Sioux Falls City Zoning Code

PARKING, LOADING

AND STACKING REGULATIONS

§ 160.550 GENERAL CONDITIONS.

(a) Purpose and intent. Parking should be convenient but not dominate the cityscape. To the greatest degree possible, parking facilities should be part of the designed environment, function safely and smoothly for uses, and minimize negative impacts and provide for the best stormwater management practices. Due to the unique characteristics of residential districts, a separate section for general conditions for residential parking is found in § 160.553 of this chapter.

(b) Permits required.

(1) It shall be unlawful to construct, reconstruct, or add parking spaces or parking lots, unless a permit is obtained by the department of planning and building services in accordance with § 160.705.

(2) All work conducted on nonstandard parking lots constructed prior to 2014 requires a permit.

(c) Permits not required. Seal coating, restriping, overlay, and other minor surface work does not require a permit unless the parking lot is nonstandard.

(d) Location. Parking spaces shall be located according to the following standards. All required parking spaces shall be provided on the same lot as the use for which they are required, except as otherwise provided in the list below:

(1) Required off-street parking spaces may be located within 250 feet of the lot for which it is required if an accessory permitted special use permit has been obtained in conformance with the standards set in all forms except DD1, DD2, DD3, DD4, DD5, and DD6 forms.

(2) Required off-street parking spaces may be located further than 300 feet of the lot for which it is required in any PUD based upon an approved initial development plan.

(3) No parking spaces are allowed to be located in the required front yard setback except as otherwise provided in this chapter.

(4) No parking spaces are allowed to be located in any required side yard except as otherwise provided in this chapter.

(5) Parking spaces may be located in any required rear yard except as otherwise provided by this chapter.

(e) Access to parking spaces. Each parking space shall be directly accessible via a driveway providing necessary vehicular maneuvering to provide ingress or egress to and from the parking space. Driveways are not considered parking spaces.

(1992 Code, App. B, § 15.55.010) (Ord. 42-83, passed 6-27-1983; Ord. 53-87, passed 7-7-1987; Ord. 72-88, passed 8-1-1988; Ord. 46-90, passed 5-21-1990; Ord. 02-08, passed 1-7-2008; Ord. 9-13, passed 3-19-2013; Ord. 34-18, passed 5-2-2018; Ord. 16-21, passed 2-2-2021)

Cross-reference:

Traffic code, see title VII

§ 160.551 OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS.

(a) Rules for computing required parking spaces. Established/existing forms, buildings, or uses which require a higher number of spaces due to the 2013 Shape Sioux Falls zoning ordinance shall be considered nonstandard uses (see § 160.468).

(1) A change in form shall require the minimum number of parking spaces of the form as described in this chapter.

(2) A change in use within the same established form shall require an increase in required parking if the use is identified in Table 1 below.

(3) Unless otherwise indicated, parking calculations are based upon gross floor areas. Gross floor area does not include porches, garages, or enclosed areas devoted to off-street parking or loading and space in a basement when the space is used for storage or incidental uses. Required parking is considered as a minimum number of parking spaces.

(4) The total number of parking spaces shall be provided as set forth in the parking calculation tables. When the use is not identified in Table 1, the minimum parking is calculated based on the form found in Table 2.

(5) Within the MU1, MU2, and MU3 Midtown Mixed-Use zoning forms, shared parking can be used to reduce the overall number of required parking spaces. The shared parking reduction is based on a rotating use utilization percentage applied to individual uses within the same building. The shared parking reduction can be found in Table 3.

(6) Table 1: Parking calculations table (uses).

