[PAGE 1]
JOINT MINNEHAHA COUNTY
& CITY OF SIOUX FALLS
PLANNING COMMISSION
Joint Minnehaha County & County Planning Planning Staff
City of Sioux Falls Commissioners Scott Anderson
Planning Commission Bonnie Duffy Kevin Hoekman
Regular Meeting Agenda Becky Randall Mason Steffen
Adam Mohrhauser
Monday, March 23, 2026
Meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. Cindy Heiberger Office of the
415 N. Dakota Ave. on the 3rd Floor
Mike Ralston State’s Attorney
Ryan VanDerVliet Eric Bogue
in the Commission Meeting Room
Joe Kippley
MEETING NOTES:
Individuals needing assistance, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, should contact the
Minnehaha County Planning Office at 367-4204 or TDD 367-4220 by 10:00 am Friday preceding the meeting
to make any necessary arrangements.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:
Items on the consent agenda are perceived to be non-controversial and meet all of the requirements of the
codes and regulations. The consent agenda will be acted on in one motion with no public hearing on the
items, unless a member of the public, the Commission or staff requests the item be removed from the consent
agenda. The Chair will read each item and ask if there are any objections from the audience. If so, please raise
your hand and ask that the item be placed on the regular agenda. Any items remaining on the Consent
Agenda will be approved by the Planning Commission, with the conditions recommended by staff.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS:
Members of the public should understand that Planning Commissioners may be unable to thoroughly review
and consider materials delivered the day of the hearing. The order of business for the regular agenda shall be:
A) Staff Presentation B) Applicant Presentation C) Public Comments*
D) Applicant Response E) Public Testimony Closed F) Commission Discussion
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
* Each member of the public will be limited to five minutes of public comment per item and will
only be allowed to address the commission once per item, unless they are called upon to answer
additional questions from the commissioners.
JOINT CITY OF SIOUX FALLS PLANNING COMMISSIONERS
Bradyn Neises John Paulson Janet Kittams Mike Gray
Dana Fisher Erica Mullaly Aaron Norman Erik Nyberg
Dave Van Nieuwenhuyzen
JOINT CITY OF SIOUX FALLS PLANNING STAFF
Karla Resendiz
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[PAGE 2]
JOINT MINNEHAHA COUNTY
& CITY OF SIOUX FALLS
PLANNING COMMISSION
PUBLIC INPUT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Members of the public who wish to speak on an item not listed on the agenda will have five minutes per
person to address the Planning Commissions.
REGULAR AGENDA
ITEM 1. Approval of Minutes – February 23, 2026
ITEM 2. ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT #26-04 to amend the Revised Joint Zoning Ordinance for
Minnehaha County and the City of Sioux Falls to update Article 22.00 Fees.
Petitioner: County Planning Staff
Staff Report: Kevin Hoekman
ITEM 3. ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT #26-05 to amend the Revised Joint Zoning Ordinance for
Minnehaha County and the City of Sioux Falls to update the sign regulations within Articles
14.00, 15.00, 17.00, 17A.00 & 24.00.
Petitioner: County Planning Staff
Staff Report: Kevin Hoekman
ITEM 4. PUBLIC HEARING for the Adoption of the Shape Sioux Falls 2050 Comprehensive Plan.
Petitioner: City Planning Staff
Staff Report: Fletcher Lacock
ITEM 5. Old Business
ITEM 6. New Business
ADJOURN.
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[PAGE 3]
JOINT MINNEHAHA COUNTY & CITY OF SIOUX FALLS
PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 23, 2026
MINUTES OF THE JOINT
MINNEHAHA COUNTY & SIOUX FALLS PLANNING COMMISSIONS
February 23, 2026
A joint meeting of the County and City Planning Commissions was held on February 23, 2026,
at 7:00 p.m. in the Commission Room of the Minnehaha County Administration Building.
COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioners Bonnie Duffy,
Becky Randall, Adam Mohrhauser, Mike Ralston, Cindy Heiberger and Joe Kippley.
CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS’ PRESENT: Aaron Norman, Mike Gray, Janet
Kittams, Bradyn Neises & Erik Nyberg.
STAFF PRESENT:
Scott Anderson, Kevin Hoekman, & Mason Steffen – County Planning
Maggie Gillespie – State’s Attorney Office
Karla Resendiz – City Planning
The County Planning Commission was chaired by Commissioner Bonnie Duffy. The City
Planning Commission was chaired by Commissioner Norman.
Chair Duffy called the Joint Minnehaha County and City of Sioux Falls Planning Commission
meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Commissioner Duffy opened the floor for public comment, and nobody moved to speak.
ITEM 1. Approval of Minutes – January 26, 2026
A motion was made for the County by Commissioner Heiberger and seconded by
Commissioner Kippley to approve the meeting minutes from January 26, 2026. The motion
passed unanimously with 5 votes in favor and 0 votes against the motion.
The same motion was made for the City by Commissioner Neises and seconded by
Commissioner Kittams to approve the meeting minutes from January 26, 2026. The motion
passed unanimously with 4 votes in favor and 0 votes against the motion.
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[PAGE 4]
JOINT MINNEHAHA COUNTY & CITY OF SIOUX FALLS
PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 23, 2026
ITEM 3. REZONING #26-01 to rezone from the A-1 Agricultural District to the C
Commercial District the properties legally described as Lot 1 & Lot 2
Sundermann Addition S½ SE¼ Section 26 T102N-R50W Benton Township.
Petitioner: Tad Fiegen
Property Owner: Same
Location: Located approximately ½ mile west of Marion Road on SD Highway 38.
Staff Report: Kevin Hoekman
General Information:
Legal Description – Lot 1 & Lot 2 Sundermann Addition S½ SE¼ Section 26 T102N-
R50W Benton Township
Present Zoning – A-1 Agricultural
Existing Land Use – Vacant Lot
Parcel Size – 8.00 Acres
Staff Report: Kevin Hoekman
Staff Analysis:
The petitioner is applying to change the zoning on two properties directly west of Sioux Falls
City limits along SD Highway 38. The property is located approximately 0.4 miles west of the
intersection of SD Highway 38 and Marion Road. The applicant did not provide a narrative for
the request; however, the described purpose of the rezoning is to use the property for
manufactured home sales. A sketch site plan was submitted to provide a general layout of the
proposed manufactured home sale lot.
Planning staff visited the property on January 6, 2026. At the site visit, staff observed that work
was ongoing on the property to remove some trees and the remaining remnants of the farmstead
that once was located on the site.
The property is located within the transition area as depicted in the Envision 2045
Comprehensive Plan for Minnehaha County. The purpose of the transition area is to preserve
agricultural land for the eventual annexation within a municipality. Action 4 of Goal 8.2 states
that the county should support growth that is compatible with adopted municipal comprehensive
plans. County and city staff met with the applicant to discuss the proposed rezoning. City staff
explained that land adjacent to city limits should be annexed before development, however this
property is located in an area not serviceable by city water and sanitary sewer. A comment letter
was prepared for this hearing by city staff as well.
Since the meeting with county and city staff, the applicant has continued to work with city staff
to find possible development solutions for the property. City planning staff is recommending
deferral of the proposed rezoning while dialog continues. County planning staff agrees that
deferral would be the best option. The recommended deferred hearing date is at the May 18th,
2026 Joint Planning Commission Meeting in order to prevent continual month from month
meeting dates.
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[PAGE 5]
JOINT MINNEHAHA COUNTY & CITY OF SIOUX FALLS
PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 23, 2026
Recommendation: Staff finds that the deferral request is reasonable and recommends deferral of
Rezoning #26-01 to the May 18, 2026, Joint Planning Commission Meeting.
Public Testimony
Kevin Hoekman, of county planning staff, presented the staff report and explained that the
petitioner has been working with city staff on a resolution for the property. Kevin explained that
county staff recommends deferring the item several months in order to give the petitioner more
time to work with city staff.
Action
A motion was made for the County by Commissioner Heiberger and seconded by Commissioner
Ralston to defer Rezoning #26-01 to the May 18, 2026, Planning Commission meeting. The
motion passed unanimously with 5 votes in favor and 0 votes against the motion.
A motion was made for the City by Commissioner Nyberg and seconded by
Commissioner Neises to defer Rezoning #26-01 to the May 18, 2026, Planning Commission
meeting. The motion passed unanimously with 4 votes in favor and 0 votes against the motion.
Rezoning #26-01 – Deferred to the May 18, 2026, Meeting
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[PAGE 6]
JOINT MINNEHAHA COUNTY & CITY OF SIOUX FALLS
PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 23, 2026
Old Business
None.
New Business
None.
Adjourn
A motion was made for the County by Commissioner Mohrhauser and seconded by
Commissioner Kippley to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously.
The same motion was made for the City by Commissioner Neises and seconded by
Commissioner Kittams to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:04 p.m.
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[PAGE 7]
MINNEHAHA COUNTY & CITY OF SIOUX FALLS
PLANNING COMMISSION
STAFF REPORTS MARCH 23, 2026
ITEM 2. ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT #26-04 to amend the Revised Joint Zoning
Ordinance for Minnehaha County and the City of Sioux Falls to update Article
22.00 Fees.
Petitioner: County Planning Staff
Staff Report: Kevin Hoekman
Staff Report: Kevin Hoekman
Staff Analysis:
Minnehaha County utilizes permit fees to offset the cost of processing various permits. Fees vary
based on the amount of staff time and the materials that are used to ensure permits meet
ordinance requirements and materials are ready to present for public hearing. Article 22.00 of
the Revised Joint County and City of Sioux Falls Zoning Ordinance lists all the fees for various
permits and zoning requests. The permit fees article has not been updated since 2005.
Planning staff reviewed permit fees charged by other South Dakota Counties and Municipalities,
and the proposed fees are similar to Sioux Falls and Pennington County fee structures. The
Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis inflation calculator indicates an increase in inflation of
65% from 2005 to 2025. None of the proposed fee increases exceed the 65% inflation rate. The
proposed fee changes are listed concisely below.
From To
Rezoning $350 $500
Rezoning PD $350 $500
PD Subarea Addition $50 $100
PD Text Amendment NA $500
PD Final Development Plan $0 $200
PD Major Amendment $100 $150
PD Minor Amendment $50 $100
CUP $250 $350
Board of Adjustment $250 $350
Zoning Text Amendment NA $600
Appeal of CUP NA $100
Continuation Request NA $100
Several of the above fees have no current listing within the ordinance. These fees are added as
part of the ordinance to offset costs related to processes that do not currently have fees listed
within the ordinance. Staff is requesting that an additional fee is included for the appeal of a
conditional use permit and for a petitioner requesting continuation of a permit, rezoning, or
amendment. Appeals and deferrals create additional work and organizing above and beyond a
typical permit process.
In addition to fee updates, staff is requesting some clarifying changes within the article through
reorganization and additions. The Planned Development District Zoning section is moved
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[PAGE 8]
MINNEHAHA COUNTY & CITY OF SIOUX FALLS
PLANNING COMMISSION
STAFF REPORTS MARCH 23, 2026
directly after the Change of Zone section of the article. Subsections regarding planned
developments are consolidated under the Planned Development District Zoning.
Attached with this staff report is a mark up draft of the ordinance with comments. In addition,
there is an ordinance draft prepared in the format for adoption. Finally, a permit fee comparison
chart is included for review. This was created for staff to better understand how similar counties
and municipalities within South Dakota utilize application fees. The blank spaces within the
chart may mean that these petition types do not exist in those local governments, or it also may
mean that that petition type is incorporated into another type of fee. The proposed fee updates for
Minnehaha County are similar to other local governments in the state.
The Joint Planning Commission decision is a recommendation that will be forwarded to the
County Commission and City Council. Any amendments to the proposed ordinance will be
incorporated into the ordinance request for the Joint County Commission and City Council
Hearing.
Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of Zoning Text Amendment #26-04 to amend
Article 24.00 of the Revised Joint Zoning Ordinance for Minnehaha County and the City of
Sioux Falls.
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[PAGE 9]
Permit Fee Comparisons
Petition Type Current Minneheha County Fee 2005 Proposed Minnehaha County Fee City of Sioux Falls 2018 Lincoln County 2009 Pennington County 2024
Rezoning $350.00 $500.00 $650.00 $350.00 $545.00
Planned Development with One Subarea $450.00 $600.00 $400.00 $545.00
PD Text Amendment Currently NA $500.00
PD Concept Plan Currently NA NA $250.00
PD Final Development Plan None $200.00 $350.00
PD Major Amendment $100.00 $150.00 $175.00 $100.00 $345.00
PD Minor Amendment $50.00 $100.00 $50.00
Conditional Use Permit $250.00 $350.00 $375.00 $250.00 $545.00
CUP Major Amendment $250.00 $250.00
CUP Minor Amendment $50.00 $100.00
Variance Application $250.00 $350.00 $95.00 $250.00 $545.00
Administrative Appeal $250.00 $350.00 $250.00
Zoning Permit $50.00 $50.00 $50.00
Agricultural Tourism Permit $250.00 $250.00 NA NA NA
Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment $350.00 $600.00
Permitted Special Use Application NA NA $320.00
Special Meeting NA NA $500.00
Note: Color coded lines indicate related permit types.
