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Tea Zoning & Land Use Guide

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Key Zoning Facts

Planning Department
City of Tea Planning & Zoning(605) 498-5520
Building Code Edition
2018 International Building Code (locally adopted)
ADUs Allowed
Yes
Primary District
R-1 Single-Family Residential
Max Height
35 ft

Tea Zoning Overview

Tea is a rapidly growing community southwest of Sioux Falls in Lincoln County. Like neighboring Harrisburg, Tea has benefited from the Sioux Falls metropolitan area's expansion, with strong residential growth driven by its school district and suburban lifestyle appeal. The city has grown from a small agricultural community to a bedroom suburb with an increasingly diverse housing stock.

The Planning & Zoning office manages development in a community where new residential construction is the primary driver of growth. Tea is working to develop commercial services along its main corridors to serve the expanding population base.

Key Zoning Districts

Tea's zoning is primarily residential, with R-1 lots comprising the majority of the community. Commercial zones are developing along the 271st Street corridor and near Interstate 29 access points. The city maintains a straightforward zoning structure appropriate for its size.

ADU Regulations

Tea allows ADUs under local zoning provisions, providing additional housing options in a growing suburban context. South Dakota has no statewide ADU mandate.

Development Process

The development process in Tea is managed by the Planning & Zoning office, with the City Council serving as the final authority on rezoning and land use decisions.

Regulatory Layers That Apply in Tea

Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.

Federal

State — South Dakota

  • Building Code: No mandatory statewide code; local adoption
View South Dakota zoning overview

County — Lincoln County

  • Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning

City / Municipal

The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.

Overlay Districts

No overlay districts identified.

Private Restrictions

  • HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
  • Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.

Primary Zoning Districts

R-1Single-Family Residential
Min Lot
8,000 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
25 ft
Side Setback
6 ft
Rear Setback
25 ft
R-2Multi-Family Residential
Min Lot
6,000 sq ft
Max Height
40 ft
Front Setback
25 ft
Side Setback
8 ft
Rear Setback
20 ft
C-1Commercial
Min Lot
None
Max Height
40 ft
Front Setback
10 ft
Side Setback
0 ft
Rear Setback
0 ft

ADU Rules in Tea

ADUs:Allowed
Max Size
600 sq ft
Max Height
20 ft
Rear Setback
5 ft
Side Setback
5 ft
Parking
1 off-street space required
Owner Occupancy
Owner must occupy primary dwelling
Permit Timeline
2-4 weeks

Permit Costs & Timelines

Permit Costs & Timelines

Specific permit fee schedules for Tea are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.

Check Tea permit fees →

Official Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build an ADU in Tea?
Yes, Tea allows ADUs in residential zones subject to local standards.
How do I find the zoning for my property in Tea?
Contact the Tea Planning & Zoning office at (605) 498-5520.
What zones allow multi-family housing in Tea?
Multi-family housing is permitted in R-2 (Multi-Family Residential).