Bolthole Index

Crook County, Wyoming

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Crook County, Wyoming

72Index Score / 100
#1 of 23 in Wyoming

Unincorporated Crook County, Wyoming does not require county building permits and has no countywide zoning ordinance or adopted building code1. Crook County Planning still requires approval before septic construction, and large-acreage subdivisions have county permit, access and setback rules2,3.

Do you need a building permit in Crook County, Wyoming?

Unincorporated Crook County does not require county building permits for residential, commercial or industrial construction.

Unincorporated Crook County does not require county building permits for residential, commercial or industrial construction1. Crook County also has no adopted building code, performs no residential, commercial or industrial building-construction inspections, and issues no certificates of occupancy1. The county nevertheless recommends following the construction codes and referenced standards adopted by Wyoming1. An owner-builder may build without seeking an exemption from a county building-permit process because no county building permit is required1. Wyoming separately exempts owner-installed electrical work from electrician licensing when the installer owns or leases the property and the property is not for immediate resale, but the work must still meet other electrical-safety requirements and the exemption does not extend to a subcontractor6. Inside Sundance and Pine Haven, the towns issue their own building permits9,10. Countywide small-wastewater approval remains with Crook County Planning2.

Who handles building-permit and septic questions in Crook County?

Crook County performs no county building-construction inspections and requires no county building permits.

Crook County performs no county building-construction inspections and requires no county building permits1. Crook County Growth & Development handles Large Acreage Subdivision review and small-wastewater applications; its office phone is (307) 283-45482,3,11. Submit the Crook County Conventional Small Wastewater Application Packet to Crook County Planning at the courthouse in Sundance before septic construction2. Sundance and Pine Haven issue town building permits, while county small-wastewater approval and State Engineer well approval remain separate requirements2,7,9,10.

Does Crook County have zoning?

Unincorporated Crook County has no countywide zoning ordinance or county zoning districts.

Unincorporated Crook County has no countywide zoning ordinance or county zoning districts1,12. County zoning sets no lot-coverage or building-height limit, and no zoning-based minimum dwelling size applies there1. Sundance and Pine Haven administer their own zoning; Pine Haven also oversees development within its planning boundary4,5,13. Crook County Planning remains the countywide small-wastewater authority2. Lack of zoning does not remove subdivision rules: the Large Acreage Subdivision Regulation generally covers divisions creating 35- to 140-acre parcels and requires a subdivision permit before plat recording or construction unless exempt3. Covered subdivisions have a 35-acre minimum lot size unless the Board approves a beneficial variance; smaller parcels fall under other county subdivision regulations3. Structures in covered subdivisions require at least 20 feet from any property line, subject to the applicable variance process3.

How do septic permits work in Crook County?

Crook County Planning administers small wastewater systems with flows of 2,000 gallons per day or less.

Crook County Planning administers small wastewater systems with flows of 2,000 gallons per day or less2. Before construction, submit the county application and obtain a Permit to Construct2. Submit the $200 Permit to Construct or As-Built Permit and inspection fee with the completed application2. Crook County Planning must inspect the system before it is backfilled or covered2. A system over 2,000 gallons per day, or one carrying waste that is not entirely domestic, goes to the Wyoming DEQ Underground Injection Control Program instead2. Only 19.9% of Crook County soils are rated “not limited” for a conventional septic drain field; the rating calls for site evaluation and may mean an engineered system, rather than making septic impossible14. Holding tanks are not a permanent answer for a year-round residence; the county limits them to temporary, seasonal or intermittent use, or temporary correction of a failed system, when severe site restrictions prevent conventional septic and no sewer or alternative system is available15.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Crook County?

Unincorporated Crook County has no county land-use rule restricting long-term RV occupancy or temporary camping on private land.

Unincorporated Crook County has no county land-use rule restricting long-term RV occupancy or temporary camping on private land1. The county likewise has no land-use rule restricting occupancy of a tiny home, manufactured home or accessory dwelling in an unincorporated area1. These occupancy answers concern county land-use authority; separate state requirements can still apply1. A qualifying septic system needs a county Permit to Construct before installation2. A holding tank cannot serve as permanent sanitation for a year-round residence and requires its own county permit and inspection when the limited-use conditions are met15. Pine Haven applies separate zoning and subdivision regulations within its town limits and planning boundary5,13.

Building a home in Crook County: the steps, in order

Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated or inside a municipality; Pine Haven applies zoning and subdivision rules within its town limits and planning boundary.

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated or inside a municipality; Pine Haven applies zoning and subdivision rules within its town limits and planning boundary13.
  2. If the project creates a parcel, resolve Crook County's subdivision-permit process before recording or construction3,16.
  3. For a covered large-acreage subdivision, plan for the 20-foot property-line setback and obtain the required county-road or highway access permit; public-road approaches must meet the subdivision access standards3.
  4. Obtain State Engineer approval before drilling a well, and use Wyoming-licensed drilling and pump contractors7.
  5. Submit the septic application and obtain Crook County Planning's Permit to Construct before installing a qualifying small wastewater system2.
  6. Build without a Crook County building permit or county building inspection, while following applicable state requirements1.
  7. Arrange the county septic inspection before backfilling or covering the system17.

What to check before you buy land in Crook County

Before buying a proposed division in unincorporated Crook County, ask Crook County Planning which subdivision permit or transfer exemption applies.

