Street Tree Planting Permit

1. Overview

Thank you for helping grow Sioux Falls’ community forest by planting a new street tree! To do this, you will need a street tree planting permit. This helps the city track new trees planted in the "parking strip"—the grassy area between the sidewalk and the curb. This data helps us make the best decisions to protect and beautify our neighborhoods.

Getting a permit has been a city ordinance since October 2018. This ordinance also requires you to plant trees approved by the Parks and Recreation Department. Planting approved trees ensures that growing branches won't block sidewalks or streets. It also helps us plant a healthy mix of different tree species.

Planting different kinds of trees keeps our forest healthy. Mixing up the types of trees we plant helps to protect our canopy from pests and diseases. We want to try to avoid what happened with Dutch Elm Disease and the Emerald Ash Borer. You can find a list of these approved trees in our Street Tree Guide.

Please keep in mind that submitting an application does not guarantee you will get a permit. Do not start digging or planting until a city staff member signs your permit and returns it to you. Be sure to review the parking strip rules and application steps listed in the next screens. Once your new tree is in the ground, just let us know so we can officially close out your permit!

2. Parking Strip Regulations:

• Only trees approved by Parks & Recreation Forestry may be planted in the parking strip.
• No tree shall be planted where the clear space between the curb and the sidewalk is less than 5 feet.
• No tree shall be planted closer than 3 feet from the curb.
• Trees must be 1 inch in diameter or larger, measured 6 inches above the ground.
• Trees shall not be planted under power lines unless approved.
• Trees shall be planted at least 40 feet apart except where otherwise permitted.
• Trees shall be placed at least 10 feet from a fire hydrant.
• Trees shall be placed at least 10 feet from a driveway.
• Trees shall be placed at least 15 feet from a streetlight.
• Trees on a corner lot shall be planted at least 30 feet from the corner.
• Trees shall be placed at least 20 feet from a stop/yield sign or traffic signal.

3. How to Submit a Planting Permit Application? 

Applications can be submitted online through the City of Sioux Falls Customer Self Service (CSS) portal by using an existing account or by creating a new account.

• Setting up a new account is free and easy.
• You will need your address, an email account, and a password. Once you have a CSS account, you can check the status of your planting permit at any time.
• You will be able to manage your inspection requests online as well with this account.

CREATE AN ACCOUNT / LOGIN TO CSS

1. Create an Account with the City of Sioux Falls Customer Self Service (CSS) at css.siouxfalls.gov. If you have an existing account, log in to submit your application.
2. Log in to CSS, select “Apply,” then find the Street Tree Planting Permit, and select “Add”.
3. Add the Location you intend to plant the tree by searching for the address and selecting “Add”.
4. Select the Permit Type you are applying for and briefly describe why you want to plant a new street tree.
5. Add additional contacts to the permit or add a contractor if you intend on using one.
6. Answer Required Questions by selecting the appropriate answer in the drop-down menus.
7. Add Approved Tree(s) by clicking the “pencil” on the right side of the red box and “save” when done.
8. Attach Documents such as a landscape plan, if you are a contractor applying for a planting including more than 8 trees. Attachments are not required for homeowners applying to plant a street tree.
9. Review and submit your street tree planting permit application.

Paper Application

• In-Person: Paper applications can be submitted in person to Parks & Recreation staff at 231 N Dakota Ave.
• By Mail: Street Tree Planting Program, Parks & Recreation, P.O. Box 7402, Sioux Falls, SD 57117-7402
• Email us at treeplantingpermits@siouxfalls.gov to request a physical form.

4. What Happens After You Submit your Application?

• Once your application is received, we will inspect the planting site and determine whether a permit shall be issued.
• Following the site visit, applicants will receive a letter regarding the status of their application. If approved, the signed planting permit will accompany this letter. If denied, the letter will explain why the application was not approved
  • Approved location(s) for the planting(s) will be marked with white paint.
• Work may begin once you have an approved permit issued by the City of Sioux Falls Department of Parks & Recreation Forestry, and One Call 811 has located underground utilities.
• Call Before You Dig: per South Dakota State Law, One Call (811) must locate all underground public utilities before planting any tree(s). The service is free and required for planting trees on public or private property. For additional information, visit www.sdonecall.com.
  • Phone: Make a free call to 811 (in-state) or (800) 781-7474 (outside of South Dakota).

5. How to Complete Your Planting Permit

• To close out the street tree planting permit online.
  1. Log in to CSS when you have completed planting the tree(s) and open your “Active” permits.
  2. Select which permit you wish to report as completed.
  3. Under the “Inspections” button, request a final inspection for that permit.
  4. Once a final inspection is requested, staff will inspect the planting. If the tree passes inspection, the street tree planting permit will be closed. If the tree fails inspection, staff will contact you with what needs to be corrected in order to close the street tree planting permit.

• If you submitted a paper or email application
  1. You can email us when you complete your planting at: planttrees@siouxfalls.gov
  2. You can call the Parks & Recreation Office at (605) 367-8222 to report completion