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• Uncategorized ,
• 14 May

By Josh Kattenberg

The city of Sioux Falls, SD, has special ordinances covering chickens, rabbits, livestock, and guard dogs. The ordinances described below apply to average homeowners (not zoos, licensed wildlife professionals, special exhibits, etc.).

In the city of Sioux Falls, livestock (any species of animal other than fowl commonly used for food, fiber, or draft purposes) is not allowed, unless the owner’s property is zoned as an “Agricultural District.” Chickens (hens, not roosters) and rabbits are allowed, as long as an owner has no more than six. If a pet owner would like to have more than six chickens or rabbits, or to have a type of fowl other than chickens, he would need to apply for a special permit. The permit would require all neighbors within 100 feet of his property to approve. If he got his neighbors’ permission, the city would then decide on whether or not to grant the special license. If a special license was granted, it would include specific guidelines and limits for that owner’s unique situation.

Sioux Falls residents are not allowed to own wild animals. This includes: venomous snakes, bobcats, lynx, bears, fur bearers, endangered species, exotic animals, mountain lions, or panthers.

Anyone using a guard dog to protect commercial property requires a special permit and must follow specific guidelines from the city of Sioux Falls. However, an owner using his personal guard dog on his own private residence is exempt from the commercial guard dog ordinances, as long as his residence is not located on commercial property.

Disclaimer: The Sioux Falls ordinances as explained above are a simple summary. Not all details of the ordinances are included. Ordinances may change over time. Anything listed in this blog is not legal advice, nor is it meant to be used in court. Refer to the Code of Ordinances of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for definitions, updates on ordinances, and additional details.