Bolthole Index

Sublette County, Wyoming

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

62Index Score / 100
#9 of 23 in Wyoming

Unincorporated Sublette County, Wyoming requires a zoning and development permit before construction, but the permit governs land use rather than building design or construction methods1. The county has not adopted a residential building code and does not perform residential building inspections1,2. Inside the Town of Pinedale, the town issues its own building permits and sets its own zoning3,4. County Planning & Zoning also administers septic permits under Wyoming DEQ standards5.

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

Yes, but Sublette County's permit is a zoning and development permit: it regulates land use and development rather than building design or construction methods.

Yes, but Sublette County's permit is a zoning and development permit: it regulates land use and development rather than building design or construction methods1. Each proposed dwelling, remodel, accessory structure or other development generally needs its own permit; a detached, roofed accessory structure not intended for people is exempt when it is 400 square feet or smaller10.

Sublette County has not adopted a residential building code, although property owners remain responsible for safe design and construction2. The county does not perform structural building inspections; its required inspection is for septic-permit completion before backfill6. Sublette County does not issue certificates of occupancy1.

Who issues building permits in Sublette County, and how do you reach them?

The Sublette County Planning & Zoning Department handles zoning, subdivisions, residential and commercial permits, septic permitting and inspection, and rural addressing.

The Sublette County Planning & Zoning Department handles zoning, subdivisions, residential and commercial permits, septic permitting and inspection, and rural addressing11. Call (307) 367-4375 or email planning@sublettecountywy.gov before committing to a house site or ordering plans11. The county rules here apply to unincorporated Sublette County; inside the Town of Pinedale, the town requires its own building permit and has its own zoning ordinance, with a permit exempt only for a nonhabitable accessory shed, utility structure or playhouse of 120 square feet or less and one story3,4.

The county office is in the Sublette County Court House at 21 S Tyler, Pinedale, WY 8294111.

Applicants may use the county permit portal; after an application is complete and approved, the county sends the permit by email and posts it to the county GIS system5. The county fee for a new residential dwelling application rose from $75 to $150 on June 1, 2026; public-notice fees may also apply when a hearing is required12.

Does Sublette County have zoning?

Yes.

Yes. County zoning covers privately owned land in unincorporated Sublette County, while federal and state public lands are outside county zoning jurisdiction1. Every private parcel has a zoning district, and the published regulations identify permitted and conditional uses1,13.

Minimum lot size and setbacks vary by district, and no building may be within 50 feet of a state or federal highway right-of-way6,14. Principal buildings are generally capped at 30 feet in the listed residential and mobile-home districts and 35 feet in other districts2. The county does not publish a general minimum size for site-built homes. Manufactured homes must meet the county's Chapter III, Section 39 standards, and some districts exclude mobile or nonconforming manufactured homes1. Manufactured homes outside the listed exempt districts must be at least 24 feet wide and contain at least 1,000 square feet7.

How do septic permits work in Sublette County?

Sublette County Planning & Zoning administers small-wastewater septic permits under a delegation agreement, while Wyoming DEQ standards govern the systems.

Sublette County Planning & Zoning administers small-wastewater septic permits under a delegation agreement, while Wyoming DEQ standards govern the systems5. A county permit is required before installing a new system or replacing or expanding a septic tank or leach field6. The county must inspect the installation before backfill6.

A conventional system must handle domestic flow below 2,000 gallons per day, preserve at least 4 feet between the leach field and seasonal high groundwater or bedrock, and have percolation of 5 to 60 minutes per inch; sites outside those criteria may need an engineered alternative6. Conventional septic systems and leach fields are prohibited in floodplains6. Only 13.1% of mapped soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so establish wastewater feasibility before buying15.

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

A Sublette County property owner may use an RV as temporary sleeping quarters while building a house, provided applicable development standards are met.

A Sublette County property owner may use an RV as temporary sleeping quarters while building a house, provided applicable development standards are met7. The temporary occupancy may last no more than one year from submission of the zoning and development permit application7. Campground spaces are short-term only, with an individual stay capped at 180 days; the county does not establish a broader private-land residential-RV rule, so ask Planning & Zoning before relying on an RV as a home7,11.

