Bolthole Index

Campbell County, Wyoming

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

49Index Score / 100
#18 of 23 in Wyoming

In unincorporated Campbell County, Wyoming, a one- or two-family home outside a platted subdivision does not need a building permit, but it still needs electrical, plumbing, mechanical and septic permits.1 Homes inside platted subdivisions generally need a building permit and a Zoning Certificate.2 The county has no countywide zoning, though most subdivisions are zoned.3 The county permits and inspects septic systems.4

At a glance

Building permit
Not required for a one- or two-family home outside a platted subdivision; required for regulated work generally and for homes in platted subdivisions12
Other permits
Electrical, plumbing, mechanical and septic permits still apply to rural homes1
Zoning
No countywide zoning; most subdivisions are zoned and need a Zoning Certificate35
Septic
County permit and inspection required for small wastewater systems4
RV living
While building in a platted, zoned subdivision, apply for a Temporary Use Permit for up to one year6
Tiny home
Accessory dwellings are usually possible in residential-zoned subdivisions, with restrictions7
Owner-builder
You may build your own rural home; state licensing for electrical, plumbing and HVAC work may still apply8
Water well
A State Engineer well permit is required for an on-lot well serving new construction9

Who to call

Building permits

Campbell County Building Division

Building permits and construction inspections in Campbell County

(307) 682-1970

500 S. Gillette Ave., Suite 1500, Gillette, Wyoming 82716

Planning & zoning

Campbell County Planning and Zoning Division

Land-development regulations in unincorporated Campbell County, zoning, subdivisions and floodplain questions

(307) 682-1970

planning@campbellcountywy.gov

500 S. Gillette Ave., Suite 1500, Gillette, Wyoming 82716

Roads & driveways

Campbell County Road & Bridge

Permits for roadway approaches and work in county rights of way

307-682-4411

5901 Hannum Rd, Gillette, WY 82716

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 15, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

It depends on where the parcel sits. In unincorporated Campbell County, building permits are not required for one- or two-family homes outside a platted subdivision, but permits are required for the home's electrical, plumbing, mechanical and septic work.1 Land created through a Record of Survey or a subdivision-exemption process does not count as a platted subdivision.1

Inside a platted subdivision, and for other regulated work, the owner or authorized agent must obtain the appropriate permit before construction, alteration, repair, demolition or an occupancy change.2 A zoned parcel needs an approved Zoning Certificate before any permit issues, and a building-permit applicant needs a valid county address.2

Structures on parcels used exclusively for a qualifying farm or ranch operation are also outside Chapter 4, though an electrical contractor still needs an electrical permit and every small wastewater system still needs a permit.10 The county has adopted construction codes for work Chapter 4 governs.11 Ask the Building Division whether your parcel counts as platted before you plan.12

Inside the Town of Wright, the town's own permit rules apply; county rules cover unincorporated land only.13

Who handles Campbell County building permits, and how do you reach them?

The Campbell County Building Division handles county building permits and performs required inspections during construction.14 The office is at 500 S. Gillette Ave., Suite 1500, Gillette, Wyoming 82716, and its phone number is (307) 682-1970.12

Planning and Zoning administers land-development rules in unincorporated Campbell County.15 Contact that division at planning@campbellcountywy.gov or (307) 682-1970 for parcel zoning, Zoning Certificates, subdivisions and floodplain questions.15 Zoning Certificates have no fee.16

Campbell County Road & Bridge permits roadway approaches and other work in county rights of way; the office is at 5901 Hannum Rd, Gillette, WY 82716, and its phone number is 307-682-4411.17 County road-access permits are required even on unzoned property, so confirm the road owner and permit details before designing the approach.1817

What inspections and certificate of occupancy does Campbell County require?

For a project that needs a building permit, the Building Division inspects during construction, and a final inspection happens before occupancy.14 The first 2 inspections are free, and each same-type re-inspection after the second costs $60.14 When the final inspection finds no violations, the county issues a Certificate of Occupancy; all new homes in platted subdivisions need one.19

A rural home using the building-permit exemption gets a lighter track: only the septic system and the electrical, plumbing and mechanical connections are inspected.20 The owner may opt into full building inspections to receive a Certificate of Occupancy verifying compliance with local building codes, which a lender, insurer or future buyer may ask about.20 Addresses must be posted before an inspection can be received.20

Does Campbell County have zoning?