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[PAGE 10]
FEES
ARTICLE 22.00
FEES
SECTIONS: 22.01 General Regulations
22.02 Change of Zone
22.03 Planned Development District
22.04 Reserved
22.05 Reserved
22.06 Conditional Use
22.07 Board of Adjustment
22.08 Zoning Permits
22.09 Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment
Comment: This Article of the ordinance has had a few additions and updates recently, however,
much of the core application fees have not changed in twenty years. The application fees within
this article are used to offset costs in implementation including preparing notification materials,
writing staff reports, completing on site visits of properties, paying for newspaper notices as
required by state law, and conducting hearings at Planning Commission and County Commission
Meetings. In addition to fee increases, staff is suggesting several organizational changes to make
the article easier to follow and understand. The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis inflation
calculator indicates an increase in inflation of 65% from 2005 to 2025.
22.01 GENERAL REGULATIONS. All fees required by this article shall be the property of the
County and shall be deposited with the County Treasurer and credited to the general fund. The
fees shall be paid at the time of filing the application with the County Planning Department. No
action shall be taken on any application until all applicable fees have been paid in full. Under no
conditions shall any fee required hereunder be refunded to an applicant who withdraws their
application after the application deadline has passed. (amended MC30-16-07 8/21/07)
22.02 CHANGE OF ZONE. A fee of $500.00 350.00 shall be charged for filing an application
to change the zoning classification of property, except to the Planned Development District. If
any use, for which a rezoning is required, is commenced prior to the application for a rezoning,
the application fee shall be double the regular fee. (amended by MC30-05-04 and MC30-08-05)
Comment: A change in zoning requires four newspaper printings: a notice before the Planning
Commission, a notice before the County Commission, and two printings of the fact of adoption.
A long legal description can cause the newspaper publications to cost nearly $200 by itself. Staff
completes a site visit of each rezoning and spends time writing a report and materials for the
public hearings. The proposed change is an approximately 43% increase from the fee established
in 2005.
(A). Any request by the applicant for a continuation of the rezoning request shall result
in an additional fee of $100.00 to offset additional administration costs. This fee
shall be paid prior to the date of the continued hearing.
Minnehaha/Sioux Falls Joint Regulations Fee Draft 22.00-1
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[PAGE 11]
FEES
Comment: There is additional work and cost burden on the country every time an item is
continued from one meeting to another. Here have been some requests that were
continued several times over the one application request. This provision will allow some
additional cost to be covered by the applicant if a continuation is requested by the
applicant. Having the fee may also lead to reduced requests for continuation.
22.03 PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT. A fee of $500.00 350.00 plus $100.00 50.00
for each subarea shall be charged for the filing of an application to change to the Planned
Development District. If any use, for which a rezoning is required, is commenced prior to the
application for a rezoning, the application fee shall be double the regular fee. (amended by MC30-05-
04 and MC30-08-05)
Comment: The increased fee matches the rezoning increase plus an increase in each proposed
subarea. Planned Developments can get complicated with additional subareas and the added cost
for each subarea allows for further review of each sub area. Sections 22.04 and 22.05 were
amended to match wat is stated in the 1990 Zoning Ordinance for Minnehaha County. They were
rewritten as (A) and (B).
(A). Planned Development Text Amendment. A fee of $500.00 shall be charged for
filing an application to change any text or allowed land uses within an approved
Planned Development District.
Comment: This is a new subsection, and it should be accompanied by another text
amendment within Article 10 for Planned Developments. There have been several
applications for new land uses to be placed within an existing Planned Development. The
ordinance currently requires such a change to be a major amendment which has a fee of
$100 despite a land use amendment changing the text of the ordinance and requiring
notifications and publications in the newspapers. Publications alone cost more than $100,
plus all the other work that staff is required to complete for one amendment. This
amendment makes it clear that a text amendment within a Planned Development has the
same cost as a regular rezoning.
(B). Final Development Plan. A fee of $200.00 shall be charged for filing an
application for a Final Development Plan within a Planned Development District.
(1). Major Amendment. A fee of $150.00 shall be charged for the filing of an
application for a major amendment to a Planned Development District.
(2). Minor Amendment. A fee of $100.00 shall be charged for the filing of an
application for a minor amendment to a Planned Development District.
Comment: Subsection B adds a fee for a Final Development Plan. Processing a Final
Development Plan is similar to a preliminary subdivision plan except it only is approved
by the Planning Commission. Even a minor amendment requires approval from the
Planning Commission.
(C). Any request by the applicant for a continuation of a request for rezoning to
Planned Development District, a request for a Planned Development Text
Amendment, a request for final development plan, a request for a major
Minnehaha/Sioux Falls Joint Regulations Fee Draft 22.00-2
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[PAGE 12]
FEES
amendment shall result in an additional fee of $100.00 to offset additional
administration costs. This fee shall be paid prior to the date of the continued
hearing.
Comment: This is a similar request for Planned Development Districts and related
requests to offset administrative expense of continuations for these requests.
22.04 Reserved MAJOR AMENDMENT. A fee of $100.00 shall be charged for the filing of an
application for a major amendment to a Planned Development District. (amended by MC30-05-04)
22.05 Reserved MINOR AMENDMENT. A fee of $50.00 shall be charged for the filing of an
application for a minor amendment to a Planned Development District. (amended by MC30-05-04)
22.06 CONDITIONAL USE. A fee of $350.00 250.00 shall be charged for filing an application
for a conditional use permit in any district.
(A). If any use, for which a conditional use permit, a major amendment, or a minor
amendment is required, is commenced prior to the application for a conditional
use permit or amendment, the application fee shall be double the regular fee.
(amended by MC30-05-04 and MC30-08-05)
(B). Conditional Use Amendments.
(1). Major Amendment. A fee of $250.00 shall be charged for the filing of an
application for a major amendment to a Conditional Use Permit.
(2). Minor Amendment. A fee of $100.00 shall be charged for the filing of an
application for a minor amendment to a Conditional Use Permit.
Comment: Conditional use amendments are not part of the fee structure in the ordinance.
The Planning and Zoning Department has been charging a $250 fee for Major
Amendment and $50 for a Minor Amendment. A minor amendment only requires
administrative approval, but the ordinance greatly restricts what is allowed as part of a
Minor Amendment. This proposal continues the $250 fee for Major Amendments and
raises the Minor Amendment fee from $50 to $100.
(C). Conditional Use Permit Continuations and Appeals.
(1). Any request by the applicant for a continuation of a request for a
Conditional Use Permit or a Major Amendment to a Conditional Use
Permit shall result in an additional fee of $100.00 to offset additional
administration costs. This fee shall be paid prior to the date of the
continued hearing.
(2). If any Conditional Use Permit is appealed, the applicant shall pay an
additional $100.00 to offset additional administration costs. This fee shall
be paid prior to the hearing before the County Board of Commissioners.
22.07 BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT. A fee of $350.00 250.00 shall be charged for filing a
Minnehaha/Sioux Falls Joint Regulations Fee Draft 22.00-3
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[PAGE 13]
FEES
variance application or an appeal to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. (amended by MC30-05-04 and
MC30-08-05)
(A). Any request by the applicant for a continuation of a request for a variance or an
appeal shall result in an additional fee of $100.00 to offset additional
administration costs. This fee shall be paid prior to the date of the continued
hearing.
Comment: Variance requests do require notice publication, but there are no appeals that can go
to the County Commission so the number of meetings are limited to the one Board of
Adjustment meeting. The cost matches the cost of a conditional use permit and the proposed
increase is 40% higher than what was adopted in 2005.
22.08 ZONING PERMITS. A fee of $50.00 shall be charged for filing an application for a
zoning permit. However, this fee shall be waived when the proposed construction is subject to
the requirements and fees of the International Building Code as adopted by Minnehaha County.
(amended by MC30-08-05 & by MC30-16-07 8-20-07)
22.09 ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT. A fee of $600.00 shall be charged for
the filing of an application to change any text of this zoning ordinance.
Comment: The county has allowed applications to amend the zoning ordinance with a filling fee.
The process allows one or more individuals directly request amendments to the ordinance. The
process is similar to rezonings and requires publications before and after the process. Staff is
suggesting a slightly higher fee than a rezoning because a text amendment request can be
complicated and require much review and coordination with various departments including the
States Attorney Office.
(A). Any request by the applicant for a continuation of the Zoning Ordinance Text
Amendment request shall result in an additional fee of $100.00 to offset
additional administration costs. This fee shall be paid prior to the date of the
continued hearing.
Comment: In 2024 and 2025, nine CUPs were appealed out of 123 total requests. About 7%.
Staff found one continuation of a Planning Commission hearing for a rezoning, and two items
that were continued twice at County Commission hearings.
Minnehaha/Sioux Falls Joint Regulations Fee Draft 22.00-4
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[PAGE 14]
ORDINANCE MC30-XX-26
AN ORDINANCE OF MINNEHAHA COUNTY, SD, AMENDING THE REVISED JOINT
ZONING ORDINANCE FOR MINNEHAHA COUNTY AND THE CITY OF SIOIUX FALLS
BY AMENDING ARTICLE 22.00 FEES.
BE IT ORDAINED BY MINNEHAHA COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA:
That Ordinance MC30-02, the Revised Joint Zoning Ordinance for Minnehaha County and the
City of Sioux Falls is hereby amended as follows:
Section 1. That Article 22.00 FEES, Section 22.02 CHANGE OF ZONE, of the Revised
Joint Zoning Ordinance for Minnehaha County and City of Sioux Falls, is hereby amended
to read as follows:
22.02 CHANGE OF ZONE. A fee of $500.00 shall be charged for filing an application to
change the zoning classification of property, except to the Planned Development District. If any
use, for which a rezoning is required, is commenced prior to the application for a rezoning, the
application fee shall be double the regular fee. (amended by MC30-05-04 and MC30-08-05)
(A). Any request by the applicant for a continuation of the rezoning request shall result in an
additional fee of $100.00 to offset additional administration costs. This fee shall be paid
prior to the date of the continued hearing.
Section 2. That Article 22.00 FEES, Section 22.03 PLANNEND DEVELOPMENT
DISTRICT, of the Revised Joint Zoning Ordinance for Minnehaha County and City of
Sioux Falls, is hereby amended to read as follows:
22.03 PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT. A fee of $500.00 plus $100.00 for each
subarea shall be charged for the filing of an application to change to the Planned Development
District. If any use, for which a rezoning is required, is commenced prior to the application for a
rezoning, the application fee shall be double the regular fee. (amended by MC30-05-04 and MC30-08-05)
(A). Planned Development Text Amendment. A fee of $500.00 shall be charged for filing an
application to change any text or allowed land uses within an approved Planned
Development District.
(B). Final Development Plan. A fee of $200.00 shall be charged for filing an application for a
Final Development Plan within a Planned Development District.
1). Major Amendment. A fee of $150.00 shall be charged for the filing of an
application for a major amendment to a Planned Development District.
2). Minor Amendment. A fee of $100.00 shall be charged for the filing of an
application for a minor amendment to a Planned Development District.
(C). Any request by the applicant for a continuation of a request for rezoning to Planned
Development District, a request for a Planned Development Text Amendment, a request
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[PAGE 15]
for final development plan, a request for a major amendment shall result in an additional
fee of $100.00 to offset additional administration costs. This fee shall be paid prior to the
date of the continued hearing.
Section 3. That Article 22.00 FEES, Section 22.04 MAJOR AMENDMENT, of the Revised
Joint Zoning Ordinance for Minnehaha County and City of Sioux Falls, is hereby amended
to read as follows:
22.04 Reserved. (amended by MC30-05-04)
Section 4. That Article 22.00 FEES, Section 22.05 MINOR AMENDMENT, of the Revised
Joint Zoning Ordinance for Minnehaha County and City of Sioux Falls, is hereby amended
to read as follows:
22.05 Reserved. (amended by MC30-05-04)
Section 5. That Article 22.00 FEES, Section 22.06 CONDITIONAL USE, of the Revised
Joint Zoning Ordinance for Minnehaha County and City of Sioux Falls, is hereby amended
to read as follows:
22.06 CONDITIONAL USE. A fee of $350.00 shall be charged for filing an application for a
conditional use permit in any district. (amended by MC30-05-04 and MC30-08-05)
(A). If any use, for which a conditional use permit, a major amendment, or a minor
amendment is required, is commenced prior to the application for a conditional use
permit or amendment, the application fee shall be double the regular fee.
(B). Conditional Use Amendments.
1). Major Amendment. A fee of $250.00 shall be charged for the filing of an
application for a major amendment to a Conditional Use Permit.
2). Minor Amendment. A fee of $100.00 shall be charged for the filing of an
application for a minor amendment to a Conditional Use Permit.
(C). Conditional Use Permit Continuations and Appeals.
(1). Any request by the applicant for a continuation of a request for a Conditional Use
Permit or a Major Amendment to a Conditional Use Permit shall result in an
additional fee of $100.00 to offset additional administration costs. This fee shall
be paid prior to the date of the continued hearing.
(2). If any Conditional Use Permit is appealed, the applicant shall pay an additional
$100.00 to offset additional administration costs. This fee shall be paid prior to
the hearing before the County Board of Commissioners.
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[PAGE 16]
Section 6. That Article 22.00 FEES, Section 22.07 BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, of the
Revised Joint Zoning Ordinance for Minnehaha County and City of Sioux Falls, is hereby
amended to read as follows:
22.07 BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT. A fee of $350.00 shall be charged for filing a variance
application or an appeal to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. (amended by MC30-05-04 and MC30-08-05)
(A). Any request by the applicant for a continuation of a request for a variance or an appeal
shall result in an additional fee of $100.00 to offset additional administration costs. This
fee shall be paid prior to the date of the continued hearing.