General tiny-home occupancy remains unconfirmed. A tiny home used as a short-term rental must be lawfully permitted and comply with the short-term-rental rules16. A short-term rental in unincorporated Sublette County needs a county permit costing $200 for the first 24 months and $100 per renewal; more than two rental permits per parcel require a conditional use permit, and the permit does not authorize incidental camping14,16. A guest house or cabin may be no larger than 1,200 square feet, with one allowed per residential structure on a property of at least 2 acres2.

Building a home in Sublette County: what are the steps?

Find the parcel on the county GIS zoning map and confirm the district's permitted use, minimum lot size, setbacks and height limit.

  1. Find the parcel on the county GIS zoning map and confirm the district's permitted use, minimum lot size, setbacks and height limit1,2,14.
  2. Check flood status before design; development in a designated flood zone needs a permit and elevation information6.
  3. Secure access separately. A driveway connecting to a county road needs an access permit; state-highway access goes through WYDOT17.
  4. Ask Pinedale, Big Piney or Marbleton about available utility hookups if the parcel is near a municipality; otherwise, obtain the state well permit and county septic permit before work6.
  5. Submit a separate county zoning and development permit for each nonexempt structure before construction10.
  6. Arrange the required septic inspection before backfill; the county does not perform structural building inspections6.

What should you check before buying land in Sublette County?

Confirm that the parcel is private land in county jurisdiction, then verify its zoning district, permitted use, minimum lot size, setbacks and height limit rather than relying on the listing.

Confirm that the parcel is private land in county jurisdiction, then verify its zoning district, permitted use, minimum lot size, setbacks and height limit rather than relying on the listing1,2,13,14. If the purchase depends on dividing land, review the county subdivision process; the agricultural exception concerns certain land divisions and does not establish a general exemption for agricultural buildings14,18.

Confirm legal access because a county-road access permit is separate from the building permit6. Test soils early because only 13.1% of mapped soils avoid severe limitations for conventional drain fields15. Check flood status because flood-zone development needs a permit and conventional septic is prohibited there6. Confirm utility availability or obtain a state well permit before drilling6.

Watch-outs

  • A zoning and development permit is required before construction even though Sublette County has no residential building code or structural inspections1,2.
  • An RV may serve as temporary sleeping quarters during house construction for no more than one year from permit-application submission7.
  • Flood-zone development needs a permit, and conventional septic systems and leach fields are prohibited in floodplains6.
  • County-road driveway approval is separate from the building permit, while state-highway access goes through WYDOT17.
  • Short-term rental of a cabin, tiny home or accessory unit in unincorporated Sublette County needs its own county permit, and more than two per parcel need a conditional use permit16.

Sources

18 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 15, 2026

  1. Zoning & Development Regulations
  2. Building Permits - Residential
  3. Town of Pinedale: Article II: Construction Permits - Town of Pinedale, WY (Sublette County)
  4. Town of Pinedale: Chapter 475: Zoning - Town of Pinedale, WY (Sublette County)
  5. Building Permits - Commercial
  6. Zoning & Development Regulations
  7. Zoning & Development Regulations
  8. Startup Resources — Wyoming Business Council (Wyoming statewide rule)
  9. Water Well Construction
  10. When am I required to obtain a building permit?
  11. Sublette County Planning & Zoning Department (sublettecountywy.gov)
  12. Fee Schedule
  13. sublettecountywy.gov
  14. Zoning and Development Regulations - Chapter III, Section 18
  15. 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
  16. Chapter XIII XIV – Short-Term Rental
  17. Road Access & Utility Crossings
  18. Subdivisions & Plat Amendments

Written October 15, 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

Unlike 5 of its 6 neighbors, Sublette County requires a building permit only in limited cases.