Use	Calculation
Assisted living center facility, community residential home, congregate housing, and nursing facilities.	One parking space for every ten (10) beds; where facilities are licensed by the state of South Dakota, parking is based on the number of beds on the face of the license.
Auditoriums, theaters, and public assembly.	One parking space for every four seats.
Bed and breakfast.	1/2 space per guest room in addition to the requirements of the single-family home.
Bowling alley.	Three spaces per alley.
Campgrounds, community gardens.	No parking is required.
Car wash.	One parking space for each 1,500 square feet.
Cultural facilities.	Ten parking spaces plus one additional space for each additional 300 square feet in excess of 2,000 square feet.
Day care centers.	Five parking spaces plus one parking space for every 10 persons for which the facility is licensed.
Elderly or handicapped.	0.75 spaces for each dwelling unit.
Elementary schools.	Ten parking spaces plus one parking space for each teacher and staff member.
High school, college, or university.	One space for every 475 square feet on the first floor.
Hotel or motel.	One space for each sleeping room or suite and one space for each 1,500 feet of common space, areas, meeting rooms, or other accessory uses.
Indoor private recreation facilities.	One parking space for each 900 square feet.
Licensed manufactured home park.	In addition to the minimum parking of the form, one space for every 40 homes.
Medical office buildings.	Buildings in which 20% or more of the gross floor area is occupied by members of the healing profession. One parking space for each 200 square feet used for medical purposes.
Middle school.	One space for every 300 square feet of all gymnasium, cafeteria, or general assembly areas.
Motor vehicle sales, display, and rental.	One space for every 300 square feet except as provided below: Indoor display: One parking space for each 600 square feet.
Places of worship, funeral establishment, mortuary.	One parking space for each four persons in the main auditorium or sanctuary.
Private recreation facilities.	One parking space for each 900 square feet.
On-sale alcoholic beverage establishment and full-service restaurant.	One parking space for each 75 square feet or one parking space for each three seats, whichever is greater.
Outdoor private recreation facilities.	One parking space for each 400 square feet of outdoor activity areas (volleyball courts, basketball courts, etc.).
Retail and services - furniture, appliance, or home improvement business.	One parking space for each 600 square feet.
Retail and services with more than one tenant.	One parking space for each 200 square feet.
Self-storage facility including residential compatible self-storage.	No parking required, except two parking spaces are required where there is an office located on site.

(7) Table 2: Parking calculations table, forms.

Form	Calculation
DD1, DD2, DD3, DD4, DD5, DD6, DD7, AD1, AD2	Minimum of one parking space per dwelling unit. Two spaces for each dwelling unit with three or more bedrooms unless the home was constructed before 1983.
AD3, AD4, MD1, MD2, MD3	One (1) space for each dwelling unit of one bedroom or studio. 1.5 spaces for each dwelling unit of two bedrooms. Two (2) spaces for each dwelling unit of three bedrooms or more.
NF1	Five (5) spaces plus one space for every 600 square feet.
NF2	Five (5) parking spaces.
BCF1	One space for every 300 square feet .
BCF2	One space for each bedroom or one space for every 10 beds.
BCF3	One space for every 500 square feet.
BCF4	One space for every 500 square feet.
RE1	One parking space for every 200 square feet.
RE2, RE3, RE4	One space for every 300 square feet.
RE5	One parking space for every 400 square feet.
RE6	Based upon a PUD Initial Development Plan and Standards. Public parking areas may be counted toward standards.
WM1, WM2	(1) A minimum of two spaces shall be provided. (2) For structures 50,000 square feet or less, one space for every 1,500 square feet. (3) For structures greater than 50,000 square feet, one space for every 1,500 square feet up to 50,000 square feet and then one space for every 4,000 square feet above 50,000 square feet.
Open1, Open2, Open3	Five spaces plus one space for every 300 square feet.
UT1, UT2	One space for every 1,500 square feet of utility area.

(8) Table 3: Mixed-Use Parking Table (MU1, MU2, and MU3 Forms).

Land Use	Calculation	Shared Parking Utilization Ratio
Land Use	Calculation	8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.	5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
General retail and services	One space for every 300 square feet.	90%	30%
Office	One space for every 300 square feet.	90%	10%
On-sale alcohol or full-service restaurant	One space for every 75 square feet or one for every three seats.	60%	90%
Multi-Family Housing	1.5 spaces for every dwelling unit.	30%	90%

*If the home was built before 1983, the existing driveway may be widened up to 20 feet to accommodate vehicular parking as long as it is constructed from and maintains a 3 feet distance from the property line (or adjacent property). This does not impact properties that already have adequate space to accommodate a legal parking pad.

