Bolthole Index

Custer County, South Dakota

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Custer County, South Dakota

70Index Score / 100
#1 of 66 in South Dakota

Unincorporated Custer County, South Dakota requires a county building permit for structures over 160 square feet, including new and used mobile or modular homes.1 The county has no zoning and has not adopted a building code, but its subdivision, access, floodplain and wastewater rules still apply.23 Septic permits come from the Custer County Planning and Economic Department, which also publishes the applications and an online permit portal.45

At a glance

Building permit
Required for structures over 160 square feet in unincorporated Custer County1
County zoning
No county zoning, though subdivision, wastewater, floodplain and access rules still apply2
Building codes
No county building code; state plumbing and electrical inspections still apply36
Septic permit
County wastewater permit required; state-certified installer required47
RV or tiny-home living
No county minimum dwelling size; special RV conditions apply in mapped flood-hazard areas89
Owner-builder electrical work
Allowed for a qualifying owner-occupied residence or farmstead with a state homeowner permit and inspections10
County-road access
Approved approach and verified recorded access required before other county permits11
Septic soil difficulty
Only 14.8% of soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field12

Who to call

Building permits

Custer County Planning and Economic Department

Building, approach, wastewater, subdivision and floodplain permits in Custer County

(605) 673-8174

420 Mount Rushmore Road, Custer, SD 57730-1934

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Custer County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Custer County, South Dakota?

Yes, for most structures in unincorporated Custer County. A county building permit is required for every structure over 160 square feet, including a new or used mobile or modular home1. A non-living structure with no water and no sewer that is 160 square feet or smaller uses the county's no-permit form instead1. Inside residential subdivisions regulated by Custer County Ordinance #2, building and grading permits are required for new residential and accessory structures.13 Custer County publishes a separate fee schedule, so verify the current charge before submitting payment14. Custer County does not inspect footings, foundations, framing or the finished structure, but it does require final inspections of access approaches and individual wastewater systems; South Dakota handles plumbing and electrical inspections6.

Who issues building permits in Custer County, and how do you reach them?

The Custer County Planning and Economic Department is the permit office for building, approach, wastewater, subdivision and floodplain matters. Its office is at 420 Mount Rushmore Road, Custer, SD 57730-1934, and its phone number is (605) 673-81745. The department publishes downloadable applications and an online application portal5. Before issuing permits, the county requires proof of ownership for newly purchased property and verification of recorded access; permits go only to the owner or a designated agent1511. Submit a complete application, then pay the required fees when the permit is issued; starting regulated work first triggers a late application fee15. Because there is no county building code, the county permit is principally a land-development process, not a full structural plan-review and inspection program36.

Does Custer County, South Dakota have zoning?

Custer County has no county zoning districts and has not adopted a county building code1617. On unincorporated land, that means there is no county zoning minimum dwelling size, general minimum lot size, zoning setback, lot-coverage limit or building-height limit818192021. Subdivision rules are the important exception: lots in residential subdivisions must contain at least 1 acre, and structures must sit at least 30 feet from a public-road right-of-way and 15 feet from other property lines2223. Outside municipal boundaries, all subdivision of land is reviewed by Access Map Review or Plat Review.24 Wastewater, driveway and floodplain requirements still apply, and incorporated municipalities may have their own building permits and zoning, which this county rule does not cover.2

How do septic permits work in Custer County, South Dakota?

Custer County requires a wastewater permit when a septic system is installed, constructed, modified, extended, replaced or relocated4. The Custer County Planning Office approves the permit, installation may begin only after approval, and the installer must be certified by South Dakota7. Where applicable, a percolation test by a state-certified wastewater installer is required before issuance4. The Planning Department must inspect every wastewater installation before any part of the system is covered25. Site conditions deserve early attention because only 14.8% of county soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field12. Alternative off-grid sanitation is governed separately: South Dakota permits specified unconventional systems where water or electrical service is unavailable, but systems other than vault privies require state approval before installation26.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Custer County, South Dakota?

Unincorporated Custer County has no zoning-based minimum dwelling size, but the county materials do not establish a general rule allowing full-time RV occupancy or tiny-home occupancy8. In mapped flood-hazard zones, an RV must be present for fewer than 180 consecutive days, remain fully licensed and ready for highway use, or meet the applicable development-permit, elevation and anchoring requirements9. Ask the Custer County Planning and Economic Department about occupancy on the specific parcel5. A tiny home or similar structure over 160 square feet needs a county building permit; the small-structure form applies only to a non-living structure with no water and no sewer at or below that size1. Any septic work still requires county approval and a state-certified installer47.

