Custer County adopts sweeping zoning updates, including new STR limits and green-burial rules

CUSTER COUNTY — The Custer County Board of Commissioners adopted Resolution 25-50 on Nov. 12, approving a package of changes to the county zoning resolution that update definitions, set new rules for short-term rentals and green burials, and clarify sanitation and enforcement procedures.

Chair Bill Canda opened the public hearing on the proposed amendments and told attendees, “we will be reviewing these regulations…we just will hear your questions.” Planning staff and the planning commission walked the board through a set of substantive edits — not simple punctuation or formatting changes — and recommended the board adopt the package.

Why it matters: The amendments change how the county defines key terms used across zoning enforcement and permitting (for example, staff proposed defining a bedroom as “any room intended for sleeping”), add new application requirements for short-term rentals (STRs) and special-use permits, and formalize administrative steps for enforcement and compliance. Together, the changes affect property owners, STR operators, developers and county permitting practice.

Key changes and debate

Definitions and formatting: Planning staff moved acronyms into the definitions section for clarity and proposed a simpler definition of “bedroom” as “any room intended for…