (Domestic power equipment) allows 'operating or permitting to be operated any power equipment rated five horsepower or less used for home or building repair or grounds maintenance, including, but not limited to, a power saw, sander, lawn mower or garden equipment in residential or commercial zones at a sound pressure no more than 75 dB(A) measured at a distance of 50 feet' — between 6:00 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. only. (b) § 93.006(g) (Commercial power equipment) covers larger equipment over 5 hp (chain saws, pavement breakers, log chippers, powered hand tools but NOT construction-only equipment) at up to 82 dB(A) at 50 feet in the same window. Outside 6 a.m.–10:30 p.m., the residential L90 cap of 55 dB(A) at the property boundary and the § 93.002(b)(2)B 'plainly audible' rule apply — both of which a gas blower will exceed easily, so early-morning or late-night blower use is effectively prohibited. The state has not preempted local lawn-equipment regulation; SDCL § 9-29-1 (home-rule police power) provides authority for any future restriction. Note for noise-sensitive zones (within the vicinity of any school, hospital, institution of learning or court — § 93.002(b)(13)): even daytime blower use that exceeds § 93.003 sensitive-zone limits while the institution is in use is a separate violation regardless of the § 93.006(f) exception.