How to File a Public Records Request in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Sioux Falls is South Dakota's largest and fastest-growing city, with an estimated population of more than 224,000 as of 2025 and a metro area that accounts for over a third of the state's residents. As the economic hub of the region — home to major employers in finance, healthcare, and retail — the City of Sioux Falls generates a substantial volume of public records touching every aspect of municipal life, from land-use approvals to police incident reports. Under South Dakota's Public Records Law, codified at SDCL Chapter 1-27, any person has the right to inspect and copy records held by the City of Sioux Falls and all other public entities in the state. Requests to the city are processed through the Office of the City Clerk, which uses the JustFOIA online portal to manage and track submissions. This guide walks you through exactly how to request public records from Sioux Falls, South Dakota — including who to contact, what forms to use, and what to do if your request is delayed or denied.
What Is the South Dakota Public Records Law?
The South Dakota Public Records Law, codified at SDCL Chapter 1-27 (§§ 1-27-1 through 1-27-47), guarantees that any person — citizen or non-citizen, resident or non-resident — has the right to inspect and copy records held by any government entity in the state during normal business hours. The law applies to the City of Sioux Falls and all of its departments, boards, and agencies.
Public records are defined broadly to include all records and documents, regardless of physical form, belonging to any state, county, municipality, political subdivision, or tax-supported district. This encompasses emails, contracts, permits, meeting minutes, ordinances, resolutions, financial statements, police reports, inspection records, and other government-generated materials.
The law operates under a presumption of openness. Unless a specific statute expressly exempts a record, it must be made available. Key exemptions include active law enforcement investigative records, personnel files, attorney-client privileged communications, medical and mental health records, juvenile records, and records made confidential by other state or federal law under SDCL § 1-27-1.5. The burden of proving that a record is exempt rests entirely with the agency — not with the requester.
How to File a Public Records Request with the City of Sioux Falls
Contact Information
- Office
- Sioux Falls City Clerk, Office of the City Clerk
- Address
- City Hall, 224 W. Ninth St., Sioux Falls, SD 57104
- Phone
- (605) 367-8081
- jwashington@siouxfalls.org
- Website
- https://siouxfalls.justfoia.com/publicportal
- Hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
How to Submit Your Request
The City of Sioux Falls uses the JustFOIA online portal as its primary system for managing public records requests. To submit a request, visit siouxfalls.justfoia.com/publicportal, select "Make a new request," and complete the online form describing the records you seek. You will receive an automated confirmation and can track the status of your request through the portal. Alternatively, you may submit a written request by email to jwashington@siouxfalls.org, by mail to the City Clerk's Office at City Hall (224 W. Ninth St., Sioux Falls, SD 57104), or in person during regular office hours. No specific form is required — a clear written description of the records you are seeking is sufficient. If your initial informal request is denied, you may escalate to a formal written request to the City's designated public record officer under SDCL § 1-27-37.
What to Include in Your Request
- A clear, specific description of the records you are requesting (dates, subjects, departments, document types)
- The preferred format for receiving records (electronic PDF, paper copies, etc.)
- Your name and contact information (mailing address, email, and/or phone number)
- The department or office you believe holds the records, if known
- A fee threshold above which you want to be notified before the city proceeds (e.g., 'Please notify me if fees will exceed $25')
- A statement that the request is made pursuant to SDCL Chapter 1-27
Sample Request Letter
To: Office of the City Clerk, City of Sioux Falls
City Hall, 224 W. Ninth St.
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
jwashington@siouxfalls.org
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email]
[Date]
Re: Public Records Request Pursuant to SDCL Chapter 1-27
Dear City Clerk Washington:
Pursuant to the South Dakota Public Records Law, SDCL Chapter 1-27, I respectfully request access to and copies of the following records:
[Describe the specific records you are requesting, including relevant dates, subject matter, departments involved, and any identifying details that will help locate the records.]
I request that records be provided in electronic format (PDF) where available. If any portion of a requested record is withheld, please identify the specific statutory exemption relied upon for each withheld document or redaction, as required by law.
If the estimated cost of fulfilling this request will exceed $25.00, please contact me before proceeding. I am aware that under SDCL § 1-27-35, the first hour of staff time is provided at no charge, and that reproduction and mailing costs may apply.
If you need any clarification to process this request, please contact me promptly. I look forward to your response within ten business days as required by SDCL § 1-27-37.