How do you build a home in Custer County, South Dakota, step by step?

  1. Confirm ownership and recorded access, because Custer County will not issue permits until access is verified1511.
  1. Apply for the approach permit before driveway construction; the approach must be finalized before the county issues a 911 address115.
  1. Check whether the site is in a special flood-hazard area and obtain the floodplain development permit before construction or fill work there27.
  1. Arrange the percolation work with a South Dakota-certified wastewater installer, submit the wastewater application, and wait for approval before installation47.
  1. Submit the complete building application and pay the applicable charges when the permit is issued1514.
  1. Obtain applicable state plumbing and electrical permits and inspections, then keep the wastewater system uncovered for county inspection and arrange the final approach inspection28256.

What should you check before buying land in Custer County?

Start with legal and physical access: Custer County requires an approved approach before building permits, wastewater permits or an emergency-services address are issued11. If the driveway connects to a state highway, obtain the state access permit before construction29. Test septic feasibility early because only 14.8% of county soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field12. A water-right permit is required only for certain proposed water uses and, when required, must be approved before drilling; a person drilling for someone else must be state licensed30. Check the flood map because construction, structures, fill and other development in a special flood-hazard area require a county development permit before work begins31. High-density subdivisions within 0.5 mile of public water and sewer generally must connect unless municipal restrictions or topography prevent it32.

Watch-outs

  • No county zoning does not mean no county permits: building, access, wastewater, subdivision and floodplain processes remain separate requirements21.
  • Custer County does not inspect structural construction, but state plumbing and electrical inspections and county access and wastewater inspections still apply6.
  • Custer County has no zoning-based minimum dwelling size, but residential subdivisions have specific lot and setback standards82223.
  • RV sites in mapped flood-hazard areas face duration or highway-readiness conditions unless the RV meets the applicable development, elevation and anchoring rules9.

Sources

  1. Procedure for Permitting Process, quoted and re-checked
  2. Planning and Economic - Custer County, South Dakota, quoted and re-checked
  3. Planning and Economic, quoted and re-checked
  4. Planning and Economic - Custer County, South Dakota, quoted and re-checked
  5. Custer County Planning and Economic Department (custercountysd.com)
  6. Procedure for Permitting Process, quoted and re-checked
  7. Planning and Economic - Custer County, South Dakota, quoted and re-checked
  8. Planning and Economic - Custer County, South Dakota, quoted and re-checked
  9. Custer County Ordinance #6 Revised Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  10. South Dakota Electrical Commission - Homeowner Wiring (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. custercountysd.com, quoted and re-checked
  12. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  13. Ordinance Number 2 Revised, quoted and re-checked
  14. Planning and Economic - Custer County, South Dakota, quoted and re-checked
  15. Planning and Economic - Custer County, South Dakota, quoted and re-checked
  16. Planning and Economic - Custer County, South Dakota, quoted and re-checked
  17. Planning and Economic - Custer County, South Dakota, quoted and re-checked
  18. Planning and Economic - Custer County, South Dakota, quoted and re-checked
  19. Planning and Economic - Custer County, South Dakota, quoted and re-checked
  20. Planning and Economic - Custer County, South Dakota, quoted and re-checked
  21. Planning and Economic - Custer County, South Dakota, quoted and re-checked
  22. Ordinance Number 2 Revised, quoted and re-checked
  23. Ordinance Number 2 Revised, quoted and re-checked
  24. Custer County Ordinance Number 2 Revised, quoted and re-checked
  25. Procedure for Permitting Process, quoted and re-checked
  26. Administrative Rule 74:53:01 — Individual and Small On-Site Wastewater Systems (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. Custer County Ordinance #6 Revised Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  28. South Dakota Plumbing Commission - Inspections (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  29. Instructions: Applying for permission for driveway or intersection on a South Dakota state highway (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  30. South Dakota Water Rights - Drilling a Well, quoted and re-checked
  31. Custer County Ordinance #6 Revised Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  32. custercountysd.com, quoted and re-checked

Written October 9, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 5 of its 6 neighbors, Custer County requires a building permit only in limited cases.