Section 7. That Article 22.00 FEES, of the Revised Joint Zoning Ordinance for Minnehaha
County and City of Sioux Falls, is hereby amended adding a new Section 22.09 ZONING
ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT as follows:
22.09 ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT. A fee of $600.00 shall be charged for
the filing of an application to change any text of this zoning ordinance.
(A). Any request by the applicant for a continuation of the Zoning Ordinance Text
Amendment request shall result in an additional fee of $100.00 to offset additional
administration costs. This fee shall be paid prior to the date of the continued hearing.
Adopted this 28 day of April, 2026.
MINNEHAHA COUNTY
____________________________________
Chair, Board of County Commissioners
ATTEST:
________________________________
County Auditor
1st Reading March 31, 2026
Legal Ad. – Dakota Scout, April 3, 2026
Brandon Valley Journal, April 8, 2026
Garretson Gazette, April 9, 2026
Minnehaha Messenger April 10, 2026
2nd Reading & Final Adoption April 28, 2026
Fact of Adoption – Dakota Scout, May 1, 2026 & May 8, 2026
Brandon Valley Journal, May 6, 2026 & May 13, 2026
Garretson Gazette, May 7, 2026 & May 14, 2026
and Minnehaha Messenger May 8, 2026 & May 15, 2026
Effective Date June 3, 2026
Page 16 of 69

[PAGE 17]
MINNEHAHA COUNTY & CITY OF SIOUX FALLS
PLANNING COMMISSION
STAFF REPORTS MARCH 23, 2026
ITEM 3. ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT #26-05 to amend the Revised Joint Zoning
Ordinance for Minnehaha County and the City of Sioux Falls to update the sign
regulations within Articles 14.00, 15.00, 17.00 & 17A.00 & 24.00.
Petitioner: County Planning Staff
Staff Report: Kevin Hoekman
Staff Report: Kevin Hoekman
Staff Analysis:
The Revised Joint Zoning Ordinance for Minnehaha County and the City of Sioux Falls includes
regulations for when and where signs can be located within the County. Two full articles of the
Zoning Ordinance are dedicated to on-premise signs and off-premise signs. In addition, the
Additional Use article has a sign requirement within the Home Occupation section of the article,
and the Red Rock Corridor Overlay District article regulates signs for the area along SD
Highway 42 from Sioux Falls to the Iowa border. Finally, the Definitions article contains many
sign related definitions which assist in providing a base of the terms used in the rest of the
ordinance. Collectively, these Zoning Ordinance articles and sections will be referred to as the
Sign Ordinance.
The proposed revisions to the Joint Sign Ordinance are modeled from revisions already adopted
within the County Zoning Ordinance. Attached with this staff report are two copies of the
proposed sign ordinance. One copy has changes highlighted for additional text, struck through
for text to be removed, and in italics for comments regarding changes. Below is an overview of
changes. More detail can be found within the comments on the attached draft sign ordinance.
The general structure of the Sign Ordinance will remain the same.
The Red Rock Corridor Overlay District has special development standards which pertain to
signs. The limitations for off-premise signs (currently not allowed) within the Corridor have been
adjusted to match what is planned for off-premise signs within the A1-Agricultural zoning
district throughout the county. Sign spacing and permitting requirements remain the same.
Within the Additional Use Regulations article, the allowable sign area of home occupations were
increased to reflect that many homes within the county are located far off fast paced roads, and
the current two square feet area max for a home occupation is too small for drivers to effectively
locate a business.
The on-premise sign article is proposed to have several changes. Several changes are made
regarding what is allowed within the agricultural and residential zoning districts. A section is
added to regulate electronic message signs. Changes are also proposed for special situations and
exemptions to clarify what signs are permitted during specific situations. Finally, a new section
is proposed to clarify when a building permit is required for a sign and when one is not required.
The off-premise sign article is proposed to have changes to off-premise signs which are allowed
within the A1 Agricultural and RC Recreational/Conservation districts. Other minor changes in
the off-premise sign article are also proposed.
Page 1
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[PAGE 18]
MINNEHAHA COUNTY & CITY OF SIOUX FALLS
PLANNING COMMISSION
STAFF REPORTS MARCH 23, 2026
The definitions article includes changes and additions of terms based on changes proposed to the
ordinance. In addition, many terms pertaining to signs are proposed to be consolidated into one
area of the definitions article around the definition of ‘sign.’
Attached Materials:
Attached with this staff report are two copies of the proposed ordinance. One copy has proposed
additions to the ordinance highlighted and proposed deletions to the ordinance marked with a
strike through and highlighted. Comments are added throughout this copy and are visible with
italics. The second copy has no marks on it, and it includes all the new items as they are
proposed to be written in the ordinance.
Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of Zoning Text Amendment #26-05 to amend
Articles 14.00, 15.00, 17.00, 17A.00 & 24.00 of the Revised Joint Zoning Ordinance for
Minnehaha County and the City of Sioux Falls.
Page 2
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[PAGE 19]
RRCO Red Rock Corridor
Overlay District
ARTICLE 14B.00
RRCO RED ROCK CORRIDOR OVERLAY DISTRICT
(adopted 11/21/2011 MC30-28-11)
SECTIONS: 14B.01 Intent
14B.02 Boundaries of District
14B.03 Development Standards
14B.04 Variance
14B.03 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS. The requirements set forth in this section shall apply
to any development or redevelopment of property located within the Red Rock Corridor:
(C). Signs
(1). On-premise signage within the Red Rock Corridor shall be regulated in
conformance with the provisions of Article 17.00, except for all signs shall have a
maximum height of 10 feet or as regulated, whichever is less. :
(a). Only monument signs shall be allowed as freestanding signs when:
(i). The sign area shall not exceed 200 square feet.
(ii).The maximum height shall be 10 feet.
(2). Off-premise signage within the A1 Agricultural, RC Recreational, C
Commercial, and Industrial zoning districts within the Red Rock Corridor shall be
regulated in conformance with the following: is prohibited in all cases except for:
(a). Multi-Tenant Signs in Commercial Centers:
(i). One multi-tenant sign shall be allowed within a commercial
center to act as a directory for the businesses located within the
commercial center.
a. The sign area shall not exceed 200 square feet.
b. The maximum height shall be 30 feet.
c. No part of the sign face or structure shall be located in or
overlap into the required side or rear yard setbacks or
public right-of-way.
d. The light from any illuminated sign shall be so shielded,
shaded or directed so that the light intensity shall not
adversely affect surrounding or facing premises or the safe
vision of operators of vehicles on public roads.
(b). Directional Sign
(i). In conformance with the provisions of Article 17.02 (A).
(a). A maximum sign area of 32 square feet on County and State
Highways, and 16 square feet on all other roads.
(b). There shall be no more than one sign face per direction of facing.
(c). Spacing requirements.
(i). A sign shall not be within a 500 foot radius of any other off-
premise sign intended to be read from the same right-of-way.
(ii). The sign shall not be within a 300 foot radius of any other off-
premise sign intended to be read from a different right-of-way.
(iii). No off-premise sign shall be located within 500 feet of a
residential dwelling located on a different parcel.
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[PAGE 20]
RRCO Red Rock Corridor
Overlay District
(iv). All spacing measurements in this subsection shall refer to a
measurement made along the edge of the right- of-way and shall
apply only to structures located on the same side of the highway.
(v). These spacing provisions do not apply to signs separated by
buildings or other obstructions in such a manner that only one sign
facing located within the above spacing distance is visible from the
road right-of- way at any one time.
(d). A maximum height of 10 feet.
(e). A sign shall not be illuminated nor shall blinking or flashing lights be
used.
(f). Signs shall not have moving parts or have the illusion of motion as
part of the sign.
Comment: This is changed to mirror and add greater restrictions the
proposed ordinance for agricultural areas of the county. The existing
ordinance allows ‘directional signage’ in A1 zoned areas but no signs in
commercial or industrial areas. That seems a little odd to allow more in
less developed areas. The proposal would allow small signs throughout
the whole district.
(3). Maintenance and Removal. Every sign shall be maintained in good structural
and aesthetic condition at all times. Any abandoned, unsafe or unsightly sign
shall be removed or renovated within 60 days upon written notice. If the owner
fails to remove or renovate the sign within the required time period the County
may remove such sign at the owner’s expense.
(4). Permit Fees. Every applicant, before being granted a permit, shall pay a
building permit fee as required within Article 17.10 of the Revised Joint Zoning
Ordinance for Minnehaha County and the City of Sioux Falls. For any sign
erected or placed without a permit, the fee shall be double the established fee.
Minnehaha/Sioux Falls Joint Regulations Draft 14B.00-2
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[PAGE 21]
ADDITIONAL USE
REGULATIONS
ARTICLE 15.00
ADDITIONAL USE REGULATIONS
SECTIONS: 15.01 Fences
15.02 Adult Uses
15.03 Wind Energy Conversion Systems
15.04 Home Occupations
15.05 Mineral Exploration and Development
15.06 Mobile Homes/Manufactured Homes
15.07 Accessory Building and Uses
15.08 Salvage Operation or Junkyard
15.09 Solar Energy Conversion System
15.10 Intersection Safety Zone
15.11 Additional Yard Regulations
15.12 Additional Height Regulations
15.13 Airport Approach Zones
15.14 Rock, Sand and Gravel Extraction
15.15 Telecommunications Towers, Antenna Support Structures and Wireless
Communications Facilities
15.15-1 Broadcast Tower
15.16 Temporary Uses
15.17 Vehicle & Equipment Restrictions
15.18 Vacation Home Rental/Short Term Rental
15.19 Long Term Lease or Rental
15.20 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
15.04 HOME OCCUPATIONS. The regulations regarding home occupations shall be as
follows:
(a) The occupation must be conducted within a dwelling.
(b) The occupation must be clearly incidental and secondary to the principal use of the
dwelling for dwelling purposes.
(c) Only members of the immediate family residing on the premises may be employed by or
participate in the home occupation.
(d) The entrance to the space devoted to such occupation must be from within the building.
(e) There shall be no display of products visible in any manner when viewed from outside
the dwelling.
(f) No advertising or display signs shall be permitted other than a name plate attached to the
dwelling. The nameplate shall not be illuminated and shall not be more than two square
feet in area. No off premise signs shall be used. No more than one freestanding and one
Minnehaha/Sioux Falls Joint Regulations Draft 15.00-1
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[PAGE 22]
ADDITIONAL USE
REGULATIONS
wall sign is allowed per minor home occupation. The total sign area of all signs on the
property is limited to 16 square feet.
Comment: in an environment where vehicles are traveling 55 mph such as most of the
county, a two square feet sign is too small to see and react when traveling fast. This
provides some additional sign area and options for free standing signs for minor home
occupations.
(g) Such occupations shall not required substantial internal or external alterations or involve
construction features not customary in a dwelling.
(h) No merchandise, including samples, can be sold on the premises.
(i) The occupation shall not generate more than four (4) visits per day from clients,
customers and delivery vehicles. Delivery vehicles shall be limited to auto, pick up, or
service truck.
(j) The occupation shall not result in additional off-street parking spaces for clients or
customers.
(k) Toxic, explosive, flammable, combustible, corrosive, radioactive or other restricted
materials are prohibited.
(l) No equipment or process shall be used in the occupation which creates, noise, vibration,
glare, fumes, or odor detectable to the normal senses off the property.
(m) No equipment or process shall be used in the occupation which creates visual or audible
electrical interference in any radio or television receiver or causes fluctuation in line
voltage off the property.
(n) A zoning permit shall be secured for all home occupations in conformance with the
procedure outlined in Article 23.00.
Minnehaha/Sioux Falls Joint Regulations Draft 15.00-2
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[PAGE 23]
ON-PREMISE
SIGNS
ARTICLE 17.00
ON-PREMISE SIGNS
SECTIONS: 17.01 Intent
17.02 Permitted Signs and Sign Area
17.03 Regulations and Limitations of Permitted Signs
17.04 Special Situations
17.05 Exemptions
17.06 Illumination
17.07 Temporary and Portable Signs
17.08 Prohibited Signs
17.09 Maintenance and Removal
17.01 INTENT. These regulations provide standards for the erection and maintenance of private
signs. The principal feature of this section is the restriction on the total sign area permissible per
site. All private signs shall be erected and maintained in accordance with the following
standards. The general objectives of these standards are to promote health, safety, welfare and in
part to achieve the following:
(a) Safety. To promote the safety of persons and property by providing that signs:
(1) Do not create a hazard due to collapse, fire, collision, decay, or abandonment;
(2) Do not create traffic hazards by confusing or distracting motorists, or by
impairing the driver's ability to see pedestrians, obstacles, or other vehicles, or to
see and interpret any official traffic sign, signal or device.
(3). Aid the traveling public in navigation to the locations of businesses and services.
(b) Communications Efficiency. To promote the efficient transfer of information by
providing that:
(1) Businesses and services may identify themselves;
(2) Customers and persons may locate a business or service;
(3) No person or group is arbitrarily denied the use of the sight line from public
rights-of-way for communication purposes.
(c) Landscape Quality and Preservation. To protect the public welfare and to enhance the
appearance and economic value of the landscape by providing that signs:
(1) Do not create a nuisance to persons using the public rights-of-way;
(2) Do not constitute a nuisance to occupancy of adjacent and contiguous property by
their brightness, size, height or movement.
(3) Protect and preserve the aesthetic quality and physical appearance of the county.
