Bolthole Index

Fremont County, Wyoming

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

68Index Score / 100
#3 of 23 in Wyoming

Unincorporated Fremont County, Wyoming does not require a general building permit for an ordinary home outside its special regulated areas, but development in a county-regulated floodplain does require a permit12. Fremont County has no countywide zoning or county-specific building code, while incorporated places, South Pass City, the Wind River Reservation and mapped flood-hazard areas follow separate controls34. Small wastewater systems go through the Fremont County Planning Department5.

At a glance

Building permit
No general county permit for an ordinary home outside special regulated areas1
Zoning
No countywide zoning; flood zones and separately governed places are exceptions3
Floodplain
A county permit is required for development in regulated flood-hazard areas2
Septic
County permit below 2,000 gallons per day; state oversight for larger or high-strength systems56
Minimum home size
No county minimum outside the identified special regulated areas7
RV / tiny-home living
Not confirmed; ask the Planning Department before relying on occupancy8
Well permit
State Engineer approval is required before drilling9
Certificate of occupancy
Fremont County does not issue one10

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Fremont County Planning Department

Building-code guidance, rural addressing, floodplain zoning, subdivision review, and small wastewater permits and inspections

(307) 332-1077

[email protected]

450 North 2nd Street, Room 360, Lander, Wyoming 82520

Septic permits

Fremont County Planning Department - Small Wastewater Program

Small wastewater permit applications and inspections

(307) 332-1077

[email protected]

450 North 2nd Street, Room 360, Lander, Wyoming 82520

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.

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

Unincorporated Fremont County does not require a general residential building permit for an ordinary home outside the county's special regulated areas1. Fremont County has not adopted county-specific building codes, although state-adopted building, fire, mechanical, fuel-gas, existing-building and electrical codes apply where Wyoming has jurisdiction411. Development of any kind in a county-regulated Special Flood Hazard Area requires a Floodplain Development Permit, and work cannot start until the Floodplain Administrator issues an Authorization to Construct2. Incorporated cities administer their own building codes, while South Pass City, the Wind River Reservation and county flood-hazard areas have separate controls3. Certain public, commercial, assembly and other covered projects require Wyoming State Fire Marshal plan review and inspection12. Fremont County does not issue certificates of occupancy, though another authority may require one for a project under its jurisdiction10.

Who handles building and land permits in Fremont County?

Fremont County has no separate general residential building-permit office because ordinary rural homes outside special regulated areas do not need a general county building permit1. The Fremont County Planning Department handles building-code guidance, rural addressing, floodplain zoning, subdivision review and small wastewater work; call (307) 332-1077 or visit 450 North 2nd Street, Room 360, Lander, Wyoming 8252013. For land in a county-regulated floodplain, submit the application to the Floodplain Administrator and wait for an Authorization to Construct before beginning work2. The county publishes an FY 2026 Planning Department fee schedule, but the available material does not establish the individual current charges, so confirm the fee with Planning before filing14. Projects within an incorporated city go to that city, and reservation zoning is administered by the Intertribal Business Council15.

Does Fremont County have zoning?

Fremont County does not have countywide zoning across ordinary unincorporated land3. County floodplain zoning applies in FEMA-designated flood-hazard areas around Lander, Riverton, Dubois and Hudson; incorporated cities have their own zoning and building codes; South Pass City has historic appearance zoning; and the Wind River Reservation has Residential/Agricultural zoning administered by the Intertribal Business Council15. Outside those special areas, unincorporated Fremont County has no countywide minimum dwelling size or minimum residential lot size716. The same ordinary unincorporated areas have no countywide setback, lot-coverage or building-height standard, although septic, floodplain, subdivision and separately administered rules can still shape a buildable site171819. Land divisions remain regulated even where countywide zoning is absent20.

How do septic permits work in Fremont County?

