Building permits, zoning and land rules in Washakie County, Wyoming
51Index Score / 100 #16 of 23 in Wyoming
Unincorporated Washakie County, Wyoming does not require a county building permit for an ordinary home1. The county reports no county zoning, but subdivision, septic, county-road access and limited state plan-review rules can still affect a project2345.
At a glance
Building permit
Not required by Washakie County for an ordinary home in an unincorporated area1
Zoning
No county zoning; incorporated municipalities can have their own rules26
Septic
A county permit is required for a new or modified domestic small wastewater system4
Subdivision
A county subdivision permit is required for covered land divisions unless an exemption applies3
RV living
Private-land occupancy outside a campground is unconfirmed; commercial campgrounds have a limited-stay rule7
Tiny home
No specific county occupancy rule was confirmed; ask the County Planner before relying on a parcel2
County-road driveway
An access permit and inspections apply to a driveway connecting to a county road8
Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 28, 2026.
Do you need a building permit in Washakie County, Wyoming?
For an ordinary home in unincorporated Washakie County, the county does not require a building permit or issue a contractor license1. That does not mean every project escapes code review: Wyoming has adopted statewide building, fire, fuel-gas, mechanical and existing-building codes, but adoption does not establish that every code applies identically to every structure9. State Fire Marshal plan review covers specified projects such as certain public buildings, assembly uses and fuel facilities, rather than establishing a universal residential permit5. Wyoming law also allows a county to obtain delegated code-enforcement authority, but we could not confirm that Washakie County has done so10. Before treating a nonstandard, public-facing or commercial structure like an ordinary house, ask the County Planner and the Wyoming State Fire Marshal which review applies.
Who handles permits in Washakie County, and how do you reach them?
Washakie County does not list a general building department for ordinary residential permits; the practical first call for unincorporated land is the Washakie County Planner at 1001 Big Horn Avenue, Worland, WY 82401, or 307-347-6778111. The Planner page publishes the county's current subdivision regulations and links to its small wastewater materials11. For a driveway connecting to a county road, contact Washakie County Road & Bridge at 601 15 Mile Road, Worland, WY 82401, or 307-347-436112. Road & Bridge publishes the county-road access-permit application12. These offices cover different approvals: the Planner is the starting point for subdivision and septic questions, while Road & Bridge handles county-road access. A parcel inside an incorporated municipality requires a separate municipal check because the City of Worland administers its own planning and zoning within city boundaries6.
Does Washakie County have zoning?
Washakie County is reported as having no county zoning regulations, but that answer does not erase subdivision rules or municipal zoning213. Covered divisions of unincorporated land for sale, building development or redevelopment require a subdivision permit unless a listed exemption applies3. The county's subdivision process uses a final plat as the permit application, and the Board of County Commissioners signs the permit14. We could not confirm a general county minimum dwelling size, building-height limit or ordinary-parcel setback rule; ask the County Planner about the particular parcel, recorded covenants and proposed use. Mobile-home parks are a specific exception to that general uncertainty: county rules set lot-size, width, yard and coverage standards for lots within those subdivisions151617. Inside Worland, municipal zoning and development review apply instead6.
How do septic permits work in Washakie County?
Washakie County requires Planning Office approval before construction or modification of a domestic small wastewater system using a septic tank and drainfield4. The residential fee is $100 for a new permit and $50 for a renewal4. The application must include site-suitability information, percolation data, system design and a site plan4. Approval also requires color photographs of the proposed drainfield and excavation or a Planning Office site inspection; request a site visit at least 48 hours before excavation18. Soil mapping shows only 27.8% of county soils without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so a parcel-specific soil and groundwater evaluation matters19. Systems outside the county's delegated domestic small-wastewater scope may require Wyoming DEQ permits4. We could not confirm a separate post-installation inspection for every system, so ask the Planning Office what final inspection and paperwork apply to the proposed design.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Washakie County?