Before buying a proposed division in unincorporated Crook County, ask Crook County Planning which subdivision permit or transfer exemption applies3,18. The large-acreage transfer affidavit includes an exemption allowing no more than 10 parcels from an original parcel, with every new or remaining parcel at least 35 acres; some exemptions require County Commissioner approval18. Access and utility easements must be at least 40 feet wide to a public road unless specifically waived in a binding, recordable document18. Do not assume acreage alone establishes an exemption18. A groundwater well requires State Engineer approval before drilling; the domestic or stock filing fee is $50, and the completion statement is due within 30 days after completion, including pump installation, when the well is ready for use7. Crook County averages 18.3 inches of annual precipitation, and severe drought occurred in 18.6% of years measured14. We could not confirm a county floodplain-development permit rule; ask Crook County Planning about the parcel before building11.

Watch-outs

  • Inside Pine Haven, individual septic applications accompany the town building-permit application for lots of at least 1 acre when town sewer is unavailable; the ordinance requests a Permit to Construct and a DEQ-approved plan, so ask the town and Crook County Planning how to coordinate approvals2,10.
  • We could not confirm whether Crook County has a floodplain-development permit; ask Crook County Planning before building in a mapped floodplain because participating Wyoming communities require permits under their local ordinances19.
  • County building-permit and zoning answers apply to unincorporated land; Sundance and Pine Haven issue town building permits and administer town zoning4,5,9,10.
  • Crook County does not permit a permanent holding tank at a year-round residence; limited holding-tank use requires a county permit, inspection and compliant design15.

Sources

19 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 12, 2026

  1. Land Use Zoning Building Permit Information
  2. Small Wastewater (Septic Systems 2000 gallons or less per day)
  3. Crook County Large Acreage Subdivision Regulation
  4. Town of Sundance: Sundance Code of Ordinances, Appendix C, Section 504. Bulk Regulations (Crook County)
  5. Town of Pine Haven: Sec. 30-70. Single-family residential district (R-1) (Crook County)
  6. W.S. 35-9-123. Electrical installations to be performed by licensed electricians; exceptions
  7. seo.wyo.gov
  8. Crook County Conventional Small Wastewater Application Packet
  9. Town of Sundance: Sundance Code of Ordinances, Section 8-23. Permit required (Crook County)
  10. Town of Pine Haven: Sec. 8-61. Building permits (Crook County)
  11. Crook County Growth & Development (Planning Department) (crookcounty.wy.gov)
  12. County Zoning, Licensing and Permitting
  13. Planning & Zoning Commission
  14. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  15. Crook County Holding Tank Application
  16. Minor Subdivision Application Checklist
  17. Crook County Conventional Small Wastewater Application Packet
  18. Exemption Affidavit Concerning Sale or Transfer of 35 to 140 Acres
  19. 2027-2028 Biennium Unit Narrative, Wyoming Office of Homeland Security (Wyoming statewide rule)

Written October 12, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like 4 of its 6 neighbors, Crook County requires no county building permit for a home.

RuleCrook CountyCampbell CountyWeston CountyNiobrara CountyJohnson CountyConverse CountySheridan County
Building permitNot requiredRequiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredRequired
County zoningNoNoNoYesNoNoYes
Septic permitsCounty PlanningCounty Public WorksWY DEQWY Dept. of Env. QualityCounty Planning Dept.Converse CountyCounty Public Works Dept.

County locator

Crook County in Wyoming

72
County map
Crook County highlighted among the Wyoming counties · colored by Index score

How Crook County scores

72 / 100 · #1 of 23 in Wyoming · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

Seclusion88100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency39100% ev.
Admin Boringness92100% ev.
Durability43100% ev.
Property Autonomy74100% ev.
Carry Cost81100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$434kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$1,776Land / acre
18.3"Annual rain
18.6% of yrsSevere drought
6.7 / yr (+5.7)Mid-century 100°F days
17.1 daysMid-century dry spell
1.13" (+2.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.32×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,046Home insurance / yr
2.7% / yrInsurance growth
0.36%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
43,179People within 2 hr
1,879Radius comparison (15 mi)
2.7People / sq mi
14.2%Federal land
56.5%Land at 15% slope or less
19.9%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
337,057 acWorkable land screen
27.6%Wooded land
24.7 tonsBiomass / forest ac
44.6°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Crook County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Not yet covered: Town of Hulett · Town of Moorcroft

Answers from the rulebook for Crook County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Crook County rules

  • Building permitNot required

    Residential, commercial, and industrial building construction in Crook County, Wyoming, under county administration.

    • The county source states that Crook County has no building permit requirements.
    • The source recommends compliance with Wyoming state-adopted codes and referenced standards even though the county does not require building permits.
    “does not have [...] Building Permit Requirements;”
  • Owner-builder exemption · follows from the permit answerNot needed

    Unincorporated Crook County: no county building permit is required, so there is no permit to be exempt from and you may build your own home. State licensing for electrical, plumbing and HVAC work may still apply.

    • The county source states that Crook County has no building permit requirements.
    • The source recommends compliance with Wyoming state-adopted codes and referenced standards even though the county does not require building permits.
    “does not have [...] Building Permit Requirements;”
  • Building code adoptedNot adopted

    Building codes adopted and administered by Crook County, Wyoming.