Campbell County has no countywide zoning, but most subdivisions are zoned and every zoned parcel requires a Zoning Certificate showing that the proposed structure or use matches its zoning classification.35 Once the district is known, Chapter 7 supplies the applicable district rules.21 New minor and major subdivisions must obtain an appropriate zoning district.22 The Town of Wright keeps its own zoning regulations for land inside town limits.23

Lot size, setbacks, lot coverage and building height are district- and use-specific rather than uniform across Campbell County.24252627 Accessory dwellings are allowed in most cases in residential-zoned subdivisions, subject to restrictions.7

Except for Administrative Plats, subdivisions need Planning Commission approval before final approval by the Board of County Commissioners.22 Subdivisions creating parcels of 35 acres or larger may use the county's Affidavit of Exemption process.22 Ask Planning and Zoning to identify the parcel's zoning, subdivision status and dimensional rules before laying out a house.15

How do septic permits work in Campbell County?

Campbell County has delegated authority from Wyoming DEQ to permit residential and commercial small wastewater systems with domestic design flows below 2,000 gallons per day; Wyoming DEQ itself permits Campbell County's commercial systems.2829 Every small wastewater system needs a permit and inspection regardless of zoning, and farm, ranch or one- and two-family exemptions from building permits do not remove it.41 Septic permits for addresses inside the Town of Wright also come from the county.30

The Building Division permits, inspects and approves residential small wastewater systems.31 If a percolation result is under 1 minute or over 60 minutes, a Wyoming-licensed professional engineer must design and seal the system.31 Only 30.5% of county soils are rated not limited for a conventional septic drain field, so budget for a site evaluation and a possible engineered design before closing.32 Off-grid sanitation is not permit-free: private small wastewater systems need county approval and must comply with Wyoming DEQ water-quality rules.33

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

While building a house on a lot in a platted, zoned subdivision, a Campbell County landowner may apply for a Temporary Use Permit to live in an RV for up to 1 year.6 That rule does not establish general long-term RV occupancy on unzoned land, so ask Planning and Zoning about the specific parcel before moving in.615

For a tiny home or accessory dwelling in a residential-zoned subdivision, the county says approval is available in most cases with restrictions; ask Planning and Zoning for the ADU requirements.7 We could not confirm a rule written specifically for tiny-home occupancy. A new home's plumbing approval also depends on a verified potable-water source, and every small wastewater system requires a permit and inspection.344

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

  1. Ask Planning and Zoning whether the parcel is in a platted subdivision and whether it is zoned; obtain a Zoning Certificate if it is zoned.51
  1. Obtain a county address and show the buildings, well, septic components, replacement leach field, rights of way and utilities on the site plan.35
  1. Show the exact approach location for addressing, then obtain any required county road-access permit.3618
  1. Document potable water; an on-lot well needs a valid State Engineer permit, while a shared well also needs a shared-well agreement.349
  1. Apply for the septic permit and complete the Building Division's required inspections.431
  1. Inside a platted subdivision, obtain the building permit before work; outside one, a one- or two-family home needs electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits instead.21
  1. Keep approved documents at the job site and complete the required inspections.3520
  1. Pass the final inspection for the Certificate of Occupancy, which is required in platted subdivisions and optional for a rural home.1920

What should you check before buying land in Campbell County?

Confirm the parcel's zoning district, platted-subdivision status and dimensional rules with Planning and Zoning, because that status decides whether a building permit applies.51 Confirm access with Road & Bridge because county road-access permits apply even where the parcel is unzoned.1817 For a parcel of at least 35 acres subject to Wyoming's large-parcel rule, recordable ingress, egress and utility easements must be at least 40 feet wide to a public road unless the buyer waives that protection in a binding, recordable document.37

Verify water and wastewater feasibility before valuing the homesite. An on-lot well used for new construction needs a valid State Engineer permit before the county issues the plumbing permit.38 Only 30.5% of Campbell County soils are rated not limited for a conventional septic drain field.32 Campbell County has mapped special flood-hazard areas, but we could not confirm the operative approval requirements; ask Planning and Zoning before development.15