We could not confirm a Washakie County rule that expressly allows or prohibits full-time RV or tiny-home occupancy on a private parcel outside a campground. The rule that is confirmed applies to a private, for-profit campground open to the public: a tenant or camping unit cannot remain longer than 90 consecutive days without prior notification to and approval from the Planning Commission7. That campground rule also requires adequate sewage, water and public-road access, and it should not be treated as the rule for an owner's individual parcel20. The absence of county zoning does not by itself answer sanitation, subdivision, access, state-code or recorded-covenant questions2. Before buying land for an RV, tiny home or accessory dwelling, give the County Planner the parcel number, proposed foundation, wastewater plan and intended occupancy pattern and ask for a written answer. Inside Worland, municipal zoning review changes the analysis6.
What are the steps to build a home in Washakie County?
Confirm that the parcel is outside an incorporated municipality; Worland applies municipal development review within its boundaries6.
If land is being divided, ask the County Planner whether a subdivision permit or an exemption applies before relying on the proposed lot3.
Apply through the County Planner for the small wastewater permit and complete the required site and design work before installation411.
If the property needs a well, obtain the state groundwater permit before drilling and use a Wyoming-licensed water-well contractor21.
If the driveway connects to a county road, apply through Road & Bridge before construction; preliminary and final inspections are part of that process812.
Confirm whether the proposed structure falls within limited State Fire Marshal review even though an ordinary unincorporated home has no county building permit51.
What should you check before buying land in Washakie County?
Start with jurisdiction, legal access, water and wastewater. A new driveway onto a Washakie County road needs the county access process, including inspections, and a large-parcel division can carry state easement requirements822. For a subdivision preliminary plat, hazard areas such as floodplains, unsuitable soils and unfavorable topography must be delineated, but we could not confirm a separate county floodplain-development permit for every parcel23. Water deserves special attention: annual precipitation is about 12.5 inches, and severe drought occurs in about 19.3% of years2425. Only 27.8% of mapped soils lack severe conventional drain-field limitations19. Washakie County is sparsely settled at about 3.4 people per square mile, and the nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 142 miles from the county center2627. Confirm service distances and emergency access before closing.
Watch-outs
Washakie County does not require a county building permit for an ordinary home, but unusual, public-facing or commercial projects may need State Fire Marshal review; confirm the proposed use before design work begins15.
The commercial-campground stay limit does not answer whether an owner may occupy an RV on a private parcel; ask the County Planner for a parcel-specific answer7.
No general county floodplain permit was confirmed, even though subdivision review requires hazard-area information; ask the County Planner before developing mapped or suspected flood-prone ground23.
Written September 28, 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.
Washakie County highlighted among the Wyoming counties · colored by Index score
How Washakie County scores
Seclusion87100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1899% ev.
Admin Boringness8790% ev.
Durability39100% ev.
Property Autonomy74100% ev.
Carry Cost89100% 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 →
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Answers from the rulebook for Washakie County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Washakie County rules
County-wide zoningAbsent
County zoning regulations in Washakie County, including the countywide survey classification; the survey does not distinguish incorporated municipal zoning from unincorporated county areas in this row.
The WCCA survey was updated September 9, 2023.
The county separately publishes subdivision and development regulations effective January 1, 2024; those regulations are not treated as zoning based solely on the planner-page notice.
“County Zoning Regulations [...] Washakie No N/A N/A N/A No N/A”
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
Aggregate of local zoning within Washakie County: county-level zoning is reported as absent, while the City of Worland administers municipal zoning within its corporate boundaries.
The conclusion aggregates county and municipal jurisdictions and does not claim that Washakie County administers the City of Worland zoning ordinance.
Municipal corporate boundaries are subject to the City of Worland planning and zoning process.
Worland's zoning-district table states an effective date of August 17, 2021, under Resolution 2021-6.
“The Planning & Zoning Department assists the Board of Adjustment & Planning Commission with land use planning and zoning activities, including comprehensive plan amendments, zone changes, conditional uses, variances, and planned unit permit issuance.”
Zoning districtsNot published
County zoning districts in Washakie County; incorporated municipalities may have separate municipal rules.
The official statewide survey reports that Washakie County has no county zoning regulations and lists zoning districts as N/A.
This claim addresses county zoning and does not negate separate municipal authority within incorporated places.