Fremont County requires a permit for a small wastewater system generating less than 2,000 gallons per day5. The Fremont County Planning Department runs that program, while Wyoming DEQ handles high-strength commercial wastewater and residential systems above 2,000 gallons per day216. The county recommends a pre-permit conference because soil conditions vary substantially across Fremont County22. Only 29% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so a site evaluation may materially affect the design and budget23. A Planning Department representative must inspect the system before backfilling, and the application requests 48 hours of advance notice when possible24. Contact the Small Wastewater Program at (307) 332-1077 before excavating25.

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

We could not confirm a countywide answer for long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping, tiny-home occupancy or an individual manufactured home on private land in Fremont County. Ask the Fremont County Planning Department about the parcel and intended occupancy before purchasing or moving a unit onto the property13. The absence of countywide zoning does not by itself settle occupancy, sanitation, floodplain or separately administered local rules3. Unincorporated land outside the identified special regulated areas has no county minimum dwelling size, but that conclusion addresses county dimensional controls rather than whether a particular RV or tiny home may be occupied7. A qualifying small wastewater system still requires county approval, and we could not confirm whether composting toilets, holding tanks, graywater systems or other off-grid sanitation methods satisfy county requirements5.

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

  1. Ask the Planning Department which authority covers the parcel, because incorporated cities, South Pass City, the Wind River Reservation and county-regulated flood-hazard areas follow different controls313.
  1. Check floodplain status before site work; regulated floodplain development needs an application and an Authorization to Construct before work begins2.
  1. Arrange a small-wastewater pre-permit conference and obtain the required county septic permit before covered work starts225.
  1. Keep the septic excavation open for the required Planning Department inspection before backfilling24.
  1. If the property needs a well, obtain an approved State Engineer permit before drilling9.
  1. Confirm subdivision status and recorded access, especially for a recently divided tract20.
  1. For an ordinary home outside the special regulated areas, no general county residential building permit remains to be obtained1.

What should you check before buying land in Fremont County?

Check legal access, subdivision history, water, septic feasibility and floodplain status before closing. Fremont County regulates subdivisions in unincorporated areas, while parcels of at least 35 acres generally need binding, recordable access and utility easements at least 40 feet wide to a public road unless properly waived20. A qualifying agricultural-purpose division may be exempt from subdivision requirements, but the exemption is conditional and may require county documentation26. A groundwater well needs State Engineer approval before drilling, and a typical domestic or stock application has a $50 filing fee9. Septic deserves early attention because only 29% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field23. Federal land covers 57.7% of Fremont County, so verify legal access rather than relying on map appearance27. Typical effective property tax is about 0.6%, with a median annual bill near $1,5912829.

Watch-outs

  • A Floodplain Development Permit is required for any development in a county-regulated floodplain, and work cannot begin until an Authorization to Construct is issued2.
  • Fremont County has not confirmed a countywide private-parcel rule for RV, tiny-home or manufactured-home occupancy; ask the Planning Department before relying on those uses13.
  • The Planning Department lists an FY 2026 fee schedule, but the reviewed material does not establish the individual current charges; confirm the amount before filing30.