    • The county recommends that all building construction comply with the codes and referenced standards adopted by the State of Wyoming.
    • The county's stated recommendations are the 2024 International Fire Code, 2024 International Building Code, 2024 International Fuel & Gas Code, 2024 International Mechanical Code, 2024 International Existing Building Code, and the 2023 edition of the National Electrical Code.
    • The notice also states that the county does not conduct residential, commercial, or industrial building-construction inspections and does not issue certificates of occupancy.
    “Crook County, Wyoming, does not have Land Use Regulations, Zoning Regulations, Adopted Building Codes, or Building Permit Requirements; does not do Residential, Commercial, or Industrial building construction inspections; and does not issue Certificates of Occupancy.”
  • InspectionsNot required

    Residential, commercial, and industrial building construction inspections performed by Crook County.

    • The county source states that Crook County does not perform these building construction inspections.
    • The source recommends compliance with Wyoming state-adopted codes and referenced standards.
    “does not do Residential, Commercial, or Industrial building construction inspections;”
  • Certificate of occupancyNot required

    Certificates of occupancy issued by Crook County for building construction.

    • The county source states that Crook County does not issue Certificates of Occupancy.
    • This claim addresses the county authority and does not determine whether a municipality or state agency may impose separate requirements.
    “does not issue Certificates of Occupancy.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Land-use and zoning regulation administered by Crook County, Wyoming.

    • This finding concerns Crook County's own regulations; it does not establish the rules of incorporated municipalities.
    • Crook County's Planning page states that small wastewater systems of 2,000 gallons or less per day require county review, approval, a permit to construct, and inspection before backfilling or covering.
    “Crook County, Wyoming, does not have Land Use Regulations, Zoning Regulations, Adopted Building Codes, or Building Permit Requirements; does not do Residential, Commercial, or Industrial building construction inspections; and does not issue Certificates of Occupancy.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Absent — Land-use and zoning regulation administered by Crook County, Wyoming.
      “Crook County, Wyoming, does not have Land Use Regulations, Zoning Regulations, Adopted Building Codes, or Building Permit Requirements; does not do Residential, Commercial, or Industrial building construction inspections; and does not issue Certificates of Occupancy.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate conclusion for Crook County: the county reports no county zoning regulations, while the Town of Pine Haven administers zoning and subdivision regulations within its town limits and planning boundary.

    • This is an aggregate county conclusion; Pine Haven's regulations are administered by the Town of Pine Haven, not by Crook County.
    • Applicability of Pine Haven zoning is limited by the source to town limits and the planning boundary.
    “The Planning Commission is involved in the preparation, revision and oversight of development in the Town limits and within the planning boundary in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning and Subdivision regulations.”
  • Zoning districtsNot published

    County-administered land-use and zoning regulations and zoning districts in Crook County, including unincorporated county areas.

    • This claim concerns Crook County's own regulations and does not establish the absence or presence of separate municipal zoning ordinances.
    • The official county statement also says the county has no adopted building codes or building permit requirements.
    “Crook County, Wyoming, does not have Land Use Regulations, Zoning Regulations, Adopted Building Codes, or Building Permit Requirements”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not published — County zoning districts in unincorporated Crook County; this does not establish rules administered by incorporated municipalities or other authorities.
      “Crook No N/A N/A N/A No N/A Small Wastewater 10 to 15 days 120 days”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeNone

    County land-use or zoning minimum dwelling-size requirements for dwellings in unincorporated Crook County, Wyoming.

    • The county states that it has no land use regulations or zoning regulations, so no county zoning-based minimum dwelling-size requirement was identified.
    • Incorporated municipalities are outside this county authority scope and may have separate municipal rules.
    • The county recommends compliance with state-adopted 2024 International Fire Code, 2024 International Building Code, 2024 International Fuel & Gas Code, 2024 International Mechanical Code, 2024 International Existing Building Code, and the 2023 edition of the National Electrical Code.
    • Other applicable requirements, including wastewater/septic requirements, may still apply.
    “Crook County, Wyoming, does not have Land Use Regulations, Zoning Regulations, Adopted Building Codes, or Building Permit Requirements”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Large Acreage Subdivisions in unincorporated Crook County, generally creating lots from 35 to 140 acres; lots over 140 acres may be included with owner and applicant consent.

    • The regulation applies unless the property is exempt under Wyoming Statute 18-5-316(a).
    • A variance may be approved by the Board for parcels smaller than 35 acres when the subdivision benefits from the variance.

    minimum acreage per created parcel: >= 35 acres (Unless a Board-approved variance applies.) · maximum acreage for ordinary regulated lots: <= 140 acres (Lots over 140 acres may be included with owner and applicant consent.)

    “No Acreage(s) / Tract(s), parcels, or subdivided land shall be created that are less than thirty-five (35) acres in size, unless it can be shown that it benefits the Large Acreage Subdivision, and this variance is approved by the board. Benefits include but are not limited to infrastructure, recreational area, non-residential recreational or common areas.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Structures in Large Acreage Subdivisions creating 35-to-140-acre lots in unincorporated Crook County; lots over 140 acres may be included with the Owner's and Applicant's consent.

