PIERRE, S.D. – On July 1, 2020, reforms to the county zoning and appeals process will take effect in South Dakota. The South Dakota State Legislature passed and Governor Noem signed SB 157 during this past legislative session to institute these reforms.
SB 157 creates a fair, timely, and reliable process for getting economic growth projects sited and permitted. The bill also defines a “person aggrieved” using established case law to ensure those with legitimate concern have standing to appeal permitting decisions. The bill does not limit either county permitting criteria or state environmental requirements.
Meanwhile, South Dakota’s move over law gets more teeth come Wednesday, July 1.
New provisions include an increased minimum fine for a violation of the move over law; from $122.50 to $270. It becomes a Class 1 misdemeanor if a driver fails to move over and causes a crash with an emergency vehicle.
Along with moving over for emergency vehicles with flashing amber lights, drivers must now move over for authorized vehicles using a blue light while working on the highway. All traffic must still stop for emergency vehicles flashing red lights.
The state Legislature strengthened the law at this year’s legislative session.