Sources

  1. Fremont County - Building Codes & Certificates of Occupancy (2026 county census)
  2. Floodplain Development Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  3. Building Codes and Construction Recommendations, quoted and re-checked
  4. Building Codes and Construction Recommendations, quoted and re-checked
  5. Building Codes and Construction Recommendations, quoted and re-checked
  6. Welcome to Fremont County, WY, quoted and re-checked
  7. Building Codes and Construction Recommendations, quoted and re-checked
  8. Building Codes & Certificates of Occupancy (2026 county census)
  9. General Processes, quoted and re-checked
  10. Building Codes and Construction Recommendations, quoted and re-checked
  11. Rules and Statutes, quoted and re-checked
  12. Building Codes and Construction Recommendations, quoted and re-checked
  13. Fremont County Planning Department (fremontcountywy.gov)
  14. Fremont County Planning Department Fees, quoted and re-checked
  15. Building Codes and Construction Recommendations, quoted and re-checked
  16. Building Codes and Construction Recommendations, quoted and re-checked
  17. Building Codes and Construction Recommendations, quoted and re-checked
  18. Building Codes and Construction Recommendations, quoted and re-checked
  19. Building Codes and Construction Recommendations, quoted and re-checked
  20. Wyoming Statutes, Title 18, quoted and re-checked
  21. Welcome to Fremont County, WY, quoted and re-checked
  22. Building Codes and Construction Recommendations, quoted and re-checked
  23. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  24. 2026 Small Wastewater Application Updated, quoted and re-checked
  25. Fremont County Planning Department - Small Wastewater Program (fremontcountywy.gov)
  26. Wyoming Statutes, Title 18, quoted and re-checked
  27. Federal land share: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Fremont County Planning Department Fees, quoted and re-checked

Written September 29, 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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County locator

Fremont County in Wyoming

68
County map
Fremont County highlighted among the Wyoming counties · colored by Index score

How Fremont County scores

Seclusion88100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency29100% ev.
Admin Boringness8790% ev.
Durability54100% ev.
Property Autonomy74100% ev.
Carry Cost87100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$331kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$1,882Land / acre
14.6"Annual rain
12.3% of yrsSevere drought
1.4 / yr (+1.3)Mid-century 100°F days
24.7 daysMid-century dry spell
1.06" (+7.7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.19×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,259Home insurance / yr
-0.1% / yrInsurance growth
0.82%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
169Radius comparison (15 mi)
4.3People / sq mi
57.7%Federal land
64.3%Land at 15% slope or less
29%Septic soil without severe limits
1,459,012 acWorkable land screen
14.4%Wooded land
16.9 tonsBiomass / forest ac
41.2°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Fremont County

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

Fremont County rules

  • Building code adoptedNot adopted

    County-specific building-code adoption by Fremont County.

    • Fremont County recommends use of Wyoming-adopted codes for new construction rather than identifying county-specific building codes.
    • The county page separately identifies limited floodplain, incorporated-city, South Pass City, and Wind River Reservation zoning or code regimes.
    “Fremont County does not have any County-wide Zoning or County specific Building Codes, except the following:”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Not adopted (with conditions) — County-specific building-code adoption for unincorporated Fremont County, excluding separate municipal, reservation, state, and area-specific regulatory authorities.
      “Fremont County does not have any County-wide Zoning or County specific Building Codes, except the following:”
    • Not adopted — County-specific building-code adoption by Fremont County in unincorporated Fremont County.
      “Fremont County does not have any County-wide Zoning or County specific Building Codes, except the following:”
  • Certificate of occupancyNot required

    Certificates of occupancy issued by Fremont County for construction in the county.

    • The county states that it does not issue certificates of occupancy.
    • The county materials separately state that Wyoming State Fire Marshal plan review is required for specified projects, including certain government or school buildings, public-access buildings over 5,000 square feet, childcare centers for more than 10 children, multi-story buildings, places of assembly, specified alterations, fire-protection systems, alternative-energy installations, flammable-liquid facilities, Type I commercial kitchen exhaust hoods, spray finishes, and RV, camping, mobile-home, and similar parks or areas.
    • Rules administered by incorporated cities, the Wind River Reservation, the Wyoming State Fire Marshal, or other authorities may apply instead.
    “FREMONT COUNTY DOES NOT ISSUE CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • County-wide zoningAbsent (with conditions)

    Countywide zoning administered by Fremont County, primarily in unincorporated county areas.