    • The regulation applies to divisions creating 35 to 140 acre lots within the unincorporated area of Crook County, Wyoming.
    • Lots over 140 acres may be included with the consent of the Owner and Applicant.
    • The property must not be exempt under W.S. 18-5-316(a).
    • A written variance request may be submitted as described in Chapter III, Section 4, if applicable.
    • The regulation was adopted September 14, 2022 and became effective December 1, 2022 after filing with the Crook County Clerk.

    minimum structure setback from any property line: >= 20 feet

    “This regulation shall apply to any division of land that results in the creation of 35 to 140 acre lots within the unincorporated area of Crook County, Wyoming and with the consent of the Owner and Applicant may include lots over 140 acres. Unless the property is exempt in accordance with W.S. 18-5-316 (a), the subdivider shall obtain a subdivision permit pursuant to these rules. [...] (22) A minimum structure set back of 20 feet from any property line is required”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Lot coverage · by state lawNone

    Unincorporated Crook County: no county rule sets this, because Crook County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    “Crook County, Wyoming, does not have Land Use Regulations, Zoning Regulations, Adopted Building Codes, or Building Permit Requirements; does not do Residential, Commercial, or Industrial building construction inspections; and does not issue Certificates of Occupancy.”
  • Building height · by state lawNone

    Unincorporated Crook County: no county rule sets this, because Crook County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    “Crook County, Wyoming, does not have Land Use Regulations, Zoning Regulations, Adopted Building Codes, or Building Permit Requirements; does not do Residential, Commercial, or Industrial building construction inspections; and does not issue Certificates of Occupancy.”
  • Living in an RVUnrestricted

    Long-term or residential occupancy of an RV on private land in unincorporated Crook County under county land-use authority.

    • Crook County states that it has no land-use or zoning regulations; separate state requirements may apply to site plans for RV, camping, mobile-home, and similar parks or areas.
    • A Crook County small-wastewater permit is required before construction of a qualifying septic system; the county page states the delegated program covers systems of 2,000 gallons per day or less and charges a $200 permit-to-construct or as-built permit and inspection fee.
    “Crook County, Wyoming, does not have Land Use Regulations, Zoning Regulations, Adopted Building Codes, or Building Permit Requirements; does not do Residential, Commercial, or Industrial building construction inspections; and does not issue Certificates of Occupancy. Please do not contact us concerning this, as we have no additional information to provide.”
  • Camping on your landUnrestricted

    Temporary camping on private land in unincorporated Crook County under county land-use authority.

    • Crook County states that it has no land-use or zoning regulations; state site-plan and fire-access requirements may apply to RV, camping, mobile-home, and similar parks or areas.
    • Separate wastewater permitting may apply. The county's delegated small-wastewater program became effective May 1, 2019; systems exceeding 2,000 gallons per day or involving non-domestic waste are directed to Wyoming's Underground Injection Control Program.
    “Crook County, Wyoming, does not have Land Use Regulations, Zoning Regulations, Adopted Building Codes, or Building Permit Requirements; does not do Residential, Commercial, or Industrial building construction inspections; and does not issue Certificates of Occupancy. Please do not contact us concerning this, as we have no additional information to provide.”
  • Tiny homesUnrestricted

    Occupancy of a tiny home in unincorporated Crook County under county land-use authority.

    • Crook County states that it has no land-use or zoning regulations and no adopted building codes or building-permit requirements.
    • The county recommends compliance with State of Wyoming-adopted codes; state requirements therefore remain potentially applicable even though the county has no county land-use rule.
    “Crook County, Wyoming, does not have Land Use Regulations, Zoning Regulations, Adopted Building Codes, or Building Permit Requirements; does not do Residential, Commercial, or Industrial building construction inspections; and does not issue Certificates of Occupancy. Please do not contact us concerning this, as we have no additional information to provide.”
  • Manufactured homesUnrestricted

    Occupancy of a manufactured home in unincorporated Crook County under county land-use authority.

    • Crook County states that it has no land-use or zoning regulations and no adopted building codes or building-permit requirements.
    • The Wyoming State Fire Marshal identifies state plan-review requirements for site plans for mobile-home and similar parks or areas, including electrical safety and fire-department access; those state requirements are separate from county land-use regulation.
    “Crook County, Wyoming, does not have Land Use Regulations, Zoning Regulations, Adopted Building Codes, or Building Permit Requirements; does not do Residential, Commercial, or Industrial building construction inspections; and does not issue Certificates of Occupancy. Please do not contact us concerning this, as we have no additional information to provide.”
  • Accessory dwellingsUnrestricted

    Accessory-dwelling occupancy in unincorporated Crook County under county land-use authority.

    • Crook County states that it has no land-use or zoning regulations, no adopted building codes, and no building-permit requirements.
    • Separate state fire, electrical, wastewater, and health requirements may apply depending on the structure, use, utility connections, and wastewater system.
    “does not issue Certificates of Occupancy”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Small wastewater systems with flows of 2,000 gallons per day or less in Crook County.

    • The delegation agreement is stated to be effective May 1, 2019.
    • Systems exceeding 2,000 gallons per day or producing wastewater that is not entirely domestic waste are directed to the Wyoming Underground Injection Control Program.

    maximum daily flow: <= 2000 gallons per day (Systems exceeding this threshold or involving wastewater that is not entirely domestic waste are handled by the Wyoming Underground Injection Control Program.)

    “authorizing Crook County Planning to accept, review, and approve”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • County — Small wastewater systems treating 2,000 gallons or less per day in Crook County.
      “authorizing Crook County Planning to accept, review, and approve Crook County Conventional Small Wastewater Application Packet”
    • County — Small wastewater systems, including septic systems with flows of 2,000 gallons or less per day, in Crook County.
      “The Crook County Small Wastewater Regulation and Delegation Agreement became effective May 1, 2019 authorizing Crook County Planning to accept, review, and approve Crook County Conventional Small Wastewater Application Packet and perform inspections prior to backfilling or covering of the system.”
    • County — Enforcement and administration of permitting and inspection for small wastewater systems in Crook County.
      “DELEGATION AGREEMENT WYOMING DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND CROOK COUNTY, WYOMING Effective May 1, 2019”
  • Septic permitLimited

    Holding-tank systems covered by Crook County's holding-tank application packet.

