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Sioux Falls council eliminates $15 permit fee for homeowners’ ADA sidewalk work
Summary
On Oct. 8, 2024, the Sioux Falls City Council voted 6–0 to remove a $15 permit fee charged to homeowners who do work to make sidewalks ADA-compliant; city engineering said the fee generated roughly $20,600–$22,100 annually in recent years.
The Sioux Falls City Council voted unanimously on Oct. 8 to eliminate a $15 permit fee for homeowners who undertake work to make sidewalks compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Councilmember Spellerberg sponsored the ordinance, presented in a second reading.
Councilmember Spellerberg said the measure is intended to remove a barrier for homeowners seeking to make sidewalks ADA-compliant. No members of the public spoke on the item during the hearing.
Mike Heiberg of Public Works Engineering told the council that in 2023 the department issued 1,475 permits; at $15 each that would total about $22,125. Through 2024 so far, he reported 1,375 permits, which equates to roughly $20,625 at the same fee level.
A motion to approve the ordinance was moved, seconded and adopted on a roll-call vote with Councilmembers Spellerberg, Bassey, Cole, McCurries, Sighetty and Sale voting yes and no members voting no.
The elimination of the fee is now part of the city code as adopted by the council. The ordinance was presented as a routine second reading and the council indicated the change will remove a modest revenue stream while reducing out-of-pocket cost for residents who need to modify sidewalks for accessibility.
