Sioux Falls Zoning & Land Use Guide
Notable local initiatives in Sioux Falls
Named ordinances, statutes, and reforms specific to Sioux Falls — each linked to an official source you can verify directly.
Shape Places Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 160)(2014)
Sioux Falls' current zoning ordinance, known as Shape Places, was adopted by Ordinance 9-13 (3-19-2013), approved by voters on April 8, 2014, and became effective April 16, 2014. It replaced the prior code with a form-based approach and is codified at Chapter 160 of the Sioux Falls Code of Ordinances.
Source · codelibrary.amlegal.comResidential district structure under Shape Places
Shape Places organizes residential zones into Single-Family (R-1 through R-7), Two-Family / Detached Dwelling (RD), Townhome (RT-1, RT-2), and Apartment Residential (AR-1, AR-2) districts, with dimensional standards and form rules set in Chapter 160 and visualized in the city's Zoning Interface.
Source · siouxfalls.govInteractive Zoning Interface (official zoning map and district lookups)
Sioux Falls publishes an Interactive Zoning Interface that links every base district (e.g., AD4 attached dwelling, RT-2, AR-1) directly to its Chapter 160 standards. Property owners can confirm their parcel's district, allowed building types, and dimensional rules.
Source · siouxfalls.govJoint zoning jurisdiction with Minnehaha County (3-mile ETJ)
Under SDCL Title 11, the City of Sioux Falls and Minnehaha County maintain a joint zoning ordinance covering the city's three-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction. This is administered through a Revised Joint Zoning Ordinance separate from Chapter 160 but coordinated with it.
Source · minnweb.minnehahacounty.gov
Key Zoning Facts
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Sioux Falls
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA flood mapping: check parcel-specific flood-zone status
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — South Dakota
- Building Code: No mandatory statewide code; local adoption
County — Minnehaha County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The municipality's zoning ordinance, building-code enforcement, and local permits form the primary local layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- Private covenants, deed restrictions, condominium rules, or association rules can impose requirements beyond zoning.
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 8,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 6 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- 6,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 55 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 65 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 0 ft
ADU Rules in Sioux Falls
- Max Size
- 800 sq ft
- Max Height
- 24 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Parking
- 1 off-street space required
- Owner Occupancy
- Owner must occupy primary or accessory unit
- Permit Timeline
- 4-6 weeks
Permit Costs & Timelines
Check Current Permit Fees & Timelines
Permit fees and review times can vary by project type, scope, valuation, and required approvals. Check the current schedule with the local permitting authority before filing.
Check current Sioux Falls permit information →Official Sources
City-specific