(1992 Code, App. B, § 15.55.020) (Ord. 42-83, passed 6-27-1983; Ord. 72-88, passed 8-1-1988; Ord. 70-92, passed 8-3-1992; Ord. 72-94, passed 8-1-1994; Ord. 78-01, passed 9-4-2001; Ord. 121-05, passed 11-21-2005; Ord. 128-05, passed 12-19-2005; Ord. 130-07, passed 8-6-2007; Ord. 8-10, passed 2-16-2010; Ord. 91-12, passed 12-4-2012; Ord. 9-13, passed 3-19-2013; Ord. 48-16, passed 5-3-2016; Ord. 34-18, passed 5-2-2018; Ord. 16-21, passed 2-2-2021; Ord. 114-22, passed 10-4-2022; Ord. 30-23, passed 5-2-2023; Ord. 106-23, passed 11-7-2023)

§ 160.552 REDUCTIONS.

Purpose and intent. With certain forms and uses, their intended purpose is to reduce the need for the single occupancy vehicle trips, utilize existing on-street parking opportunities, as well as to increase the viability of accessing their form by traveling by an alternative mode of transportation; either would therefore allow for a reduction in the need to require a minimum amount of off-street parking.

(a) Mixed-use floor area reduction for residence above the first floor. When a use is categorized as residence above the first floor and when a structure provides for separate and distinct floor areas for various business operations, parking may be reduced by providing for calculations by separate floor area rather than gross floor area. The floor area reduction may not reduce off-street parking provided by more than 35%.

(b) Transit reduction. The public transit system, if properly utilized, will decrease the need for off- street parking. A long-run commitment to encourage employees or residents to ride the transit system, from an established fixed route, can be accompanied by a reduction in the number of off-street parking spaces required. A transit fixed route should be located within a reasonable distance of the use it is intended to serve. Natural or human-made barriers and travel safety between sites should be considered. The off- street parking requirement may be reduced up to 20% of the required off-street parking requirement according to the following procedure:

(1) The applicant may submit to the city, upon request for a zoning permit, an agreement with the city transit system to purchase one or more bus passes to provide bus transportation for one or more employees or residents. The agreement must be a written instrument and must be in a form acceptable to the director of planning and building services. The instrument must contain the number of passes to be purchased, a statement assuring purchase, and subsequent use of these passes for a period specified by the Director of Planning and Developments Services or designee, however, not less than one year. At such time as the agreement expires, the parking reduction also expires. The bus pass shall be sufficient to provide bus trips on a regularly scheduled fixed route. Monthly passes shall be purchased for the period specified in the agreement prior to the issuance of the zoning permit, and no refund shall be given for the pass for any reason.

(2) The off-street parking requirement may be reduced by one parking space for each employee or resident for which a bus pass has been purchased. The maximum off-street parking reduction shall equal 20% of the calculated total off-street parking requirement.

(1) Any nonresidential building project in any zoning district except the MMU1, MMU2, MMU3, and DT-PUD zoning district which is required to have 20 or more off-street parking spaces may reduce the number of required automobile parking spaces up to 5% according to the following procedure:

A. Two bicycle parking spaces may be provided in lieu of each automobile parking space; and

B. Each parking space shall include a metal anchor which will secure the frame and both wheels in conjunction with a user-supplied lock.

(2) Bicycle parking spaces shall be as close to the main building entrance as the most convenient nonhandicapped auto space, without interfering with pedestrian movement. Bicycle spaces shall be located and designed to prevent damage to bicycles from motor vehicles.

(d) Parking reduction alternative plans. In the case that an applicant can show that the required parking amounts are in excess of what is needed for the proposed use, the applicant may submit a request with justification based on § 160.600.

(e) Change in use reduction. When an existing structure changes use requiring only interior remodeling or minor construction and the site has an accessory parking lot of at least 50 off-street parking spaces, additional parking will not be required.

(f) For MD forms, off-site parking may be located within 250 feet of the lot for which it is intended to serve if a conditional use permit has been obtained in conformance with the standards set forth in § 160.616 (accessory parking). Said parking must be in addition to the required onsite parking. Exception: MD1 parking for multiple dwellings with multiple buildings on a lot abutting a private street is allowed.