RuleSublette CountyLincoln CountyFremont CountyTeton CountyHot Springs CountySweetwater CountyPark County
Building permitLimitedRequiredNot requiredRequiredNot requiredLimitedRequired
County zoningYesYesNoYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Planning & Zoning Dept.County Office of Planning & DevelopmentCounty Planning Dept.County Engineering Dept.County Planning OfficeCounty Env. HealthCounty Planning & Zoning

County locator

Sublette County in Wyoming

62
County map
Sublette County highlighted among the Wyoming counties · colored by Index score

How Sublette County scores

62 / 100 · #9 of 23 in Wyoming · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

Seclusion84100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency34100% ev.
Admin Boringness5790% ev.
Durability40100% ev.
Property Autonomy74100% ev.
Carry Cost83100% 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 →

$463kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$2,038Land / acre
18"Annual rain
20.4% of yrsSevere drought
0 / yr (+0)Mid-century 100°F days
21.3 daysMid-century dry spell
1.03" (+6.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.21×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,411Home insurance / yr
-0.9% / yrInsurance growth
0.6%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
2,996Radius comparison (15 mi)
1.8People / sq mi
78.3%Federal land
72.8%Land at 15% slope or less
13.1%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
362,282 acWorkable land screen
25.2%Wooded land
27.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac
36.1°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Sublette 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 Big Piney · Town of Marbleton

Answers from the rulebook for Sublette County

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

Sublette County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Proposed land development, use, construction, remodels, residential dwelling units, accessory structures, and nonresidential structures in unincorporated Sublette County.

    • Each individual structure requires a separate permit.
    • Detached accessory buildings not for human occupancy that are roofed and 400 square feet or less are exempt.
    • Applications require the applicable fee.

    small detached accessory-structure exemption: <= 400 square feet (Must not be for human occupancy and must be covered by a roof.)

    “The County regulates land use through the Sublette County Zoning and Development Regulations, which require a zoning and development permit prior to construction”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Construction, additions, accessory structures, and other land development subject to Sublette County zoning and development review.
      “The County regulates land use through the Sublette County Zoning and Development Regulations, which require a zoning and development permit prior to construction, but do not govern building design or construction methods.”
    • Required — Residential dwelling units, remodels, accessory structures, and other proposed development and construction.
      “All proposed land development, use and construction, including the enlargement of existing uses and structures; including interior remodels and the conversion of non-habitable space into habitable space shall be subject to review and shall be authorized only upon the granting of a building permit.”
  • Building code adoptedNot adopted (with conditions)

    Residential building-code adoption and structural standards in Sublette County.

    • The County has not adopted or enforced the International Building Code.
    • The County does not require specific structural design standards, including snow loads or wind loads.
    • State electrical codes apply and an electrical permit may be necessary from Wyoming.
    • Manufactured homes remain subject to County design standards and HUD or UBC requirements.
    “Sublette County has not adopted and does not enforce the International Building Code, and does not require specific structural design standards, including snow loads or wind loads.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Not adopted — Residential building-code adoption in Sublette County.
      “Sublette County has not adopted and does not enforce the International Building Code”
    • Partial — County building-code adoption for residential and commercial construction in Sublette County.
      “Sublette County has not adopted a residential building code; however, property owners remain responsible for ensuring structures are safely designed and constructed. The County strongly encourages designing structures to accommodate the snow load for the area.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    County inspection of residential building projects.

    • The County does not complete building inspections.
    • Planning & Zoning may conduct limited inspections to verify permit-related completion or whether a project should be considered expired.
    “The County does not complete building inspections. However, the Planning & Zoning office may conduct limited inspections to verify whether permit-related items are complete or if a project should be considered “expired.””
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — County inspection associated with septic-permit completion, not general structural building inspection.
      “the County must conduct an inspection to complete the permit. [...] The County does not complete building inspections.”
  • Certificate of occupancyNot required

    Certificates of occupancy issued by Sublette County.

    • The source states the County does not issue certificates of occupancy at this time.
    “The County does not issue Certificates of Occupancy at this time.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Not required — County-issued certificates of occupancy.
      “The County does not issue Certificates of Occupancy at this time.”
    • Not required — County-issued occupancy permits.
      “The County does not issue Certificates of Occupancy at this time.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Privately owned unincorporated lands in Sublette County.

    • The regulations guide land use and development in unincorporated areas.
    • Public lands managed by federal or state agencies are excluded from county zoning regulations.
    “All private lands within Sublette County are assigned a zoning district. [...] County zoning regulations do not apply to public lands”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present — Land-use zoning and development regulation in unincorporated Sublette County.
      “Sublette County’s Zoning and Development Regulations guide land use and development in the unincorporated areas of the county, implementing the goals of the County Comprehensive Plan.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    County-administered zoning for unincorporated Sublette County; incorporated municipalities may administer separate local rules.