    • FEMA-designated flood hazard zones around Lander, Riverton, Dubois, and Hudson are exceptions identified by the county.
    • Incorporated cities in Fremont County have specific zoning and building codes.
    • South Pass City has historic zoning for building appearance.
    • The Wind River Reservation is zoned Residential/Agricultural and its zoning is administered by the Intertribal Business Council.
    • Floodplain zoning regulations and South Pass zoning regulations remain applicable in their stated areas.
    “Fremont County does not have any County-wide Zoning or County specific Building Codes, except the following:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Absent (with conditions) — General countywide zoning outside incorporated boundaries in Fremont County, Wyoming.
      “Fremont County does not have any County-wide Zoning or County specific Building Codes, except the following:”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Local zoning across Fremont County, including unincorporated areas and the separately administered incorporated cities, South Pass City historic area, FEMA-designated flood hazard zones around Lander, Riverton, Dubois, and Hudson, and the Wind River Reservation.

    • Fremont County states that it has no county-wide zoning or county-specific building codes.
    • FEMA-designated flood hazard zones around Lander, Riverton, Dubois, and Hudson are exceptions subject to floodplain zoning regulations.
    • Incorporated cities in Fremont County have specific zoning and building codes; this aggregate claim does not treat those municipal ordinances as county-administered rules.
    • South Pass City has historic zoning for building appearance.
    • The Wind River Reservation is zoned Residential/Agricultural, and reservation zoning is administered by the Intertribal Business Council.
    • The county page states that the areas regulated by the Fremont County Floodplain Zoning Regulations can be found at the county office in Lander or on the county website Mapserver, and that a copy of the regulations is available online or in the office.
    “Fremont County does not have any County-wide Zoning or County specific Building Codes, except the following: [...] In those areas within FEMA designated flood hazard zones around Lander, Riverton, Dubois and Hudson. The Incorporated Cities with the County have specific Zoning and Building Codes. South Pass City has Historic Zoning for building appearance. The Wind River Reservation is Zoned Residential/Agricultural. Reservation Zoning is administered by the Intertribal Business council (307) 332-6625.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate local zoning across Fremont County; the county page identifies zoning administered by incorporated cities, South Pass City, FEMA flood-hazard areas, and the Wind River Reservation rather than by one countywide zoning ordinance.
      “The Incorporated Cities with the County have specific Zoning and Building Codes. South Pass City has Historic Zoning for building appearance. The Wind River Reservation is Zoned Residential/Agricultural. Reservation Zoning is administered by the Intertribal Business council (307) 332-6625.”
  • Zoning districtsPartial

    Zoning districts and zoning-like controls within Fremont County, with the county-administered rules applying only in the identified areas and incorporated jurisdictions administering their own rules.

    • Fremont County states it has no county-wide zoning.
    • FEMA-designated flood-hazard areas around Lander, Riverton, Dubois, and Hudson are exceptions subject to Fremont County floodplain zoning regulations.
    • Incorporated cities in the county have specific zoning and building codes administered by those cities, not by the county.
    • South Pass City has historic zoning for building appearance.
    • The Wind River Reservation is zoned Residential/Agricultural and its reservation zoning is administered by the Intertribal Business Council.
    • The county page states the floodplain-regulated areas can be found at the county office or on the county website mapserver.
    “Fremont County does not have any County-wide Zoning or County specific Building Codes, except the following:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not published — County-administered zoning districts in unincorporated Fremont County.
      “Fremont County does not have any County-wide Zoning or County specific Building Codes, except the following:”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeNone

    Residential dwellings in unincorporated Fremont County areas outside FEMA-designated flood hazard zones, incorporated cities, South Pass City, and the Wind River Reservation.

    • Fremont County has no county-wide zoning or county-specific building codes establishing a county minimum dwelling size.
    • FEMA-designated flood hazard zones around Lander, Riverton, Dubois, and Hudson are exceptions and may impose floodplain development requirements.
    • Incorporated cities have their own zoning and building codes.
    • South Pass City has historic zoning for building appearance.
    • The Wind River Reservation is zoned Residential/Agricultural and administered by the Intertribal Business Council.
    “Fremont County does not have any County-wide Zoning or County specific Building Codes, except the following:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Minimum lot sizeNone

    Residential lots in unincorporated Fremont County areas outside FEMA-designated flood hazard zones, incorporated cities, South Pass City, and the Wind River Reservation.

