Bolthole Index

Big Horn County, Wyoming

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Big Horn County, Wyoming

62Index Score / 100
#8 of 23 in Wyoming

Unincorporated Big Horn County, Wyoming requires a development permit before construction begins, but the county has not adopted a building code12. Land Planning reviews development applications for floodplain, airport-protection and septic issues; a separate floodplain development permit or septic permit may also be required3. Municipalities may set their own building and zoning requirements, while Big Horn County retains the development, subdivision and small-wastewater processes described here for unincorporated land456.

At a glance

Development permit
Required before construction in rural and unincorporated Big Horn County1
Building code
No county building code for development in unincorporated areas; state electrical and fire-protection codes still apply2
Zoning
No countywide zoning, but mapped flood zones and airport-protection zones have special rules78
Septic permit
Required through Big Horn County Land Planning for small wastewater systems69
RV / tiny home living
Not confirmed; the county says that apart from flood and airport zones it only requires permits for construction, subdivisions and small wastewater systems8
Owner-builder
An owner may act as general contractor on a primary residence; electrical licensing and local approvals still apply10
Water well
A state permit is required before drilling a domestic or stock well11
County-road access
New access intersecting a county road requires a right-of-way permit12

Who to call

Building permits

Big Horn County Land Planning Office

Development permits and review for floodplain, airport-protection and septic issues

307-568-2424

planner@bighorncountywy.gov

P.O. Box 29, 425 Murphy Street, Basin, WY 82410

Septic permits

Big Horn County Land Planning Office

Septic permit applications, construction authorization and final inspection for small wastewater systems

307-568-2424

planner@bighorncountywy.gov

P.O. Box 29, 425 Murphy Street, Basin, WY 82410

Floodplain permits

Big Horn County Land Planning Office

Floodplain development permit applications for mapped flood hazard areas in unincorporated Big Horn County

307-568-2424

planner@bighorncountywy.gov

P.O. Box 29, 425 Murphy Street, Basin, WY 82410

Roads & driveways

Big Horn County Engineering Office

Right-of-way permits for construction within county road rights-of-way

307-568-2467

engineer@bighorncountywy.gov

P.O. Box 29, 425 Murphy Street, Basin, WY 82410

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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Do you need a building permit in Big Horn County, Wyoming?

Yes—rural and unincorporated Big Horn County requires a Development Permit Application and the applicable fee before construction begins1. The county publishes its permit process and links a fee schedule, although the amount depends on the application313. A development permit is not a conventional building-code permit: Big Horn County has not adopted building codes for unincorporated development, although applicable state electrical and fire-protection codes still govern2. Land Planning checks whether floodplain, airport-protection or septic permits also apply3. Projects inside a municipal boundary may face different municipal requirements, so contact the relevant town4.

Who is the Big Horn County building department, and who issues each permit?

Big Horn County Land Planning is the first call for rural construction and accepts development-permit applications143. Land Planning also administers septic permits for small wastewater systems, floodplain development permits for mapped hazard areas and subdivision applications on unincorporated land15165. Big Horn County Engineering handles right-of-way permits for county-road work17. A new entrance intersecting a county road requires a right-of-way permit and onsite reviews before approval and after construction12. If utility service requires county-road right-of-way work, the provider submits the right-of-way application and fee; County Commissioners give final approval18. Inside a municipality, ask that municipality about its building permits and zoning; the county processes described above apply to unincorporated land456. Ordinary building inspections and certificates of occupancy could not be confirmed; ask Land Planning what project closeout is required.

Does Big Horn County have zoning?

Big Horn County does not have countywide zoning, but localized airport-protection zoning and special regulations in mapped flood zones still apply78. Apart from special regulations in mapped flood zones and airport-protection zones, the county says it only requires permits for construction and development, subdivisions and small wastewater systems8. We could not confirm a county minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setback, lot-coverage or building-height rule, so ask Land Planning. The absence of countywide zoning does not remove the county development-permit, septic-permit or subdivision processes195. Unincorporated land divisions follow exemption, simple-subdivision or major-subdivision procedures; ask Land Planning which path applies because the county's summaries give inconsistent descriptions of a simple subdivision19. Municipalities may set different building-permit and zoning requirements inside their boundaries; Big Horn County's cited subdivision and small-wastewater authority is for unincorporated land456.