    • All private lands are assigned a zoning district.
    • County zoning does not apply to federal or state public lands.
    “All private lands within Sublette County are assigned a zoning district.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — County-administered zoning and development controls for unincorporated Sublette County.
      “Each zoning district allows specific uses, which are outlined in Chapter II of the Sublette County Zoning and Development Regulations.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts established by the Sublette County Zoning and Development Regulations for unincorporated areas.

    • The County zoning page publishes the current regulations and identifies zoning districts.
    • Public lands are outside county zoning jurisdiction.
    “The regulations establish zoning districts, permitted and conditional uses, subdivision procedures, and development standards to promote orderly growth, protect public health and safety, and preserve the county’s agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial, and natural resources.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County zoning districts and district-specific permitted, conditional, and prohibited uses.
      “Zoning districts and property zoning can be viewed using the Sublette County GIS zoning map.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Manufactured homes on privately owned unincorporated land in Sublette County, except homes located in the listed exempt zoning districts

    • Manufactured homes must comply with all applicable development standards in the resolution.
    • Manufactured homes in the R MH, R-R MH, R-R MH 5, R-R MH 10, R-R MH 20, MH, I-L, and R-M zoning districts are exempt from the Chapter III, Section 39 manufactured-home design standards, including the 24-foot width and 1,000-square-foot minimum.
    • The structure must comply with current HUD Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards or the current Uniform Building Code, with the applicable standards measured as of the zoning and development permit application date.
    • The structure must be attached to a permanent foundation and include a permanent masonry or concrete perimeter wall.
    • The roof must meet the listed non-reflective-material and nominal 4/12-pitch requirements, subject to the manufactured-metal-roof-panel exception.
    • Exterior siding must use the listed nonreflective materials.
    • The structure must have a minimum 12-inch roof overhang.
    • Tongue, towing devices, wheels, and other transportation elements must be removed from the structure and construction site within 30 days of delivery.

    minimum manufactured-home width: >= 24 ft (not applicable in the listed exempt zoning districts) · minimum gross floor area: >= 1000 sq ft (not applicable in the listed exempt zoning districts)

    “Manufactured homes located in the R MH, R-R MH, R-R MH 5, R-R MH 10, R-R MH 20, MH, I-L, and R-M zoning districts shall be exempt from these standards. [...] The structure shall not be less than twenty-four (24) feet in width and shall include a minimum gross-floor area of 1,000 square feet.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Manufactured homes in Sublette County zoning districts other than R MH, R-R MH, R-R MH 5, R-R MH 10, R-R MH 20, MH, I-L, and R-M.
      “Manufactured homes located in the R MH, R-R MH, R-R MH 5, R-R MH 10, R-R MH 20, MH, I-L, and R-M zoning districts shall be exempt from these standards. [...] d. The structure shall not be less than twenty-four (24) feet in width and shall include a minimum gross-floor area of 1,000 square feet.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Minimum site area by county zoning district.

    • Requirements vary by district and utility service.
    • The regulation contains an exception for certain pre-1983 platted lots and a conservation-easement exemption.

    A-1 minimum site area: 35 acres · R-R minimum site area: 2 acres (Excluding roadways and lakes.) · R-R 5 minimum site area: 5 acres · R-R 10 minimum site area: 10 acres · R-R 20 minimum site area: 20 acres · ADU minimum site area: 2 acres (No more than one ADU per site.)

    “Section 18. Minimum Site Area. The minimum site area in each zoning district must conform to the following requirements:”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Building and structure setbacks in unincorporated Sublette County zoning districts.

