I think the proposals look great, so far, the city is still looking for more input;
The City of Sioux Falls is proposing changes to the current right-of-way ordinance. The current ordinance limits landscaping to only turf grass and trees in the parking strip. A new ordinance would allow for additional flexibility in plantings while preserving the functionality of the public right-of-way.
The new proposed ordinance allows turf or native grasses; approved street trees; annual, biennial, or perennial plants; cultivated flowers; wildflowers; and fruits and vegetables. To maintain the safety of the right-of-way, some restrictions would apply. Those include:
- Plants must be maintained at a height of no more than 36″ from the top of the curb.
- Neither plants with thorns, spines, or other sharp rigid parts nor evergreen or deciduous shrubs would be allowed.
- Plant material may not overhang or encroach onto the sidewalk.
- Wood mulch may be used only on a limited basis around plantings as a water-conservation measure.
- Turf grass must be maintained at a height of no more than 8″.
The proposed ordinance also would allow some surface area in the parking strip to include landscape pavers, edging, rock mulch, or concrete splash guards. The ordinance would be phased in to allow adequate time for property owners to make changes before enforcement of city codes would take place.
To provide input into the proposed ordinance, please contact:
Matt Tobias, Code Enforcement Manager
605-367-1896
mtobias@siouxfalls.org