RuleCuster CountyFall River CountyPennington CountyOglala Lakota CountyLawrence CountyMeade CountyButte County
Building permitLimitedLimitedRequiredNot requiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningNoNoYesNoYesYesNo
Septic permitsCounty Planning & Economic Dept.DANRCounty Planning Dept.DANRCounty Planning & Zoning Dept.County Equalization & Planning Dept.County Equalization & Planning

County locator

Custer County in South Dakota

70
County map
Custer County highlighted among the South Dakota counties · colored by Index score

How Custer County scores

Seclusion90100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency42100% ev.
Admin Boringness78100% ev.
Durability40100% ev.
Property Autonomy67100% ev.
Carry Cost71100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$518kTypical home
0.8%Property tax
$1,832Land / acre
19.2"Annual rain
11.8% of yrsSevere drought
9.2 / yr (+7.4)Mid-century 100°F days
20 daysMid-century dry spell
1.11" (+4.8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.36×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,427Home insurance / yr
3.5% / yrInsurance growth
0.84%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
380People within 30 min
180,426People within 2 hr
4,969Radius comparison (15 mi)
5.9People / sq mi
41.4%Federal land
51%Land at 15% slope or less
14.8%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
146,358 acWorkable land screen
33%Wooded land
18.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
46.1°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Custer County

Inside a city, town or township here, that government usually sets zoning and may issue its own building permits; the county’s rules above cover land outside them.

Not yet researched: Town of Buffalo Gap · Custer · Town of Fairburn · Town of Pringle

Answers from the rulebook for Custer County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Custer County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    Structures over 160 square feet in unincorporated Custer County.

    • Building permits are needed for structures over 160 square feet, including new and used mobile/modular homes.
    • For non-living structures with no water and no sewer at 160 square feet or under, the county procedure directs applicants to fill out a form instead.
    • Proof of ownership, recorded access, owner or designated-agent filing, required permits, and fees are required before issuance.

    structure area threshold: > 160 square feet (Non-living, no-water, no-sewer structures 160 square feet or under use a form instead.)

    “Building permits are needed for all structures over 160 square feet. This also includes new and used mobile/modular homes. (Fill out form for non-living/no water, no sewer structures 160 square feet or under)”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New residential and accessory structures in residential subdivisions regulated by Ordinance #2.
      “All proposed residential subdivisions shall conform to Custer County Ordinance #2. [...] Building and Grading Permits are required for new residential and accessory structures constructed in Custer County.”
  • Building code adoptedNot adopted

    County building-code adoption in Custer County.

    • County subdivision and floodplain rules remain applicable.
    • Incorporated municipalities may adopt separate codes.
    “Currently, there is no zoning or building codes in Custer County. Please reference Ordinance #2 or contact the Custer County Planning Office for more information.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not adopted — County building-code adoption in unincorporated Custer County.
      “Currently, there is no zoning or building codes in Custer County.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    County inspections for access approaches and individual wastewater systems in unincorporated Custer County.

    • Final inspections of access approaches to public roads and individual wastewater disposal systems are required for all locations.
    • Custer County does not inspect footings, foundations, framing, or finished structures.
    • Plumbing and electrical inspections are performed by the State of South Dakota.
    “Final inspections of access approaches to public roads and individual wastewater disposal systems are required for all locations. Custer County does not inspect footings, foundations, framing or finished structures. Plumbing and electrical inspections are done by the State of South Dakota.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    County zoning in Custer County.

    • This does not displace county subdivision, wastewater, driveway, or floodplain requirements.
    • Incorporated municipalities may administer separate rules.
    “Currently, there is no zoning or building codes in Custer County. Please reference Ordinance #2 or contact the Custer County Planning Office for more information.”
  • Zoning districtsNot published

    County zoning districts and zoning-district maps in Custer County.

    • The county's official Planning and Economic page states that there is no county zoning.
    • This claim addresses zoning-district publication status and does not negate Ordinance #2 subdivision and land-use standards or Ordinance #6 floodplain standards.
    • The county ordinance expressly governs unincorporated lands; incorporated municipalities may have separate authorities and rules.
    “Q: Is there zoning or building codes in Custer County? A: Currently, there is no zoning or building codes in Custer County.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not published — County zoning districts outside incorporated municipalities.
      “Currently, there is no zoning or building codes in Custer County. Please reference Ordinance #2 or contact the Custer County Planning Office for more information.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeNone

    County zoning minimum dwelling size outside incorporated municipalities.