How do septic permits work in Big Horn County?

Big Horn County Land Planning administers permits for small wastewater systems in unincorporated Big Horn County20. A system designed to discharge less than 2,000 gallons of domestic sewage per day falls within that county process20. Construction, installation, repair or modification requires an application, fee review and county permission before work begins21. The installer must leave the system uncovered until Land Planning visits and gives final approval22. Only 14.4% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so arrange site and soil work early rather than assuming a standard layout will fit23.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Big Horn County?

We could not confirm a county rule on RV, tiny-home or manufactured-home occupancy or temporary camping in unincorporated Big Horn County. The county states that, aside from mapped flood zones and airport-protection zones, it only requires permits for construction and development, subdivisions and small wastewater systems, so ask Land Planning before you move onto a parcel8. Other permits still apply: construction or development still requires a county development permit, and mapped flood zones or airport-protection zones can trigger additional review2425. A tiny home or RV using a small wastewater system must follow the county septic process21. Big Horn County has not confirmed an ordinary building-inspection or certificate-of-occupancy requirement, so ask Land Planning what project closeout applies. Rules inside a municipality can differ from the unincorporated-county rules26.

How do you build a home in Big Horn County, step by step?

  1. Confirm that the parcel is unincorporated and ask Land Planning about airport-protection and mapped flood-hazard constraints48.
  2. If the purchase involves a land division, confirm whether it needs an exemption filing, simple-subdivision application or major-subdivision application before relying on the proposed parcel5.
  3. Submit the Development Permit Application and applicable fee before construction; consult the county's published fee schedule for the current charge113.
  4. If the site is in a mapped flood hazard area, submit a Floodplain Development Permit Application before excavation or construction27.
  5. Apply through Land Planning for a septic permit and wait for permission before installing, replacing or repairing the system1521.
  6. Apply to the Wyoming State Engineer's Office for a well permit before drilling a domestic or stock well11.
  7. Obtain a right-of-way permit if new access or utility work enters a county-road right-of-way1218.
  8. Keep the septic system exposed until Land Planning gives final approval22.

What should you check before buying land in Big Horn County?

Start with legal access: a new entrance intersecting a county road needs a right-of-way permit, while large parcels covered by the state subdivision rule generally need recorded access and utility easements to a public road1228. Confirm that power, gas, water or telephone service can reach the site; county-road right-of-way work makes the provider responsible for a county permit18. Check flood maps because excavation or construction in a mapped flood hazard area requires a separate county application27. Test the septic area early because only 14.4% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field23. A domestic or stock groundwater well requires a permit before drilling11. Big Horn County averages 13.4 inches of precipitation annually, and severe drought has occurred in 16.8% of years, so verify a dependable water source2930.

Watch-outs

  • No countywide zoning does not erase development, septic, floodplain, airport-protection or subdivision requirements in Big Horn County812119.
  • Big Horn County has not confirmed ordinary building inspections or certificates of occupancy; ask Land Planning what closeout applies before starting work31.
  • Inside a municipality, ask that municipality about building permits and zoning; Big Horn County's development, subdivision and small-wastewater processes described here apply to unincorporated land4156.

Sources

  1. Development Activities, quoted and re-checked
  2. Development Activities, quoted and re-checked
  3. Development Activities, quoted and re-checked
  4. Planning & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  5. bighorncountywy.gov, quoted and re-checked
  6. Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  7. Planning & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  8. Planning & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  9. Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  10. Startup Resources — Wyoming Business Council (Wyoming statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Land Planning FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  12. bighorncountywy.gov, quoted and re-checked
  13. Forms and Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  14. Big Horn County Land Planning Office (bighorncountywy.gov)
  15. Big Horn County Land Planning Office (bighorncountywy.gov)
  16. Big Horn County Land Planning Office (bighorncountywy.gov)
  17. Big Horn County Engineering Office (bighorncountywy.gov)
  18. bighorncountywy.gov, quoted and re-checked
  19. Subdivisions, quoted and re-checked
  20. Land Planning FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  21. Land Planning FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  22. Land Planning FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  23. 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
  24. Development Activities, quoted and re-checked
  25. Planning & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  26. Planning & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  27. Floodplain Development, quoted and re-checked
  28. Wyoming Statutes, Title 18 (Wyoming statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  29. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  31. bighorncountywy.gov, quoted and re-checked

Written October 10, 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 4 of its 6 neighbors, Big Horn County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleBig Horn CountySheridan CountyWashakie CountyHot Springs CountyPark CountyJohnson CountyFremont County
Building permitRequiredRequiredNot requiredNot requiredRequiredNot requiredNot required
County zoningNoYesNoYesYesNoNo
Septic permitsCounty Land Planning Dept.County Public Works Dept.County PlannerCounty Planning OfficeCounty Planning & ZoningCounty Planning Dept.County Planning Dept.

