Sioux Falls, SD Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)
Key Facts
- Clearing deadline
- 48 hours after snowfall ends
- City action trigger
- 72 hours before city removes
- Max fine
- $500 per violation (§ 10.999)
- Cost recovery
- Billed or specially assessed to owner
- Snow dumping
- Banned on sidewalks, parks (§ 96.102)
Summary
Sioux Falls property owners must clear sidewalk snow and ice within 48 hours after a snowfall ends, or the city can remove it and bill the property.
The owner or person in possession of any property abutting on any sidewalk shall keep the sidewalk free from snow and ice and shall remove any snow or ice from the sidewalk within 48 hours after the termination of any snow fall, snow or ice accumulation.
(b) The owner or person in possession of any property abutting upon any sidewalk which ends at an intersection or crosswalk shall maintain the sidewalk free from snow and ice to the edge of the street. Snow and ice deposited on the sidewalk in the street removal process shall be removed within 48 hours of being deposited. (1957 Rev. Ords., § 11.801; 1992 Code, § 38-76) (Ord. 2395, passed 12-20-1965; Ord. 101-92, passed 11-16-1992; Ord. 76-93, passed 10-18-1993)
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 § 96.100 puts the duty on the owner or person in possession of property abutting a sidewalk to keep it free of snow and ice, with removal required within 48 hours after any snowfall or ice accumulation stops. Corner lots must also clear to the street edge. If snow or ice remains after 72 hours, § 96.101 lets the city remove it and charge the cost to the abutting property; § 96.104 allows that cost to become a special assessment against the lot. Dumping cleared snow back onto a sidewalk or into a park is separately banned under § 96.102.
Violations & Fines
Unlawful under § 96.105; general penalty (§ 10.999) is up to a $500 fine and/or 30 days in jail, with each day of non-compliance a separate offense, plus city removal costs billed or specially assessed to the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Sioux Falls property owners have to clear sidewalk snow?
What happens if I don't clear my sidewalk in time?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sioux Falls
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