“County Zoning, Licensing and Permitting -- Prepared by the Wyoming County Commissioners Association -- Updated September 9, 2023 [...] Washakie No N/A N/A N/A No N/A”
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
Each mobile-home lot in a mobile-home-park subdivision governed by the Washakie County Subdivision and Development Regulations in unincorporated Washakie County.
Mobile home parks must meet all platting requirements for regular subdivisions.
Each lot must have potable water, electricity, and sewer available for connection; water and sewer systems must meet paragraph 3.07 requirements.
The regulations are effective January 1, 2024.
The subdivision-permit provisions apply to unincorporated land; divisions within incorporated cities or towns are exempt from the county subdivision regulations.
The rule requires one mobile home per mobile-home lot and the stated road-access requirements.
minimum mobile home lot area: >= 3000 square feet (Exclusive of dedicated sixty-foot-wide street right-of-way or private-drive easements.) · minimum mobile home lot width: >= 40 feet
“Each mobile home lot shall provide a minimum land area of three thousand (3000) square feet, exclusive of dedicated sixty-foot (60’) wide street right-of-way or private drive easements. Each lot shall be no less than forty (40) feet in width.”
SetbacksSpecified
Mobile home use in a mobile home park subdivision in unincorporated Washakie County.
Mobile home parks must meet all platting requirements for regular subdivisions.
The requirement applies within the county subdivision-permit jurisdiction for unincorporated land.
Lands located within incorporated cities or towns are exempt from the county subdivision-permit regulations.
Water and sewer systems must meet the requirements of paragraph 3.07.
The regulations are effective January 1, 2024.
minimum front yard: >= 15 feet · minimum rear yard: >= 15 feet · minimum side yard: >= 10 feet
“Mobile home use shall provide for minimum front and rear yards of fifteen (15) feet and minimum side yards of ten (10) feet.”
Lot coverageSpecified
Mobile homes and their accessories on a mobile-home lot in a mobile-home-park subdivision governed by the Washakie County Subdivision and Development Regulations in unincorporated Washakie County.
Mobile home parks must meet all platting requirements for regular subdivisions.
The subdivision-permit provisions apply to unincorporated land; divisions within incorporated cities or towns are exempt from the county subdivision regulations.
The regulations are effective January 1, 2024.
The mobile-home park must also provide at least eight percent of its area for private recreational areas, excluding roadways, mobile-home spaces, and storage areas.
Water, sewer, anchoring, and skirting requirements also apply.
maximum lot area occupied by mobile homes and accessories: <= 50 percent · minimum private recreational area: >= 8 percent of mobile home park area (Recreational area may not include roadway, mobile-home space, or storage areas.)
“Mobile homes and their accessories may not occupy more than 50% of the lot area. A mobile home park shall provide an amount of not less than eight (8) percent of the mobile home park area for private recreational area(s). The area allowed for recreation shall not include any area designated as a roadway, mobile home space, or storage areas.”
Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)
Recreational-vehicle occupancy in a private, for-profit campground open to the general public in unincorporated Washakie County.
The campground must provide adequate and safe sewage systems, water supply systems, and access to a public road.
Drainage, fire-protection, road, and utility requirements apply when determined applicable by the Planning Office, Planning and Zoning Commission, and/or Board of County Commissioners.
The campground application follows the county subdivision process, including the campground sketch-plan process and any required preliminary plat.
No tenant or camping unit may remain longer than 90 consecutive days without prior notification of and approval by the Planning Commission.
A campground violating the 90-day rule may be required to apply for a mobile home park subdivision.
Municipal requirements may apply based on location.
maximum stay without Planning Commission approval: <= 90 consecutive days (Prior notification of and approval by the Planning Commission permits a longer stay.)
“90 consecutive days without prior notification of and approval”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Temporary only (with conditions) — Recreational vehicles and other camping units used for occupancy within a Washakie County campground on private land in unincorporated areas.
“No tenant or camping unit shall remain within a campground for a period longer than 90 consecutive days without prior notification of and approval by the Planning Commission. Campgrounds in violation of this requirement may be required to apply for a mobile home park subdivision.”
Camping on your landLimited
Commercial campgrounds on private land in unincorporated Washakie County.