County locator

Big Horn County in Wyoming

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

How Big Horn County scores

Seclusion86100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency30100% ev.
Admin Boringness7490% ev.
Durability39100% ev.
Property Autonomy74100% ev.
Carry Cost87100% ev.

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

$295kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$2,313Land / acre
13.4"Annual rain
16.8% of yrsSevere drought
6.6 / yr (+5.9)Mid-century 100°F days
24.6 daysMid-century dry spell
0.9" (+6.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.2×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,365Home insurance / yr
2.7% / yrInsurance growth
0.6%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
46,523People within 2 hr
3,056Radius comparison (15 mi)
3.8People / sq mi
76.8%Federal land
62.7%Land at 15% slope or less
14.4%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
246,518 acWorkable land screen
13.2%Wooded land
33 tonsBiomass / forest ac
43.3°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Big Horn 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 researched: Town of Burlington · Town of Byron · Town of Deaver · Town of Manderson

Answers from the rulebook for Big Horn County

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

Big Horn County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Building development and construction projects in rural, unincorporated Big Horn County.

    • Submit a Development Permit Application and applicable fee before starting.
    • The county checks floodplain, airport-protection, and septic issues; additional permits may be required.
    • Municipal projects may have different requirements.
    “Before starting your project, you must complete a Development Permit Application and submit it (with the applicable fee) to the Land Planning Department.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction projects in rural and unincorporated Big Horn County.
      “Before starting your project, you must complete a Development Permit Application and submit it (with the applicable fee) to the Land Planning Department.”
  • Building code adoptedNot adopted

    Building codes for development in unincorporated Big Horn County.

    • Construction must follow applicable state electrical and fire-protection codes.
    • The county recommends national building-code standards for improvement projects.
    • Municipal boundaries may have different requirements.
    “Big Horn County does not have any building codes for development in unincorporated areas.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not adopted — Building codes for development in unincorporated Big Horn County.
      “Rural Big Horn County does not have building codes at this time. Contractors must, however, follow all applicable electrical and fire protection codes.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Countywide zoning in Big Horn County.

    • Special regulations may apply in mapped flood zones and airport protection zones.
    “Big Horn County does not have countywide zoning, only localized Aiport protection zoning.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Absent — Countywide zoning in Big Horn County.
      “Big Horn County does not have countywide zoning, only localized Aiport protection zoning.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate of county, localized airport-protection, floodplain, and incorporated-municipal land-use controls; the county does not administer each municipal ordinance.

    • Big Horn County identifies localized airport protection zoning and special flood-zone regulations.
    • Municipal boundaries may have separate zoning or other requirements.
    “If your project is within a municipal boundary, please contact the appropriate municipality before you start the work. They may have building codes, zoning or other requirements that differ from the unincorporated areas of the county.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate local zoning across Big Horn County; the county has no countywide zoning, while incorporated municipalities may impose their own requirements.
      “If your project is within a municipal boundary, please contact the appropriate municipality before you start the work. They may have building codes, zoning or other requirements that differ from the unincorporated areas of the county.”
  • Zoning districtsPartial

    Countywide zoning and localized airport-protection zoning in Big Horn County.

    • Big Horn County lacks countywide zoning.
    • Localized airport-protection zoning exists.
    • Special regulations also apply to development in mapped flood zones.
    • The claim does not address zoning administered by incorporated municipalities.
    “Big Horn County does not have countywide zoning, only localized Aiport protection zoning. Aside from special regulations for development in mapped flood zones and airport protection zones, the county only requires permits for construction/development, subdivisions, and small wastewater systems.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Small wastewater facilities in unincorporated Big Horn County.