17.02 PERMITTED SIGNS AND SIGN AREA. In the following districts, the sign area and
height set forth shall apply to all signs on the premises except as provided in Sections 17.04 and
1716.05:
(a) A-1 Agricultural and RC Recreation/Conservation Districts.
(1) Signs advertising the use of a particular breed, type, variety, hybrid, or brand of
plant, chemical or tillage. No one sign shall exceed 16 square feet in area per
Minnehaha/Sioux Falls Joint Regulations Draft 17.00-1
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[PAGE 24]
ON-PREMISE
SIGNS
face. Freestanding signs: one or more freestanding signs with the total combined
area of one square foot for every 100 linear feet of road frontage.
(a) The total area of any one sign shall not exceed 16 square feet.
(b) The maximum height shall not exceed 10 feet.
Comment: The intent of the change is to allow for agricultural related signs such
as seed signs and signs depicting the name of a particular farm while not singling
out a specific type of content that is allowed on the sign. The result of this
ordinance has the potential to allow non-agricultural signs within the agricultural
zoning district and within some residential subdivisions within the agricultural
zoning district.
(2) Uses which are governed by conditional use may have signs on the premise in
accordance with the stipulations of the permit.
Comment: This was removed and placed in Section 17.04 of the ordinance
(2) Wall signs: On buildings or structures not used as a single family dwelling, a wall
sign with the area of one square foot for every 2 linear feet of building frontage
with a maximum of 16 square feet of sign area.
Comment: Many agricultural buildings and grain bins have the logo of the
builder located on the outside of the building. Some farms also have
miscellaneous signs on building. This regulation would allow such practice and
provide regulations for future signage.
(3) No hunting, no trespassing and similar signs. Reserved
Comment: This is removed and placed within the Exemptions portion of the
ordinance.
(b) RR Rural Residential and RS-1, RS-2, RD, and RA-1 Residential.
(1) [Reserved]. Wall signs:
(a) On buildings or structures not used as a single family dwelling, a wall
sign with the area of one square foot for every 2 linear feet of building
frontage with a maximum of 16 square feet of sign area.
(b) As allowed by section 17.04 (h) Special Use Signs
Comment: This language mirrors what is allowed for Agriculture zoning district.
(2) Freestanding signs:
(a) Multi family structures and apartments may have one freestanding sign per
street frontage not to exceed 16 square feet in size per sign.
(b) Single family dwellings may have one freestanding sign in conjunction
with a Home Occupation or Conditional Use Permit as allowed by section
17.04 (h) Special Use Signs.
(c) C Commercial, I-1 and I-2 Industrial.
(1) Wall, roof, or projecting signs:
(a) The total sign area on structures which are two stories or less in height
shall not exceed two square feet for each linear foot of building frontage.
(b) The total sign area on structures which are greater than two stories in
height shall not exceed either two square feet for each linear foot of
building frontage, or 15% of the area of the frontage wall, whichever is
greater.
(2) Freestanding signs having a total sign area not to exceed one square foot for each
Minnehaha/Sioux Falls Joint Regulations Draft 17.00-2
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[PAGE 25]
ON-PREMISE
SIGNS
linear foot of road frontage or 200 square feet, whichever is less.
(a) (3) The maximum sign height shall be 30 feet.
17.03 REGULATIONS AND LIMITATIONS OF PERMITTED SIGNS. The Regulations and
Limitations of Permitted Signs shall be as follows spelled out below:
(a) Wall Signs. Wall signs may be located anywhere on the wall of a building.
(b) Projecting Signs.
(1) Projecting signs may project no more than five feet from the building face.
(2) Projecting signs shall have a minimum clearance of ten feet above grade level
about any yard or sidewalk and 16 feet above any road or drive.
(3) Projecting signs may project no more than five feet above the top of a parapet or
roof line including the framework or support.
(c) Roof Signs. Roof signs shall rise no higher than five feet above the top of a parapet or
roof line and shall not exceed the height limits for the zoning district.
(d) Freestanding Signs.
(1) Freestanding signs within C Commercial, I-1, and I-2 Industrial zoning districts
shall be limited to one sign structure per street frontage except that businesses on
frontages of 300 feet, or more, may erect two freestanding signs; however, the
total sign area for both signs may not exceed that allowed for the street frontage.
(2) Freestanding signs shall be located only in the front or side yard.
(3) Freestanding signs shall not project over public property.
(4) Freestanding signs shall not be erected within the intersection safety zone triangle
area of a corner of two intersecting streets or a street and railroad. The
Intersection safety zone triangle Area of a corner, in this case, shall be the
triangular area formed by measuring 40 feet from the intersection along both
roads and connecting these two points with a straight line.
Exceptions: Freestanding signs may be located in the intersection safety zone
triangle area of a corner when the sign and sign structure comply with the
following:
(a) The sign face is located 12 feet above the grade level of the street; and
(b) The sign structure is of such a size and spacing as to not obstruct the view
of said intersection.
(e) Electronic Message Signs.
(1) Electronic message signs placement:
(a) Any permitted sign within a commercial or industrial zoning district may
be an electronic message sign.
(b) In the A1 agricultural, RC Recreational, and all Residential Zoning
Districts, electronic message signs are allowed for signs which require a
building permit.
(c) Electronic message signs must be setback a minimum 300 feet from any
residential structure.
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[PAGE 26]
ON-PREMISE
SIGNS
(2) Message hold time: Electronic message signs shall display a static message which
may not change or be changed for a period of 6 seconds.
(3) Message transitions: The transition from one static display message to the next
shall be limited to gradual movements including, but not limited to, dissolve, fade,
or traveling; however, sudden movement is prohibited, including, but not limited
to blinking and flashing.
Comment: This section is to address a growing popularity in electronic message signs.
Setback requirements to reduce nuisance, and display requirements to reduce distraction.
17.04 SPECIAL SITUATIONS. This section contains the sign regulations for the following
special situations:
(a) Shopping Centers. A freestanding sign shall be allowed on each street frontage stating
the name of the center and the major tenants provided no other freestanding signs are
erected. The sign area shall be determined independently from the sign area allowed
under 17.02 and 17.03. A sign area of one square foot for each one lineal feet of street
frontage or 200 square feet per frontage, whichever is smaller, shall be allowed. The
height shall not exceed 40 feet.
Comment: This regulation is very specific and unlikely to be used in the county with the
few commercial areas within the county. It also says a lot without doing much more than
allowing an exception for a sign to be 40 feet tall. Staff does not feel that this exception is
necessary within the ordinance.
(a) Construction Signs. Additional signage may be placed on a property during the time a
property has an active building permit. The total sign area shall not exceed 100 square
feet or 20 feet in height and shall be removed within one week after final inspection or
upon the expiration of the building permit, whichever comes first.
Comment: This was moved from Exempt signs and edited. The edit removes the content
based portion that dictates what the sign reads, but there still may be issues with
allowing one industry greater amount of speech than another. The amount of signage is
also different than most signs in the sign proposal because that is what was allowed in
the original ordinance. The commission can consider reducing the allowed amount to
reflect other parts of the ordinance.
(b) Interstate Highway Interchange. In the C, I-1, and I-2 Districts, businesses which are
adjacent to both the interstate and the intersecting cross street may by conditional use
permit erect one additional on-premise freestanding sign not to exceed 200 square feet or
60 feet in height.
(c) Neighborhood Identification Signs. In any zone, a masonry wall, landscaping and other
similar material or feature may be combined to form a display for neighborhood or tract
identification, provided that the legend of such signs or display shall consist only of the
neighborhood or tract name, and the sign area shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(d) Institutional Signs. Churches, cemeteries, schools, day care centers, institutional and
public uses in the agricultural and residential districts may have an on-premise sign not
exceeding 32 square feet in area per frontage. Institutional signs require a building permit
Minnehaha/Sioux Falls Joint Regulations Draft 17.00-4
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[PAGE 27]
ON-PREMISE
SIGNS
prior to construction/placement of the sign.
Comment: This is a sign allowed in the area outside of the joint jurisdiction. There are
churches and cemeteries in the joint jurisdiction and this may benefit them by allowing a
sign on a quasi-commercial land use.
(e) Integral Signs. Names of buildings, dates of erection, monumental citations,
commemorable tablets, and the like, of permanent type construction and made an integral
part of the building structure shall be permitted not to exceed 16 square feet per building.
(f) Private Traffic Directional Signs. Signs directing traffic movement into, out of or within
the commercial premise. Such signs shall not exceed an area of four square feet per sign
face and four feet in height. Only two private directional signs are allowed per legal
driveway.
(g). Real Estate Signs. Temporary signs shall be permitted while a property is actively listed
for sale. The total sign area of such signs shall not exceed 32 square feet for each street
frontage.
(h). Special Use Signs. In the A-1 Agricultural, RC Recreation/Conservation, RR Rural
Residential, and R-1 Residential zoning districts, uses which are governed by a
Conditional Use Permit, Major Home Occupation, or Agricultural Tourism Permit may
have freestanding, wall, roof, or projecting signs on the premise in accordance with the
stipulations of the permit. The total sign area of each sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.
Special use signs require a building permit prior to construction/placement
Comment: This revision would allow lager sign area in conjunction with a Home
Occupation or Conditional Use Permit. It also provides an upper limit to the area of
signage which is allowable. Portions of this regulation were originally under (2).
(i). Banners. Each commercial and industrial zoned property may have one banner no larger
than 32 square feet at all times. Additional banners within commercial or industrial
zoned property can be placed for a maximum of 21 days during any calendar year.
Banners shall be securely mounted or affixed with rigid posts, frame, structure, or
building.
Comment: This regulation has been moved from section 17.08 as it is not a prohibited
use. It also has been expanded to all zoning districts and to allow essentially allow a
permanent banner for commercial properties.
17.05 EXEMPTIONS. The following signs may be allowed in addition to the signs permitted in
Section 17.02, but signs must be in conformance with all other state and local laws. The
following signs and devices are exempt from all aspects of this article, including permit
requirements and limitations on size, location, and number:
Comment: again there has been some reorganization to better align special situations and
exemptions. The Exemptions signs are now signage which the county will not regulate.
(a) Construction Signs. Building contractors, lending institutions and professional firms may
post temporary signs on site under construction. The total sign area shall not exceed 100
square feet or 20 feet in height and shall be removed upon completion of the project.
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[PAGE 28]
ON-PREMISE
SIGNS
Comment: moved and edited to 17.04
(b) Neighborhood Identification Signs. In any zone, a masonry wall, landscaping and other
similar material or feature may be combined to form a display for neighborhood or tract
identification, provided that the legend of such signs or display shall consist only of the
neighborhood or tract name.
Comment: moved and edited to 17.04
(a c) Public Signs. Signs of a noncommercial nature and in the public interest, erected by, or
on the order of, a public officer in the performance of his duty shall be permitted.
(d) Integral Signs. Name. Names of building, dates of erection, monumental citations,
commemorable tablets, and the like, of permanent type construction and made an integral
part of the building structure shall be permitted.
Comment: moved and edited to 17.04
(e) Private Traffic Directional Signs. Signs directing traffic movement onto and out of a
commercial premise may be located at each vehicular entrance onto a public street.
Comment: moved and edited to 17.04
(f) Real Estate Signs. Temporary real estate signs shall be permitted.
Comment: moved and edited to 17.04
(b) Property Rights Signs. A property owner may post a sign that indicates a property
owner’s right of exclusion. These signs include no hunting, no trespassing, no soliciting,
and similar signs.
Comment: This section is a new language to allow no hunting and similar signs on
properties in all zoning districts.
(c) Spectator Signs. A sign that is physically oriented toward spectators of an event and not
physically oriented so as to attract the motoring public, such as a sign located on the
fence of a baseball field, football field, racetrack, or outdoor stadium.
Comment: This is to cover the scoreboards as removed from the sign definition. The
definition came from Fargo ND sign ordinance.
(d) Window Signs. A sign affixed to a window of an enclosed building, including the
window or glass area of a door.
Comment: We currently do not regulate window signs and we feel it should be denoted
that window signs are exempt to avoid potential issues with complaints or concerns.
(e) Art. Art as defined as an artistic painting, image, or sculpture created on an individual
basis which contains no commercial message, image, trademark, or logo can be created
within any zoning district.
Comment. It may be useful to have a definition of Art for when an individual wants to
paint the entire side of a barn to advertise Corn Flakes vs. if the painting may be a
replica Mona Lisa.
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ON-PREMISE
SIGNS
17.06 ILLUMINATION. All illuminated signs shall comply with the following regulations
Regulations regarding the illumination of signs shall be as follows:
(a) Shading. The light from any illuminated sign or billboard shall be so shielded, shaded, or
directed so that the light intensity shall not adversely affect surrounding or facing
premises or safe vision of operators of vehicles on public or private roads.
(b) Blinking and Flashing. Blinking, flashing, pulsating, or fluttering lights are prohibited. ,
or other illuminated devices which have a changing light shall not be located closer than
300 feet from any residential district. This restriction shall not apply to signs displaying
the date, time and temperature exclusively.
(c) Residential Districts. No illuminated sign or electronic message sign is allowed within
any residential zoning district, unless the sign is classified as an institutional sign or
neighborhood identification sign.
Comment: since Residential signage is not addressed in the ordinance now, this
regulation will assist in prohibiting nuisances of lighting within residential districts.
(d) Sign Brightness. No illuminated or electronic message sign shall exceed a brightness
level of 0.3 foot candles above ambient light as measured using a foot candle (Lux) meter
at a preset distance depending on sign area, measured as follows:
Area of Sign (sq. ft.) Measurement Distance (ft.)