    • Fremont County has no county-wide zoning or county-specific building codes establishing a county minimum lot size.
    • Subdivision regulation under Wyoming law still applies to land divisions subject to subdivision regulation.
    • FEMA-designated flood hazard zones around Lander, Riverton, Dubois, and Hudson are exceptions.
    • Incorporated cities, South Pass City, and the Wind River Reservation may apply separate rules.
    “Fremont County does not have any County-wide Zoning or County specific Building Codes, except the following:”
  • SetbacksNone

    Residential development in unincorporated Fremont County areas outside FEMA-designated flood hazard zones, incorporated cities, South Pass City, and the Wind River Reservation.

    • No county-wide zoning or county-specific building code setback requirement was identified because the county expressly states it has no county-wide zoning or county-specific building codes.
    • Floodplain development regulations apply in FEMA-designated flood hazard zones around Lander, Riverton, Dubois, and Hudson.
    • Incorporated cities, South Pass City, and the Wind River Reservation are separately regulated.
    “Fremont County does not have any County-wide Zoning or County specific Building Codes, except the following:”
  • Lot coverageNone

    Residential development in unincorporated Fremont County areas outside FEMA-designated flood hazard zones, incorporated cities, South Pass City, and the Wind River Reservation.

    • No county-wide zoning or county-specific building code lot-coverage limit was identified because the county expressly states it has no county-wide zoning or county-specific building codes.
    • Floodplain development regulations apply in FEMA-designated flood hazard zones around Lander, Riverton, Dubois, and Hudson.
    • Incorporated cities, South Pass City, and the Wind River Reservation are separately regulated.
    “Fremont County does not have any County-wide Zoning or County specific Building Codes, except the following:”
  • Building heightNone

    Residential buildings in unincorporated Fremont County areas outside FEMA-designated flood hazard zones, incorporated cities, South Pass City, and the Wind River Reservation.

    • No county-wide zoning or county-specific building code building-height limit was identified because the county expressly states it has no county-wide zoning or county-specific building codes.
    • Floodplain development regulations apply in FEMA-designated flood hazard zones around Lander, Riverton, Dubois, and Hudson.
    • Incorporated cities, South Pass City, and the Wind River Reservation are separately regulated.
    “Fremont County does not have any County-wide Zoning or County specific Building Codes, except the following:”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Residential small wastewater systems generating less than 2,000 gallons per day in Fremont County.

    • The county page identifies Fremont County Small Wastewater Regulations as the permitting mechanism for residential small wastewater systems below 2,000 gallons per day.
    • Commercial wastewater generating high-strength wastewater, residential wastewater greater than 2,000 gallons per day, and water-supply systems are assigned to Wyoming DEQ instead.

    daily wastewater generation threshold: < 2000 gallons per day (Residential small wastewater systems below this threshold are permitted through Fremont County Small Wastewater Regulations.)

    “Small Wastewater Systems generating less than 2,000 gal per day of residential waste are permitted through Fremont County Small Wastewater Regulations.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • County — Small wastewater systems generating less than 2,000 gallons per day of residential waste in Fremont County.
      “Small Wastewater Systems generating less than 2,000 gal per day of residential waste are permitted through Fremont County Small Wastewater Regulations.”
    • County — Residential small wastewater systems in Fremont County generating less than 2,000 gallons per day.
      “Small Wastewater Systems generating less than 2,000 gal per day of residential waste are permitted through Fremont County Small Wastewater Regulations.”
    • State — Commercial high-strength wastewater systems and residential wastewater systems generating more than 2,000 gallons per day in Fremont County.
      “The Wyoming DEQ is responsible for all permitting and oversight of any Commercial Wastewater system generating high strength wastewater or residential wastewater greater than 2,000 gal per day and any Water Supply system.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    All small wastewater systems, including septic systems, generating less than 2,000 gallons per day in Fremont County.