Watch-outs

  • A rural home skips the building permit only if it sits outside a platted subdivision; electrical, plumbing, mechanical and septic permits still apply, so confirm the parcel's status with the Building Division.112
  • Without full building inspections, a rural home gets no Certificate of Occupancy; only septic, electrical, plumbing and mechanical work is inspected unless the owner opts in.20
  • A qualifying farm or ranch structure may be exempt from Chapter 4, but electrical-contractor permits and small-wastewater permits remain separate.10
  • No countywide zoning does not mean no parcel rules: most Campbell County subdivisions are zoned.3
  • RV occupancy for up to 1 year is documented only while building in a platted, zoned subdivision under a Temporary Use Permit; ask Planning and Zoning about other situations.615
  • Campbell County has special flood-hazard areas, but the applicable local approval requirements should be confirmed with Planning and Zoning before development.15

Sources

  1. Chapter 4 Rules Regulating Construction — Amended June 2026, quoted and re-checked
  2. Chapter 4 Rules Regulating Construction, Amended June 2026, quoted and re-checked
  3. Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  4. Small Wastewater (Septic) Systems, quoted and re-checked
  5. Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  6. campbellcountywy.gov, quoted and re-checked
  7. campbellcountywy.gov, quoted and re-checked
  8. Wyoming law on county zoning and building authority
  9. Chapter 4 Rules Regulating Construction, Amended June 2026, quoted and re-checked
  10. Chapter 4 Rules Regulating Construction, Amended June 2026, quoted and re-checked
  11. Chapter 4 Rules Regulating Construction, Amended June 2026, quoted and re-checked
  12. Campbell County Building Division (campbellcountywy.gov)
  13. Town of Wright: Forms & Permits (Campbell County), quoted and re-checked
  14. Chapter 4 Rules Regulating Construction, quoted and re-checked
  15. Campbell County Planning and Zoning Division (campbellcountywy.gov)
  16. Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  17. Campbell County Road & Bridge (campbellcountywy.gov)
  18. Campbell County Zoning FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  19. Chapter 4 Rules Regulating Construction, quoted and re-checked
  20. Building Your Home in Rural Campbell County, quoted and re-checked
  21. Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  22. Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  23. Town of Wright: Chapter 3 Zoning Districts (Campbell County), quoted and re-checked
  24. Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  25. Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  26. Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  27. Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  28. Small Wastewater (Septic) Systems, quoted and re-checked
  29. Small Wastewater Systems (Wyoming statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  30. Town of Wright: Small Wastewater (Septic) Systems (Campbell County), quoted and re-checked
  31. Chapter 4 Rules Regulating Construction, quoted and re-checked
  32. 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
  33. Small Wastewater (Septic) Systems, quoted and re-checked
  34. Chapter 4 Rules Regulating Construction, quoted and re-checked
  35. Chapter 4 Rules Regulating Construction, quoted and re-checked
  36. Addressing, quoted and re-checked
  37. Wyoming Statutes, Title 18 (Wyoming statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  38. Chapter 4 Rules Regulating Construction, quoted and re-checked

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, Campbell County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleCampbell CountyCrook CountyJohnson CountyWeston CountySheridan CountyConverse CountyNiobrara County
Building permitRequiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredRequiredNot requiredNot required
County zoningNoNoNoNoYesNoYes
Septic permitsCounty Public WorksCounty PlanningCounty Planning Dept.WY DEQCounty Public Works Dept.Converse CountyWY Dept. of Env. Quality

County locator

Campbell County in Wyoming

49
County map
Campbell County highlighted among the Wyoming counties · colored by Index score

How Campbell County scores

Seclusion86100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency18100% ev.
Admin Boringness4590% ev.
Durability49100% ev.
Property Autonomy74100% ev.
Carry Cost84100% 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 →

$338kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$959Land / acre
15"Annual rain
18.9% of yrsSevere drought
8.2 / yr (+6.8)Mid-century 100°F days
19.9 daysMid-century dry spell
0.99" (+6.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.29×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,097Home insurance / yr
2.7% / yrInsurance growth
0.89%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
56,193People within 2 hr
766Radius comparison (15 mi)
9.9People / sq mi
11.9%Federal land
71.6%Land at 15% slope or less
30.5%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
890,990 acWorkable land screen
3.2%Wooded land
9.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac
45.1°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Campbell 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: Gillette

Answers from the rulebook for Campbell County

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

Campbell County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Building work regulated by Campbell County Chapter 4.

