Do you need a tree removal permit in Sioux Falls, SD?

We found no city-wide permit rule for private trees in Sioux Falls. Street trees, protected sites and county or HOA rules can still apply. Sioux Falls requires a free permit before a tree is removed from the parking strip (the street tree area between sidewalk and street). We did not find a city permit rule for removing trees on private lots. The abutting property owner is responsible for care of the street tree. Our confidence: medium. Short explanation, not legal advice.

The city pages we read do not list protected private trees by species or size. Street trees (any tree in a public parking strip) need a permit before removal.

The city says a permit is required before a tree is removed from the parking strip, and the permit is free (call the Forestry Team at 605-367-8222). The abutting property owner is responsible for the care and maintenance of street trees, including removing dead wood; the city suggests hiring a licensed arborist if you cannot trim it yourself. Current code clearances listed by the city: 10 feet over sidewalks, 12 feet over residential streets and 16 feet over arterial and collector streets. Private trees and shrubs that grow into the public right-of-way must also meet these clearances.

Removing dead wood in a street tree is the abutting property owner's job. The city pages we read do not describe a separate exception for dead or hazardous private trees. For private tree inspections, the city refers people to private arborists or the State Division of Resource Conservation and Forestry (605-362-2830).

Call the Parks and Recreation Forestry Team at 605-367-8222 for a free street tree removal permit. The city also lists a Street Tree Voucher page that mentions street tree planting permits.

HOA rules can be stricter; check yours. Read your HOA covenants or ask the board before work starts.

Your address, the tree species if you know it, the trunk width measured about 4.5 feet above the ground, photos of the whole tree, and whether it is near the street, a sidewalk or a power line. Ask if a permit is needed and how long it takes.

Some do and some do not. Ask before you sign, and get it in writing who applies and who pays the fee. In many places the property owner is the one responsible for following the rules.

No. It is a short, plain summary of public rules with links to the official sources. For a firm answer on your property, ask the city or a local attorney.

We last checked it on 26 October 2026 against the official sources listed on this page. City rules change, so check the official source or call the city before work starts.