The campground must provide adequate and safe sewage systems, water supply systems, and access to a public road.
Campgrounds must comply with applicable drainage, fire-protection, road, and utility requirements.
The campground application follows the subdivision process, with the stated campground-specific modifications.
A tenant or camping unit may not remain longer than 90 consecutive days without prior notification of and approval by the Planning Commission.
maximum stay without prior approval: <= 90 consecutive days (Longer stay requires prior notification of and approval by the Planning Commission.)
“Campgrounds, as defined in these Regulations, on private land shall provide adequate and safe sewage systems, water supply systems, and access to a public road. Analyses of adequacy and safety shall be based on maximum occupancy of the campground.”
Manufactured homesLimited
Manufactured/mobile-home occupancy in mobile home parks governed by Washakie County subdivision and development regulations.
Mobile home parks must meet all platting requirements for regular subdivisions.
Each mobile home lot must provide at least 3,000 square feet and be at least 40 feet wide.
The source defines a mobile home as a transportable structure exceeding either 8 feet in width or 32 feet in length, built on a chassis and designed for human occupancy as a residence or temporary or permanent office.
Mobile homes established on agricultural land and used as housing for agricultural workers who are the landowner's employees are excluded from the mobile-home-park definition.
minimum mobile-home lot area: >= 3000 square feet · minimum mobile-home lot width: >= 40 feet · mobile homes per lot: 1 mobile home · minimum front and rear yards: >= 15 feet · minimum side yards: >= 10 feet · maximum lot area occupied by mobile home and accessories: <= 50 percent
“Mobile Home Parks shall meet all platting requirements for regular subdivisions. Each mobile home lot shall provide a minimum land area of three thousand (3000) square feet, exclusive of dedicated sixty-foot (60’) wide street right-of-way or private drive easements. Each lot shall be no less than forty (40) feet in width. Each mobile home lot shall be occupied by only one mobile home.”
Who permits septicCounty
Domestic small wastewater systems using a septic tank and drainfield with flow less than 2,000 gallons per day in Washakie County.
Washakie County authority operates pursuant to a delegation agreement with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality Water Quality Division.
Other permits issued by WDEQ/WQD must be obtained from that agency.
maximum domestic flow: < 2000 gallons per day
“Washakie County reviews applications for and authorizes the construction or modification of small wastewater systems for domestic use utilizing a septic tank and drainfield with a flow of less than 2,000 gallons pursuant to a delegation agreement between the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality/Water Quality Division and Washakie County.”
Septic permitRequired
Construction or modification of a domestic small wastewater system using a septic tank and drainfield in Washakie County.
A completed application and required attachments must be submitted to the Washakie County Planning Office.
Construction authorization is issued only after the design is approved.
Systems outside the county-delegated domestic small-wastewater scope may require WDEQ/WQD permits.
Residential septic permit fee is $100 for a new permit and $50 for renewal.
“If your design is approved, the Washakie County Planning Department will authorize you to construct an on-site treatment system according to the application you submitted. [...] Residential Septic Permit (new) $100.00 Residential Septic Permit (renewal) $ 50.00”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — County review and application requirements for small wastewater treatment facilities and on-lot sewage systems associated with subdivisions in unincorporated Washakie County.
“Minor subdivisions proposing to use on-lot sewage system where no individual lot contains less than one and one-half (1.5) acres of developable land are exempt from paragraphs 3.07 (b) and (c) above unless, due to concern for public safety and welfare, the Planning Commission determines a DEQ review is necessary. [...] The subdivider shall instead provide the results of a minimum of one percolation test, taken in an appropriate place, per every two lots as part of the preliminary plat review.”
Septic inspectionRequired
Site-suitability review for approval of a domestic small wastewater system application in Washakie County.
Color photographs of the proposed drainfield site and excavation may be submitted, or the Washakie County Planning Office may inspect the site, to determine groundwater and impermeable-layer depths.
A requested site visit must be scheduled at least 48 hours before excavation.
The application form authorizes a county representative to enter the proposed facility site as needed for inspection.
“Color photographs of the proposed drainfield site and the excavation to determine groundwater and impermeable layer depths or an inspection of these by the Washakie County Planning Office are required for approval of the application.”