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Signature]
[Your Phone Number]
Response Deadlines and What to Expect
South Dakota's Public Records Law creates a two-tier request system. An initial informal request — made orally or in writing directly to the record custodian — carries no fixed statutory deadline. However, the law requires the agency to act "promptly," and there is no reason to wait more than ten business days on an informal request before escalating to a formal written request.
If an informal request is denied in whole or in part, you may submit a formal written request to the City of Sioux Falls' designated public record officer. Under SDCL § 1-27-37, the public record officer must respond no later than ten business days from receipt. The response must either: (a) provide the records, with applicable fees; (b) deny the request with a written explanation citing the specific statutory exemption; or (c) acknowledge receipt and provide a reasonable time estimate for fulfillment, which may be extended to clarify the scope, locate and assemble records, notify affected third parties, or determine what, if anything, may be withheld.
Failure to respond to a formal written request within ten business days is treated as a constructive denial and triggers your right to appeal under SDCL § 1-27-38. For requests estimated to cost more than $50, the city must provide a written cost estimate before proceeding, and you must agree to the costs in writing. Fees are based on actual reproduction and mailing costs; staff time beyond the first hour may also be charged under SDCL § 1-27-35.
What to Do If Your Request Is Denied or Delayed
A denial or prolonged silence from the City of Sioux Falls does not have to be the end of the road. South Dakota law provides a clear, structured appeals process that empowers requesters to challenge improper withholding.
First, make sure any denial is in writing. Under SDCL §§ 1-27-35 and 1-27-1.4, written denials must be kept on file with the agency. If you received an oral denial, follow up with a formal written request to the City's designated public record officer under SDCL § 1-27-37. The officer then has ten business days to respond.
If your written request is denied — or if you object to the city's fee estimate or proposed timeline — you have 90 days from receipt of the denial to file an appeal under SDCL § 1-27-38. You have two options: file a civil action in circuit court by summons, or submit a Notice of Review to the South Dakota Office of Hearing Examiners. The Office of Hearing Examiners route is generally faster and lower-cost for most requesters.
Once the Office of Hearing Examiners receives your Notice of Review, it sends a copy to the city's public record officer. The city then has ten business days to file a written response. The Office of Hearing Examiners reviews both submissions and issues written findings of fact, conclusions of law, and a decision. If the agency is found to have denied access in an unreasonable or bad-faith manner, the court or hearing examiner may award costs, disbursements, and a civil penalty under SDCL § 1-27-40.2.
Decisions of the Office of Hearing Examiners may be appealed to the circuit court, and circuit court decisions may be further appealed to the South Dakota Supreme Court.
Steps to Appeal
- Follow up in writing if you received only an oral denial — submit a formal written request to the City of Sioux Falls' public record officer per SDCL § 1-27-37.
- If the formal written request is denied or ignored for more than ten business days, document the denial or constructive denial and note the date.
- Within 90 days of the denial or objectionable fee/time estimate, file a Notice of Review with the South Dakota Office of Hearing Examiners (SDCL § 1-27-38). Submit via registered or certified mail, return receipt requested.
- Include with your Notice of Review: a copy of your written request, a copy of the city's denial or response, and any other relevant information (SDCL § 1-27-43).
- The city has 10 business days to file a written response with the Office of Hearing Examiners (SDCL § 1-27-39). The Office will issue written findings and a decision.
- If the Office of Hearing Examiners rules against you, or if you prefer judicial review, file a civil action in Minnehaha County Circuit Court under SDCL § 1-27-38. A court may award costs and civil penalties for bad-faith denials under SDCL § 1-27-40.2.
- If the circuit court rules against you, appeal to the South Dakota Supreme Court within 30 days per SDCL § 15-26A-6.
Types of Records You Can Request from Sioux Falls, South Dakota
The City of Sioux Falls maintains a wide range of public records across its departments. Under SDCL Chapter 1-27, virtually all city-generated records are presumptively public unless a specific statute exempts them. Common records available from the City of Sioux Falls include:
- City Council meeting agendas, minutes, and resolutions
- Mayor and city department correspondence and emails
- City ordinances and municipal code amendments
- Building permits, zoning approvals, and land-use applications
- City contracts, vendor agreements, and procurement records
- Police incident reports and arrest records (non-investigative)
- Fire department call logs and inspection reports
- City budget documents and financial statements
- Employee salary and compensation records (non-exempt personal details redacted)
- Public works project plans, bids, and contracts
- Settlement agreements in civil litigation involving the city
- City election returns and campaign finance disclosure documents
- Environmental inspection and compliance records
- Code enforcement records and violation notices
- City infrastructure studies, traffic reports, and planning documents
If you're unsure whether a specific document is a public record, file the request anyway. The burden is on the City of Sioux Falls to justify withholding — not on you to pre-determine what's available.