10-14 32
15-19 39
20-24 45
25-29 50
30-34 55
35-39 59
40-44 63
45-49 67
50-54 71
55-59 74
60-64 77
65-69 81
70-74 84
75-79 87
80-84 89
85-89 92
90-94 95
95-99 97
100-150 100
More than 150 150
Comment: This section is a way to begin regulating illumination of signs. It is pattered
directly from the City of Sioux Falls requirements.
l7.07 TEMPORARY AND PORTABLE SIGNS. Temporary and portable signs shall not exceed
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ON-PREMISE
SIGNS
32 square feet and may be displayed for 60 days per calendar year in the C and I Districts. It
shall be the duty of the user of the sign to:
Comment: temporary signs are often used within agricultural zoning districts for events
and messaging.
(a) Notify in writing and obtain approval from the County Planning Director prior to
placement of said sign.
(b) Notify in writing the County Planning Director upon removal of said sign. The County
Planning Director shall continue to deduct one day from the 60 days allowed per calendar
year until notice of removal is received or a total of 60 days has elapsed.
(c) Place the signs in locations so that the provisions of this article and all other applicable
codes and ordinances are complied with.
Temporary and portable signs in the A-1 District, when used in conjunction with roadside
stands and fireworks stands, shall be authorized as part of the conditional use permit
granted to such uses.
Comment: this has been addressed with regulation 17.05 (h).
17.08 PROHIBITED SIGNS. The following signs are prohibited:
(a) Parking of Advertising Vehicles Prohibited. No person shall park any vehicle or trailer
on a public right-of-way, or public property, or on private property so as to be visible
from a public right-of-way, which has attached thereto or located thereon, any sign or
advertising device for the basic purpose of providing advertisement of products or
directing people to a business or activity located on the same premises or any other
premise. This is not intended to prohibit any form of vehicular signage such as a sign
attached to a bus or lettering on a motor vehicle.
Comment: This is not changed from what is currently adopted. The language for parking of
advertising vehicles is identical to what is used by the City of Sioux Falls. This language may
lead to confusion as to the intent of the ordinance and what vehicles are regulated or not.
(b) Nuisance Signs. Signs which imitate an official traffic sign or signal or which are of a
size, location, movement, content, coloring or manner of illumination which may be
confused with or construed as a traffic control device or which hide from view any
traffic, street sign or signal shall be removed upon notice.
(c) Banners. Banners shall be prohibited except on a temporary basis for a maximum of 21
days during any calendar year.
Comment: This regulation has been moved to section 17.05 as it is not a prohibited use
and obviously never was.
(c) Beacons, Searchlights, And Flashing Signs. Beacons, searchlights, and flashing signs
shall be prohibited.
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(d) Signs On Public Property. Except where required by law or permitted by the County, any
sign installed or placed within any right-of-way or public property shall be deemed illegal
and shall be forfeited to the public and subject to immediate confiscation.
Comment: This section of ordinance is pattered off the City of Brandon ordinance. It
would allow staff to remove signs that are illegally placed within the right-of-way.
(e) Movement. Signs shall not have moving parts or have the illusion of motion as part of the
sign, except banner, pennants and similar lightweight signs which move with the
atmosphere.
17.09 MAINTENANCE AND REMOVAL. Every on-premise sign, including any exempt from
this code in respect to permits and permit fees, shall be maintained in good structural and
aesthetic condition at all times. Any abandoned, unsafe or unsightly sign shall be removed or
renovated within 60 days upon written notice. If the owner fails to remove or renovate the sign
within the required time period the County may remove such sign at the owner’s expense.
17.10 PERMIT REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Permitted Signs. The following on-premise sign types require a separate building permit
to be obtained prior to the construction or placement of a sign.
(1) All permanent signs within a Commercial or Industrial zoning district.
(2) All permanent signs allowed with a Major Home Occupation, Conditional Use
Permit, or Agricultural Tourism Permit.
(3) All projecting signs and roof signs that extend beyond the face of the wall or roof.
(b) Permissive Signs. All on-premise signs types which are not listed in Section 17.10 (a)
may be placed when all other requirements are met for this ordinance.
Comment: This section is added to clarify when a permit is required for a sign. All signs not
listed will be allowed to be placed as long as the ordinance requirements are met in a similar
manner as we treat fencing requirements.
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OFF-PREMISE
SIGNS
ARTICLE 17A.00
OFF-PREMISE SIGNS
SECTIONS: 17A.01 Purpose and Intent
17A.02 General Regulations
17A.03 Conditional Uses
17A.04 Exceptions
17A.05 Prohibited Signs
17A.06 Maintenance and Removal
17A.01 PURPOSE AND INTENT. The purpose of this article is to prevent the uncontrolled use
of off-premise signs so as to promote the health, safety and general welfare of those persons
using the public rights-of-way. These regulations are intended to preserve the overall landscape
quality of the County while allowing the reasonable use of signs to inform the traveling public.
This is accomplished through the application of standards for size, illumination and separation.
This article is not intended to regulate objects that traditionally are not considered signs for
purposes of governmental regulations.
Comment: The added phrase is copied from the City of Brandon sign ordinance. The phrase may
be helpful in the even that someone complains about things not covered in the ordinance such as
vending machines, gas pumps, Christmas displays, or even campaign signs.
17A.02 GENERAL REGULATIONS.
(a) In the A-1 and RC Districts, off-premise signs shall be limited to those which provide
direction to a business or use and shall be constructed in accordance with the following:
(1) A maximum sign area of 9 32 square feet on County and State Highways, and 16
square feet on all other roads.
Comment: Requests for rural off-premise signage is not very common, but when a
sign is desired, the allowable size of signage is often too small for recognition. A
sign that is too small risks losing the efficiency of the driver to notice the sign and
take action based on the sign.
(2) The sign shall contain the business name and directional information only.
Reserved.
Comment: This section of the ordinance is content based. If it is still wanted the
commission may discuss if the requirement is considered a compelling
government interest to allow off-premise signs for the purpose of divers to locate
businesses.
(3) There shall be no more than one sign face per direction of facing.
(4) A sign shall not be within a 500 foot radius of any other off-premise sign intended
to be read from the same right-of-way. The sign shall not be within a 300 foot
radius of any other off-premise sign intended to be read from a different right-of-
way. All spacing measurements in this subsection shall refer to a measurement
made along the edge of the right-of-way and shall apply only to structures located
on the same side of the highway. These spacing provisions do not apply to signs
separated by buildings or other obstructions in such a manner that only one sign
facing located within the above spacing distance is visible from the road right-of-
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way at any one time.
Spacing requirements.
(a) A sign shall not be within a 500 foot radius of any other off-premise sign
intended to be read from the same right-of-way.
(b) The sign shall not be within a 300 foot radius of any other off-premise
sign intended to be read from a different right-of-way.
(c) No off-premise sign shall be located within 500 feet of a residential
dwelling located on a different parcel.
(d) All spacing measurements in this subsection shall refer to a measurement
made along the edge of the right- of-way and shall apply only to structures
located on the same side of the highway.
(e) These spacing provisions do not apply to signs separated by buildings or
other obstructions in such a manner that only one sign facing located
within the above spacing distance is visible from the road right-of- way at
any one time.
Comment: these requirements are the same and have been changed into bulleted
points rather than paragraph for clarity.
(f) No off-premise signs are allowed within 500 feet of a public park, school,
church, or designated historic site.
Comment: instead of allowing off-premise signs by conditional use permit,
this would establish a buffer zone around the listed uses.
(5) A sign shall not be illuminated nor shall blinking or flashing lights be used.
(6) A maximum height of 16 feet.
(7) Off-premise electronic message signs are prohibited.
(b) The following regulations shall apply to off-premise signs in the C, I-1 and I-2 Districts
except as permitted in Section 17A.03:
(1) A maximum sign area of 288 square feet.
(2) There shall be no more than one sign face per direction of facing.
(3) The maximum height shall be 40 feet. (amended by MC30-05-04)
(4) No part of the sign face or structure shall be located in or overlap into the required
side or rear yard setbacks or public right-of-way.
(5) A sign shall not be within a 500 foot radius of any other off-premise sign intended
to be read from the same right-of-way. The sign shall not be within a 300 foot
radius of any other off-premise sign intended to be read from a different right-of-
way. All spacing measurements in this subsection shall refer to a measurement
made along the right-of-way and shall apply only to structures located on the
same side of the highway. These spacing provisions do not apply to signs
separated by buildings or other obstructions in such a manner that only one sign
facing located within the above spacing distance is visible from the road right-of-
way at any one time.
Spacing requirements.
(a) A sign shall not be within a 500 foot radius of any other off-premise sign
intended to be read from the same right-of-way.
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(b) The sign shall not be within a 300 foot radius of any other off-premise
sign intended to be read from a different right-of-way.
(c) No off-premise sign shall be located within 500 feet of a residential
dwelling located on a different parcel.
(d) All spacing measurements in this subsection shall refer to a measurement
made along the edge of the right- of-way and shall apply only to structures
located on the same side of the highway.
(e) These spacing provisions do not apply to signs separated by buildings or
other obstructions in such a manner that only one sign facing located
within the above spacing distance is visible from the road right-of- way at
any one time.
Comment: these requirements are the same and have been changed into bulleted
points rather than paragraph for clarity.
(f) No off-premise signs are allowed within 500 feet of a public park, school,
church, or designated historic site.
Comment: instead of allowing off-premise signs by conditional use permit,
this would establish a buffer zone around the listed uses.
(6) The light from any illuminated sign shall be so shielded, shaded or directed so
that the light intensity shall not adversely affect surrounding or facing premises or
the safe vision of operators of vehicles on public roads.
(7) Electronic message signs.
(a) All new permitted off-premise signs may be an electronic message sign
subject to requirements listed in Article 17.03 (e). Electronic Message
Signs.
(b) All existing off-premise signs within the C, I-1, and I-2 zoning districts
may obtain a permit to become an electronic message sign subject to
requirements listed in Article 17.03 (e). Electronic Message Signs.
17A.03 Reserved. CONDITIONAL USES. A conditional use permit in conformance with
Article 19.00 shall be obtained for the following off-premise signs: (amended by MC30-05-04)
(a) Reserved. Off-premise signs over 288 square feet to a maximum of 672 square feet and
signs with more than one sign face per direction of facing in the C and I Districts.
Comment: This seems to be a bad idea to have a mechanism to allow larger signs. When
would it be ok to allow it or deny it? There are no known signs that have been approved
to be larger. This section is not located within the County Zoning Ordinance.
(b) Reserved. A conditional use permit shall be required for off-premise signs within 500 feet
of a park, school, church, or designated historic site.
Comment: Allowing a sign in an area only with a Conditional use permit may be
problematic. The 500 foot buffer is moved to simply prohibited under the sign spacing
requirements.
17A.04 EXCEPTIONS.
(a) Reserved. Directional signs for nonprofit organizations not to exceed four square feet per
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sign face.
Comment: This section is no longer needed as directional signs are allowed everywhere.
(b) Political campaign signs provided the signs are removed within five days after the
election.
(c) Directional signs, street name signs, or other signs which have been authorized and
directed by a governmental unit.
17A.05 PROHIBITED SIGNS. The following signs are prohibited:
(a) Parking of Advertising Vehicles Prohibited. No person shall park any vehicle or trailer
on a public right-of-way, or public property, or on private property so as to be visible
from a public right-of-way, which has attached thereto or located thereon, any sign or
advertising device for the basic purpose of providing advertisement of products or
directing people to a business or activity located on the same premises or any other
premise. This is not intended to prohibit any form of vehicular signage such as a sign
attached to a bus or lettering on a motor vehicle.
(b) Nuisance Signs. Signs which imitate an official traffic sign or signal or which are of a
size, location, movement, content, coloring or manner of illumination which may be
confused with or construed as a traffic control device or which hide from view any
traffic, street sign or signal shall be removed upon notice.
(c) Beacons, Searchlights, And Flashing Signs. Beacons, searchlights, and flashing signs
shall be prohibited.
Comment: Blinking and flashing signs can be a nuisance. The language is the same as
on-premise signs.
(d) Signs On Public Property. Except where required by law or permitted by the County, any
sign installed or placed within any right-of-way or public property shall be deemed illegal
and shall be forfeited to the public and subject to immediate confiscation.
(e) Movement. Signs shall not have moving parts or have the illusion of motion as part of the
sign, except banner, pennants and similar lightweight signs which move with the
atmosphere.
Comment: Signs with moving parts can cause distraction. This includes electronic
message signs as to not become giant roadside television screens which also distract
divers from the road.
17A.06. MAINTENANCE AND REMOVAL. Every off-premise sign shall be maintained in
good structural and aesthetic condition at all times. Any abandoned, unsafe or unsightly sign
shall be removed or renovated within 60 days upon written notice. If the owner fails to remove
or renovate the sign within the required time period the County may remove such sign at the
owners expense.
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17.07 PERMIT REQUIREMENTS. All off-premise signs require a building permit to be
obtained prior to the construction or placement of each sign, except temporary political campaign
signs and signs which were authorized and directed by a governmental unit.
Comment: This section is added to clarify when a permit is required for a sign. This is similar to
what is used in version one of the on-premise sign ordinance.
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DEFINITIONS
ARTICLE 24.00
DEFINITIONS
SECTIONS: 24.01 Purpose
24.02 Definitions
24.02 DEFINITIONS.
1. Reserved. ABANDONED SIGN. A sign or sign structure which contains no sign
copy, contains obliterated or obsolete sign copy, or is maintained in an unsafe or
unsightly condition for a period of three months shall be considered an abandoned
sign.
