ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Ground rod required at subpanel?

There usually is a ground rod at each pole, certainly any pole with a transformer on it. I find little difference electrically between the service drops and a feeder to a separate building. I suspect that is why 230 and 225 have so much similar language. The only significant difference is the lack of overcurrent protection of service conductors and that really doesn't affect the point and method of grounding that much IMHO, only the grounding conductor size (250.66 vs 250.122).
From a lightning and surge standpoint, separating the neutral and ground at a remote site is troublesome. The only way to "stabilize the voltage to earth" is via your TVSS equipment and that will have a significant "let through" voltage before it triggers.

So in my case, with wires coming from a remote meter disconnect, I would be better off leaving out the ground wire and driving a couple of rods? I was going to drive the two rods anyway. This would allow me to not have to rewire the panel (seperate the grounds and neutrals to seperate bars). The only things coming to the house are phone and cable, directly from the pole. Sounds like a better way to go. One less wire to pull, I'll use the #3 elsewhere.

You need to drive the rods in either case. You must have a local connection to the earth for anything but a single branch circuit. I think 3 wire vs 4 is better for your electronics but that might just be me