(g) For the MMU1, MMU2, and MMU3 Zoning Districts, projects that are required to have 50 or more off-street parking spaces may reduce the required automobile parking spaces according to the following procedure:

(1) Up to 20% reduction when providing indoor or outdoor bicycle storage spaces according to the following procedure:

A. Two bicycle spaces may be provided in lieu of each automobile parking spaces; and

B. Each parking space shall include a metal anchor which will secure the frame and both wheels in conjunction with a user-supplied lock.

C. Bicycle parking spaces shall be as close to the main building entrance as the most convenient nonhandicapped auto space, without interfering with pedestrian movement. Bicycle spaces shall be located and designed to prevent damage to bicycles from motor vehicles.

(2) Up to a 5% reduction when providing a designated rideshare drop-off/pick up location according the following procedure:

A. The drop-off/pick up space needs to be a minimum size of 9' x 18' and located on private property.

(3) Transit reduction. The public transit system, if properly utilized, will decrease the need for off-street parking. A long-run commitment to encourage employees or residents to ride the transit system, from an established fixed route, can be accompanied by a reduction in the number of off-street parking spaces required. A transit fixed route should be located within a reasonable distance of the use it is intended to serve. Natural or human-made barriers and travel safety between sites should be considered. The off-street parking requirement may be reduced up to 5% of the required off-street parking requirement according to the following procedure:

A. The applicant may submit to the city, upon request for a zoning permit, an agreement with the city transit system to purchase one or more bus passes to provide bus transportation for one or more employees or residents. The agreement must be a written instrument and must be in a form acceptable to the Director of Planning and Building Services. The instrument must contain the number of passes to be purchased, a statement assuring purchase, and subsequent use of these passes for a period specified by the Director of Planning and Developments Services or designee; however, not less than one year. At such time as the agreement expires, the parking reduction also expires. The bus pass shall be sufficient to provide bus trips on a regularly scheduled fixed route. Monthly passes shall be purchased for the period specified in the agreement prior to the issuance of the zoning permit, and no refund shall be given for the pass for any reason.

B. The off-street parking requirement may be reduced by one parking space for each employee or resident for which a bus pass has been purchased. The maximum off-street parking reduction shall equal 20% of the calculated total off-street parking requirement.

(4) On-Street Parking Reduction. To encourage more dense, mixed-use projects along some of our corridors within the central portion of Sioux Falls, the utilization of on-street parking is encouraged to reduce the overall parking required. Any project that requires more than 50 parking spaces may utilize on-street parking for a one-for-one parking reduction according to the following procedure:

A. The on-street parking spaces need to meet the design and size as indicated in the commercial parking requirements and Engineering Design Standards.

B. The on-street parking spaces need to be located on either the primary or secondary frontage of the mixed-use development.

C. The on-street parking spaces located on any public right-of-way needs to be approved by resolution by the City Council.

(1992 Code, App. B, § 15.55.030) (Ord. 42-83, passed 6-27-1983; Ord. 108-08, passed 9-2-2008; Ord. 9-13, passed 3-19-2013; Ord. 23-16, passed 4-5-2016; Ord. 34-18, passed 5-2-2018; Ord. 30-23, passed 5-2-2023)

§ 160.553 RESIDENTIAL PARKING.

The following regulations shall apply to parking outside or inside an enclosed structure for all DD, AD, and MD forms.

(a) Commercial and service vehicle parking.

(1) Commercial vehicles. Except in conjunction with a legal nonconforming business, it is unlawful for any person to park, store, leave or permit the parking, storing or leaving of any commercial vehicle in the above-stated zoning districts, unless the vehicle is temporarily parked in connection with the performance of a service at that same location, or unless the vehicle is a tow truck owned or operated by a tow company under contract with the city and/or the county that is assigned as the duty tow. The transferring of refuse from a smaller satellite vehicle to a larger packer garbage truck is prohibited.

(2) Service vehicles. It is lawful for the vehicle to be temporarily parked in connection with the performance of a service at that same location or operated by a resident of the dwelling.

(b) Parking shall be accessory to the permitted primary use of the property, and vehicles must be owned by the resident of the property on which the vehicles are parked, except as otherwise provided. Exception: It is permissible for visitors to park at a residence.

