Off-grid site report

Custer County, SD

43.5308, -104.0410 · 3,704 ft elevation

Read this before you act on anything below. This is my researched starting point for Custer County, SD, not legal advice and not a guarantee. Rules change, and the deciding facts on any specific parcel (setbacks, perc results, overlay districts, deed restrictions, road frontage) live at the county or town office, not in any database. Before you buy land or build, confirm the current rules directly with the local zoning and health offices - the sources on this page tell you exactly who to call.

The local rulesCuster County, SD

Zoning & raw-land occupancy

Varies locallyCuster County's Homeowner's Packet and Ordinance #2 describe an adopted zoning resolution with districts and permits, but the county's own FAQ claims there is no zoning, so confirm current status with Planning & Zoning. source

Dwellings, tiny homes & RVs

Varies locallyFactory-built homes are allowed if de-wheeled, skirted, and not built before 1977, with setbacks scaling by parcel size; tiny homes/RVs as full-time dwellings aren't specifically addressed by the county.

Building permits & codes

RestrictedCuster County has not adopted an IBC-style building code but still requires a Zoning Permit and Residential Building Permit with site plans; state electrical, plumbing, and septic codes apply in place of a local building code. source

Septic & composting toilets

Generally allowedCuster County requires a permit, state-certified installer, one-acre minimum lot size, site evaluation, and specific setbacks beyond the state's ARSD 74:53 minimum standards. source

Greywater reuse

Unclear - verifyNo Custer County ordinance specifically addressing greywater reuse was found; this falls back to an unclear state baseline, so confirm with the Planning Department.

Rainwater harvesting

Unclear - verifyNo Custer County rule specifically addressing rainwater harvesting was found, though the county does require proof of an adequate water source before issuing a building permit.

Private wells & water rights

Generally allowedWells are governed by South Dakota DANR's statewide water rights program, with most domestic use exempt from a separate water right permit unless usage exceeds state thresholds; a licensed driller is required. source

Living disconnected from utilities

Varies locallyFull utility hookup isn't mandated, but the county requires proof of a legally adequate water source and an approved wastewater system before issuing a building permit, so an off-grid well and septic setup can satisfy that condition.

Open the full county page with sources →

Sun30-year normals

Solar data unavailable for this spot.

Weather1991-2020

Weather data unavailable for this spot.

How far help isstraight-line

Hospital Weston County Health Services: 23.1 mi
Fire station Highlands VFD: 11.3 mi
Hardware store: none within range
Grocery: none within range

From OpenStreetMap. Road miles will be longer, often much longer in hill country.

Plan this spot

These open with this location's real numbers already filled in (ZIP ).

Size a solar system Heat loss & insulation Firewood per winter Rainwater harvest Garden size Panel tilt

Sources: US Census Bureau geocoder; NLR PVWatts v8 (solar); NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 climate normals (nearest station) or Open-Meteo (ZIP-centroid) for weather; Open-Elevation; OpenStreetMap contributors. Public data retrieved Aug 22, 2026; agencies update their layers on their own schedules. Planning data, not a survey or legal advice.