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A Sioux Falls Yard Recognized For Its Beauty Is Also Illegal

Associated Press0

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Warren Shoberg’s yard in Sioux Falls might be illegal, but the city believes it’s still worthy of an award.

Mayor Mike Huether this week presented Shoberg with a Beautiful Excellence Award for his front yard foliage. The award recognizes efforts by property owners to beautify the community.

The issue is that Shoberg’s landscaping violates a city rule that allows only sod on boulevards, or the area between sidewalks and roadways, the Argus Leader newspaper reported ( ). Flowers, rocks, bricks and mulch are off limits, and Shoberg’s yard is one of hundreds throughout Sioux Falls in violation.

City spokeswoman Heather Hitterdal said a nonprofit citizens group — not the mayor — selects the award winners.

“The city has a fairly limited role in the process,” she said.

City Councilman Greg Jamison said the incident illustrates the need to update the city’s boulevard rules, and he plans to propose loosening boulevard restrictions.

“Nobody is getting tickets today. In fact they’re getting awards,” Jamison said. “It’s time to move on.”

Huether agreed.

“We definitely need to update the ordinance,” he said. “The City Council, the city of Sioux Falls team and the citizens will work together find a good solution that makes common sense, keeps us safe and is enforceable.”

Shoberg did not immediately respond to an Associated Press request for comment.

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Information from: Argus Leader,

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