IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Based on the provided content analysis, I was unable to locate specific short-term rental (STR) regulations for Big Stone City, SD. The provided documents contain Pennington County zoning regulations that may apply to unincorporated areas, but do not contain city-specific ordinances for Big Stone City. This guide reflects the available county-level information and general South Dakota context.

Overview: Short-Term Rental Status in Big Stone City, SD

STRs are likely allowed in Big Stone City, SD, but specific regulations depend on zoning classifications and may require permits. The available information shows that Pennington County (where Big Stone City is located) has established a regulatory framework for "Vacation Home Rentals" (VHRs), which is the local term for short-term rentals.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

Based on Pennington County regulations, the process for establishing a short-term rental business involves:

1. Zoning Compliance Verification

• Determine your property's zoning district
• Verify that short-term rentals are permitted in that zone (allowed-by-right or as conditional use)
• Check minimum lot requirements for your zoning district

2. Vacation Home Rental Registration

• If operating as a VHR as defined by Pennington County regulations, you must register with the Planning Department
• The VHR definition includes: "A dwelling that is rented, leased, or furnished in its entirety to the public on a daily or weekly basis for more than 14 days in a calendar year and is not occupied by an owner or manager during the time of rental"

3. Permitting Process

• Apply for any required building permits
• Obtain conditional use permits if VHR is not allowed-by-right in your zoning district
• Comply with septic system requirements if applicable

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documents:

1. Property Ownership Documentation
2. Building Permit (if significant modifications are planned)
3. Vacation Home Rental Registration (VHR Registration)
4. Conditional Use Permit (if required by zoning)
5. Septic System Compliance Certificate (if applicable)
6. Fire Mitigation Plan (if in fire protection district)

Key Guidelines from Pennington County:

• VHRs are defined as rentals exceeding 14 days per calendar year
• Must not be occupied by owner/manager during rental period
• Bed and breakfast establishments are specifically excluded from VHR regulations
• Must comply with residential zoning requirements
• Property must meet minimum lot size requirements for the zoning district

Specific Regulations (County and State Level)

Pennington County VHR Regulations:

Section 319 - Vacation Home Rental (Referenced but full text not provided in available content)

Key Zoning Districts where STRs may be permitted:

• LDR (Low Density Residential): 1 acre minimum, 35 ft max height
• SRD-1 (Suburban Residential-1): 6,500 sq ft minimum, 35 ft max height
• SRD-2 (Suburban Residential-2): 6,000 sq ft minimum, 35 ft max height
• C (Commercial): May allow STRs with commercial zoning requirements

Septic System Requirements:

• General requirement: 20,000 sq ft minimum lot size for on-site septic systems
• Private well properties: 43,560 sq ft minimum lot size required
• Central water and sewer: 6,500 sq ft minimum lot size
• All septic systems must comply with Section 331 regulations

General Building Standards:

• Must meet residential construction standards
• Maximum height varies by zoning district (typically 35 ft)
• Setback requirements apply based on zoning district
• One principal structure per lot (with exceptions for commercial zones)

Bed and Breakfast Regulations:

• Specifically regulated separately from VHRs under Section 323
• Different regulatory framework than short-term rentals
• Must comply with SDCL 34-18-9.1(1) requirements

Contact Information

Pennington County Planning Department

• Address: 130 Kansas City Street, Suite 200, Rapid City, SD 57701
• Phone: (605) 394-2186
• Website: planning.pennco.org

For Big Stone City-Specific Regulations:

Note: Big Stone City likely has its own municipal ordinances separate from county regulations. Contact the city directly:

• Big Stone City, SD (Estimated - please verify)
• Phone: (605) [Number not available in provided content]
• Email: [Email not available in provided content]
• Website: [Website not available in provided content]

Important Limitations and Next Steps

Data Limitations:

1. No city-specific regulations found in the provided content for Big Stone City
2. Section 319 details not complete - full VHR regulations may have additional requirements
3. Missing municipal contact information for Big Stone City

Recommended Action Steps:

1. Contact Big Stone City directly for city-specific STR regulations
2. Consult with Pennington County Planning Department for county requirements in unincorporated areas
3. Verify current zoning of your target property
4. Review complete Section 319 of Pennington County Zoning Ordinance for detailed VHR requirements
5. Check for additional permits required by state health department or other agencies

Source Documents Referenced:

• Pennington County Zoning Ordinance (Revised October 22, 2025)
• Specific sections: §150 (VHR Definition), §319 (Vacation Home Rental), §331 (On-site Wastewater Treatment)

Final Note: This guide provides foundational information based on available county-level regulations. For comprehensive compliance, investors should consult directly with both Big Stone City officials and Pennington County Planning Department to obtain the most current and complete regulatory requirements.