Comment: this definition was moved to consolidate sign definitions in one area of
the definition ordinance
85. BILLBOARD. A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service,
or entertainment conducted, sold, or offered at a location other than the premises
on which the sign is located.
118. BUILDING FRONTAGE. The full area of exterior walls of a building which can
be visible at one time excluding projections such as eaves, canopies, and awnings
and excluding any visible roof above the eaves or parapet.
Comment: This definition was included in the County Ordinance in order to give
direction as to what area of the building gets counted for sign area.
615 A. SIGN. Any object, device, or structure, or part thereof, situated outdoors or
visible from the right-of-way or public property outdoors, which is used to
advertise, identify, display, direct, or attract attention to an object, person,
institution, organization, business, product, service, event or location by any
means, including words, letters, figures, design, symbols, fixtures, colors,
illumination, or projected images. This definition does not include national or
state flags or their emblem or insignia, interior window displays, athletic
scoreboards, or the official announcements or signs of government.
Comment: This definition is identical to the sign definition for Sioux Falls.
Changes to the definition make it clear that the county will not regulate signs that
are not visible to the public, such as those around a race track or on the roof top
of a building visible only by google. With the minor changes for where a sign is
visible, references to interior window displays and scoreboards are no longer
needed.
615 B. SIGN, ABANDONED. A sign or sign structure which contains no sign copy,
contains obliterated or obsolete sign copy, or is maintained in an unsafe or
unsightly condition for a period of three months shall be considered an abandoned
sign.
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DEFINITIONS
615 C. SIGN BANNER. A temporary sign composed of lightweight material either
enclosed or not enclosed in a rigid frame secured or mounted so as to allow
movement of the sign caused by movement of the atmosphere; i.e. pennants,
twirling signs, balloons, or other gas-filled figures, ribbons, or other similar
moving devices.
615 D. SIGN, ELECTRONIC MESSAGE. Signs containing a computer or digital
software generated message or other automated, remote, or electronic method of
changing copy.
615 E. SIGN, FREESTANDING (Ground Sign). A sign supported by one or more
uprights, poles, or braces in or upon the ground and not attached to any building.
615 F. SIGN, MONUMENT. A ground-mounted, freestanding sign which is attached to
the ground or to its base on grade by a solid structure and which structure extends
from the ground or base to the sign face at the same or greater width as the sign
face and no taller than 10 feet.
615 G. SIGN, PORTABLE. Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or building.
615 H. SIGN, TEMPORARY. A device, display, structure, or pennant that acts as a sign
and is intended to be displayed for a limited time period.
615 I. SIGN, UNSAFE. A sign on which the display area or structure has deteriorated
due to rust, rotting, or physical damage to the point where any portion of the sign
has the potential to fall shall be considered unsafe.
615 J. SIGN, UNSIGHTLY. A sign which has deteriorated to the point where at least
one-fourth of the display area is no longer clearly recognizable at a distance of
twenty feet; or where the paint is peeling, chipping or flaking from the structure
shall be considered an unsightly sign.
616. SIGN AREA. The area of the largest single face of the sign within the perimeter
which forms the outside shape including any frame which forms an integral part
of the display, but excluding the necessary supports or uprights on which the sign
may be placed. If the sign consists of more than one section or module, all areas
will be totaled. Sign faces that are erected back to back and do not exceed a forty-
five degree (45°) angle are considered one sign for calculating the area. Sign faces
which exceed a forty-five-degree (45°) angle are considered two signs for
calculating the area.
Comment: The change in this definition is an attempt to clarify in the definition
that the area of a double faced sign is calculated by one sign face. The County
shares the same definition of sign area as the City of Sioux Falls, and the
additional portion of the definition comes from the City’s measurement standards
section of the sign ordinance.
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DEFINITIONS
617 SIGN FACE. The portion of a sign structure upon which advertising is affixed or
painted and visible in one direction of a time.
Comment: This definition was taken from Pennington County. Having a definition
for the sign face will help in the event that someone wanted to put up sign faces
which are not back to back and therefore not calculated as one sign face in the
sign area.
620. SIGN (OFF PREMISE). A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity,
service or entertainment conducted, sold or offered at a location other than the
premises on which the sign is located.
625. SIGN (ON PREMISE). A sign which directs attention to a business or profession
conducted, or to a commodity or service sold, offered or manufactured, or to an
entertainment offered on the premises where the sign is located.
626. SIGN STRUCTURE. Any structure which supports or has supported a sign.
725. Reserved UNSAFE SIGN. A sign on which the display area or structure has
deteriorated due to rust, rotting, or physical damage to the point where any
portion of the sign has the potential to fall shall be considered unsafe.
Comment: this definition was moved to consolidate sign definitions in one area of
the definition ordinance
730. Reserved UNSIGHTLY SIGN. A sign which has deteriorated to the point where
at least one-fourth of the display area is no longer clearly recognizable at a
distance of twenty feet; or where the paint is peeling, chipping or flaking from the
structure shall be considered an unsightly sign.
Comment: this definition was moved to consolidate sign definitions in one area of
the definition ordinance
733. INTERSECTION SAFETY ZONE TRIANGLE. A triangular area on corner
properties within which the placement of certain structures, materials and the like
are imposed under the provisions of this ordinance. (amended MC30-15-07 07-18-07)
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ORDINANCE MC30-XX-26
AN ORDINANCE OF MINNEHAHA COUNTY, SD, AMENDING THE REVISED JOINT
ZONING ORDINANCE FOR MINNEHAHA COUNTY AND THE CITY OF SIOIUX FALLS
BY AMENDING ARTICLES 14B.00 RRCO RED ROCK CORRIDOR OVERLAY DISTRICT,
15.00 ADDITIONAL USE REGULATIONS, 17.00 ON-PREMISE SIGNS, 17A.00 OFF-
PREMISE SIGNS, AND 24.00 DEFINITIONS.
BE IT ORDAINED BY MINNEHAHA COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA:
That Ordinance MC30-02, the Revised Joint Zoning Ordinance for Minnehaha County and the
City of Sioux Falls is hereby amended as follows:
Section 1. That Article 14.00 RRCO RED ROCK CORRIDOR OVERLAY DISTRICT,
Section 14B.03 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, Subsection (C). Signs, of the Revised
Joint Zoning Ordinance for Minnehaha County and City of Sioux Falls, is hereby amended
to read as follows:
(C). Signs
(1). On-premise signage within the Red Rock Corridor shall be regulated in
conformance with the provisions of Article 17.00, except for all signs shall have a
maximum height of 10 feet or as regulated, whichever is less.
(2). Off-premise signage within the A1 Agricultural, RC Recreational, C Commercial,
and Industrial zoning districts within the Red Rock Corridor shall be regulated in
conformance with the following:
(a). A maximum sign area of 32 square feet on County and State Highways,
and 16 square feet on all other roads.
(b). There shall be no more than one sign face per direction of facing.
(c). Spacing requirements.
(i). A sign shall not be within a 500 foot radius of any other off-
premise sign intended to be read from the same right-of-way.
(ii). The sign shall not be within a 300 foot radius of any other off-
premise sign intended to be read from a different right-of-way.
(iii). No off-premise sign shall be located within 500 feet of a
residential dwelling located on a different parcel.
(iv). All spacing measurements in this subsection shall refer to a
measurement made along the edge of the right- of-way and shall
apply only to structures located on the same side of the highway.
(v). These spacing provisions do not apply to signs separated by
buildings or other obstructions in such a manner that only one sign
facing located within the above spacing distance is visible from the
road right-of-way at any one time.
(d). A maximum height of 10 feet.
(e). A sign shall not be illuminated nor shall blinking or flashing lights be
used.
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[PAGE 41]
(f). Signs shall not have moving parts or have the illusion of motion as part of
the sign.
(3). Maintenance and Removal. Every sign shall be maintained in good structural and
aesthetic condition at all times. Any abandoned, unsafe or unsightly sign shall be
removed or renovated within 60 days upon written notice. If the owner fails to
remove or renovate the sign within the required time period the County may
remove such sign at the owner’s expense.
(4). Permit Fees. Every applicant, before being granted a permit, shall pay a building
permit fee as required within Article 17.10 of the Revised Joint Zoning Ordinance
for Minnehaha County and the City of Sioux Falls. For any sign erected or placed
without a permit, the fee shall be double the established fee.
Section 2. That Article 15.00 ADDITIONAL USE REGULATIONS, Section 15.04 HOME
OCCUPATIONS, Subsection (f), of the Revised Joint Zoning Ordinance for Minnehaha
County and City of Sioux Falls, is hereby amended to read as follows:
(f) No more than one freestanding and one wall sign is allowed per minor home occupation.
The total sign area of all signs on the property is limited to 16 square feet.
Section 3. That Article 17.00 ON-PREMISE SIGNS, of the Revised Joint Zoning
Ordinance for Minnehaha County and City of Sioux Falls, is hereby amended to read as
follows:
17.01 INTENT. These regulations provide standards for the erection and maintenance of private
signs. The principal feature of this section is the restriction on the total sign area permissible per
site. All private signs shall be erected and maintained in accordance with the following
standards. The general objectives of these standards are to promote health, safety, welfare and in
part to achieve the following:
(a) Safety. To promote the safety of persons and property by providing that signs:
(1) Do not create a hazard due to collapse, fire, collision, decay, or abandonment;
(2) Do not create traffic hazards by confusing or distracting motorists, or by
impairing the driver's ability to see pedestrians, obstacles, or other vehicles, or to
see and interpret any official traffic sign, signal or device.
(3) Aid the traveling public in navigation to the locations of businesses and services.
(b) Communications Efficiency. To promote the efficient transfer of information by
providing that:
(1) Businesses and services may identify themselves;
(2) Customers and persons may locate a business or service;
(3) No person or group is arbitrarily denied the use of the sight line from public
rights-of-way for communication purposes.
(c) Landscape Quality and Preservation. To protect the public welfare and to enhance the
appearance and economic value of the landscape by providing that signs:
(1) Do not create a nuisance to persons using the public rights-of-way;
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(2) Do not constitute a nuisance to occupancy of adjacent and contiguous property by
their brightness, size, height or movement.
(3) Protect and preserve the aesthetic quality and physical appearance of the county.
17.02 PERMITTED SIGNS AND SIGN AREA. In the following districts, the sign area and
height set forth shall apply to all signs on the premises except as provided in Sections 17.04 and
17.05:
(a) A-1 Agricultural and RC Recreation/Conservation Districts.
(1) Freestanding signs: one or more freestanding signs with the total combined area
of one square foot for every 100 linear feet of road frontage.
(a) The total area of any one sign shall not exceed 16 square feet.
(b) The maximum height shall not exceed 10 feet.
(2) Wall signs: On buildings or structures not used as a single family dwelling, a wall
sign with the area of one square foot for every 2 linear feet of building frontage
with a maximum of 16 square feet of sign area.
(3) Reserved
(b) RR Rural Residential and RS-1, RS-2, RD, and RA-1 Residential.
(1) Wall signs:
(a) On buildings or structures not used as a single family dwelling, a wall
sign with the area of one square foot for every 2 linear feet of building
frontage with a maximum of 16 square feet of sign area.
(b) As allowed by section 17.04 (h) Special Use Signs
(2) Freestanding signs:
(a) Multi family structures and apartments may have one freestanding sign per
street frontage not to exceed 16 square feet in size per sign.
(b) Single family dwellings may have one freestanding sign in conjunction
with a Home Occupation or Conditional Use Permit as allowed by section
17.04 (h) Special Use Signs.
(c) C Commercial, I-1 and I-2 Industrial.
(1) Wall, roof, or projecting signs:
(a) The total sign area on structures which are two stories or less in height
shall not exceed two square feet for each linear foot of building frontage.
(b) The total sign area on structures which are greater than two stories in
height shall not exceed either two square feet for each linear foot of
building frontage, or 15% of the area of the frontage wall, whichever is
greater.
(2) Freestanding signs having a total sign area not to exceed one square foot for each
linear foot of road frontage or 200 square feet, whichever is less.
(a) The maximum sign height shall be 30 feet.
17.03 REGULATIONS AND LIMITATIONS OF PERMITTED SIGNS. The Regulations and
Limitations of Permitted Signs shall be as follows:
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(a) Wall Signs. Wall signs may be located anywhere on the wall of a building.
(b) Projecting Signs.
(1) Projecting signs may project no more than five feet from the building face.
(2) Projecting signs shall have a minimum clearance of ten feet above grade level
about any yard or sidewalk and 16 feet above any road or drive.
(3) Projecting signs may project no more than five feet above the top of a parapet or
roof line including the framework or support.
(c) Roof Signs. Roof signs shall rise no higher than five feet above the top of a parapet or
roof line and shall not exceed the height limits for the zoning district.
(d) Freestanding Signs.
(1) Freestanding signs within C Commercial, I-1, and I-2 Industrial zoning districts
shall be limited to one sign structure per street frontage except that businesses on
frontages of 300 feet, or more, may erect two freestanding signs; however, the
total sign area for both signs may not exceed that allowed for the street frontage.
(2) Freestanding signs shall be located only in the front or side yard.
(3) Freestanding signs shall not project over public property.
(4) Freestanding signs shall not be erected within the intersection safety zone triangle
of two intersecting streets or a street and railroad. The Intersection safety zone
triangle, in this case, shall be the triangular area formed by measuring 40 feet
from the intersection along both roads and connecting these two points with a
straight line.
