Off-Grid Living in Tripp County, South Dakota

I dug into Tripp County, South Dakota specifically because the off-grid question there hinges on one unusual fact: as of my research in August 2026, Tripp County has no countywide zoning ordinance at all. This isn't a gap in my research, it's the finding itself, and it recently made local news when county commissioners debated (and declined) even a temporary zoning ordinance amid a proposed hog confinement fight. That single fact shapes almost everything below.

Zoning. South Dakota state law (SDCL 11-2) gives counties the option to adopt zoning to control building size, lot coverage, and land use. Tripp County simply hasn't done it countywide. So on unincorporated land outside city limits, there's effectively no county zoning restricting what you build or how you use your land. The City of Winner may have its own municipal zoning, but that only applies inside city limits, and I couldn't locate an official Winner code page to confirm details, so call the city directly if that's where you're looking.

Dwellings, tiny homes, RVs, and building permits. With no zoning ordinance, I found no confirmed county rule on minimum square footage, RV living, or tiny homes on unincorporated land. Same goes for building permits: I found no evidence Tripp County has adopted a building code or permit requirement, which lines up with counties that skip zoning entirely. If South Dakota jurisdictions do adopt building codes, state law says they must be based on the 2021 International Building Code, but adoption itself is optional and locally decided. Confirm directly with the Tripp County Auditor's office, and separately with the City of Winner if you're inside town.

Septic. This is state-regulated regardless of county zoning: South Dakota's Administrative Rules (ARSD 74:53:01) set the baseline for septic systems and require certified installers. I couldn't confirm exactly which local office administers permitting in Tripp County, so start with the Auditor's office and ask them to route you.

Greywater and rainwater. I found no state statute or county rule addressing greywater reuse. On rainwater, South Dakota's DANR water rights program exempts most domestic water use from permitting, unless you exceed fairly high daily or pump-rate thresholds, but no rule specifically targets rainwater harvesting.

Wells. Wells are handled entirely at the state level through DANR's Office of Water. Domestic use is exempt from water-right permitting up to the thresholds above; well owners are responsible for keeping wells capped, sanitary, and in good repair.

Utilities. Because there's no zoning, I found nothing requiring grid, water, or sewer hookups on unincorporated land. Statewide electrical licensing rules still apply to any wiring work.

The honest summary: Tripp County is about as light-touch as it gets in South Dakota, but "no ordinance found" isn't the same as "guaranteed legal forever." Call the county before you commit.