Smart Growth Sioux Falls is the official municipal ballot question committee for the promotion of forward-thinking, sustainable development within Sioux Falls city limits.
We’re working to ensure the residents of Sioux Falls have the final say on controversial plans to open new slaughterhouses in our city. That is why we gathered signatures on a petition to put the issue on the ballot.
To volunteer, click here. You also can support our campaign by clicking here to make a donation.
Massive new slaughterhouses in Sioux Falls raise serious concerns impacting our quality of life. In fact, one of the proposed facilities is so large it would have its own wastewater treatment plant and sewage lagoon, while “heavy industrial” use of the specific site ignores the city’s own 2040 Comprehensive Plan. We believe any new slaughterhouses should be built beyond city limits, where they don’t raise the same widespread concerns about odor, traffic, water quality, housing, and other issues.
The proposed ballot measure would add language to the city code stating that “no new slaughterhouse may be constructed, or be permitted to operate, within city limits.”
Notably, the petition expressly exempts any existing animal slaughter facilities, and it does not affect any changes or expansions at existing sites. Our focus is on the future, and we want to promote the next generation of jobs for Sioux Falls, without burdening those who already live and work in our city.
Here is the full text:
Section 1. That the Code of Ordinances of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Chapter 160: Zoning, is hereby amended by adding a new section, to be numbered 160.045, which section reads as follows:
- 160.045 SLAUGHTERHOUSE
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code to the contrary, no new Slaughterhouse may be constructed, or be permitted to operate, within the city limits.
(b) This section does not apply to any existing Slaughterhouse constructed and operating before the effective date of this section. This section does not apply to the expansion or alteration of any Slaughterhouse constructed and operating before the effective date of this section so long as such expansion or alteration occurs at the existing site.
The impact of these facilities has flown under the radar with no serious study or opportunity for community input. The voters of Sioux Falls deserve a say in the matter before we rush ahead on new slaughterhouses near our homes, businesses, and schools.
Our attention to this issue is the result of countless conversations with employers and residents in Sioux Falls. Initially, few were aware of the possibility, but as awareness rises, so do the same widespread concerns about the profound impact on the health, safety, and quality of life of area residents. That’s why we felt the need to get organized and protect the future of our city.
Sioux Falls residents want to see city leaders bring in high-skilled, high-wage jobs. Given those aims, we should be focused on innovation, education, and technology. Simply put, heavy industrial slaughterhouses don’t help attract the kind of businesses and jobs that we envisioned for the future of Sioux Falls.
Yes. Agriculture is a top industry in the state of South Dakota, and we understand the importance of value-added agriculture, including meat processing, to regional farmers. That’s why we fully support moving slaughterhouses outside of city limits – closer to the farmers they serve, and further from commercial and residential neighborhoods where they would do more harm than good.
