Sioux Falls, SD Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Private property limit
- 14 days (unless enclosed)
- Public property limit
- Emergency basis only
- Public tow notice
- 24 hours after tagging
- Driveway exception
- 1 licensed inoperable vehicle
- Enforcing agency
- Sioux Falls Police Dept.
Summary
Sioux Falls bans keeping abandoned, wrecked, or inoperable vehicles on private property past 14 days and on public streets except briefly; police can tow after a 24-hour notice.
The presence of an abandoned, discarded, wrecked, burned, dismantled, inoperable, junked or partially dismantled vehicle or parts thereof on private or public property is hereby declared a public nuisance, which may be abated as such in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter.
(b) It is unlawful to keep or place any of the vehicles or vehicle parts:
(1) Upon public streets or property except on an emergency basis; or
(2) Upon the private property of any person owning, in charge of, or in control of any real property within the city, whether as an owner, tenant, occupant, lessee or otherwise, for longer than 14 days unless it is within a carport, fully enclosed building or structure. A tarpaulin, tent or other similar temporary structure shall not be deemed to satisfy the requirements of this section.
(c) In no event shall an inoperable vehicle that constitutes an imminent health, safety or fire hazard be kept or located on any premises. (1992 Code, § 25-41) (Ord. 88-73, passed 10-8-1973; Ord. 14-87, passed 3-9- 1987) Cross-reference: Nuisances and offensive conditions, see §§
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
City code § 93.026 declares an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperable vehicle on public or private property a public nuisance. Vehicles or vehicle parts can't sit on public streets except on an emergency basis, and can't stay on private property longer than 14 days unless inside a carport or fully enclosed structure: a tarp or tent doesn't count. One licensed inoperable vehicle is allowed on a private driveway if it isn't visibly disrepaired or disassembled beyond 14 days; repair shops and permitted junkyards are also exempt. On public property, the police department tags the vehicle and it can be towed to a garage or storage after 24 hours if the owner hasn't moved it, per § 93.028.
Violations & Fines
Nuisance abatement; city serves written removal notice by registered/certified mail (§ 93.032, § 93.034); vehicle towed and impounded, owner/occupant liable for removal and storage costs (§ 93.033).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a non-running car in my driveway in Sioux Falls?
How long before the city tows an abandoned car from the street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sioux Falls
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