    • Setbacks depend on the zoning district.
    • Accessory buildings must conform to all setback requirements.
    • No building or structure may be within 50 feet of the right-of-way line of a State or Federal highway.
    • Floodplain properties have an additional lowest-finished-floor requirement.
    “Setback requirements depend on your zoning district. Setbacks are provided in the Zoning and Development Regulations: View Regulations.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Buildings and accessory buildings in unincorporated Sublette County, according to zoning district.
      “Setback requirements depend on your zoning district. [...] A-1 (more than 20 acres) (& family division parcels regardless of size) | 50' | 50' | 50' [...] A-1 (less than 20 acres) | 30' | 10' | 40'”
    • Specified — Buildings and accessory buildings in county zoning districts.
      “Setback requirements depend on your zoning district. [...] No building or structure in any zoning district shall be located within 50 feet of the right-of-way line of any State or Federal highway.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Principal and accessory buildings by zoning district.

    • Principal buildings are limited to 30 feet in listed residential and mobile-home districts and 35 feet in other districts.
    • Accessory-height limits vary by district.
    • Light and Heavy Industrial maximum height may be exceeded subject to conditional-use approval.
    • Antennas, chimneys, vents, and roof-mounted mechanical equipment may extend up to 6 feet.

    principal building height in listed residential/mobile-home districts: <= 30 feet (R, R-MH, R-R, R-R-MH, R-R 5, R-R-MH 5, R-R 10, R-R-MH 10, R-R 20, R-R-MH 20, and MH) · principal building height in other districts: <= 35 feet (Subject to listed industrial conditional-use exception)

    “maximum height is 30 feet. In all other zoning districts, maximum height is 35 feet.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Principal and accessory building heights in unincorporated Sublette County zoning districts.
      “Principal Buildings: In the R, R MH, R-R, R-RMH, R-R 5, R-R MH 5, R-R 10, R-R MH 10, R-R 20, R-R MH 20 and MH zoning districts, maximum height is 30 feet. In all other zoning districts, maximum height is 35 feet.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational-vehicle campground spaces in privately owned unincorporated Sublette County

    • Campgrounds must conform to all applicable Chapter III development standards.
    • Perimeter fencing is required between the campground and adjacent areas; the fence must be at least six feet high and made of wood, stone, or another opaque material approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
    • Each camping site must include a camp pad with adequate parking, the campsite, a fireplace, fire pit, or barbecue, and a surrounding active recreational area.
    • Adequate bathroom facilities must serve the entire campground.
    • At least 30 percent of the campground area must be landscaped; native vegetation may count toward that requirement.
    • Campgrounds are for short-term use only.

    maximum stay per individual at a campground space: <= 180 days (per campground space)

    “Campgrounds are to be used on a short-term basis only, one hundred eighty (180) or fewer days at a campground space per individual.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Temporary only (with conditions) — Recreational-vehicle occupancy as temporary sleeping quarters on privately owned unincorporated land in Sublette County during construction of a house.
      “Recreational vehicles may be used as temporary sleeping quarters by the property owner during construction of a house not to exceed a one-year time period. The time period begins with the submittal of the zoning and development permit application to the Planning and Zoning office.”
    • Temporary only (with conditions) — Use of a recreational vehicle as temporary sleeping quarters by a property owner during construction of a house on privately owned unincorporated land in Sublette County
      “Recreational vehicles may be used as temporary sleeping quarters by the property owner during construction of a house not to exceed a one-year time period. The time period begins with the submittal of the zoning and development permit application to the Planning and Zoning office.”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    A tiny home used as a short-term rental in unincorporated Sublette County.

    • A tiny home is included in the County's short-term-rental definition.
    • Short-term-rental operation requires a permit.
    • The structure must be lawfully permitted and have applicable building and wastewater permits.
    • Short-term rentals are allowed only in zoning districts allowing residential use.

    short-term rental term: 1-30 days · short-term rental permit renewal: 24 months

    “Short-Term Rental. Means a single dwelling, accessory dwelling unit, multi-family dwelling unit, studio, condominium, townhouse, duplex, guesthouse, cabin, bedroom within dwelling unit, tiny home, or other facility, structure or apparatus rented for the purpose of for-profit, overnight lodging for a period of not less than one (1) night or not more than thirty (30) days. [...] It is unlawful for any person to advertise, maintain, operate, or use a short-term rental in the unincorporated area of Sublette County without a short-term rental permit”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured homes proposed for occupancy in unincorporated Sublette County.