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
Subdivision proposals in unincorporated Washakie County that propose connection to an existing public or private water or sewage system.
The subdivider must provide a report evaluating the proposed water and sewage systems.
For a proposed connection to an existing private or public sewage system, documentation must show that an application has been made and that the entity can and will provide service.
When connecting to an existing water supply system, documentation must show that public or private water suppliers can and will supply water, the amount available, and the feasibility of extending service to the area.
The regulations also require documentation concerning the potability of the proposed water supply.
The subdivider must complete a water and sewage system review with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality.
The county regulation is limited to the unincorporated area; lands within incorporated cities or towns are exempt from the county subdivision regulations.
“Documentation that public or private water suppliers can and will supply water to the proposed subdivision, stating the amount of water available for use within the subdivision and the feasibility of extending service to that area; [...] Where utilization of or connection to an existing private or public sewage system is proposed, documentation that application to such entity has been made and that the entity can and will provide service;”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Division of land in unincorporated Washakie County for sale, building development or redevelopment, or residential, recreational, industrial, commercial, or public uses.
A subdivision permit is not required for listed statutory or county exemptions, including certain immediate-family transfers, court-created divisions, security instruments, incorporated-city or town land, transfers to governmental entities, railroad rights-of-way, agricultural-purpose divisions, boundary adjustments, cemetery lots, certain unmanned facilities, cluster developments, and certain separate parcels.
Applications pending on January 1, 2024 are generally reviewed under the regulations, except where preliminary plat approval and required improvements were completed before that date unless the Planning Commission determines application is necessary to avoid substantial public-health, safety, or welfare risk.
Development may also have to conform to municipal requirements based on location.
“Unless exempt, the division of a lot, tract, parcel or other unit of land for the purpose of sale, building development or redevelopment, for residential, recreational, industrial, commercial or public uses shall require a subdivision permit; and No person shall subdivide land located in the unincorporated area of Washakie County, or commence construction of a subdivision without securing a subdivision permit in the manner prescribed in these regulations.”
Driveway accessRequired
Construction of an access driveway connecting to a Washakie County road.
A county access permit application and payment of the proper fee are required before approval and before associated construction begins.
A preliminary site inspection occurs before construction and a final inspection occurs after completion.
The permit is issued if the completed driveway meets the approval of the Washakie County Road Superintendent.
The access must be completed with an appropriate surface, approved before use, and maintained to continued compliance.
The gravel requirement may be waived by the County Road Superintendent or Engineer.
The culvert minimum is 18 inches unless otherwise approved.
Construction must be completed within 30 days of preliminary approval unless an extension is granted for extenuating circumstances.
minimum culvert diameter: >= 18 inches (unless otherwise approved) · construction completion deadline: 30 days (after Preliminary Approval; extension may be granted for extenuating circumstances)
“Upon completion of Application to Construct Access Driveway and payment of proper fee, a County Road Superintendent will conduct a preliminary site inspection prior to construction to insure that access location, materials to be used, and type of installation are in compliance with the restrictions and regulations of Washakie County. Another inspection will be made upon completion of the work, and permit will be issued if completed driveway meets the approval of the Washakie County Road Superintendent.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Access roads and common driveways within subdivisions in unincorporated Washakie County.
“Each lot within the subdivision shall be served by a minimum of one fire access road.”
Building in a floodplainLimited
Subdivision development requiring a preliminary plat in unincorporated Washakie County.
The rule is limited to subdivision preliminary-plat review and does not establish a general floodplain-development permit for every project.
The preliminary plat must delineate all hazard areas within or adjoining the subdivision, including floodplains, unsuitable soil, and unfavorable topographical conditions.
The preliminary plat package must include notices required by the regulations and Wyoming statute regarding hazard areas.
The regulations are effective January 1, 2024.
“Delineation of all hazard areas within or adjoining the subdivision, including but not limited to, floodplains, unsuitable soil and unfavorable topographical conditions.”
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
County subdivision-permit review fees for subdivision applications in unincorporated Washakie County.
The regulations are effective January 1, 2024.