(1) A resident may park an unlimited number of licensed and operable automobiles or one recreational motor vehicle temporarily for a period of less than 48 hours for customary cleaning and loading, owned by the resident on an existing concrete driveway or its equivalent if the required on-site parking is provided.

(2) A resident may park one licensed and operable personal passenger motor vehicle owned by the resident outside a structure in the front yard on a concrete driveway or its equivalent under the following conditions:

A. Space is unavailable to provide the required number of off-street parking spaces and there is not reasonable access to the rear yard or other allowable parking areas. A corner lot is always deemed to have reasonable access, and fences, trees, or bushes are not deemed to prevent reasonable access.

B. The availability of space or reasonable access to an existing or an allowable parking area is not eliminated with a proposed addition, change in use/occupancy or accessory structure.

C. The vehicle shall be parked a minimum of three feet from all property lines.

(3) For MD forms, parking for multiple dwellings with multiple buildings on a lot abutting a private street (place) is allowed.

(d) Parking is prohibited in the required side yard setback, except where located in a rear yard.

(e) The parking of personal passenger motor vehicles, as well as trailers and recreational motor vehicles, is permitted anywhere in the rear yard area a minimum of two feet from all property lines; however, recreational motor vehicles shall not be occupied nor be provided with separate utility hookups. All unlicensed motor vehicles utilized for racing events shall be parked inside a completely enclosed garage.

(f) All parking spaces and access drives thereto shall be hard-surfaced with asphalt, concrete or equivalent.

(g) For MD forms, offsite parking may be located within 250 feet of the lot for which it is intended to serve if a special use permit has been obtained in conformance with the standards set forth in § 160.173, § 160.183, and § 160.193. Said parking must be in addition to the required onsite parking. Exception: MD1 parking for multiple dwellings with multiple buildings on a lot abutting a private street is allowed.

(h) Based upon the quantity required; for all DD and AD forms, the requirement that the location of each parking space needs to be indicated by painting upon the surface is eliminated.

(1992 Code, App. B, § 15.55.040) (Ord. 42-83, passed 6-27-1983; Ord. 72-88, passed 8-1-1988; Ord. 46-90, passed 5-21-1990; Ord. 39-96, passed 4-1-1996; Ord. 70-99, passed 7-6-1999; Ord. 24-02, passed 4-1-2002; Ord. 59-03, passed 7-7-2003; Ord. 55-04, passed 5-3-2004; Ord. 02-08, passed 1-7-2008; Ord. 9-11, passed 3-7-2011; Ord. 10-11, passed 3-7-2011; Ord. 9-13, passed 3-19-2013; Ord. 34-18, passed 5-2-2018)

§ 160.554 OFF-STREET LOADING REQUIREMENTS.

(a) There shall be provided at the time any building is erected or structurally altered, off-street loading spaces in accordance with the following requirements:

WM Forms
5,000 to 20,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area	One 14'×35' loading space
20,001 to 100,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area	Two 14'× 35' loading spaces
Add one additional space for each 75,000 square feet of gross floor area above 100,000 square feet.

(b) Loading spaces are to be provided on each lot in compliance with the following requirements:

(1) The loading space shall be completely contained on the lot it is intended to serve.

(2) The loading space shall be arranged on the lot in a way as to allow normal movement of traffic in and around the loading area.

(3) No loading space shall be permitted to extend over any pedestrian sidewalk or bicycle path.

(4) Maneuvering as well as ingress and egress to loading space shall be provided on site. Use of right-of-way for loading shall be only allowed with the approval of the city traffic engineer.

(1992 Code, App. B, § 15.55.050) (Ord. 42-83, passed 6-27-1983; Ord. 12-95, passed 1-3-1995; Ord. 9-13, passed 3-19-2013)

§ 160.555 STACKING AND QUEUING.

(a) Uses which have drive-up service windows or devices shall provide on-site queuing spaces to stack vehicles waiting to reach the drive-up service window or device as follows:

(1) Three queuing spaces for each service window or device including menu board with remote audio or video capability.

(2) Each space shall measure 9 feet wide x 20 feet long. The queuing of vehicles may not interfere with required off-street parking.

