Wyoming’s wide-open landscapes and growing communities make it an appealing place for new residential and commercial construction. But like most states, there’s no single statewide permitting authority. Permitting requirements and processes are set locally.
For builders and contractors, that means navigating county and municipal rules, along with state building codes where applicable.
Below, we break down how permitting works in Wyoming, from who issues permits to what you’ll need to submit.
Who issues building permits in Wyoming?
Building permits in Wyoming are issued at the local level, usually by the city or county where the project is located.
For example:
- In Cheyenne, permits are handled by the Building Safety Division.
- In Casper, the Community Development Department oversees permitting.
- In Teton County, the Planning & Building Department issues permits for residential and commercial projects.
The Wyoming State Fire Marshal’s Office also plays a role for certain types of projects, particularly those requiring fire safety plan review and inspection (such as schools, healthcare facilities, and some public buildings).
When do you need a building permit in Wyoming?
Most major construction or alteration projects in Wyoming require a building permit.
Common examples include:
- New residential or commercial buildings
- Additions, remodels, or structural modifications
- Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical installations or upgrades
- Roofing, siding, and window replacements (when structural or energy requirements apply)
- Decks, garages, and accessory structures over a certain size
Some smaller projects are exempt. For example, many municipalities don’t require permits for fences below a certain height, non-habitable sheds under 200 square feet, or cosmetic upgrades like painting, flooring, and cabinets. Always check with the local building department as thresholds vary by jurisdiction.
Wyoming building permit requirements
Permit applications typically require:
- Completed application form from the local jurisdiction
- Construction drawings: site plans, floor plans, elevations, and structural details
- Engineering reports or stamped plans where required, especially for commercial projects or unique site conditions
- Energy code compliance documentation (Wyoming follows the International Energy Conservation Code, though adoption varies by jurisdiction)
- Contractor license information, where applicable
- Zoning approval or site plan review in certain municipalities
For example, Teton County requires stamped structural drawings for most new residential builds, while Cheyenne has adopted the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) and related codes for submittals.
Wyoming building permit costs
Permit fees vary by jurisdiction and are usually based on either:
- Project valuation (construction cost, including labor and materials)
- Square footage for new construction
- Flat fees for smaller trade permits like plumbing, electrical, or mechanical work
For instance, Cheyenne calculates fees using the project’s valuation per the adopted International Code Council (ICC) fee schedule, while Teton County uses square footage and valuation formulas to determine building permit and plan review fees. Trade permits often carry flat rates for smaller jobs.
Unique considerations when permitting in Wyoming
Snow and wind loads
Given Wyoming’s climate and geography, building codes emphasize snow load, wind resistance, and other structural safety requirements.
Energy code adoption
While many municipalities follow the International Energy Conservation Code, enforcement and versions adopted can differ from county to county.
Wildland-urban interface (WUI)
In areas near forests or grasslands, local rules may require fire-resistant construction methods to reduce wildfire risk.
Seismic and soil conditions
Certain areas, such as Teton County, have stricter seismic and soil stability requirements due to local geology.
How to get a building permit in Wyoming
While steps vary by jurisdiction, most follow a similar process:
- Determine jurisdiction:
Confirm whether the project falls under city or county permitting authority. - Confirm permit requirement:
Review local rules to see if your project requires a permit or is exempt. - Prepare documents:
Assemble construction plans, site drawings, engineering reports, and contractor credentials. - Submit application:
Apply online or at the local building department. Many Wyoming municipalities now offer e-permit portals. - Plan review:
Applications are reviewed for compliance with building, zoning, fire, and energy codes. - Respond to comments:
Address any corrections or requests for additional information. - Pay fees & receive permit:
Once approved, pay permit and plan review fees to obtain the permit. - Schedule inspections:
Call for required inspections at key phases of the project.
Wyoming permitting timelines can range from a few days for small trade permits to several weeks or months for complex commercial projects.