A sketch plan review fee is required before sketch-plan review.
A preliminary plat review fee is required for preliminary plat review.
The final plat package requires full payment of notification fees accrued by the County; those notification fees are not given as a fixed amount in the cited passage.
“Sketch plan review fee of $50.00 (fifty dollars) [...] Preliminary plat review fee of $100.00 (one hundred dollars);”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Published (with conditions) — Subdivision permit review applications in the unincorporated area of Washakie County, Wyoming.
“Sketch plan review fee of $50.00 [...] Preliminary plat review fee of $100.00”
Published (with conditions) — Owner-initiated vacation of an approved subdivision final plat under Washakie County's subdivision regulations.
“The petitioner shall also submit payment of a $150.00 plat vacation fee.”
Permit processPartial
Subdivision permits and related subdivision review in unincorporated Washakie County.
The regulations apply to subdivision of land for sale, building development or redevelopment unless exempt.
A final plat submitted to the Planning Commission is the subdivision-permit application.
The subdivision permit must be signed by the Board of County Commissioners.
The sketch-plan application must be complete and submitted at least 5 business days before a regularly scheduled meeting.
The Planning Commission acts on a complete sketch-plan application within 45 days.
A preliminary plat is generally required after sketch-plan approval except where the regulations or Planning Commission allow a simple-subdivision exception.
This claim does not establish a universal county building-permit process.
sketch plan action timeframe: 45 days (after submission of a complete Sketch Plan Application) · minimum submission lead time: 5 business days (before a regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting)
“The Planning Commission shall take action on the Sketch Plan Application within 45 days of submission of the complete Sketch Plan Application to the Planning Office.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Published (with conditions) — Subdivision permit process for land divisions for sale, building development, or redevelopment in unincorporated Washakie County.
“No person shall subdivide land located in the unincorporated area of Washakie County, or commence construction of a subdivision without securing a subdivision permit”
Wyoming rules that apply here
Building permitLimited
Specified new construction, remodeling, and aboveground flammable or combustible fuel storage tanks subject to Wyoming fire and electrical safety plan review.
The requirement is subject to W.S. 35-9-108(h), W.S. 35-9-108(q), and W.S. 35-9-118.
Covered categories include buildings or structures owned or leased by state or local governmental entities; public buildings over 5,000 square feet including basement; multistory public buildings; child-care centers housing more than 10 children; specified public assembly, food-service, and entertainment venues regardless of size; and public or private aboveground fuel-dispensing facilities.
A municipality or county with delegated enforcement authority under W.S. 35-9-121 is excluded from the state-fire-marshal plan-review provision.
Plans not rejected within 21 working days are approved as submitted; corrected plans not rejected within 10 working days are approved as resubmitted.
Fees are collected under the 1997 Uniform Building Code as adjusted for inflation by department rule, subject to statutory exceptions.
initial plan-review response period: 21 working days (If the state fire marshal does not notify the sender in writing of violations, plans are approved as submitted.) · corrected plan-review response period: 10 working days (If the state fire marshal does not notify the sender in writing of violations, plans are approved as resubmitted.)
“shall submit plans to the state fire marshal for review”
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
Statewide Wyoming building-code adoption applicable in Washakie County, subject to any lawful local enforcement-authority provisions and use-specific exceptions.
The State of Wyoming adopted the 2024 International Codes on June 28, 2024.
The listed adopted codes include the 2024 International Building Code, International Fire Code, International Fuel & Gas Code, International Mechanical Code, and International Existing Building Code.
The page separately states that the 2026 edition of the National Electrical Code will be in effect July 1, 2026.
This claim establishes statewide adoption by Wyoming; it does not establish that Washakie County separately adopted a county building code or that every code applies identically to every structure or use.
adoption date: 2024-06-28 · building code edition: 2024 International Building Code · effective electrical code date: 2026-07-01 (2026 edition of the National Electrical Code)
“The State of Wyoming, on June 28, 2024 adopted the 2024 International Codes. The following codes apply: 2024 International Fire Code 2024 International Building Code 2024 International Fuel & Gas Code 2024 International Mechanical Code 2024 International Existing Building Code”
InspectionsLimited
Newly constructed or remodeled buildings subject to the Wyoming state fire-marshal plan-review regime.