(3) Access driveways to public right-of-way may not be used for queuing spaces.

(1992 Code, App. B, § 15.55.060) (Ord. 42-83, passed 6-27-1983; Ord. 9-13, passed 3-19-2013; Ord. 37-19, passed 4-2-2019)

§ 160.556 MINIMUM IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS.

The director of planning and development services, or their designee, may, through written waiver, waive minimum improvements and maintenance standards if he or she finds that due to the nature of the work the minimum improvement and maintenance standards are not necessary to obtain compliance with this chapter.

(a) Parking space, loading and maneuvering, and drive areas thereto shall be hard surfaced with concrete or asphalt and striped. Exception(s):

(1) Truck terminals, heavy equipment display, service and rental, concrete and paving plants, construction yards and similar heavy equipment establishments need not hard-surface areas maintained as maneuvering or parking/storage areas for heavy equipment when the areas are not adjacent to a front yard setback or are otherwise screened from view of the public right-of-way.

(2) Campgrounds need not hard-surface areas for parking, loading and maneuvering, or drive areas.

(3) Motor vehicle sales, display, and rental parking areas with more than 250 vehicles do not need to be striped. Motor vehicle storage areas with more than 250 vehicles do not need to be striped.

(b) Adequate provisions shall be made for the disposal of storm water from the lot and the city engineer shall ensure that the water shall not flow onto adjoining property or adjacent sidewalks in a quantity or manner that would be detrimental thereto, or inconvenient to persons using the sidewalk.

(c) A structurally sound abutment, including, but not limited to, bumper blocks, continuous curb, or a retaining wall, shall be installed around each side of the parking lot. An adequate retaining wall shall be required wherever necessary to prevent the washing of soil to and from adjoining property.

(d) Cross-easements allowing abutting sites to share parking are strongly recommended.

(e) The locations and widths of entrances and exits to and from any parking lot or parking ramp shall be approved by the traffic engineer based upon Engineering Design Standards.

(f) The location of each required parking space and the location and direction of movement along the driveways providing access thereto shall be indicated by painting upon the surface, by raised directional signs, or by markers or other similar measures placed in the surfacing of the lot.

(g) Any parking lot or ramp shall be maintained in an orderly manner, keeping it as free as possible from snow and ice. All signs, markers or painting, or any other methods used to indicate direction of traffic movement and location of parking spaces shall be maintained in a neat and legible condition. Likewise, any walls, trees and shrubbery, as well as surfacing of the parking lot or ramp, shall be maintained in a good condition throughout its use for parking purposes.

(h) The estimated amount of parking spaces for motor vehicle sales, display and rental, and motor vehicle storage is calculated by taking the total area of hard surface dedicated for motor vehicle sales/motor vehicle storage as indicated on the site plan, divided by 300 square feet (per parking space).

(i) Parking lots or hard-surfaced areas providing over 200 required spaces or more than 32,300 square feet of hard-surfaced area shall be divided into smaller parking fields not exceeding 100 spaces or 16,150 square feet of area to reduce the visual impact of large parking expanses. Divisions should be made with landscape strips, peninsulas, or grade changes. (See illustration below for example.)

(j) MD, NF, BCF, and RE parking lots shall be designed to separate pedestrians from vehicles to the maximum degree possible and to provide a direct and clearly defined pedestrian pathway from adjacent public sidewalk to building entrance with a private dedicated sidewalk and/or dedicated private pedestrian crosswalk through parking areas. WM forms are encouraged to provide pedestrian connections to public sidewalks if a sidewalk is required.

(k) Sidewalks and walkways in commercial developments shall link to the city’s sidewalk and trail system where available.

(1992 Code, App. B, § 15.55.070) (Ord. 42-83, passed 6-27-1983; Ord. 43-86, passed 5-19-1986; Ord. 5-88, passed 1-18-1988; Ord. 72-88, passed 8-1-1988; Ord. 41-89, passed 5-15-1989; Ord. 8-10, passed 2-16-2010; Ord. 9-13, passed 3-19-2013; Ord. 34-18, passed 5-2-2018; Ord. 34-26, passed 5-5-2026)