    • This conclusion concerns zoning-based dimensional regulation and does not displace subdivision, septic, or floodplain requirements.
    “Currently, there is no zoning or building codes in Custer County. Please reference Ordinance #2 or contact the Custer County Planning Office for more information.”
  • Minimum lot sizeNone

    County zoning minimum lot size outside incorporated municipalities.

    • This conclusion concerns zoning-based dimensional regulation; Ordinance #2 establishes subdivision-specific lot standards.
    “Currently, there is no zoning or building codes in Custer County. Please reference Ordinance #2 or contact the Custer County Planning Office for more information.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Lots in residential subdivisions under Ordinance #2.
      “Building and Lot Requirements: A. In no case shall a lot be less than one (1) acre (43,560 square feet) in size.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Structures in unincorporated residential subdivisions governed by Custer County Ordinance #2.

    • The public-road setback is measured from the public road right-of-way boundary.
    • The other setback is measured from any property line other than a right-of-way.
    • These are residential-subdivision standards; commercial and industrial subdivisions have separate standards.
    • Floodplain requirements may impose additional conditions.

    minimum distance from public road right-of-way boundary: >= 30 feet · minimum distance from property line other than right-of-way: >= 15 feet

    “B. The minimum distance between any structure and a public road right-of-way boundary shall be thirty feet (30’). C. The minimum distance between any structure and any property line other than a right-of-way shall be fifteen feet (15’).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • None — County zoning setbacks outside incorporated municipalities.
      “Currently, there is no zoning or building codes in Custer County. Please reference Ordinance #2 or contact the Custer County Planning Office for more information.”
  • Lot coverageNone

    County zoning lot-coverage regulation outside incorporated municipalities.

    • This conclusion concerns zoning-based lot coverage; subdivision, septic, driveway, and floodplain requirements still apply.
    “Currently, there is no zoning or building codes in Custer County. Please reference Ordinance #2 or contact the Custer County Planning Office for more information.”
  • Building heightNone

    County zoning building-height regulation outside incorporated municipalities.

    • This conclusion concerns zoning-based height regulation; subdivision, septic, driveway, and floodplain requirements still apply.
    “Currently, there is no zoning or building codes in Custer County. Please reference Ordinance #2 or contact the Custer County Planning Office for more information.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational vehicles placed on sites within Zones A1-30, AH, and AE on Custer County's community Flood Insurance Rate Map.

    • The recreational vehicle must be on the site for fewer than 180 consecutive days, or be fully licensed and ready for highway use, or satisfy the development-permit requirements and the manufactured-home elevation and anchoring requirements.
    • A recreational vehicle is ready for highway use only if it is on its wheels or jacking system, attached to the site only by quick-disconnect utilities and security devices, and has no permanently attached additions.

    maximum continuous site duration alternative: < 180 days (The alternative is satisfied by being fully licensed and ready for highway use or by meeting the permit, elevation, and anchoring requirements.)

    “Require that recreational vehicles placed on sites within Zones A1-30, AH, and AE on the community's FIRM either: (1) be on the site for fewer than 180 consecutive days, (2) be fully licensed and ready for highway use, or (3) meet the permit requirements of Section 4.3, and the elevation and anchoring requirements for "manufactured homes" of this section.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Installation, construction, modification, extension, replacement, or relocation of septic systems in Custer County.

    • A septic permit is needed for the listed system work.
    • Only persons certified by the State of South Dakota may install, repair, or upgrade systems.
    “If you install, construct, modify, extend, replace, or relocate a septic system in Custer County. [...] Only persons certified by the State of South Dakota may install, repair, or upgrade septic systems in Custer County.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installing, constructing, modifying, extending, replacing, or relocating a septic system in Custer County.

    • Only persons certified by the State of South Dakota may install, repair, or upgrade septic systems in Custer County.
    “If you install, construct, modify, extend, replace, or relocate a septic system in Custer County.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Individual wastewater disposal systems in Custer County.

    • The county procedure states final inspections are required for all locations.
    “Final inspections of [...] individual wastewater disposal systems are required”
  • Mandatory utility hookupWater and sewer (with conditions)

    High-density subdivisions within one-half mile of public water and public sewer systems.