Exceptions: Freestanding signs may be located in the intersection safety zone
triangle when the sign and sign structure comply with the following:
(a) The sign face is located 12 feet above the grade level of the street; and
(b) The sign structure is of such a size and spacing as to not obstruct the view
of said intersection.
(e) Electronic Message Signs.
(1) Electronic message signs placement:
(a) Any permitted sign within a commercial or industrial zoning district may
be an electronic message sign.
(b) In the A1 agricultural, RC Recreational, and all Residential Zoning
Districts, electronic message signs are allowed for signs which require a
building permit.
(c) Electronic message signs must be setback a minimum 300 feet from any
residential structure.
(2) Message hold time: Electronic message signs shall display a static message which
may not change or be changed for a period of 6 seconds.
(3) Message transitions: The transition from one static display message to the next
shall be limited to gradual movements including, but not limited to, dissolve, fade,
or traveling; however, sudden movement is prohibited, including, but not limited
to blinking and flashing.
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[PAGE 44]
17.04 SPECIAL SITUATIONS. This section contains the sign regulations for the following
special situations:
(a) Construction Signs. Additional signage may be placed on a property during the time a
property has an active building permit. The total sign area shall not exceed 100 square
feet or 20 feet in height and shall be removed within one week after final inspection or
upon the expiration of the building permit, whichever comes first.
(b) Interstate Highway Interchange. In the C, I-1, and I-2 Districts, businesses which are
adjacent to both the interstate and the intersecting cross street may by conditional use
permit erect one additional on-premise freestanding sign not to exceed 200 square feet or
60 feet in height.
(c) Neighborhood Identification Signs. In any zone, a masonry wall, landscaping and other
similar material or feature may be combined to form a display for neighborhood or tract
identification, provided that the legend of such signs or display shall consist only of the
neighborhood or tract name, and the sign area shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(d) Institutional Signs. Churches, cemeteries, schools, day care centers, institutional and
public uses in the agricultural and residential districts may have an on-premise sign not
exceeding 32 square feet in area per frontage. Institutional signs require a building permit
prior to construction/placement of the sign.
(e) Integral Signs. Names of buildings, dates of erection, monumental citations,
commemorable tablets, and the like, of permanent type construction and made an integral
part of the building structure shall be permitted not to exceed 16 square feet per building.
(f) Private Traffic Directional Signs. Signs directing traffic movement into, out of or within
the commercial premise. Such signs shall not exceed an area of four square feet per sign
face and four feet in height. Only two private directional signs are allowed per legal
driveway.
(g). Real Estate Signs. Temporary signs shall be permitted while a property is actively listed
for sale. The total sign area of such signs shall not exceed 32 square feet for each street
frontage.
(h). Special Use Signs. In the A-1 Agricultural, RC Recreation/Conservation, RR Rural
Residential, and R-1 Residential zoning districts, uses which are governed by a
Conditional Use Permit, Major Home Occupation, or Agricultural Tourism Permit may
have freestanding, wall, roof, or projecting signs on the premise in accordance with the
stipulations of the permit. The total sign area of each sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.
Special use signs require a building permit prior to construction/placement
(i). Banners. Each commercial and industrial zoned property may have one banner no larger
than 32 square feet at all times. Additional banners within commercial or industrial
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[PAGE 45]
zoned property can be placed for a maximum of 21 days during any calendar year.
Banners shall be securely mounted or affixed with rigid posts, frame, structure, or
building.
17.05 EXEMPTIONS. The following signs and devices are exempt from all aspects of this
article, including permit requirements and limitations on size, location, and number:
(a) Public Signs. Signs of a noncommercial nature and in the public interest, erected by, or
on the order of, a public officer in the performance of his duty shall be permitted.
(b) Property Rights Signs. A property owner may post a sign that indicates a property
owner’s right of exclusion. These signs include no hunting, no trespassing, no soliciting,
and similar signs.
(c) Spectator Signs. A sign that is physically oriented toward spectators of an event and not
physically oriented so as to attract the motoring public, such as a sign located on the
fence of a baseball field, football field, racetrack, or outdoor stadium.
(d) Window Signs. A sign affixed to a window of an enclosed building, including the
window or glass area of a door.
(e) Art. Art as defined as an artistic painting, image, or sculpture created on an individual
basis which contains no commercial message, image, trademark, or logo can be created
within any zoning district.
17.06 ILLUMINATION. All illuminated signs shall comply with the following regulations:
(a) Shading. The light from any illuminated sign or billboard shall be so shielded, shaded, or
directed so that the light intensity shall not adversely affect surrounding or facing
premises or safe vision of operators of vehicles on public or private roads.
(b) Blinking and Flashing. Blinking, flashing, pulsating, or fluttering lights are prohibited.
(c) Residential Districts. No illuminated sign or electronic message sign is allowed within
any residential zoning district, unless the sign is classified as an institutional sign or
neighborhood identification sign.
(d) Sign Brightness. No illuminated or electronic message sign shall exceed a brightness
level of 0.3 foot candles above ambient light as measured using a foot candle (Lux) meter
at a preset distance depending on sign area, measured as follows:
Area of Sign (sq. ft.) Measurement Distance (ft.)
10-14 32
15-19 39
20-24 45
25-29 50
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[PAGE 46]
30-34 55
35-39 59
40-44 63
45-49 67
50-54 71
55-59 74
60-64 77
65-69 81
70-74 84
75-79 87
80-84 89
85-89 92
90-94 95
95-99 97
100-150 100
More than 150 150
l7.07 TEMPORARY AND PORTABLE SIGNS. Temporary and portable signs shall not exceed
32 square feet and may be displayed for 60 days per calendar year. It shall be the duty of the
user of the sign to:
(a) Notify in writing and obtain approval from the County Planning Director prior to
placement of said sign.
(b) Notify in writing the County Planning Director upon removal of said sign. The County
Planning Director shall continue to deduct one day from the 60 days allowed per calendar
year until notice of removal is received or a total of 60 days has elapsed.
(c) Place the signs in locations so that the provisions of this article and all other applicable
codes and ordinances are complied with.
17.08 PROHIBITED SIGNS. The following signs are prohibited:
(a) Parking of Advertising Vehicles Prohibited. No person shall park any vehicle or trailer
on a public right-of-way, or public property, or on private property so as to be visible
from a public right-of-way, which has attached thereto or located thereon, any sign or
advertising device for the basic purpose of providing advertisement of products or
directing people to a business or activity located on the same premises or any other
premise. This is not intended to prohibit any form of vehicular signage such as a sign
attached to a bus or lettering on a motor vehicle.
(b) Nuisance Signs. Signs which imitate an official traffic sign or signal or which are of a
size, location, movement, content, coloring or manner of illumination which may be
confused with or construed as a traffic control device or which hide from view any
traffic, street sign or signal shall be removed upon notice.
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[PAGE 47]
(c) Beacons, Searchlights, And Flashing Signs. Beacons, searchlights, and flashing signs
shall be prohibited.
(d) Signs On Public Property. Except where required by law or permitted by the County, any
sign installed or placed within any right-of-way or public property shall be deemed illegal
and shall be forfeited to the public and subject to immediate confiscation.
(e) Movement. Signs shall not have moving parts or have the illusion of motion as part of the
sign, except banner, pennants and similar lightweight signs which move with the
atmosphere.
17.09 MAINTENANCE AND REMOVAL. Every on-premise sign, including any exempt from
this code in respect to permits and permit fees, shall be maintained in good structural and
aesthetic condition at all times. Any abandoned, unsafe or unsightly sign shall be removed or
renovated within 60 days upon written notice. If the owner fails to remove or renovate the sign
within the required time period the County may remove such sign at the owner’s expense.
17.10 PERMIT REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Permitted Signs. The following on-premise sign types require a separate building permit
to be obtained prior to the construction or placement of a sign.
(1) All permanent signs within a Commercial or Industrial zoning district.
(2) All permanent signs allowed with a Major Home Occupation, Conditional Use
Permit, or Agricultural Tourism Permit.
(3) All projecting signs and roof signs that extend beyond the face of the wall or roof.
(b) Permissive Signs. All on-premise signs types which are not listed in Section 17.10 (a)
may be placed when all other requirements are met for this ordinance.
Section 4. That Article 17A.00 OFF-PREMISE SIGNS, of the Revised Joint Zoning
Ordinance for Minnehaha County and City of Sioux Falls, is hereby amended to read as
follows:
17A.01 PURPOSE AND INTENT. The purpose of this article is to prevent the uncontrolled use
of off-premise signs so as to promote the health, safety and general welfare of those persons
using the public rights-of-way. These regulations are intended to preserve the overall landscape
quality of the County while allowing the reasonable use of signs to inform the traveling public.
This is accomplished through the application of standards for size, illumination and separation.
This article is not intended to regulate objects that traditionally are not considered signs for
purposes of governmental regulations.
17A.02 GENERAL REGULATIONS.
(a) In the A-1 and RC Districts, off-premise signs shall be limited to those which provide
direction to a business or use and shall be constructed in accordance with the following:
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[PAGE 48]
(1) A maximum sign area of 32 square feet on County and State Highways, and 16
square feet on all other roads.
(2) Reserved.
(3) There shall be no more than one sign face per direction of facing.
(4) Spacing requirements.
(a) A sign shall not be within a 500 foot radius of any other off-premise sign
intended to be read from the same right-of-way.
(b) The sign shall not be within a 300 foot radius of any other off-premise
sign intended to be read from a different right-of-way.
(c) No off-premise sign shall be located within 500 feet of a residential
dwelling located on a different parcel.
(d) All spacing measurements in this subsection shall refer to a measurement
made along the edge of the right- of-way and shall apply only to structures
located on the same side of the highway.
(e) These spacing provisions do not apply to signs separated by buildings or
other obstructions in such a manner that only one sign facing located
within the above spacing distance is visible from the road right-of- way at
any one time.
(f) No off-premise signs are allowed within 500 feet of a public park, school,
church, or designated historic site.
(5) A sign shall not be illuminated nor shall blinking or flashing lights be used.
(6) A maximum height of 16 feet.
(7) Off-premise electronic message signs are prohibited.
(b) The following regulations shall apply to off-premise signs in the C, I-1 and I-2 Districts
except as permitted in Section 17A.03:
(1) A maximum sign area of 288 square feet.
(2) There shall be no more than one sign face per direction of facing.
(3) The maximum height shall be 40 feet. (amended by MC30-05-04)
(4) No part of the sign face or structure shall be located in or overlap into the required
side or rear yard setbacks or public right-of-way.
(5) Spacing requirements.
(a) A sign shall not be within a 500 foot radius of any other off-premise sign
intended to be read from the same right-of-way.
(b) The sign shall not be within a 300 foot radius of any other off-premise
sign intended to be read from a different right-of-way.
(c) No off-premise sign shall be located within 500 feet of a residential
dwelling located on a different parcel.
(d) All spacing measurements in this subsection shall refer to a measurement
made along the edge of the right- of-way and shall apply only to structures
located on the same side of the highway.
(e) These spacing provisions do not apply to signs separated by buildings or
other obstructions in such a manner that only one sign facing located
within the above spacing distance is visible from the road right-of- way at
any one time.
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[PAGE 49]
(f) No off-premise signs are allowed within 500 feet of a public park, school,
church, or designated historic site.
(6) The light from any illuminated sign shall be so shielded, shaded or directed so
that the light intensity shall not adversely affect surrounding or facing premises or
the safe vision of operators of vehicles on public roads.
(7) Electronic message signs.
(a) All new permitted off-premise signs may be an electronic message sign
subject to requirements listed in Article 17.03 (e) Electronic Message
Signs.
(b) All existing off-premise signs within the C, I-1, and I-2 zoning districts
may obtain a permit to become an electronic message sign subject to
requirements listed in Article 17.03 (e) Electronic Message Signs.
17A.03 Reserved.
(a) Reserved.
(b) Reserved.
17A.04 EXCEPTIONS.
(a) Reserved.
(b) Political campaign signs provided the signs are removed within five days after the
election.
(c) Directional signs, street name signs, or other signs which have been authorized and
directed by a governmental unit.
17A.05 PROHIBITED SIGNS. The following signs are prohibited:
(a) Parking of Advertising Vehicles Prohibited. No person shall park any vehicle or trailer
on a public right-of-way, or public property, or on private property so as to be visible
from a public right-of-way, which has attached thereto or located thereon, any sign or
advertising device for the basic purpose of providing advertisement of products or
directing people to a business or activity located on the same premises or any other
premise. This is not intended to prohibit any form of vehicular signage such as a sign
attached to a bus or lettering on a motor vehicle.
(b) Nuisance Signs. Signs which imitate an official traffic sign or signal or which are of a
size, location, movement, content, coloring or manner of illumination which may be
confused with or construed as a traffic control device or which hide from view any
traffic, street sign or signal shall be removed upon notice.
(c) Beacons, Searchlights, And Flashing Signs. Beacons, searchlights, and flashing signs
shall be prohibited.
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[PAGE 50]
(d) Signs On Public Property. Except where required by law or permitted by the County, any
sign installed or placed within any right-of-way or public property shall be deemed illegal
and shall be forfeited to the public and subject to immediate confiscation.
(e) Movement. Signs shall not have moving parts or have the illusion of motion as part of the
sign, except banner, pennants and similar lightweight signs which move with the
atmosphere.