The requirement is subject to W.S. 35-9-108(h), W.S. 35-9-108(q), and W.S. 35-9-118.
It does not apply to municipalities or counties that have received enforcement authority under W.S. 35-9-121.
W.S. 35-9-118 exempts farms or ranches of 40 acres or more on deeded land and listed hospitals, health-care facilities, mines, oil-field operations, petroleum refineries, liquefied petroleum gas facilities, railway facilities, and certain utility automotive equipment.
The inspection determines conformance with the plan review or amended plan review.
“shall inspect the building and determine conformance”
Well permitRequired
Construction of a groundwater well or other means of obtaining underground water in Wyoming when the person intends to acquire the right to beneficial use of the groundwater, including in Washakie County.
Before commencing construction or other work connected with the proposed appropriation, the applicant must file an Application for Permit to Appropriate Ground Water, Form U.W. 5, with the State Engineer.
Construction or other work may not proceed until the State Engineer grants the permit.
The requirement applies to beneficial-use appropriations; monitoring wells used only for water-level measurement or water-quality sampling are separately exempt from State Engineer groundwater permitting.
The State Engineer's general process page states that springs with flow greater than 25 gallons per minute, or springs proposed for uses other than domestic or stock watering, must be permitted through the Surface Water Division instead.
Applications in groundwater control areas are subject to public notice and comment and may be denied if not in the public's water interest.
A U.W. 6 Statement of Completion and Description of Well or Spring is required within 30 days after the well is completed, including pump installation, and ready for use.
domestic permit filing fee: 50 USD · stock permit filing fee: 50 USD · irrigation permit filing fee: 75 USD · municipal permit filing fee: 75 USD · industrial permit filing fee: 75 USD · miscellaneous permit filing fee: 75 USD · U.W. 6 filing deadline: 30 days after completion and readiness for use (Completion includes pump installation.)
“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).”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Not required — Monitoring wells used generally to measure water levels or collect water samples for analytical purposes, where the well is not used for production of water for beneficial use.
“No, as of March 12. 2013, the State Engineer's Office - Ground Water Division no longer requires monitoring wells to be permitted through the Division. In general, monitoring wells are used to measure water levels and/or collect water samples for analytical purposes. Monitoring wells are not used for production of water for beneficial use.”
Required — Construction of a groundwater well or development of a spring in Wyoming, including domestic and stock wells or springs flowing at most 25 gallons per minute.
“Wells and Springs - Before you drill a well, or develop a spring* (that flows less than or equal to 25 gallons per minute (gpm) and will be used f or D omestic and/or Stock W atering use only), you must submit an "Application for Permit to Appropriate Ground Water", or U.W. 5 Form, to the Ground Water Division and receive an approved permit prior to commencement of any drilling or spring development activities.”
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;”
county zoning authorityGeneral
County regulation of the location and use of buildings and structures and the use, condition of use or occupancy of land in unincorporated areas of Wyoming.
The authority is exercised by each board of county commissioners for the unincorporated area of the county.
County zoning may not contravene the zoning authority of an incorporated city or town.
A zoning resolution or plan may not prevent a use or occupancy reasonably necessary for extraction or production of mineral resources.
A board may not require land use or physical development to be consistent with a local land use plan unless the applicable plan provisions have been incorporated into local zoning regulations.
Minimum lot size requirements or other zoning measures may not prevent residential or agricultural uses authorized for land divisions exempt from subdivision requirements under W.S. 18-5-303(a)(i).
Private schools meeting the statutory requirements may not be regulated differently from public schools: certification by the professional engineer or architect of record, capacity for fifty (50) students or more, and ownership and operation by a not-for-profit entity.
“To promote the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of the county, each board of county commissioners may regulate and restrict the location and use of buildings and structures and the use, condition of use or occupancy of lands for residence, recreation, agriculture, industry, commerce, public use and other purposes in the unincorporated area of the county.”
county building authorityLimited
County enforcement and interpretation of local or state fire, building, existing-building, and electrical safety standards, including residential construction in unincorporated areas, when the county obtains local enforcement authority under W.S. 35-9-121.