    • Connection is excepted where restricted by the municipality or limited by topography.
    • Where connection is unavailable, an acceptable water-supply or wastewater-disposal plan is required; private wells or individual septic systems may be included subject to stated planning, board, and health requirements.

    connection-distance: <= 0.5 mile (Restricted by the Municipality or limited by topography)

    “public water system [...] public sewer system”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land outside municipal or unincorporated-town boundaries in Custer County.

    • All subdivision of land is reviewed by Access Map Review or Plat Review.
    • Public-access and road-construction standards apply.
    • The ordinance states an effective date of January 30, 2007.

    review types: Access Map Review or Plat Review

    “It is the intent of the Board that all subdivision of land within Custer County shall be reviewed, either by Access Map Review or by Plat Review”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    A private access road or driveway connecting to a public road in Custer County.

    • The Grading Permit Application must be reviewed and approved by the Highway Department before construction.
    • Building permits, wastewater disposal permits, and 9-1-1 addresses are not issued until approval.
    “A Grading Permit Application must be reviewed and approved by the Highway Department before construction is begun on the approach connecting any private access road or driveway to a public road. Building permits, wastewater disposal permits, or 9-1-1 addresses shall not be issued until said Application is approved.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Construction and development within areas of special flood hazard in Custer County.

    • The ordinance applies to all areas of special flood hazards within Custer County.
    • The effective Flood Insurance Study and accompanying FIRM identified by the ordinance are dated January 6, 2012.
    • The permit applies to all structures, including manufactured homes, and all development including fill and other activities.
    • Applications may require scaled plans, elevations, floodproofing certification by a registered professional engineer or architect for non-residential structures, and a description of watercourse alteration or relocation.
    “A development permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazard established in Section 3.2.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction or development in areas of special flood hazard established in Ordinance #6 Section 3.2, within Custer County jurisdiction.
      “A development permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazard established in Section 3.2. The permit shall be for all structures including manufactured homes and for all development including fill and other activities.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Planning and permitting fees published by Custer County.

    • The planning page links a separate “Fee and Permit Rates” document; amounts and applicability should be verified against that schedule before payment.
    “Permitting Process & Fees Permit Process Fee and Permit Rates Permit Applications”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Planning and permitting process published by Custer County.

    • The planning page links a separate Permit Process document; procedure varies by permit type.
    “Permitting Process & Fees Permit Process Fee and Permit Rates Permit Applications”

South Dakota rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    An individual owner personally installing electrical wiring and fixtures in a residence or farmstead owned and resided in by that individual.

    • The exemption is from electrical licensure requirements, not from permitting or inspection.
    • An approved homeowner permit must be obtained before electrical work begins.
    • The exemption does not apply to commercial or rental property.
    • Mobile-home and modular-home installations are allowed only when the unit is on an owner-occupied lot at the time of installation; otherwise a licensed South Dakota electrical contractor is required.
    • A final inspection is required before occupancy.
    “an "owner's exemption" as an exemption from licensure requirements”
  • Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)

    Unconventional off-grid sanitation systems where a water or electrical system is unavailable statewide.

    • Vault privies, chemical toilets, incinerator toilets, or composting units must be used when a water or electrical system is unavailable.
    • Except for vault privies, all unconventional systems are experimental systems and require plans and specifications submitted to the secretary for approval before installation.
    “all unconventional systems are considered experimental systems”
  • Well permitLimited

    Water-well drilling and proposed water uses statewide in South Dakota.

    • A water-right permit is required only for proposed water uses that fall within the permitting requirements; the official page directs applicants to the Using Water in SD page to determine whether a permit is needed.
    • When a water-right permit is required, state law requires approval before well drilling.
    • The chief engineer may permit construction of a test well before obtaining the water-right permit; the test well may serve as the production well if the application is approved.
    • A water-right permit, when required and approved, provides five years to construct the water-use system and an additional four years to place all water to beneficial use.
    • A well driller's license is required before drilling any well or contracting to drill a well.

    construction period after water-right permit approval: 5 years · period to place water to beneficial use: 4 years

    “If a water right permit is needed, state law requires the permit to be approved prior to doing any well drilling.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Water wells and proposed water uses in Custer County under South Dakota law.
      “If a water right permit is needed, state law requires the permit to be approved prior to doing any well drilling.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Farmsteads and accessory structures or buildings thereto under South Dakota's default construction-design standard when the local unit of government has not adopted an ordinance prescribing standards under SDCL 11-10-5.

    • The default standard applies to building work commenced after July 1, 2026.
    • The local unit of government may adopt an ordinance allowing local administration and enforcement of the design standard.
    • The exclusion is from SDCL 11-10-6's default 2024 International Building Code design standard; it does not establish that all local zoning, building, occupancy, or other requirements are waived.
    • The statute defines farmstead as a farm or ranch, including any structure or building located on the land.
    • Residential structures and mobile or manufactured homes are also excluded from this specific default-standard provision.

    construction commencement date: > 2026-07-01 (The provision applies to buildings commenced after July 1, 2026.) · building standard: 2024 International Building Code (The default standard does not apply to a farmstead or accessory structure or building thereto.)

    “farmstead and any accessory structure or building thereto.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    South Dakota county boards' authority to adopt zoning ordinances, including for unincorporated county land.

    • The authority is granted for promoting the health, safety, or general welfare of the county.
    • The statute authorizes regulation of building and land-use characteristics including height, number of stories, building and structure size, lot coverage, yards, courts, open spaces, population density, and locations and uses of buildings, structures, and land.
    • The authorized purposes expressly include trade, industry, residence, flood plain, and other purposes.
    • This claim identifies statewide enabling authority; whether a particular county has adopted an ordinance is a separate local question.
    “For the purpose of promoting health, safety, or the general welfare of the county the board may adopt a zoning ordinance to regulate and restrict the height, number of stories, and size of buildings and other structures, the percentage of lot that may be occupied, the size of the yards, courts, and other open spaces, the density of population, and the location and use of buildings, structures, and land for trade, industry, residence, flood plain, or other purposes.”
  • county building authorityLimited

    County authority to prescribe building standards and issue building permits for construction in South Dakota, including unincorporated areas.

    • Section 11-10-5 expressly addresses ordinances adopted by any local unit of government, and expressly provides for amendments to a county ordinance filed with the county auditor.
    • That provision concerns buildings other than residential structures as defined in § 11-10-12.
    • Section 11-10-12 expressly authorizes a municipality to enact residential-structure requirements using the 2024 International Residential Code, rather than expressly extending that authorization to counties.
    • A county, municipality, or township may not require permits for specified repairs or substantially similar replacements to existing exterior parts of a detached single-family owner-occupied residential structure, except designated historical property repairs authorized under chapter 1-19B.
    • Construction under the default § 11-10-6 standard is subject to the residential, manufactured-home, farmstead, accessory-structure, and specialty-resort exclusions stated there.

    nonresidential code: 2024 International Building Code (County ordinances may amend, modify, or delete portions before enactment; HUD-compliant mobile or manufactured homes and specified Group R-3 specialty resorts or vacation home establishments are excluded; no single-family dwelling fire sprinkler may be required.) · permit exemption effective date: 2026 (Applies to listed repairs and substantially similar replacements of existing exterior parts.)

    “Additional deletions, modifications, and amendments to the county ordinance may be made by the governing body and are effective upon their adoption and filing with the county auditor. [...] Notwithstanding any authority granted to a county, municipality, or township to prescribe building codes or standards or to issue building permits, a county, municipality, or township may not require a building permit for the repair or substantially similar replacement of any of the following existing exterior parts of a detached single-family owner-occupied residential structure:”

Set by your township or city, not the county

In South Dakota, zoning is adopted by each township or city, so Custer County has no county-wide answer on these. Find your township or city in the list of places on this page, or call its clerk or zoning administrator.

  • Short-term rentals

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificate-of-occupancy requirements for county-regulated construction.
  • Local zoning — Zoning administered by incorporated or other local authorities within Custer County.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Custer County, South Dakota

Is Custer County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Custer County scores 70/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 380 people within a 30-minute drive and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property. Watch-outs: elevated current hazard exposure.

Do you need a building permit in Custer County, South Dakota?

Custer County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones), and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Custer County Planning & Economic Department (installers must be SD-certified). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Custer County, South Dakota?

Land in Custer County runs about $1,832 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Custer County?

Custer County gets about 19.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 11.8% of years.

How remote is Custer County?

A representative private-land location has about 380 people within a 30-minute drive and 180,426 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Custer compares in South Dakota

Compare side-by-side →See all 66 South Dakota counties ranked →