    • Crook County will not permit a permanent holding tank at a year-round residence.
    • The holding tank must be used on a temporary, seasonal, or intermittent basis, or to temporarily correct a failed septic system.
    • The owner must be unable to install a conventional septic system because of severe site restrictions.
    • There must be no public sewer system or other alternative system available to the building.
    • The holding tank must be located where surface water flows away and does not pond.
    • The packet is designed for one- or two-bedroom residences without a basement or non-residential buildings producing no more than 280 gallons of domestic wastewater per day; other situations require a Wyoming-licensed professional engineer to design the system.
    • A $200 Holding Tank Permit to Construct and Inspection fee must be submitted with the completed application package.

    maximum domestic wastewater flow for packet: <= 280 gallons per day (Other situations require design by a State of Wyoming licensed Professional Engineer.) · permit and inspection fee: 200 USD (The fee is established by the Crook County Board of County Commissioners and reviewed from time to time.)

    “will not permit a permanent holding tank”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction of a small wastewater or septic system in Crook County, Wyoming, treating 2,000 gallons or less per day.
      “Before beginning construction of a Small Wastewater System (Septic System) a Crook County Conventional Small Wastewater Application Packet must be completed and submitted to Crook County Planning for review and approval for construction by the Crook County Planning Administrator by the issuance of a Permit to Construct.”
    • Required — Installation, repair, replacement, or construction of conventional small wastewater systems in Crook County, including septic tanks and leachfields.
      “A permit is required for the installation, repair or replacement of small wastewater systems, also known as septic tanks and leach fields.”
    • Required — Installation of a Crook County small wastewater/septic system treating 2,000 gallons or less per day.
      “Before beginning construction of a Small Wastewater System (Septic System) [...] submitted to Crook County Planning [...] by the issuance of a Permit to Construct.”
    • Required — Construction of a conventional small wastewater system in Crook County.
      “Before beginning construction of a Small Wastewater System (Septic System)”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Small wastewater permit-to-construct or as-built systems in Crook County.

    • Inspection is conducted prior to any backfill.
    • The $200 fee includes the inspection.
    • The county commissioners' resolution provides an additional $200 fee for re-inspections.

    inspection fee: 200 USD (Included with the Small Wastewater Permit to Construct or As-Built Permit.) · re-inspection fee: 200 USD (Applies to any re-inspection.)

    “including an inspection which is conducted prior to any backfill”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Crook County holding tanks covered by the application packet.

    • The tank must be watertight and constructed of concrete, fiberglass, or thermoplastic.
    • The tank must be installed away from vehicular traffic, on level grade, with firm bedding and at least six inches of soil cover.
    • Wastewater depth must be between three and six feet.
    • Access openings must be at least 20 inches in diameter, with risers to ground surface and locking, gas-tight lids.
    • Inlet piping must be four-inch Schedule 40 PVC or equivalent.
    • A high-water audible or indoor illuminated alarm, or both, must activate at three-quarters tank capacity.
    • The site plan requires setbacks of 10 feet from property lines, 5 feet from buildings, 50 feet from private or neighboring wells, 100 feet from public water-supply wells, 25 feet from potable water lines and cisterns, 50 feet from surface water, and 15 feet from a break in slope.

    minimum tank volume: greater of 1,000 gallons or 7 days of estimated wastewater storage · alarm activation level: 75 percent of tank capacity · minimum soil cover: >= 6 inches · minimum property-line setback: >= 10 feet · well setback: >= 50 feet (Public water-supply wells require 100 feet.)

    “Holding tanks must be watertight, including all joints and connections, and constructed of concrete, fiberglass, or thermoplastic. Holding tanks shall have open-ended sanitary tees or baffles, with one (1) inch clear space over tees and baffles to allow gases to vent through the building vent stack. Holding tanks must be installed in an area with no vehicular traffic on a level grade with firm bedding and a minimum six (6) inch depth of soil cover over the tank. The minimum liquid volume of the holding tank must be the greater of one thousand (1,000) gallons or seven (7) days of storage of wastewater based on the estimated daily flow rate, whichever is larger. The depth of the wastewater in the tank shall be between three (3) and six (6) feet. If the holding tank is a modified septic tank, the outlet pipe opening must be capped and sealed. Each chamber must have an access opening with a minimum diameter of twenty (20) inches, from which both inlet and outlet (if present) tees are accessible. Access openings must have risers extending to the ground surface and locking, gas-tight lids. The tank inlet piping must be four (4) inch diameter, schedule forty (40) PVC or equivalent. Holding tanks must be equipped with a high-water level audible or an indoor illuminated alarm or both that will trigger when the water level reaches three quarters (3/4) of the tank capacity.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Certain sales or transfers creating divisions between 35 and 140 acres in unincorporated Crook County.

    • The affidavit identifies multiple non-agricultural exemptions under W.S. 18-5-316.
    • For the ten-division exemption, each new or remaining parcel must be at least 35 acres, and no more than ten parcels may be created from each original parcel.
    • Some exemptions require County Commissioner approval.
    • The parcel must have ingress and egress and utility easements at least 40 feet wide to a public road, unless the buyer, grantee, or transferee specifically waives that requirement in a binding and recordable document.
    • If no exemption applies, a subdivision permit must be obtained before subdivision, advertising for sale, or commencing physical layout or construction.

    minimum parcel size for ten-division exemption: >= 35 acres · maximum exempt divisions from each original parcel: <= 10 divisions · required access and utility easement width: >= 40 feet (Buyer, grantee, or transferee may specifically waive the requirement in a binding and recordable document)

    “In no case, however, shall this exemption be used to create more than ten (10) parcels of land from each original parcel”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Division of land creating 35- to 140-acre lots in unincorporated Crook County, with possible inclusion of lots over 140 acres by owner and applicant consent.