    • Authority is delegated by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality.
    • The page describes facilities governed by W.S. 35-11-301(a)(iii) and (v).

    wastewater flow: < 2000 gallons per day (Conventional systems under the county application package)

    “The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality delegated the authority and responsibility to enforce and administer the provisions of W.S. 35-11-301(a)(iii) and (v) for small wastewater facilities to Big Horn County.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • County (with conditions) — Small wastewater systems in unincorporated Big Horn County.
      “A septic permit is a written authorization issued by the county, which authorizes the applicant to construct, install, repair or modify a small wastewater system.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New construction/install, replacement, or repair of conventional small wastewater systems in unincorporated Big Horn County.

    • Application package is for conventional septic tank and leachfield systems.
    • Wastewater flow must be less than 2,000 gallons per day.
    • System design must comply with Wyoming Water Quality Rules and Regulations, Chapter 25.
    • Exceptions are possible because not all installations follow the exact basic process.

    wastewater flow: < 2000 gallons per day (Conventional systems)

    “A Septic Permit Application Package is required for any new construction/install, replacement or repair of a small wastewater treatment facility within unincorporated areas of Big Horn County. The application should ONLY be used for conventional systems (septic tank and leachfield) with a wastewater flow of less than 2,000 gallons per day.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, installation, repair, or modification of small wastewater systems in unincorporated Big Horn County.
      “Permission to install, repair or modify a system will not be granted until the applicant’s application and fee have been received and reviewed by the Land Planning Department.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Small wastewater system installation in unincorporated Big Horn County.

    • The system must be inspected before backfilling.
    • Final county approval is required before backfilling.
    “The installer cannot backfill until the Land Planning Department has visited the site and given final approval of the system.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    New utility service requiring work in a county-road right-of-way.

    • Contact the local utility provider for service.
    • The provider must submit a Right of Way Permit Application and fee to the Engineering Department if establishing service requires work in a county-road right-of-way.
    • After review, the application goes to the County Commissioners for final permit approval.
    “The provider is required to submit a Right of Way Permit Application and fee to the Engineering Department if the establishment of any new service will require any work in the right-of-way of a county road.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — New gas, electric, water, irrigation, or telephone service connections requiring work in a county-road right-of-way.
      “The provider is required to submit a Right of Way Permit Application and fee to the Engineering Department if the establishment of any new service will require any work in the right-of-way of a county road.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Land divisions and subdivisions outside municipal boundaries in Big Horn County.

    • Exempt subdivisions require an Affidavit of Exemption.
    • Family-exemption requirements differ for filings on or before February 26, 2019 and filings on or after February 27, 2019.
    • A simple subdivision is one unit divided into one or two lots smaller than 35 acres; the county page also describes a simple subdivision as one or up to five lots smaller than 35 acres, so the applicable regulation should be consulted.
    • Major subdivisions include divisions into three or more lots, each smaller than 35 acres, and subdivisions not qualifying as simple subdivisions.
    • Applications are submitted to the Land Planning Department; municipal properties should be referred to the municipality.

    lot-size threshold: < 35 acres (Parcels greater than or equal to 35 acres created as part of a land division are exempt from the subdivision process.) · family exemption grantor ownership period: >= 10 years (Applies to filings on or after 2019-02-27; earlier filings use the prior 5-year requirement.)

    “The Big Horn County Subdivision Regulations were modeled directly from the Wyoming State Statutes, Title 18, Chapter 5, Article 3 and customized to meet the specific needs of our county. They were amended on January 18, 2022.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and land division in unincorporated Big Horn County.
      “The Subdivision Regulations govern the subdivision of land within unincorporated Big Horn County. These regulations were developed pursuant to Wyoming State Statutes (W.S. 18-5-301 through 18-5-315).”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New access intersecting a county road in Big Horn County.

    • A Right of Way Permit Application is required for newly constructed access intersecting a county road.
    • An onsite review is required before approval and another onsite review follows construction.
    • The permit is approved when the County Engineer and County Commissioners sign the application.
    “If the access you are requesting will be newly constructed and intersects any county road, you will need to complete a Right of Way Permit Application through the Engineering Department.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development, excavation, or construction in mapped flood hazard areas of unincorporated Big Horn County.