    • One- and two-family residential dwellings not located in a platted subdivision are exempt.
    • Structures on parcels of at least 40 acres used exclusively for farm or ranch operations are exempt.
    • HUD-standard manufactured homes are exempt from the building permit provision.
    • Mineral-extraction buildings and structures are exempt.
    • A $250 fee is charged for new commercial building permits.

    farm/ranch exemption parcel size: >= 40 acres (exclusive farm or ranch operations) · new commercial building permit fee: 250 USD

    “Before performing any work, any person constructing or remodeling a three or more family residential dwelling, public, commercial, or industrial building shall apply to the Building Division to obtain a building permit.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, movement, demolition, or occupancy-classification changes involving buildings or regulated systems in unincorporated Campbell County.
      “Except as exempted in ‘Section 1.4 Exemptions’, any Owner or Owner’s authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the Occupancy Classification of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, Small Wastewater System or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this Chapter, or to cause any such work to be performed, shall first make application to the Building Division and obtain the required permit(s) as appropriate from the permit types listed below.”
    • Not required — One- or two-family residential dwellings located outside a platted subdivision in unincorporated Campbell County.
      “Building Permits shall not be required for One or Two-Family Residential dwellings located outside of a Platted Subdivision; provided that: (a) Chapter 4 Rules do apply, and permits are required for the structures’ interior and exterior electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and Small Wastewater System needs.”
  • Owner-builder exemption · follows from the permit answerNot needed

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

    • The building permit exemption does not exempt the project from Chapter 4 generally.
    • Interior and exterior electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and Small Wastewater System permits remain required.
    “Building Permits shall not be required for One or Two-Family Residential dwellings located outside of a Platted Subdivision; provided that: (a) Chapter 4 Rules do apply, and permits are required for the structures’ interior and exterior electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and Small Wastewater System needs.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction regulated by Chapter 4 in the unincorporated areas of Campbell County.

    • Chapter 4 applies only where not specifically exempted under Section 1.4.
    • The 2024 International Building, Residential, Plumbing, Fuel Gas, Mechanical, Existing Building, Fire, and Property Maintenance Codes are adopted by reference as amended.
    • NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, 2026 Edition, and NFPA 58, 2017 Edition, are also adopted.

    adopted International Code editions: 2024 · National Electrical Code edition: 2026 · Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code edition: 2017

    “This Chapter is adopted pursuant to the authority granted by W.S. 35-9-121 and W.S. 35-11-304 and supersedes all previous Rules Regulating Construction. A. The Building Division shall enforce the Rules Regulating Construction prescribed in Chapter 4 for the unincorporated areas of Campbell County”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Projects requiring a Chapter 4 permit.

    • The Building Division performs required inspections during construction.
    • A final inspection is required before occupancy.
    • The first two inspections are free; subsequent same-type re-inspections after the second cost $60.

    free inspections: 2 inspections · subsequent re-inspection fee: 60 USD (same type of work after the second inspection)

    “The Building Division shall perform required inspections during the normal course of construction and notify the owner and builder of any violations found during any inspection.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Projects requiring a permit under Campbell County Chapter 4.
      “The Building Division shall perform required inspections during the normal course of construction and notify the owner and builder of any violations found during any inspection.”
    • Limited — One- and two-family homes outside platted subdivisions, including homes using the current building-permit exemption.
      “Yes, the items listed above will be inspected. However, you may opt to have our staff perform full building inspections of your home. This will allow you to receive a ‘Certificate of Occupancy,’ or ‘CO’ verifying compliance with our local building codes. Otherwise, only the septic system, electrical, plumbing and mechanical connections will be inspected.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Projects requiring a permit under Chapter 4.

