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Sioux Falls council approves multiple rezoning requests, public‑safety and library alcohol ordinances
Summary
At its Oct. 1 meeting the Sioux Falls City Council approved several zoning changes, an amendment to disorderly conduct, a library alcohol prohibition, assessments and personnel moves, voting unanimously on the items that came before it.
Sioux Falls City Council on Oct. 1 approved a slate of ordinances and resolutions affecting land use, public conduct and municipal policy.
The council unanimously approved consent and regular agendas and then moved through individual items. Key votes included final approval of a rezoning for property at 51100 East 26th Street (an application by Lloyd Companies to allow commercial, a three‑story apartment, twin homes and single‑family transitions), approval of a 3.17‑acre rezoning south of West 41st Street for a townhome development by Empire Companies, and passage of an ordinance amending the city code on disorderly conduct (section 131.001). The council also passed an ordinance making it unlawful to possess open or unsealed alcoholic beverages on Siouxland Libraries property, levied a frontage assessment for improvements along 21st Street, and approved a resolution supporting the Dakota Mainstem regional water project. All recorded roll‑call votes reported in the meeting were 7–0.
On personnel, councilors moved to appoint a successor to outgoing budget analyst David Bixler; the council approved the appointment of Jody (transcript: 'Malice' / later 'Moss') as the new budget analyst.
Several items were set for future consideration: an ordinance to exempt homeowners from the sidewalk permit fee in cases where the owner performs the work was given first reading and scheduled for second reading Oct. 8, 2024, and a proposed amendment to the fence code (to require fence posts secured below ground level) was set for second reading Oct. 16, 2024.
The meeting included standard staff presentations from Planning and Development Services and Public Works; for several rezoning items staff described neighborhood meetings and site adjustments the applicants agreed to, including added parking and screening berms. Councilors framed votes in procedural terms and noted staff and city‑attorney review for constitutionality on public‑order changes.
The most contested public feedback came during the disorderly conduct and library alcohol items. James Johnson told the council the proposed disorderly conduct language was “vague and overbroad” and warned it could chill free speech. Jody Thicke, director of Siouxland Libraries, told the council the library ordinance was prompted by “a significant increase in the number of people who are drinking alcoholic beverages on library property.” The council voted after public comments without amendment.
Next steps: several items move to second reading on scheduled dates (sidewalk fee Oct. 8; fences Oct. 16). Other ordinances approved at second reading become part of the city code as provided in the ordinances.
Votes recorded on the meeting packet matched the council’s roll‑call outcomes (all recorded measures noted in the meeting passed by unanimous vote).
