Sioux Falls, SD Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- For gatherings of 25+ blocking a street
- Filing deadline
- At least 48 hours ahead
- Application fee
- None set for assemblies
- Max penalty
- $500 fine / 30 days jail
Summary
Sioux Falls requires a permit for any block party that blocks a public street, sidewalk or alley, filed at least 48 hours before the event.
ASSEMBLY. Any block party, demonstration, rally, gathering or group of 25 or more persons, animals or vehicles, or a combination thereof, having a common purpose, design or goal, upon any public street, sidewalk, alley or other public place, which assembly substantially inhibits the usual flow of pedestrians or vehicular travel... Permit required; assembly. No person shall conduct, manage or participate in any assembly without a valid permit...
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 treats a block party as an "assembly": a gathering of 25 or more people, animals or vehicles on a public street, sidewalk, alley or other public place that substantially blocks normal pedestrian or vehicle traffic. No one may conduct or take part in one without a valid permit. The application must go in at least 48 hours before the start, on the city's form, naming the responsible person or organization, the nature of the gathering, and the date, hours and location requested, plus a hold-harmless agreement.
Violations & Fines
Holding an unpermitted block party/assembly, or one outside its permit terms, is a code violation; with no specific penalty listed for this chapter, the general penalty applies: a fine up to $500, up to 30 days in the county jail, or both, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a small backyard-only party need a permit?
How far ahead must I apply for a Sioux Falls block party?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sioux Falls
Compare Sioux Falls to another location·View the South Dakota special events & permits overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.