    • The final inspection must determine conformance with approved plans and codes.
    • The certificate issues when there are no violations.
    • Commercial checklist separately states the certificate is issued after required inspections and approvals.
    “Upon completion of a project that requires a permit under this Chapter, and prior to occupancy, the Building Division shall perform a final inspection to determine conformance with the approved plans and codes. When there are no violations, a Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Permitted projects and all new homes in platted subdivisions.
      “Upon completion of a project that requires a permit under this Chapter, and prior to occupancy, the Building Division shall perform a final inspection to determine conformance with the approved plans and codes. When there are no violations, a Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued.”
    • Required — Projects requiring a permit under Chapter 4.
      “Upon completion of a project that requires a permit under this Chapter, and prior to occupancy, the Building Division shall perform a final inspection to determine conformance with the approved plans and codes. When there are no violations, a Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Countywide zoning in Campbell County.

    • Most subdivisions may nevertheless be zoned.
    • Zoned parcels require a Zoning Certificate.
    • New major and minor subdivisions must be zoned.
    “Campbell County does not have county-wide zoning; however, most subdivisions have been zoned specifying how the land may be used.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Absent — Countywide zoning in Campbell County.
      “Campbell County does not have county-wide zoning; however, most subdivisions have been zoned specifying how the land may be used.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate of county zoning and subdivision-specific zoning in unincorporated Campbell County; the county does not administer every municipal ordinance.

    • Most subdivisions have zoning classifications.
    • Zoned parcels require a Zoning Certificate.
    • New major and minor subdivisions must obtain an appropriate zoning district.
    “All zoned parcels are required to obtain a Zoning Certificate verifying a proposed structure or use of land is compatible with the assigned zoning classifications.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate of zoning conditions across Campbell County, especially subdivisions and incorporated jurisdictions.
      “All zoned parcels are required to obtain a Zoning Certificate verifying a proposed structure or use of land is compatible with the assigned zoning classifications.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoned subdivisions and parcels in Campbell County.

    • The county publishes a zoning information web map and Chapter 7 zoning regulations.
    • Most subdivisions are zoned, but the county has no countywide zoning.
    • New major and minor subdivisions must obtain an appropriate zoning district.
    “Once you have determined what Zoning District a parcel is in, you can view the zoning regulations by going to Chapter 7, Zoning Regulations.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Parcels subject to Campbell County zoning.
      “Once you have determined what Zoning District a parcel is in, you can view the zoning regulations by going to Chapter 7, Zoning Regulations.”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Uses listed in the I-2 zoning district chart.

    • The I-2 chart states no minimum lot size and no minimum lot width for the listed uses; other districts and uses may differ.

    minimum lot size: no minimum (I-2 listed uses) · minimum lot width: none (I-2 listed uses)

    “District I-2 USE REGULATIONS I-2 District Lot Size = No Minimum Lot Width = None”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Uses listed in the I-2 zoning district chart.

    • The cited I-2 chart shows use-specific setbacks; other districts and uses may differ.

    front setback: 25 feet (I-2 examples in district chart) · side setback: 5 feet (I-2 examples in district chart) · rear setback: 15 feet (I-2 examples in district chart)

    “District I-2 USE REGULATIONS I-2 District REQUIRED YARD SETBACK Front (feet) Side (feet) Rear (feet)”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Uses listed in the I-2 zoning district chart.

    • The cited percentage is use-specific and district-specific.

    lot coverage: 90 percent (I-2 examples in district chart)

    “District I-2 USE REGULATIONS I-2 District Lot Coverage (percent)”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Uses listed in the I-2 zoning district chart.

    • The cited height is use-specific and district-specific.

    height of structure: 50 feet (I-2 examples in district chart; some uses show 75 feet)

    “District I-2 USE REGULATIONS I-2 District Height of Structure (feet)”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Living in an RV while constructing a house in a platted, zoned subdivision.

    • A Temporary Use Permit may be applied for.
    • The county FAQ states a maximum period of one year.
    • The FAQ does not establish general long-term RV occupancy on unzoned land.

    maximum temporary RV occupancy period: 1 year (subject to Temporary Use Permit)

    “Maybe - you can apply for a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) to live in an RV for up to one year.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Living in an RV on a lot in a platted, zoned subdivision while building a house.
      “Maybe - you can apply for a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) to live in an RV for up to one year.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Accessory dwelling or mother-in-law unit in a residential-zoned subdivision.

