Sioux Falls Sidewalk Sandwich Board & A-Frame Rules

Signs and Advertising South Dakota 4 Minutes Read · published February 20, 2026 Flag of South Dakota

In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, businesses that place sandwich board or A-frame signs on public sidewalks must follow city rules to keep pedestrians safe and maintain clear public right-of-way. This guide summarizes where to find the controlling city code, which permits or approvals may apply, how enforcement works, and practical steps to comply so your sign stays visible without creating liability or fines.

Keep signs outside the travel path and leave a clear pedestrian corridor.

What the rules cover

Sidewalk signs interact with the city sign code and right-of-way regulations: the sign code sets size, placement, and content limits for signs on private property, while right-of-way and obstruction rules govern anything placed within public sidewalks and terraces. If a permit is required for use of the public right-of-way, you must obtain it before placing a sign. Consult the municipal code for detailed definitions and limitations [1].

Key compliance points

  • Placement: avoid blocking access ramps, crossings, or a required minimum pedestrian clearway.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by city departments responsible for right-of-way and code compliance; violations can result in notices, ordered removal, and civil penalties. Exact fine amounts and escalation schedules are set out in the municipal code or related enforcement policy pages; when specific figures or progressive ranges are not published on the cited pages, this guide notes that they are "not specified on the cited page." For permit or right-of-way violations, contact the city permits office or public works for enforcement procedures and appeal rights [2].

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: ordered removal, abatement at owner expense, and court remedies are possible under city code.
  • Enforcer: City of Sioux Falls right-of-way/permits and code compliance or public works inspectors handle inspections and notices [2].
  • Appeals: the municipal code or permit page describes review routes; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
If a sign is declared a public obstruction, the city can order removal and may remove it if not complied with.

Applications & Forms

Right-of-way or obstruction permits may be required when signs occupy public sidewalks or terraces. The city issues permits and publishes application instructions on its business permits pages; exact form names and fee amounts are not specified on the cited permit page. Contact the permits office to confirm whether a temporary right-of-way permit or a business licensing condition applies [2][3].

How to comply - action steps

  • Check the municipal sign code and definitions to confirm whether your sign is regulated as a sidewalk sign [1].
  • Contact the city permits/right-of-way office to ask whether a right-of-way permit is required and how to apply [2].
  • If you receive a notice, follow removal or abatement instructions promptly and ask about appeal timelines in writing.
  • Keep contact info for city code compliance on hand for quick response to complaints.
Respond to removal notices quickly to avoid escalation or city abatement charges.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to place an A-frame on the sidewalk?
Possibly; if the sign occupies the public right-of-way or affects pedestrian clearances, a right-of-way permit or approval may be required—check the city permit page and municipal code [2][1].
What happens if my sign is cited as an obstruction?
The city may issue a notice to remove or abate the obstruction and may impose penalties; specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited pages.
Where do I file an appeal or complaint?
Contact the city permits or code compliance office through the official permits or licensing pages for appeal instructions and complaint submission [2][3].

How-To

  1. Review the municipal code sections that govern signs and public right-of-way to identify applicable rules [1].
  2. Contact Sioux Falls permits or public works to confirm whether a right-of-way permit is required and request application materials [2].
  3. If required, complete and submit the permit application and pay any fees; retain approval documents on site while the sign is displayed.
  4. If cited, follow the city removal or correction notice immediately and ask for appeal instructions in writing.

Key Takeaways

  • Sidewalk signs can be regulated both by local sign code and by right-of-way rules.
  • Always confirm permit needs with the city before placing a sign on public sidewalks.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Sioux Falls Code of Ordinances (Municode)
  2. [2] City of Sioux Falls - Right-of-Way Permits
  3. [3] City of Sioux Falls - Business Licensing

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