    • The county page states the requirement applies to all small wastewater systems generating less than 2,000 gallons per day.
    • The county separately identifies DEQ jurisdiction for high-strength commercial wastewater and residential wastewater greater than 2,000 gallons per day.
    • The county's 2022 budget states that design, construction review, and permitting occur under the county regulations and DEQ delegation agreement.

    daily flow threshold: < 2000 gallons per day (DEQ handles residential wastewater greater than 2,000 gallons per day and high-strength commercial wastewater.)

    “Fremont County requires a permit for all Small Wastewater Systems (septic systems) that generate less than 2,000 gallons per day.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Installation, repair, replacement, or modification of Fremont County small wastewater systems treating residential wastewater below 2,000 gallons per day.
      “Fremont County requires a permit for all Small Wastewater Systems (septic systems) that generate less than 2,000 gallons per day.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Fremont County small wastewater systems before backfilling.

    • Inspection must occur before backfilling.
    • Inspection is by a representative of the Planning Department.
    • The application requests 48 hours advance notice if possible; the source calls this notice appreciated, not expressly mandatory.

    advance notice: 48 hours (The application says advance notice would be appreciated if possible.)

    “Step 5: Prior to backfilling, the system must be inspected by a representative of the Planning Department. A 48-hour advance notice would be appreciated if possible.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Small wastewater systems constructed in Fremont County.
      “Prior to backfilling, the system must be inspected by a representative of the Planning Department.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Any well proposed to supply water to personal or commercial facilities in Fremont County.

    • The county page directs applicants to obtain the permit through the Wyoming State Engineer's Office.
    • The cited statement covers wells proposed to supply facilities, personal or commercial.
    “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).”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land in unincorporated Fremont County.

    • Wyoming law vests regulation and control of subdivision in unincorporated areas in the county board of commissioners.
    • A person may not sell land subject to subdivision regulation, record a plat, or commence construction of a subdivision without first obtaining a subdivision permit.
    • Statutory exemptions include certain family divisions, agricultural-purpose divisions, boundary-line adjustments, incorporated-city or town land, and sales or dispositions involving parcels of 35 acres or larger, subject to statutory conditions.
    • For parcels of 35 acres or larger, ingress and egress and utility easements generally must be provided by binding and recordable easements at least 40 feet wide to a public road unless waived in a binding and recordable document.

    minimum parcel size for statutory large-parcel exemption: >= 35 acres (Subject to W.S. 18-5-316 and statutory easement requirements) · access and utility easement width: >= 40 feet (Unless specifically waived by the grantee or transferee in a binding and recordable document)

    “The regulation and control of the subdivision of land in the unincorporated areas in each county is vested in the board of county commissioners of the county in which the land is located.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision of land in the unincorporated areas of Fremont County, Wyoming.
      “The regulation and control of the subdivision of land in the unincorporated areas in each county is vested in the board of county commissioners of the county in which the land is located.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas within Fremont County, excluding incorporated areas and city limits.

    • A Floodplain Development Permit is required for any development within the SFHA, including buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation, drilling, or storage of equipment or materials.
    • Activities specifically exempt from the permitting process are limited to routine maintenance of irrigation facilities, limited to preserving the facility in its original constructed state so it can be kept in working order.
    • No work may begin until the Floodplain Administrator issues an Authorization to Construct.
    • The development may not be used or occupied until a permit is issued.
    • The Authorization to Construct expires if no work commences within 12 months of issuance.
    • The permit will not be issued until other necessary local, state, or federal permits have been obtained.
    • New buildings in a Special Flood Hazard Area require an Elevation Certificate documenting that the lowest floor is elevated one foot above the Base Flood Elevation.
    • A No-Rise Certificate and H&H analysis are required if proposed development is in a regulatory floodway.
    • The county rule does not apply within incorporated areas or city limits; municipal rules may apply there.

    minimum lowest-floor elevation above BFE: >= 1 foot (For structural development in the SFHA.) · Authorization to Construct commencement period: 12 months (Authorization expires if no work is commenced within this period.)