    • Manufactured homes must meet County Chapter III, Section 39 requirements.
    • Manufactured homes must comply with HUD Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards or UBC as specified by county regulations.
    • Some zoning districts exclude mobile/nonconforming manufactured homes.
    “Manufactured homes shall comply with applicable Sublette County design standards and shall be constructed in compliance with either the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Mobile or nonconforming manufactured homes in residential mobile-home and rural residential mobile-home districts.
      “In the Rural Residential Mobile Home Districts (R-R MH), (R-RMH 5), (R-R MH 10), (R-R MH 20): (1) Single family dwelling; (2) Mobile/nonconforming manufactured homes placed on permanent foundation;”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    Guest houses or cabins functioning as secondary residential structures.

    • One guest house or cabin of 1,200 square feet or less is permitted for each residential structure.
    • The property must be at least 2 acres.
    • Other zoning and rental rules may apply.

    maximum guest-house size: <= 1200 square feet · minimum property size: >= 2 acres

    “One guest house or cabin of 1,200 square feet or less is only permitted for each residential structure, and the property must be a minimum of 2 acres.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — An accessory dwelling unit used as a short-term rental in unincorporated Sublette County.
      “More than two short-term rental permits per parcel will require a conditional use permit. [...] A single permit is required for each lawfully permitted structure such as a single-family dwelling, an accessory dwelling unit, a multi-family dwelling unit, studio, condominium, townhouse, duplex, ADU, bedroom within an existing residential unit, or other lawfully permitted structure rented for the purpose of overnight lodging for a period of not less than one night and not more than 30 days.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Domestic sewage disposal systems in Sublette County.

    • Systems must conform to Wyoming DEQ standards.
    • Sublette County regulates septic systems under a delegation agreement.
    “All sewage disposal systems shall conform to all standards established by the State of Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, which is regulated by Sublette County vis a delegation agreement.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • County (with conditions) — Small wastewater and septic permitting administered by Sublette County under Wyoming DEQ standards.
      “All sewage disposal systems shall conform to all standards established by the State of Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, which is regulated by Sublette County vis a delegation agreement.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New septic systems and replacement or expansion of septic tanks and leach fields.

    • A permit is required for new systems and replacement of septic tanks, leach fields, or expansion.
    • The homeowner has two years to complete the project after permit issuance.

    completion period: 2 years (after septic permit issuance)

    “A septic permit is required for new septic systems and replacement of septic tanks, leach fields, or expansions.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, replacement, or modification of septic systems.
      “A septic permit is required for new septic systems and replacement of septic tanks, leach fields, or expansions.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Septic systems requiring a county septic permit.

    • Inspection is required before backfill.
    • The inspector verifies installation against the approved plan and setback requirements.
    “the County must conduct an inspection to complete the permit.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Water and sewer hookup options for properties near Pinedale, Big Piney, or Marbleton.

    • Applicants near a municipality must contact the municipality regarding available utility hookup options.
    • Other properties may use individual well and/or sewage-disposal systems subject to applicable rules.
    “If you are located near a municipality (Pinedale, Big Piney, or Marbleton), please reach out to the municipality about available utility hookup options.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Certain land divisions for agricultural purposes under the county subdivision regulations.

    • The exemption is from the subdivision permit requirement for a division created by sale or disposition for agricultural purposes or affecting agricultural property lines.
    • Other zoning, development, and statutory requirements may still apply.
    “A division which is a sale or other disposition of land for agricultural purposes or affects the alignment of property lines for agricultural purposes;”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Family, minor, major, and other land divisions in unincorporated Sublette County.

    • Family divisions are limited divisions for immediate family members.
    • Minor subdivisions create no more than two lots or tracts from a single parcel and only one minor subdivision is allowed per parent parcel.
    • Major subdivisions create more than two lots or do not qualify as family or minor subdivisions and require comprehensive review, infrastructure planning, agency coordination, and public hearings.
    “Sublette County’s subdivision regulations establish standards and procedures for dividing land in the unincorporated areas of the county.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and platting of land in Sublette County.
      “The regulations establish zoning districts, permitted and conditional uses, subdivision procedures, and development standards”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveways providing access to Sublette County roads.