    • A subdivision permit is required before recording a plat or commencing construction unless the property is exempt under Wyoming Statute 18-5-316(a).
    • The County regulation is administered by the Board of County Commissioners, with planning review by the County Planning Department and Land Use Planning & Zoning Commission.

    regulated lot-size range: 35 to 140 acres (Lots over 140 acres may be included with owner and applicant consent.) · Wyoming DEQ county-review range: 1 to 5 lots

    “No person shall sell or dispose of land where the subdivision creates parcels that are thirty-five (35) acres or larger and up to one hundred forty (140) acres without a permit, unless the property is exempted pursuant Wyoming State Statute 18-5-316 (a).”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Access serving lots in a Crook County Large Acreage Subdivision in the unincorporated area.

    • Each acreage or tract must have legal access to a public or private road within the subdivision, and that road may not be a County Road.
    • All accesses to a public road must be at 90 degrees and have at least 500 feet of sight distance.
    • An Access Permit is required from Crook County Road & Bridge when access is from a county road, or from WYDOT when access is from a state or federal highway.
    • If the subdivision abuts or is adjacent to a County Road easement, the applicant must dedicate additional right-of-way creating a 50-foot easement measured at a right angle from the existing right-of-way centerline.
    • If the subdivision is divided or intersected by a County Road easement, the applicant must dedicate a 100-foot easement, 50 feet on each side of the existing right-of-way centerline.
    • When a subdivision abuts a major highway, county road, or street, the applicant must provide an Access or Turnout Permit Application complying with the Crook County rules for construction of access driveways and turnouts.
    • Dead-end roads must terminate with a cul-de-sac bulb having a 45-foot roadway-surface radius.
    • Roads serving 20 or more acreages or tracts must have a minimum 24-foot surface, minimum 2% cross-sectional slope, and at least six inches of base coarse material or better for year-round emergency access. Roads serving 20 or fewer may reduce the surface width to 18 feet; all other dimensions remain the same.

    access angle: 90 degrees · minimum sight distance: >= 500 feet · county road easement when adjacent: 50 feet (Measured at a right angle from the existing right-of-way centerline.) · county road easement when divided/intersected: 100 feet (50 feet on each side of the existing right-of-way centerline.) · cul-de-sac roadway-surface radius: 45 feet (For dead-end roads.) · road surface serving 20 or more tracts: >= 24 feet (Minimum 2% cross-sectional slope and six inches of base coarse material or better.) · road surface serving 20 or fewer tracts: >= 18 feet (All other dimensions remain the same.)

    “All accesses to a public road shall be 90 degrees to the public road”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Crook County small wastewater permits for systems of 2,000 gallons per day or less.

    • The $200 fee applies to a Small Wastewater Permit to Construct or As-Built Permit and Inspection.
    • The fee is established by the Crook County Board of County Commissioners and reviewed from time to time.
    • For systems exceeding 2,000 gallons per day or wastewater that is not entirely domestic waste, the county page directs applicants to the Wyoming DEQ Underground Injection Control Program.

    small wastewater permit to construct or as-built permit and inspection fee: 200 USD · system capacity: <= 2000 gallons per day (Systems exceeding 2,000 gallons per day are directed to the Wyoming DEQ Underground Injection Control Program.)

    “The fee to obtain a Small Wastewater Permit to Construct or As-Built Permit and Inspection is $200.00.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Crook County small wastewater systems with flows of 2,000 gallons per day or less, including a Permit to Construct or As-Built Permit and inspection.
      “The fee [...] is $200.00.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Crook County small wastewater systems of 2,000 gallons or less per day.
      “The fee to obtain a Small Wastewater Permit to Construct or As-Built Permit and Inspection is $200.00. This fee is established by the Crook County Board of County Commissioners and reviewed by the Board from time to time. The $200.00 fee shall be submitted with the completed application package.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Small wastewater systems of 2,000 gallons per day or less administered by Crook County Planning.

    • The Crook County Small Wastewater Regulation and Delegation Agreement became effective May 1, 2019.
    • Before construction begins, the completed Crook County Conventional Small Wastewater Application Packet must be submitted to Crook County Planning for review and approval and issuance of a Permit to Construct.
    • Crook County Planning performs inspections before the system is backfilled or covered.
    • The Small Wastewater Permit to Construct or As-Built Permit and Inspection fee is $200, submitted with the completed application package; the fee is established by the Board of County Commissioners and reviewed from time to time.
    • Systems exceeding 2,000 gallons per day or wastewater that is not entirely domestic waste are directed to the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality Underground Injection Control Program.

    maximum system capacity: <= 2000 gallons per day (Systems exceeding 2,000 gallons per day are directed to the Wyoming DEQ Underground Injection Control Program.) · permit and inspection fee: 200 USD (Submitted with the completed application package; fee may be reviewed by the Board from time to time.) · delegation effective date: 2019-05-01

    “Before beginning construction of a Small Wastewater System (Septic System) a Crook County Conventional Small Wastewater Application Packet must be completed and submitted”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Crook County small wastewater systems with flows of 2,000 gallons per day or less.
      “Before beginning construction [...] submitted to Crook County Planning for review and approval [...] by the issuance of a Permit to Construct.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Small wastewater systems of 2,000 gallons per day or less in Crook County.
      “Before beginning construction [...] must be completed and submitted to Crook County Planning for review and approval for construction”
    • Partial — Minor subdivision applications submitted to Crook County Planning.
      “If the application is found to be incomplete it shall not be accepted. If the application is found to be complete it shall be accepted for review and the fees processed.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Large Acreage Subdivisions in the unincorporated area of Crook County, Wyoming, generally creating lots from 35 to 140 acres.
      “The subdivider shall obtain a subdivision permit pursuant to these rules.”

Wyoming rules that apply here

  • Well permitRequired

    Construction of a groundwater well in Crook County, under Wyoming statewide law.

    • An approved permit must be received before drilling or other well-construction work begins.
    • The application must be complete and accurate and accompanied by the appropriate filing fee.
    • Wells must be drilled by a Wyoming-licensed water-well drilling contractor, and pumps must be installed by a Wyoming-licensed pump-installation contractor.
    • Domestic and stock applications are listed at $50.00 on the official state page.
    • Applications in groundwater control areas are subject to public notice and comment and may be denied if not in the public's water interest.

    domestic application fee: 50 USD · stock application fee: 50 USD · spring threshold for groundwater process: <= 25 gallons per minute (Springs over 25 gpm or used for non-domestic/non-stock purposes must be permitted through the Surface Water Division.)

    “receive an approved permit prior to commencement of any drilling or spring development activities.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction of a groundwater well in Crook County, Wyoming, under Wyoming's statewide groundwater appropriation permitting system.
      “Wells and Springs - Before you drill a well, or develop a spring* (that flows less than or equal to 25 gallons per minute (gpm) and will be used f or D omestic and/or Stock W atering use only), you must submit an "Application for Permit to Appropriate Ground Water", or U.W. 5 Form, to the Ground Water Division and receive an approved permit prior to commencement of any drilling or spring development activities.”
    • Required — Construction of a groundwater well or development of a spring in Wyoming, including domestic and stock wells or springs flowing at most 25 gallons per minute.
      “Wells and Springs - Before you drill a well, or develop a spring* (that flows less than or equal to 25 gallons per minute (gpm) and will be used f or D omestic and/or Stock W atering use only), you must submit an "Application for Permit to Appropriate Ground Water", or U.W. 5 Form, to the Ground Water Division and receive an approved permit prior to commencement of any drilling or spring development activities.”
    • Required — A person seeking the right to beneficial use of underground water in Wyoming through a well or other means of obtaining underground water.
      “Any person who intends to acquire the right to beneficial use of any underground water in the state of Wyoming, shall, before commencing construction of any well or other means of obtaining underground water or performing any work in connection with construction or proposed appropriation of underground water or any manner utilizing the water for beneficial purposes, shall file with the State Engineer an application for a permit to make the appropriation (i.e., an Application for Permit to Appropriate Ground Water, or a U.W. 5 Form) and shall not proceed with any construction or work until a permit is granted by the State Engineer (W.S. 41-3-930).”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Connection or reconnection of electric, natural-gas, propane, or other energy utility service in Wyoming cities and towns.

    • The service must be provided by a public utility, municipality, or cooperative utility.
    • The statute prohibits a city or town ordinance or policy that prohibits, or effectively prohibits, the connection or reconnection.
    • This statute concerns energy utility service; it does not establish a statewide water- or sewer-connection mandate.
    “No city or town shall enact or implement any ordinance or policy that prohibits, or has the effect of prohibiting, the connection or reconnection of an electric, natural gas, propane or other energy utility service provided by a public utility, municipality or cooperative utility.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Building within the floodplain in Wyoming communities participating in the state-supported National Flood Insurance Program floodplain-management program.

    • The source states that Wyoming currently has 19 participating counties and 66 participating municipalities.
    • Enrollment and participation require a community letter of resolution, an application form, a permitting process, and a compliant ordinance adopted.
    • The permit must meet minimum standards set forth in the applicable local ordinance.
    • The source describes state technical assistance and oversight, while the local ordinance supplies the applicable minimum standards.

    participating counties: 19 counties · participating municipalities: 66 municipalities

    “Currently in Wyoming, there are 19 participating counties and 66 participating municipalities. Enrollment and participation in the program requires a letter of resolution by the community, an application form, a permitting process, and a compliant ordinance adopted. Building within the floodplain requires a permit, and must meet minimum standards set forth in the local ordinance.”
  • Short-term rentalsAllowed

    Short-term rental of detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes for purposes of Wyoming fire, building, and electrical standards.

    • The statute addresses classification under fire, building, and electrical standards and the International Building Code.
    • This claim does not resolve local zoning, licensing, lodging-tax, health, or other local requirements.
    “short term rental of detached one (1) and two (2) family dwellings and townhomes shall not be regulated as a commercial use”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Overnight occupancy in motorhomes and other camping units on Wyoming state park lands administered by the Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources; this is not a statewide private-land occupancy rule.

    • Camping and use of trailers or other camping units is permitted on park land unless otherwise designated.
    • Within specified locations, trailers or other camping units are permitted only at designated sites or areas.
    • Camping is limited to 14 days at any one state park or historic site that allows overnight camping during any 30 days, unless otherwise posted.
    • Overnight camping requires a valid camping permit issued by the department, and a member of the camping party must be present with the camping unit until a permit is obtained.
    • The rules define a camping unit as including motorhomes and units intended for RVing or camping.

    maximum camping duration: <= 14 days in any 30-day period (At any one state park or historic site that allows overnight camping, unless otherwise posted.)

    “A camping unit means a portable structure, shelter or motor vehicle”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    County regulation of the location and use of buildings and structures and the use, condition of use or occupancy of land in unincorporated areas of Wyoming.

    • The authority is exercised by each board of county commissioners for the unincorporated area of the county.
    • County zoning may not contravene the zoning authority of an incorporated city or town.
    • A zoning resolution or plan may not prevent a use or occupancy reasonably necessary for extraction or production of mineral resources.
    • A board may not require land use or physical development to be consistent with a local land use plan unless the applicable plan provisions have been incorporated into local zoning regulations.
    • Minimum lot size requirements or other zoning measures may not prevent residential or agricultural uses authorized for land divisions exempt from subdivision requirements under W.S. 18-5-303(a)(i).
    • Private schools meeting the statutory requirements may not be regulated differently from public schools: certification by the professional engineer or architect of record, capacity for fifty (50) students or more, and ownership and operation by a not-for-profit entity.
    “To promote the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of the county, each board of county commissioners may regulate and restrict the location and use of buildings and structures and the use, condition of use or occupancy of lands for residence, recreation, agriculture, industry, commerce, public use and other purposes in the unincorporated area of the county.”
  • county building authorityLimited

    County enforcement and interpretation of local or state fire, building, existing-building, and electrical safety standards, including residential construction in unincorporated areas, when the county obtains local enforcement authority under W.S. 35-9-121.

    • A county must apply for local enforcement authority and receive delegation from the state fire marshal by letter.
    • Before initial delegation, the state fire marshal must determine that the county has adopted minimum standards by ordinance or resolution equivalent to or more stringent than applicable department standards.
    • If the county fails to adopt new standards within six (6) months after department adoption, or fails to maintain standards at least meeting statewide standards, enforcement authority immediately reverts to the department.
    • For fire and building code enforcement, inspectors employed or contracted after July 1, 2010 must be certified by the International Code Council or the International Conference of Building Officials.
    • If electrical-code authority is requested, an electrical inspector must be certified by the International Code Council or International Association of Electrical Inspectors and licensed by Wyoming as a journeyman or master electrician.
    • If the county fails to maintain a required certified inspector, enforcement authority reverts to the department one hundred twenty (120) days after the inspector leaves.
    • A local governmental entity may assume sole plan-review authority and sole construction-inspection authority on approved plans, subject to the statutory certification requirements.
    • If local code provisions are more stringent than adopted state codes, the local code prevails.
    • The statute grants authority to enforce and interpret building standards; it does not establish that every Wyoming county universally requires a residential building permit without county-specific implementation.

    new standards adoption deadline: 6 months (following adoption of new standards by the department) · certification applicability date: July 1, 2010 (inspectors employed or contracted after this date) · authority reversion period after certified inspector leaves: 120 days

    “The state fire marshal shall delegate complete authority to municipalities and counties which apply to enforce and interpret local or state fire, building, existing building standards or electrical safety standards which meet the requirements of this section. The state fire marshal shall notify the governing body of the municipality or county of the minimum standards and requirements of this act and W.S. 16-6-501 and 16-6-502 and transfer jurisdiction and authority by letter.”

Inside cities and towns in Crook County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction and reconstruction within the City of Sundance corporate limits and designated fire zone.

    • The ordinance regulates buildings, accessory structures, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, fences, and pavement within the Town of Sundance.
    • The ordinance states that it becomes effective upon completion of required readings, publications, and other legal acts.
    • The ordinance references compliance with the Uniform Building Code.
    “This ordinance is enacted to regulate the construction or reconstruction of buildings, accessory structures, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, fences and pavement within the Town of Sundance and to regulate the construction of buildings and other improvements within the hereinafter designated fire zone.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Building construction within the Town of Pine Haven.
      “To be responsible for the enforcement of the International Building Code. To be responsible for the enforcement of the building and zoning codes of the town.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Development within the Town of Pine Haven limits and its planning boundary.

    • The Planning Commission is primarily advisory to the Town Council.
    • The page identifies zoning map amendments, annexations, plats, and zoning or subdivision text amendments as commission matters.
    “The Planning Commission is involved in the preparation, revision and oversight of development in the Town limits and within the planning boundary in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning and Subdivision regulations. The Commission is primarily advisory to the Town Council on subdivisions, zoning map amendments, annexations, preliminary and final plats, vacate requests, and zoning and/or subdivision text amendments.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Development in the Town of Pine Haven town limits and planning boundary.
      “The Planning Commission is involved in the preparation, revision and oversight of development in the Town limits and within the planning boundary in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning and Subdivision regulations. The Commission is primarily advisory to the Town Council on subdivisions, zoning map amendments, annexations, preliminary and final plats, vacate requests, and zoning and/or subdivision text amendments.”

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Crook County, Wyoming

Is Crook County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Crook County scores 72/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and deep seclusion — about 1,879 people within 15 miles. Watch-outs: thin water margin (18.3″/yr rainfall).

How much does land cost in Crook County, Wyoming?

Land in Crook County runs about $1,776 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Crook County?

Crook County gets about 18.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 18.6% of years.

How remote is Crook County?

A typical private-land location has about 1,879 people within 15 miles and 289,869 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Crook compares in Wyoming

Compare side-by-side →See all 23 Wyoming counties ranked →