Tips for Effective Public Records Requests in Sioux Falls
Use the JustFOIA portal
Submitting through siouxfalls.justfoia.com/publicportal creates a documented, timestamped record of your request and lets you track its status in real time. This is especially important if you later need to prove a constructive denial for an appeal.
Be specific, not broad
Requests that define a clear date range, specific subject matter, and relevant department are fulfilled faster and cost less. A request for 'all emails' is likely to generate delay and high fees; a request for 'emails from the Planning Department regarding Project X between January and June 2025' is far more actionable.
Start with the informal route
South Dakota's two-tier system means you should begin with an informal request before escalating to a formal written request. Many records — especially meeting minutes, ordinances, and resolutions — are already available online through the City Clerk's Records portal at amv.siouxfalls.gov.
Set a fee threshold
Always include a dollar amount above which you want to be notified before costs are incurred. This prevents unexpected invoices and gives you the option to narrow your request if the fee estimate is too high.
Track your 90-day appeal window
Under SDCL § 1-27-38, you have only 90 days from receipt of a denial or objectionable fee/time estimate to file an appeal. Mark the date as soon as you receive any denial so you don't inadvertently miss the window.
Request electronic records
Requesting records in electronic format (PDF or other digital files) is typically cheaper and faster than paper copies. Under South Dakota law, there is no fee for electronic transfer of open-meeting minutes, and electronic delivery avoids mailing costs.
Cite the statute in your request
Including a reference to SDCL Chapter 1-27 in your request signals that you are informed about your rights and the agency's obligations. It also establishes a clear legal basis for any subsequent appeal if the request is improperly denied.
When One Request Reveals a Bigger Problem
Filing a single public records request in Sioux Falls can be the first step toward understanding a much larger story. In one of the country's fastest-growing cities — where land-use decisions, infrastructure contracts, and public safety priorities shape the lives of hundreds of thousands of residents — records requests are tools of civic accountability. A permit approval, a contract amendment, or a pattern of code enforcement complaints can reveal how government power is actually exercised. Project Paper Trail exists to help you connect those dots.
Project Paper Trail is an AI-powered platform that helps residents, journalists, and attorneys follow the paper trail on development approvals. We use public records, AI-driven document analysis, and relationship mapping to detect patterns of missing records, procedural shortcuts, and developer-government conflicts of interest. Every finding is sourced from public records. Every conclusion is traceable.
If you've noticed something wrong with a development near you — construction that started before approvals, drainage that doesn't look right, or records that should exist but don't — we can help you follow the paper trail.
Frequently Asked Questions About Public Records in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
How long does the City of Sioux Falls have to respond to a public records request?
For a formal written request submitted to the City's public record officer, South Dakota law requires a response within ten business days under SDCL § 1-27-37. The city must either provide the records, issue a written denial citing a specific exemption, or acknowledge receipt and provide a reasonable time estimate. Failure to respond within ten business days is treated as a constructive denial.
Do I have to give a reason for my public records request in Sioux Falls?
No. Under SDCL Chapter 1-27, you are not required to state your purpose or reason for requesting public records from the City of Sioux Falls. The right to access public records belongs to any person — resident or non-resident — and the city may not condition access on providing a justification.
What should I do if the City of Sioux Falls denies my records request?
First, request that the denial be provided in writing and cite the specific statutory exemption relied upon. Then, within 90 days, file a Notice of Review with the South Dakota Office of Hearing Examiners or file a civil action in Minnehaha County Circuit Court under SDCL § 1-27-38. The agency bears the burden of justifying the denial.
Can I be charged fees for a public records request in Sioux Falls?
Yes, but fees are limited. Under SDCL § 1-27-35, the City of Sioux Falls may charge the actual cost of reproduction and mailing, but staff time for the first hour is free. For requests requiring more than an hour of staff time, additional fees may apply. If the total cost is estimated to exceed $50, the city must notify you in writing and obtain your agreement before proceeding.
Are there records the City of Sioux Falls does not have to disclose?
Yes. SDCL § 1-27-1.5 identifies exempt categories including active law enforcement investigative files, personnel records, attorney-client communications, medical records, juvenile records, and records made confidential by other statutes. However, the city must specifically identify the exemption it is relying on for any withheld document — it cannot issue a blanket denial.