    • Driveways providing access to State or Federal highways must also conform to all applicable State or Federal regulations.
    • Minimum frontage distance between access driveways to County roads is 500 feet unless the County determines a lesser distance adequate to protect public safety.
    • Minimum access-driveway width is 35 feet in Commercial and Industrial Districts and 24 feet in all other districts.
    • The driveway access must be approved by the Sublette County Road and Bridge Foreman before construction.
    • Access to platted subdivision lots must use the interior subdivision roads shown on the subdivision plat; a subdivision lot may not access a County Road where subdivision-road access is provided.
    • The County residential permit page states that the access permit is separate from a building permit.
    • The County residential permit page lists an Access Permit fee of $75.

    minimum frontage distance between access driveways: >= 500 feet (unless a lesser distance is determined by the County to be adequate to protect public safety) · minimum driveway width in Commercial and Industrial Districts: >= 35 feet · minimum driveway width in all other districts: >= 24 feet · access permit fee: 75 USD

    “A driveway access permit must be obtained from Sublette County prior to driveway construction accessing a County Road.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Driveways connecting to county roads.
      “An access permit, separate from a building permit, is required if the driveway is connecting to a county road.”
    • Required — Development accessing a Sublette County road.
      “If the development will be immediately accessing a Sublette County Road, an Access Road Permit is required. This permit can be submitted to the Planning and Zoning Department and will then be shared with Road and Bridge for Review.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Construction or development within a designated special flood-hazard area.

    • A development permit or building permit must be obtained before construction or development begins.
    • Required information includes lowest-floor elevation, floodproofing elevation, and professional-engineer certification where applicable.
    • Conventional septic systems and leach fields are not permitted in floodplains.
    • An elevation certificate prepared by a Wyoming licensed professional engineer is required with a building permit for a structure in a flood zone.
    “If a proposed structure will be placed within a flood zone, an elevation certificate prepared by a Wyoming licensed professional engineer is required with the building permit. Conventional septic systems and leach fields are not permitted within floodplains.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Development in a Sublette County zoning district when the property is located within a floodplain.
      “Floodplain: If property is located within a floodplain, the lowest finished floor must be at the highest adjacent grade.”
    • Required — Construction or development within an area of special flood hazard or FEMA-delineated flood zone.
      “If a proposed structure will be placed within a flood zone, an elevation certificate prepared by a Wyoming licensed professional engineer is required with the building permit.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rentals in unincorporated Sublette County.

    • A short-term-rental permit is required before advertising, maintaining, operating, or using a short-term rental.
    • Short-term rentals are allowed in residential-use zoning districts with approval of the permit.
    • More than two permits per parcel require a conditional use permit.
    • Hotels, motels, resorts, and guest ranches are exempt from the permit requirement.
    • The resolution became effective August 1, 2021.

    permit duration: 24 months (Permit expires earlier if revoked or suspended.) · short-term-rental fee: 200 USD (First 24 months; $100 each subsequent 24-month period.)

    “It is unlawful for any person to advertise, maintain, operate, or use a short-term rental in the unincorporated area of Sublette County without a short-term rental permit, or in violation of the terms and conditions of the permit or the requirements of this Resolutionchapter. [...] More than two short-term rental permits per parcel will require a conditional use permit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Short-term rentals in unincorporated residential-use zoning districts.
      “It is unlawful for any person to advertise, maintain, operate, or use a short-term rental in the unincorporated area of Sublette County without a short-term rental permit, or in violation of the terms and conditions of the permit or the requirements of this Resolution.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Sublette County Planning and Zoning permit and application fees.

    • Current fees remain effective through May 31, 2026.
    • New fees become effective June 1, 2026.
    • Asterisked fees may also require public-notice fees when public-hearing notice is required.
    • Examples: new residential dwelling $75 through May 31, 2026 and $150 effective June 1, 2026; conventional septic with county design assistance and inspection $75 and $200; short-term rental $200 for two years and $100 for each two-year renewal.

    fee schedule change effective date: 2026-06-01 · new residential dwelling application fee through 2026-05-31: 75 USD · new residential dwelling application fee effective 2026-06-01: 150 USD

    “Current fees remain in effect through May 31, 2026. New fees become effective June 1, 2026.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Short-term-rental permit fees in unincorporated Sublette County.
      “Each short-term rental permit application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable short-term rental permit fee. The fee schedule shall be two hundred dollars ($200.00) for the first 24 months and one-hundred dollars ($100.00) for each subsequent 24-month period.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Published Sublette County Planning & Zoning permit fees.
      “Address Request – Free Access Permit - $75 Residential Building Permit - $75 | Accessory Structure (building not for residential use, but accessory to residential) - $25 Septic - $75”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County residential and non-residential building permit application process.