A county must apply for local enforcement authority and receive delegation from the state fire marshal by letter.
Before initial delegation, the state fire marshal must determine that the county has adopted minimum standards by ordinance or resolution equivalent to or more stringent than applicable department standards.
If the county fails to adopt new standards within six (6) months after department adoption, or fails to maintain standards at least meeting statewide standards, enforcement authority immediately reverts to the department.
For fire and building code enforcement, inspectors employed or contracted after July 1, 2010 must be certified by the International Code Council or the International Conference of Building Officials.
If electrical-code authority is requested, an electrical inspector must be certified by the International Code Council or International Association of Electrical Inspectors and licensed by Wyoming as a journeyman or master electrician.
If the county fails to maintain a required certified inspector, enforcement authority reverts to the department one hundred twenty (120) days after the inspector leaves.
A local governmental entity may assume sole plan-review authority and sole construction-inspection authority on approved plans, subject to the statutory certification requirements.
If local code provisions are more stringent than adopted state codes, the local code prevails.
The statute grants authority to enforce and interpret building standards; it does not establish that every Wyoming county universally requires a residential building permit without county-specific implementation.
new standards adoption deadline: 6 months (following adoption of new standards by the department) · certification applicability date: July 1, 2010 (inspectors employed or contracted after this date) · authority reversion period after certified inspector leaves: 120 days
“The state fire marshal shall delegate complete authority to municipalities and counties which apply to enforce and interpret local or state fire, building, existing building standards or electrical safety standards which meet the requirements of this section. The state fire marshal shall notify the governing body of the municipality or county of the minimum standards and requirements of this act and W.S. 16-6-501 and 16-6-502 and transfer jurisdiction and authority by letter.”
Inside cities and towns in Washakie County
Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Development within the municipal corporate boundaries of the City of Worland, Wyoming.
Developer intentions must be reviewed and accepted by the Planning & Zoning Department and/or Board of Adjustment & Planning Commission before development within municipal corporate boundaries.
Improvements must meet municipal-code requirements for usage, landscape, street, curb and gutter, drainage, and parking.
Commercial developments in existing platted subdivisions and additions require a site plan for Board of Adjustment & Planning Commission review and approval.
Unplatted areas require an initial subdivision plan and final plat reviewed and approved by the governing body.
The zoning-district table identifies uses permitted by right and uses permitted by special exemption.
“Prior to any development of areas within the municipal corporate boundaries, the intentions of the developer are required to be review and accepted by the Planning & Zoning Department and/or Board of Adjustment & Planning Commission.”
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 permits, inspections, or contractor licensing in Washakie County.
Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for buildings in Washakie County, including unincorporated areas.
Minimum dwelling size — Residential development in unincorporated Washakie County.
Building height — Residential buildings in unincorporated Washakie County.
Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy on private land in unincorporated Washakie County.
3 more unanswered
Accessory dwellings
Off-grid sanitation
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 Washakie County, Wyoming
Is Washakie County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Washakie County scores 51/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property. Watch-outs: weak self-sufficiency basics: only 12.5″ of rain a year and elevated current hazard exposure.
Do you need a building permit in Washakie County, Wyoming?
Washakie 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 Washakie County Planner (Small Wastewater, DEQ-delegated). 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.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Washakie County?
Living in an RV on your own land in Washakie County is allowed on a temporary basis only: Recreational vehicles and other camping units used for occupancy within a Washakie County campground on private land in unincorporated areas. The campground must provide adequate and safe sewage systems, water supply systems, and access to a public road. Campgrounds must comply with applicable drainage, fire-protection, road, and utility requirements as determined by the Planning Office, Planning and Zoning Commission, and/or Board of County Commissioners. Confirm with the county before relying on it.
How much does land cost in Washakie County, Wyoming?
Land in Washakie County runs about $1,623 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Washakie County?
Washakie County gets about 12.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 19.3% of years.
How remote is Washakie County?
A typical private-land location has about 595 people within 15 miles and 188,541 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.
Off-grid gear
Going off-grid in Washakie County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:
