Building permits, zoning and land rules in Meade County, South Dakota
52Index Score / 100 #13 of 66 in South Dakota
Most new structures in unincorporated Meade County, South Dakota require a county building permit; accessory buildings of 200 square feet or less and decks of 100 square feet or less are listed exceptions.1 Meade County requires construction inspections and a Certificate of Occupancy before a new building is occupied.23 Equalization & Planning handles county building and septic permits; municipal zoning applies inside city limits, while countywide zoning remains unconfirmed.456
At a glance
Building permit
Required for most structures in unincorporated areas1
Building inspections
Foundation, rough framing and final inspections required before occupancy approval23
Zoning
Municipal zoning applies inside city limits; countywide zoning remains unconfirmed64
Septic
County permit required for new systems, replacements and repairs75
RV living
Long-term occupancy rule not confirmed; ask Planning4
Tiny homes
No specific occupancy rule confirmed; building rules still apply89
Owner-builder
Landowners may do their own work, but permits and inspections still apply10
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Do you need a building permit in Meade County, South Dakota?
Yes. A building permit is required for most structures constructed in unincorporated Meade County.1 The listed exceptions include accessory buildings of 200 square feet or less, decks of 100 square feet or less, replacement roof shingles and replacement windows.1 Ask Equalization & Planning before treating work as exempt because the county ordinance contains the complete list.1
Meade County requires foundation inspections of footings and walls, rough-framing inspections and final inspections for building projects in its unincorporated area.2 A newly constructed building cannot be occupied until the county issues a Certificate of Occupancy.3 The county has adopted the current International Building Code, International Residential Code and International Fire Code.11 Published residential permit fees begin at $75 for the first $1,000 of project cost and add $4.50 per $1,000 thereafter.12 Reinspection costs $150 per inspection.12
Who handles Meade County building permits and inspections?
The Meade County Equalization & Planning Department is the first stop for building permits, inspections, planning and septic questions in unincorporated Meade County.4 The office is at 1300 Sherman Street, Suite 222, Sturgis, SD 57785, and its phone number is 605.347.3818.4 The county page also links to a public building-permit search through the office portal.4
The county building rules below apply to unincorporated Meade County.1Box Elder, a city mostly in Pennington County that reaches into Meade County, handles its own building permits within city limits.13 Meade County's wastewater authority is confirmed for unincorporated land; septic authority inside Box Elder remains unconfirmed, so ask the city and Equalization & Planning.54 For access from a county road, ask the Meade County Highway Department which approach approval applies; the county fee schedule lists a $125 approach permit.1412 Driveway culverts associated with building-permit work must be at least 15 inches in diameter and use a listed or preapproved material.15 Access to a state highway requires state permission before construction begins.16
Does Meade County, South Dakota have zoning?
Box Elder, which reaches into Meade County from Pennington County, sets its own zoning within city limits.17 The county wastewater rules here apply to unincorporated land; ask the city and Equalization & Planning who handles septic approval for a city address.54 In unincorporated Meade County, the county regulates subdivision, land development and improvements through its subdivision ordinance, and the Equalization & Planning Department reviews subdivisions, site plans and variances.1819 We could not confirm a countywide zoning-district map for unincorporated land, so ask Planning which approvals apply to a specific parcel before design work begins.4
Setbacks for structures in unincorporated Meade County are 25 feet at the front and back and 8 feet at the sides; a corner lot has a 25-foot setback from each right-of-way.20 Measurements run from property lines, section-line rights-of-way and easements, and Planning accepts variance requests.21 We could not confirm a countywide minimum dwelling size, building-height limit or lot-coverage percentage; ask Planning what applies to the parcel.4
How do septic permits work in Meade County?
Unincorporated Meade County requires a septic permit for a new onsite wastewater system, tank replacement, drain field, holding tank or repair.7 A percolation test and site plan must be approved before permit issuance.22 The county administers its wastewater ordinance in unincorporated Meade County and follows South Dakota environmental rules.5 The published fee for a new or replacement non-commercial system is $150.12
Only 18.1% of mapped county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so test feasibility before fixing the house site or budget.23 A qualifying property sale requires inspection by a state-certified wastewater installer licensed with Meade County, pumping at or within six months of closing, and a report filed with Planning.24 Agricultural land intended primarily for agricultural use is exempt only from that sale inspection, not from installation permits.25
Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Meade County?
We could not confirm a Meade County rule that answers whether an RV may be used as a long-term residence on private land in the unincorporated county. Meade County regulates temporary campgrounds, but that rule does not answer residential RV occupancy on an individual parcel.26 Ask Equalization & Planning about the parcel, intended duration, utility hookups and wastewater plan before moving an RV onto the land.4
We also could not confirm a Meade County rule written specifically for tiny-home occupancy or a county minimum dwelling size. A tiny home constructed as a building still falls within the county's general permit framework; the small-structure exception is for qualifying accessory buildings, not dwellings.1 The adopted building and residential codes apply to building projects in unincorporated Meade County.11 Describe the exact unit and foundation to Planning rather than relying on the marketing label.4
Building a home in Meade County: what are the steps?
Confirm that the parcel is in unincorporated Meade County and ask Equalization & Planning which zoning and subdivision requirements apply.418
Lay out the building against county setbacks and identify easement or right-of-way constraints.27
Resolve access with the Highway Department for a county road or the state for a state highway.1416
Obtain approval for the septic percolation test and site plan, then apply for septic and building permits.221
Schedule county foundation inspections of footings and walls, rough-framing inspections and final inspections.2
Arrange applicable electrical and plumbing permits and inspections; qualifying owner-occupants still need an approved homeowner electrical permit.2829
Obtain the Certificate of Occupancy before occupying the new building.3
What should you check before buying land in Meade County?
Start with jurisdiction, legal access and buildability. Confirm with Equalization & Planning whether the parcel is governed by the county or a city, identify its subdivision requirements, and verify setbacks against a survey or legal description.461827 Ask the Highway Department whether an existing county-road approach is approved; a state-highway connection follows the state permit process.1416 A landowner may perform work on the owner's property without a county contractor license, but permits and inspections still apply.10
Check flood risk before choosing a house site because Meade County requires a Floodplain Development Permit before work in a floodplain.30 Test septic feasibility early because only 18.1% of mapped soils avoid a severe conventional drain-field limitation.23 A stormwater site plan is required when construction is within 250 feet of a drainage ditch, stream or road ditch; agriculturally taxed properties with structures used only for agriculture are exempt from that requirement.31 For water, ask Planning what applies because we could not confirm the current well-permit rule.4
Watch-outs
Do not occupy a newly constructed building in unincorporated Meade County until the Certificate of Occupancy has been issued.3
A floodplain site needs a Meade County Floodplain Development Permit before building or other work begins.30
Long-term RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy and minimum dwelling size remain unconfirmed; ask Equalization & Planning about the exact parcel and proposed use.4
A state electrical owner exemption covers qualifying owner-occupied work, but it does not waive the homeowner permit or inspections.28
Written October 11, 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.
Meade County highlighted among the South Dakota counties · colored by Index score
How Meade County scores
Seclusion90100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency22100% ev.
Admin Boringness49100% ev.
Durability44100% ev.
Property Autonomy67100% ev.
Carry Cost74100% 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 →
$401kTypical home
1%Property tax
$1,388Land / acre
18.4"Annual rain
17.6% of yrsSevere drought
15.9 / yr (+11.6)Mid-century 100°F days
21.8 daysMid-century dry spell
1.23" (+6.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.32×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,327Home insurance / yr
5.6% / yrInsurance growth
1.97%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
437Radius comparison (15 mi)
8.9People / sq mi
4%Federal land
82.3%Land at 15% slope or less
18.1%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Meade 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.
“You would need a building permit for any structure you plan on constructing except for accessory buildings 200 square feet or less or decks 100 square feet or less.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Structures constructed in unincorporated Meade County.
“You would need a building permit for any structure you plan on constructing except for accessory buildings 200 square feet or less or decks 100 square feet or less.”
Owner-builder exemptionAvailable
Work performed by a landowner on the landowner's property in unincorporated Meade County.
The exemption concerns the county contractor-license requirement; it does not state that building permits or inspections are waived.
“Contractors working in the unincorporated areas of Meade County are required to obtain a Meade County Contractors License. This applies to all construction. Work done by the land owner on his or her property is exempt.”
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
Building projects within the unincorporated boundaries of Meade County.
The county page states adoption of the most current version of the International Building Code, International Residential Code, and International Fire Code.
Ordinance No. 34 also covers building and construction.
“Meade County has adopted the most current version of the International Building Code and the International Residential Code along with the International Fire Code.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Adopted (with conditions) — Building projects within the unincorporated boundaries of Meade County.
“Meade County has adopted the most current version of the International Building Code and the International Residential Code along with the International Fire Code.”
InspectionsRequired
Building projects within unincorporated Meade County
The county requires foundation, rough-framing, and final inspections.
required inspection stages: foundation inspection (footings and walls), rough framing, and final inspection
“Meade County requires construction inspections for building projects within the unincorporated boundaries of Meade County. Three type of inspections are required: the foundation inspection (footings and walls), rough framing, and a final inspection.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — Building projects in unincorporated Meade County.
“Meade County requires construction inspections for building projects within the unincorporated boundaries of Meade County. Three type of inspections are required: the foundation inspection (footings and walls), rough framing, and a final inspection.”
Required — Building projects within the unincorporated boundaries of Meade County.
“Meade County requires construction inspections for building projects within the unincorporated boundaries of Meade County. Three type of inspections are required: the foundation inspection (footings and walls), rough framing, and a final inspection.”
Certificate of occupancyRequired
Newly constructed buildings in unincorporated Meade County.
A final inspection must be completed before occupancy.
“Meade County requires that a Certificate of Occupancy be issued before any newly constructed building is occupied.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Newly constructed buildings in unincorporated Meade County.
“Meade County requires that a Certificate of Occupancy be issued before any newly constructed building is occupied.”
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
Aggregate local zoning across Meade County: incorporated municipalities administer their own zoning, while unincorporated-area applicability must be determined from county rules and the property's location.
The county page states that planning activities are coordinated with municipalities.
The City of Sturgis has its own Title 18 zoning ordinance establishing zoning districts.
Municipal zoning rules apply within the relevant municipality; county and other applicable development, building, wastewater, subdivision, and state rules may also apply.
“These regulations shall be known and may be cited as "THE CITY OF STURGIS ZONING ORDINANCE".”
SetbacksSpecified
Structures in unincorporated Meade County.
Front setback is 25 feet.
Back setback is 25 feet.
Side setback is 8 feet.
Corner lots have a 25-foot setback from each right-of-way.
Setbacks are measured from property lines and/or section-line rights-of-way and easements.
A variance may be requested through the Planning application process.
front setback: 25 feet · back setback: 25 feet · side setback: 8 feet · corner-lot setback from each right-of-way: 25 feet
“Setbacks for all structures shall be 25.0 (feet) front and back and Sides 8.0' (feet). Setbacks are measured from property lines and/or section line right-of-ways and easements. Corner lots, have a 25.0 (feet) setback from each right-of-way.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Specified — All structures subject to the Meade County building permit application in unincorporated areas.
“Setbacks for all structures shall be 25.0 (feet) front and back and Sides 8.0' (feet).”
Specified — Meade County property or yard setbacks identified by the county planning office
“The setbacks in Meade County are as follows: Front Yard is 25 feet Back Yard is 25 feet Side setback is 8 feet”
Camping on your landLimited
Temporary campgrounds in unincorporated Meade County
Meade County lists Ordinance No. 21, Temporary Campgrounds.
The current fee schedule lists fees by campsite count: 10-50, 51-100, 101-150, 151-300, and 301 or more campsites.
Wastewater systems installed within unincorporated Meade County.
Meade County Ordinance No. 33 applies.
The county follows South Dakota DENR rules and regulations.
“Meade County does have an ordinance that covers wastewater systems being installed within the unincorporated boundaries of Meade County. This ordinance, Ordinance No. 33, covers requirements for septic systems and other sewage systems along with water systems either private, community, or public. We do follow the South Dakota DENR Rules and Regulations.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Mixed (with conditions) — Onsite wastewater, septic, sewage, and water systems in unincorporated Meade County.
“Meade County does have an ordinance that covers wastewater systems being installed within the unincorporated boundaries of Meade County. This ordinance, Ordinance No. 33, covers requirements for septic systems and other sewage systems along with water systems either private, community, or public. We do follow the South Dakota DENR Rules and Regulations.”
Septic permitRequired
New, replacement, repaired, or modified onsite wastewater systems in Meade County.
A permit is required for a new onsite wastewater treatment or septic system.
A permit is also required for replacing a septic tank, installing a drain field, placing a holding tank, or repairing the system.
A percolation test and site plan must be approved before permit issuance.
“You will need a septic permit for any new on-site wastewater treatment system or septic system. If you are replacing a septic tank, installing a drain field, placing a holding tank or repairing your system, you also need a septic permit.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — New, replacement, repaired, or modified onsite wastewater systems in unincorporated Meade County.
“You will need a septic permit for any new on-site wastewater treatment system or septic system. If you are replacing a septic tank, installing a drain field, placing a holding tank or repairing your system, you also need a septic permit.”
Septic inspectionRequired
Septic installation and qualifying property sales involving onsite wastewater systems.
Installation must comply with South Dakota Department of Natural Resources Article 74:53 and Meade County Ordinance No. 33.
For sales, the inspector must be a South Dakota DENR Certified Wastewater Installer licensed with Meade County.
The tank must be pumped at or within six months of closing.
A written report must be filed with Equalization/Planning.
Agricultural land intended primarily for agricultural use is exempt from the time-of-sale inspection.
“Effective October 11th, 2011, all sellers of properties with on-site wastewater systems (septic systems), except for agricultural exempted properties, must have their on-site wastewater system inspected by a South Dakota DENR Certified Wastewater Installer.”
Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Properties classified for property-tax purposes as agricultural land and intended primarily for agricultural use, for the onsite wastewater time-of-sale inspection requirement.
The exemption applies to the time-of-sale septic inspection requirement.
It does not establish a general exemption from building, zoning, subdivision, or wastewater installation permits.
“Properties classified for property tax purposes as agricultural land and which are intended for primarily agricultural use, are exempt from this requirement.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Conditional — Stormwater site-plan requirement for construction on agriculturally taxed properties where structures are used for agricultural purposes only.
“A stormwater site plan is required to be submitted if the construction area or site is within 250 feet of a drainage ditch, stream, or road ditch – complete attached form. *Construction on agriculturally taxed properties, of structures to be used for agricultural use only, is exempt from this requirement.)”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision, land development, and improvements in unincorporated Meade County
The county planning office reviews subdivisions, site plans, variances, building plans, and permit issuance.
Meade County lists Ordinance No. 20 as Regulations for the Subdivision of Land, Development, and Improvements.
The current fee schedule includes density-specific subdivision plat fees and recording fees.
“Ordinance #20: Regulations for the Subdivision of Land, Development, and Improvements”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision, land development, and improvements in unincorporated Meade County.
“The Planning office reviews subdivisions, site plans, and variances, building plans, permit issuance, and is also responsible for the development and enforcement of the Subdivision, Building, Wastewater, Signs and other ordinances to enhance our community.”
Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision of land, development, and improvements regulated by Meade County Ordinance No. 20.
“Ordinance #20: Regulations for the Subdivision of Land, Development, and Improvements”
Driveway accessLimited
Driveway culverts associated with building-permit work in unincorporated Meade County
Driveway culverts must be at least 15 inches in diameter.
Permitted materials are corrugated metal pipe, reinforced concrete pipe, or material approved in advance by the Meade County Highway Department.
Driveways on state highways are directed to South Dakota DOT.
minimum driveway culvert diameter: >= 15 inches (material may be approved in advance by the Meade County Highway Department)
“Driveway culverts shall be a minimum of 15 inches in diameter, and shall be corrugated metal pipe, reinforced concrete pipe, or material approved, in advance, by the Meade County Highway Department”
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
County ordinance-related building, wastewater, subdivision, floodplain, approach, and inspection fees.
Resolution 2025-18 states that its listed fees are updated fees for county ordinances.
The resolution lists an effective date of 05-27-2025 for the applicable fee schedule sections.
Fees may include recording fees where stated.
residential building permit: $75 for first $1,000; $4.50 per $1,000 thereafter USD · commercial building permit: $150 for first $1,000; $6.50 per $1,000 thereafter USD · new or replacement non-commercial septic system: 150 USD · flood plain development application: 250 USD · approach permit: 125 USD · re-inspection fee: 150 USD (Per inspection)
“Residential Building Permit Fees $75 for first $1,000 $4.50 per $1,000 thereafter.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Published (with conditions) — Meade County ordinance-related permit and application fees
“Residential Building Permit Fees $75 for first $1,000 $4.50 per $1,000 thereafter.”
County-wide zoningPresent
Meade County develops and enforces zoning, subdivision and related ordinances in the unincorporated county (Special Zoning Ordinance / Comprehensive Plan).
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.”
Building in a floodplainRequired
Development in floodplains within South Dakota communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program, including incorporated and unincorporated areas administered separately by local governments.
Participating communities must adopt and enforce a flood-damage-prevention ordinance.
Permits are required for all types of development in the floodplain.
New or substantially improved homes and manufactured homes must be elevated above the Base Flood Elevation.
Non-residential buildings must be elevated or flood-proofed.
Elevation Certificates are required to document compliance.
NFIP participation and eligibility are established separately for incorporated and unincorporated areas; the source does not establish a single uniform permit process for every South Dakota location.
“Require permits for all types of development in the floodplain.”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
South Dakota state electrical wiring permits and inspections.
The installer must send the white permit copy to the Commission within 15 calendar days after starting the installation.
The permit hard copy must be posted at the job site when electrical work starts.
At least 72 hours' notice is required before inspection.
A rough-in inspection must occur before wiring is covered, and a final inspection is required before occupancy.
Homeowner permits are limited to qualifying owner-occupied residences or farmsteads and cannot be used for commercial or rental property.
white permit copy submission deadline: 15 calendar days after starting installation · inspection notice: >= 72 hours
“Within fifteen calendar days after starting an electrical installation, the installer shall send the white copy to the office of the commission.”
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 Meade 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.
Zoning districts
Minimum dwelling size
Minimum lot size
Lot coverage
Building height
Living in an RV
Tiny homes
Manufactured homes
Accessory dwellings
Short-term rentals
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.
Mandatory utility hookup — Water or sewer connection requirements in unincorporated Meade 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 Meade County, South Dakota
Is Meade County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Meade County scores 52/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 437 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (18.4″/yr rainfall).
Do you need a building permit in Meade County, South Dakota?
Meade County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Meade County Equalization & Planning Department (Wastewater ordinance). 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 Meade County, South Dakota?
Land in Meade County runs about $1,388 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Meade County?
Meade County gets about 18.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 17.6% of years.
How remote is Meade County?
A typical private-land location has about 437 people within 15 miles and 228,194 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.