    • Applicants may use the County permit portal.
    • The County may request additional information.
    • After completion and approval, the permit is issued by email and posted to the County GIS system.
    • Residential building permits are generally valid for one year.
    “Submit the completed application using the County’s permit portal. Our office will send you information to complete the payment. Please allow our office time to review the application. We will follow up with any questions or requests for additional information. Once the application is complete and approved, we will issue the permit via email and post it to the County GIS system.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — County Planning and Zoning permit processing, particularly commercial and industrial applications.
      “Please allow our office time to review the application. We will follow up with any questions or requests for additional information. Once the application is complete and approved, we will issue the permit via email and post it to the County GIS system.”

Wyoming rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Owner-builder construction subject to Wyoming fire, building, existing-building, or electrical safety enforcement.

    • Municipalities and counties may apply for delegated enforcement authority.
    • Before initial delegation, the local governing body must adopt minimum standards equivalent to or more stringent than applicable state standards.
    • If the local jurisdiction fails to maintain required standards or certified inspectors, enforcement authority may revert to the state department.
    • The statute does not itself create a statewide owner-builder exemption from local licensing or permitting.
    “The state fire marshal shall delegate complete authority to municipalities and counties which apply”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available — An owner acting as the general contractor or performing ordinary construction work on the owner's primary residence in Wyoming.
      “Contractor licensing (except electrical) is not done by the state of Wyoming. Rather, the option to license contractors is deferred to the local jurisdiction where the construction activity is to take place.”
    • Conditional — An owner acting as the general contractor for residential construction in Wyoming.
      “Rather, the option to license contractors is deferred to the local jurisdiction where the construction activity is to take place.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Incinerating or composting toilets and other off-grid sanitation systems statewide in Wyoming.

    • DEQ states that permits may be required for incinerating or composting toilets.
    • The reviewed source does not specify the complete permit conditions or identify all local permitting variations.
    “Permits may also be required for hydrostatic test discharge water, wastewater reuse, and incinerating/composting toilets.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Use of incinerating or composting toilets as off-grid sanitation in Wyoming.
      “Permits may also be required for hydrostatic test discharge water, wastewater reuse, and incinerating/composting toilets.”
  • Well permitRequired

    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.

    • An approved permit must be received before drilling or spring-development activities begin.
    • Springs flowing more than 25 gallons per minute, or springs used for purposes other than domestic or stock watering, must be permitted through the Surface Water Division.
    • Wells must be drilled by a Wyoming licensed water-well drilling contractor and pumps must be installed by a Wyoming licensed pump-installation contractor.
    • The U.W. 5 application must be complete and accurate and accompanied by the appropriate filing fee.
    • Domestic and stock applications are listed with a $50 filing fee.

    spring flow threshold: <= 25 gallons per minute (Higher-flow springs or non-domestic/non-stock use are handled through the Surface Water Division.) · domestic permit filing fee: 50 USD · stock permit filing fee: 50 USD

    “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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Water-well permitting for Sublette County properties.
      “Well permits are issued through the State of Wyoming.”
    • Required — Domestic groundwater wells in Sublette County under Wyoming statewide water-appropriation requirements.
      “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).”
    • 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).”
  • 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.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage limits in Sublette County zoning districts.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in unincorporated Sublette County.

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 Sublette County, Wyoming

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

Sublette County scores 62/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 2,996 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (18″/yr rainfall) and elevated current hazard exposure.

How much does land cost in Sublette County, Wyoming?

Land in Sublette County runs about $2,038 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Sublette County?

Sublette County gets about 18" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 20.4% of years.

How remote is Sublette County?

A typical private-land location has about 2,996 people within 15 miles and 401,185 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Sublette compares in Wyoming

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