17A.06. MAINTENANCE AND REMOVAL. Every off-premise sign shall be maintained in
good structural and aesthetic condition at all times. Any abandoned, unsafe or unsightly sign
shall be removed or renovated within 60 days upon written notice. If the owner fails to remove
or renovate the sign within the required time period the County may remove such sign at the
owner’s expense.
17.07 PERMIT REQUIREMENTS. All off-premise signs require a building permit to be
obtained prior to the construction or placement of each sign, except temporary political campaign
signs and signs which were authorized and directed by a governmental unit.
Section 5. That Article 24.00 DEFINITIONS, Section 24.02 DEFINITIONS, of the Revised
Joint Zoning Ordinance for Minnehaha County and City of Sioux Falls, is hereby amended
by adding and amending the following terms and definitions in alphabetical order:
1. Reserved.
118. BUILDING FRONTAGE. The full area of exterior walls of a building which can be
visible at one time excluding projections such as eaves, canopies, and awnings and
excluding any visible roof above the eaves or parapet.
615 A. SIGN. Any object, device, or structure, or part thereof, visible from the right-of-way or
public property, which is used to advertise, identify, display, direct, or attract attention to
an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event or location
by any means, including words, letters, figures, design, symbols, fixtures, colors,
illumination, or projected images. This definition does not include national or state flags
or their emblem or insignia, or the official announcements or signs of government.
615 B. SIGN, ABANDONED. A sign or sign structure which contains no sign copy, contains
obliterated or obsolete sign copy, or is maintained in an unsafe or unsightly condition for
a period of three months shall be considered an abandoned sign.
615 C. SIGN BANNER. A temporary sign composed of lightweight material either enclosed or
not enclosed in a rigid frame secured or mounted so as to allow movement of the sign
caused by movement of the atmosphere; i.e. pennants, twirling signs, balloons, or other
gas-filled figures, ribbons, or other similar moving devices.
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[PAGE 51]
615 D. SIGN, ELECTRONIC MESSAGE. Signs containing a computer or digital software
generated message or other automated, remote, or electronic method of changing copy.
615 E. SIGN, FREESTANDING (Ground Sign). A sign supported by one or more uprights,
poles, or braces in or upon the ground and not attached to any building.
615 F. SIGN, MONUMENT. A ground-mounted, freestanding sign which is attached to the
ground or to its base on grade by a solid structure and which structure extends from the
ground or base to the sign face at the same or greater width as the sign face and no taller
than 10 feet.
615 G. SIGN, PORTABLE. Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or building.
615 H. SIGN, TEMPORARY. A device, display, structure, or pennant that acts as a sign and is
intended to be displayed for a limited time period.
615 I. SIGN, UNSAFE. A sign on which the display area or structure has deteriorated due to
rust, rotting, or physical damage to the point where any portion of the sign has the
potential to fall shall be considered unsafe.
615 J. SIGN, UNSIGHTLY. A sign which has deteriorated to the point where at least one-
fourth of the display area is no longer clearly recognizable at a distance of twenty feet; or
where the paint is peeling, chipping or flaking from the structure shall be considered an
unsightly sign.
616. SIGN AREA. The area of the largest single face of the sign within the perimeter which
forms the outside shape including any frame which forms an integral part of the display,
but excluding the necessary supports or uprights on which the sign may be placed. If the
sign consists of more than one section or module, all areas will be totaled. Sign faces that
are erected back to back and do not exceed a forty-five degree (45°) angle are considered
one sign for calculating the area. Sign faces which exceed a forty-five-degree (45°) angle
are considered two signs for calculating the area.
617 SIGN FACE. The portion of a sign structure upon which advertising is affixed or painted
and visible in one direction of a time.
626. SIGN STRUCTURE. Any structure which supports or has supported a sign.
725. Reserved
730. Reserved
Adopted this 28 day of April, 2026.
MINNEHAHA COUNTY
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[PAGE 52]
____________________________________
Chair, Board of County Commissioners
ATTEST:
________________________________
County Auditor
1st Reading March 31, 2026
Legal Ad. – Dakota Scout, April 3, 2026
Brandon Valley Journal, April 8, 2026
Garretson Gazette, April 9, 2026
Minnehaha Messenger April 10, 2026
2nd Reading & Final Adoption April 28, 2026
Fact of Adoption – Dakota Scout, May 1, 2026 & May 8, 2026
Brandon Valley Journal, May 6, 2026 & May 13, 2026
Garretson Gazette, May 7, 2026 & May 14, 2026
and Minnehaha Messenger May 8, 2026 & May 15, 2026
Effective Date June 3, 2026
Page 52 of 69

[PAGE 53]
PLANNING COMMISSION Staff Report
Meeting Date: January 7th, 2026 Agenda Item: 5A
Staff: Fletcher Lacock Staff Recommendation: Approval
Project Name: Shape Sioux Falls 2050
Type of Application: Comprehensive Plan amendment
Applicant: Planning and Development Services
Request: Amend the Shape Sioux Falls Comprehensive Plan
Purpose: Update the Shape Sioux Falls 2040 Comprehensive Plan with
new data and trends and amend to be the Shape Sioux Falls
2050 plan.
Attachments: 1. Shape Sioux Falls 2050
City Council Meeting: 1st Reading: February 10, 2026
PURPOSE AND HISTORY:
The Shape Sioux Falls 2040 Comprehensive Plan is the current comprehensive plan in place for
the City of Sioux Falls. This plan was adopted in October of 2016 as a minor amendment to the
Shape Sioux Falls 2035 Plan that was originally adopted in December of 2009.
Comprehensive plans are essential tools for communities to help prioritize improvements and
programs, establish a unified vision for the future, and identify potential patterns and
opportunities for land development. Regular updates to the comprehensive plan are considered
best practice.
The process to update the comprehensive took 18 months to complete and kicked off in the
Spring of 2024. The initial public engagement phase took place from Q3 of 2024 to Q1 of 2025.
After reviewing and analyzing community feedback, Confluence and City staff have developed
the updated plan.
The Shape Sioux Falls 2050 Plan is divided into eleven chapters:
Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 7: Transitions
Chapter 2: Community Demographics Chapter 8: Trends and Recommendations
Chapter 3: Natural Resources Chapter 9: Sub-Areas
Chapter 4: Facilities Chapter 10: Neighborhoods
Chapter 5: Growth Management Chapter 11: Implementation
Chapter 6: Land Use
For review of the Plan, please visit: https://www.siouxfalls.gov/business-permits/development-
projects/future-planning/shapesf2050
RECOMMENDATION:
Because the subject application provides a 25-year framework for land use and growth
management policies and incorporated public advice and comments over an 18-month period,
staff recommends approval of the Shape Sioux Falls 2050 Comprehensive Plan
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[PAGE 54]
Notice of Hearing:
Date of Hearing:
Date Adopted:
Date Published:
Date Effective:
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE JOINT CITY OF SIOUX FALLS/MINNEHAHA COUNTY AND
JOINT CITY OF SIOUX FALLS/LINCOLN COUNTY 2035 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
WHEREAS, the Joint City of Sioux Falls and Minnehaha County Planning Commissions and Joint City of
Sioux Falls/Lincoln County Planning Commissions have proposed a plan for the physical development of
the joint jurisdictional area within the approved joint planning jurisdictions.
WHEREAS, the Joint Minnehaha County and Sioux Falls Planning Commissions held a public hearing on
January 25, 2010, to gain input from the public.
WHEREAS, the Joint Lincoln County and Sioux Falls Planning Commission held a public hearing on
January 13, 2010, to gain input from the public.
WHEREAS, the Joint Sioux Falls City Council and Minnehaha County Commission and the Joint
Sioux Falls City Council and Lincoln County Commission held a public hearing on February 16, 2010, to
gain input from the public.
WHEREAS, the comprehensive plan shows the Joint Sioux Falls and Minnehaha County Planning
Commission’s and Joint Sioux Falls and Lincoln County Planning Commission’s recommendations of
guiding and accomplishing a coordinated, adjusted, and harmonious development of each joint planning
jurisdictional areas, which will, in accordance with existing and future needs, best promote health, safety,
morals, order, convenience, prosperity or the general welfare, as well as efficiency and economy in the
process of development.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE JOINT CITY OF SIOUX FALLS AND
MINNEHAHA COUNTY GOVERNING BODIES AND JOINT CITY OF SIOUX FALLS AND
LINCOLN COUNTY GOVERNING BODIES, SD:
That the Shape Sioux Falls 2035 Comprehensive Plan is hereby adopted along with the accompanying
maps and descriptive matter, for the Joint City of Sioux Falls and Minnehaha County planning area and
for the Joint City of Sioux Falls and Lincoln County planning area, with said plan to supersede the
2003 Sioux Falls Growth Management Plan. Said plan shall be on file in the office of the City Clerk, the
City Planning Office, Minnehaha County Planning Office, Lincoln County Planning Office, and City
website and is available for public inspection by any interested person.
Date adopted: .
Mayor of Sioux Falls
ATTEST:
City Clerk
S:\AS\CLERK\RES\RES1691.DOCX 1/19/2010
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[PAGE 55]
Page 55 of 69

[PAGE 56]
Presentation Outline
• Public Input Recap
• Highlights of What’s New in the Plan
• Approval Process
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[PAGE 57]
Public Input Recap
Public Engagement Summary
• Pop-Up Events (8 events)
• Online Engagement Website (over 6,600 unique visitors)
• Community Listening Sessions (2 sessions)
• Public Visioning + Neighborhood Workshops (4 workshops)
• Community Survey (541 surveys completed – statistically valid)
• Public Open House (draft plan review + comment)
• Focus Group Meetings (13 meetings)
• Stakeholder Interviews (21 interviews)
• Advisory Committee (27 Members) (5 meetings)
• Planning Commission Meeting (January 7, 2026)
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[PAGE 58]
Public Input Recap
Key Themes – What We Heard
• Housing and Neighborhoods
• Transportation and Mobility
• Conservation and Resiliency
• Economic Development
• Community Services and Public Health
• Infrastructure and Public Spaces
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[PAGE 59]
Highlight of Draft Chapters
Shape Sioux Falls 2050 Overview
• Chapter 1: Introduction
• Chapter 2: Community Demographics
• Chapter 3: Natural Resources
• Chapter 4: Facilities
• Chapter 5: Growth Management
• Chapter 6: Land Use
• Chapter 7: Transitions
• Chapter 8: Trends and Recommendations
• Chapter 9: Sub-Areas
• Chapter 10: Neighborhoods
• Chapter 11: Implementation
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[PAGE 60]
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 1: Introduction
• Presents six key trends and
priorities for the rest of the plan:
1. Housing and Neighborhoods
2. Transportation + Mobility
3. Conservation + Resiliency
4. Economic + Cultural Development
5. Community Health + Services
3 MAIN GOALS
6. Infrastructure + Public Spaces
GOAL 1: Effectively Manage Growth
• Identifies three main goals for the
Plan with a series of supporting
GOAL 2: Plan Neighborhoods, Land Use, and Urban Form
objectives and strategies
GOAL 3: Improve the Resilience of the Community
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[PAGE 61]
Chapter 5: Growth Management
Chapter 5: Growth Management
• Identifies the City’s Growth Management Strategy for how
the city will grow over the lifetime of this plan
• Presents a snapshot of growth rates today and projected
growth rates
• Growth Areas Map + associated management policies to
support implementation
• Additional considerations for:
• Water and arterial streets
• Stormwater management
• Flood hazard areas
• Park and school sites
• Fire stations
• Rural developments + townships
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[PAGE 62]
Map 5A Development Areas
Tier 1: Annexation advised within five years. All city
services are available within the five-year CIP period.
Tier 2: Annexation not advised. City services are
projected to be available for development within 6 to 15
years (additional monetary resources may be needed).
Tier 3: Annexation not advised. City services are
projected to be available for development within 16 to
25 years (additional monetary resources needed).
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[PAGE 63]
Chapter 6: Land Use
Chapter 6: Land Use
• Fundamental element to the
Comprehensive Development Plan as it
depicts the general arrangement of
land uses which the city should seek to
achieve over the planning period.
• Serves more as a forecast for what might
be needed for development and
typologies over the planning period
• The Future Land Use Plan should be
reviewed and updated as needed on an
annual basis
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[PAGE 64]
X
x
X
• X
• Includes coordination and
edge matching with
neighboring communities.
PROPOSED FUTURE LAND USE PLAN
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[PAGE 65]
Chapter 9: Sub-Areas
Sub-Area Planning
Implementation Method:
Focus on land uses, transportation
networks, housing, parks, public facilities,
and economic development.
4 basic requirements:
1. Analysis of existing conditions (SWOT
Analysis)
2. Vision, goals and objectives
(community engagement)
3. Focus elements
4. Implementation strategies and
resources
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[PAGE 66]
Chapter 9: Sub-Areas
Future Sub-Areas Map
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[PAGE 67]
Chapter 10: Neighborhoods
Neighborhood Action Plans
• Neighborhood Profile:
demographics, housing,
schools, land use,
transportation.
• Neighborhood Engagement
Plan
• Goals and Objectives
• Implementation Plan
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[PAGE 68]
Approval Process
• Planning Commission Meeting - January 7th (Planning Commission recommends approval)
• February 10th - City Council
• March 16th - Lincoln County Planning Commission
• March 23rd - Minnehaha County Planning Commission
• April 28th - Lincoln County / Minnehaha County / Sioux Falls Joint elected officials
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[PAGE 69]
SiouxFalls.gov/ShapeSF2050
Page 69 of 69