    “These Regulations apply to all areas of special flood hazard within Fremont County (excluding incorporated areas or within city limits). Any development within the SFHA requires a Floodplain Development Permit.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Any development in a Fremont County floodplain, including development within a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area.
      “you MUST complete a Floodplain Development Permit Application”
    • Required — Development in FEMA-designated flood-hazard zones around Lander, Riverton, Dubois, and Hudson that are regulated by Fremont County Floodplain Zoning Regulations.
      “If you are proposing development of any kind [...] in a floodplain, you MUST submit this application to the Fremont County Floodplain Administrator.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Fremont County Planning and Rural Addressing permits listed in the published FY2023 fee schedule, including floodplain development permits.

    • The published schedule states that it was effective February 14, 2023.
    • The opened official material did not establish that this FY2023 schedule remains the current schedule as of retrieval.
    • The schedule also lists septic, subdivision, addressing, commercial-scale wind and solar, and copy fees.

    floodplain development permit fee: 500 USD (FY2023 schedule, effective February 14, 2023)

    “FY2023 Fee Schedule (Effective February 14, 2023) [...] $500 FLOODPLAIN DEVELOPMENT PERMIT (permit fee)”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Fremont County Planning Department permits and related planning applications.
      “Fees 1 document [...] FY 2026 Fee Schedule”
    • Published (with conditions) — Permit and planning-related fees administered by the Fremont County Planning Department.
      “Fees 1 document Fees document seq 0.00 FY 2026 Fee Schedule”
  • Permit processPartial

    Small residential wastewater systems generating less than 2,000 gallons per day in Fremont County.

    • The County page recommends scheduling a pre-permit conference with the Small Wastewater Specialist before property purchase or development planning because of significant variation in soil conditions.
    • Commercial wastewater generating high-strength wastewater, residential wastewater greater than 2,000 gallons per day, and water-supply systems are handled by Wyoming DEQ rather than this county process.

    residential wastewater generation threshold: < 2000 gallons per day (County small wastewater permitting; larger residential systems are handled by Wyoming DEQ)

    “Fremont County requires a permit for all Small Wastewater Systems (septic systems) that generate less than 2,000 gallons per day.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Development of any kind in Fremont County floodplains, including new buildings, additions, clearing, fill, grading, mining, dredging, drilling, and similar activities.
      “Upon satisfactory completion of the project, a Floodplain Development Permit will be issued.”
  • Building permitNot required

    Fremont County states it has no county-specific building codes and only recommends the Wyoming-adopted codes; there is no county building permit for new construction in unincorporated areas (except floodplain and a few special zones), so no general residential building permit is required.

    Fremont County - Building Codes & Certificates of Occupancy ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Wyoming rules that apply here

  • InspectionsLimited

    Covered new construction and remodeling in Fremont County subject to Wyoming State Fire Marshal plan review, including specified public, commercial, assembly, multistory, child-care, fire-protection-system, alternative-energy, storage-tank, kitchen-hood, spray-finish, and similar projects.

    • The statutory inspection requirement has exceptions under W.S. 35-9-108(h) and (q) and W.S. 35-9-118.
    • A plan review is not required for remodeling exempt from permitting under the International Code.
    • A local municipality or county with delegated enforcement authority may replace State Fire Marshal review and inspection authority.

    plan-review response period: 21 working days (If the State Fire Marshal does not notify the sender of violations within this period, plans are approved as submitted.) · electrical inspection request deadline: 5 business days (The chief electrical inspector shall inspect within five business days of an owner or contractor request.)