    • Complete and submit a Floodplain Development Permit Application to Land Planning.
    • The county floodplain regulation applies to special flood hazard areas within unincorporated Big Horn County.
    • The effective FIRM date stated in the regulation is February 19, 2014.

    effective FIRM date: 2014-02-19

    “If your property is located within a mapped flood hazard area and you are planning to make changes (such as excavation or construction), you will need to complete a Floodplain Development Permit Application and submit it to the Land Planning Department.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    County Land Planning permit and application fees.

    • The official Forms and Regulations page links to a Fee Schedule; specific fee amounts may vary by permit type and current schedule.
    “Big Horn County Permit Information Sheet Fee Schedule”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County land-planning permit process for rural development.

    • Submit a Development Permit Application and fee before starting.
    • County staff identify floodplain, airport-protection, and septic issues and direct applicants to additional permits where applicable.
    • If a project lies within a municipal boundary, contact the municipality.
    “Before starting your project, you must complete a Development Permit Application and submit it (with the applicable fee) to the Land Planning Department. The Land Planning staff will review your application and do the following before granting you a Development Permit:”

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.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Newly constructed buildings subject to state fire-marshal plan review statewide.

    • The requirement is subject to W.S. 35-9-108(h), subsection (q), and W.S. 35-9-118.
    • It applies after new construction is completed and after the state fire marshal inspects the building and determines conformance with the plan review or amended plan review.
    • A remodeled building receives a letter of compliance rather than a certificate of occupancy.
    • No newly constructed or remodeled building may be used or occupied until the required certificate of occupancy or letter of compliance is issued.
    • The state fire marshal may order use and occupancy to cease if the building is used before issuance.
    • The state fire marshal requirement does not apply where a municipality or county has received enforcement authority under W.S. 35-9-121.
    “Except as provided under subsections (h) and (q) of this section and W.S. 35-9-118, after new construction or remodeling of buildings is completed, the state fire marshal shall inspect the building and determine conformance with the plan review or amended plan review. If he finds conformance, the state fire marshal shall issue a certificate of occupancy for a newly constructed building and a letter of compliance for a remodeled building. No newly constructed or remodeled building shall be used or occupied until the state fire marshal has issued a certificate of occupancy or letter of compliance.”
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Domestic and stock groundwater wells in Big Horn County.
      “Before you drill a well that will be used for domestic and/or stock use, you must submit an application for a permit to the Wyoming State Engineer’s Office (SEO), Ground Water Division.”
    • 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).”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Certain divisions of land in unincorporated Wyoming made for agricultural purposes or affecting agricultural property-line alignment.

    • The exemption is subject to the article's anti-evasion rule.
    • The county board may adopt documentation requirements concerning proper use and implementation of the exemption.
    • The statutory provision covers a sale or other disposition of land for agricultural purposes or a division affecting the alignment of property lines for agricultural purposes.
    • Other applicable zoning, subdivision, wastewater, access, and utility requirements may still apply where not exempted.
    “A division which is a sale or other disposition of land for agricultural purposes or affects the alignment of property lines for agricultural purposes;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Certain land divisions, sales, dispositions, or property-line adjustments for agricultural purposes under Wyoming subdivision law, including unincorporated areas.
      “A division which is a sale or other disposition of land for agricultural purposes or affects the alignment of property lines for agricultural purposes;”
  • Short-term rentalsAllowed

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

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

  • Inspections — Building inspections in unincorporated Big Horn County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling-size requirements in Big Horn County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot-size requirements in Big Horn County.
  • Setbacks — Building and land-use setbacks in Big Horn County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage limits in Big Horn County.
6 more unanswered
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings

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 Big Horn County, Wyoming

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

Big Horn County scores 62/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and deep seclusion — about 3,056 people within 15 miles. Watch-outs: weak self-sufficiency basics: only 13.4″ of rain a year and elevated current hazard exposure.

Do you need a building permit in Big Horn County, Wyoming?

Big Horn County generally requires a residential building permit, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Big Horn County Land Planning Department (small wastewater systems, delegated under WY DEQ). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Big Horn County, Wyoming?

Land in Big Horn County runs about $2,313 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Big Horn County?

Big Horn County gets about 13.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 16.8% of years.

How remote is Big Horn County?

A typical private-land location has about 3,056 people within 15 miles and 245,209 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Big Horn compares in Wyoming

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