    “Except as provided under subsections (h) and (q) of this section and W.S. 35-9-118, after new construction or remodeling of buildings is completed, the state fire marshal shall inspect the building and determine conformance with the plan review or amended plan review.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Certain land divisions for agricultural purposes under Wyoming's Real Estate Subdivisions Act, primarily in unincorporated areas subject to county administration.

    • The exemption applies unless the method of sale or other disposition is adopted for the purpose of evading the Act.
    • The division must be a sale or other disposition of land for agricultural purposes or affect the alignment of property lines for agricultural purposes.
    • The exempt divisions remain subject to county-board requirements regarding documentation of proper use and implementation of the exemption.
    • A division for an immediate family member has separate conditions, including qualifying family relationship, housing, business, or agricultural purpose, ownership and titling periods, and a five-acre further-division restriction; that family exemption is distinct from the agricultural-purpose exemption.
    • For parcels 35 acres or larger, ingress, egress, and utility easements of at least 40 feet to a public road are required unless specifically waived by the grantee or transferee in a binding and recordable document.

    large-parcel threshold: >= 35 acres (Subject to W.S. 18-5-316 and required easements.) · large-parcel easement width: >= 40 feet (To a public road; waiver must be binding and recordable.)

    “A division which is a sale or other disposition of land for agricultural purposes or affects the alignment of property lines for agricultural purposes;”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Agricultural uses associated with land divisions exempt from Wyoming subdivision requirements, including qualifying family-member divisions in unincorporated county areas.
      “Nothing in W.S. 18-5-201 through 18-5-208 shall be construed to allow any board of county commissioners, through the establishment of minimum lot size requirements or otherwise, to prevent residential or agricultural uses authorized for land divisions that are exempt from subdivision requirements pursuant to W.S. 18-5-303(a)(i).”
    • Available (with conditions) — Agricultural-purpose divisions of land in Wyoming, including Fremont County, when the statutory exemption conditions are met.
      “A division which is a sale or other disposition of land for agricultural purposes or affects the alignment of property lines for agricultural purposes;”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Sale or other disposition of parcels 35 acres or larger subject to Wyoming subdivision law.

    • The rule is subject to W.S. 18-5-316.
    • Ingress, egress, and utility easements must be provided to each parcel by binding and recordable easements to a public road.
    • The easements must be at least 40 feet wide unless specifically waived by the grantee or transferee in a binding and recordable document.

    parcel area: >= 35 acres (subject to W.S. 18-5-316) · easement width: >= 40 feet (may be specifically waived by the grantee or transferee in a binding and recordable document)

    “Except as provided in W.S. 18-5-316, this article shall not apply to the sale or other disposition of land where the parcels involved are thirty-five (35) acres or larger, subject to the requirement that ingress and egress and utility easements shall be provided to each parcel by binding and recordable easements of not less than forty (40) feet in width to a public road unless specifically waived by the grantee or transferee in a binding and recordable document.”
  • 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.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemptions from building-permit, inspection, or code requirements in Fremont County.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or residential occupancy of a recreational vehicle on private land in Fremont County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in Fremont County, including camping outside designated parks.
  • Tiny homes — Occupancy of a tiny home on private land in Fremont County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Manufactured homes — Occupancy of a manufactured home on private land in Fremont County, including unincorporated areas.
4 more unanswered
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Short-term rentals

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 Fremont County, Wyoming

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

Fremont County scores 68/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 169 people within 15 miles and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property. Watch-outs: weak self-sufficiency basics: only 14.6″ of rain a year.

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

Fremont County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Fremont County Planning Department - Small Wastewater program (systems <2,000 gpd; WY DEQ handles larger). These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Fremont County, Wyoming?

Land in Fremont County runs about $1,882 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Fremont County?

Fremont County gets about 14.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 12.3% of years.

How remote is Fremont County?

A typical private-land location has about 169 people within 15 miles and 166,416 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Fremont County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Fremont compares in Wyoming

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