    • The county FAQ says approval is available in most cases with restrictions.
    • The ADU Info 2025 document and Planning Division should be consulted for complete requirements.
    “Yes, in most cases with some restrictions. Please refer to the document ADU Info 2025 for complete information.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Accessory dwelling units in residential-zoned subdivisions.
      “Yes, in most cases with some restrictions. Please refer to the document ADU Info 2025 for complete information.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Residential and commercial small wastewater systems with domestic design flows below 2,000 gallons per day.

    • Authority is delegated by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality.
    • Other wastewater systems must be handled under the applicable state process.

    domestic design flow threshold: < 2000 gallons per day

    “Campbell County has delegated authority from the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality to permit residential and commercial small wastewater (septic) systems with design flows of less than 2000 gallons per day of domestic wastewater.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • County — Residential and commercial small wastewater systems with domestic design flows below 2,000 gallons per day.
      “Campbell County has delegated authority from the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality to permit residential and commercial small wastewater (septic) systems with design flows of less than 2000 gallons per day of domestic wastewater.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    All small wastewater systems in Campbell County.

    • Applies regardless of zoning classification.
    • Agriculture and coal-oil-gas exemptions from other building permits do not remove the septic permit requirement.
    • Systems at or above the delegated threshold may follow Wyoming DEQ requirements.
    “Permits and inspections are required for all small wastewater (septic) systems.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — All small wastewater systems under Campbell County's delegated authority.
      “Permits and inspections are required for all small wastewater (septic) systems. This regulation applies to all properties, regardless of zoning classifications and even if the properties have agriculture or coal-oil-gas exemptions from other building permits.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    All small wastewater systems.

    • Residential dwellings with small wastewater systems are permitted, inspected, and approved through the Building Division.
    • Percolation rates below one minute or above 60 minutes require a Wyoming registered licensed professional engineer design and seal.

    percolation rate lower threshold: < 1 minute (professional engineer design and seal required) · percolation rate upper threshold: > 60 minutes (professional engineer design and seal required)

    “Permits and inspections are required for all small wastewater (septic) systems.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — All small wastewater systems under Campbell County's delegated authority.
      “All residential dwellings with small wastewater systems shall be permitted, inspected, and approved through the Building Division. If the percolation rate is less than one minute or more than 60 minutes, the small wastewater system must be designed and sealed by a Wyoming Licensed Professional Engineer.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Private small wastewater systems, including systems on unzoned property.

    • A county permit and inspection are required for all small wastewater systems.
    • The system must comply with Wyoming DEQ Water Quality Rules Chapters 11 and 25 and the delegation agreement.
    “All wastewater systems shall comply with the Water Quality Rules and Regulations Chapters 11 and 25 published by Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, and the Delegation Agreement By and Between the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality and Campbell County.”
  • Well permitRequired

    New construction requiring Chapter 4 permitting in unincorporated Campbell County when potable water will be supplied by an on-lot or shared well.

    • For an on-lot well, the applicant must submit a copy of the valid State Engineer’s Office well permit for the proposed use.
    • For a shared well, the applicant must submit a valid Shared Well Agreement and a copy of the State Engineer’s Office well permit.
    • Centralized-water connections may instead be supported by written permission from the system owner.
    • Cisterns or transported-water systems may be supported by construction documents containing tank size, location, and other applicable information.
    “valid State Engineer’s Office well permit”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — On-lot and shared wells used to support new residential or commercial construction.
      “For on-lot wells, a copy of the valid State Engineer’s office well permit for the proposed use shall be required”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    New residential and commercial construction seeking a plumbing permit.

    • A potable water source must be verified before a plumbing permit is issued.
    • For an on-lot well, provide a valid State Engineer well permit.
    • For a shared well, provide a valid shared-well agreement and State Engineer permit.
    • For a community or public water system, provide written capacity and connection permission from the system owner.
    “No plumbing permits for new Residential or any Commercial construction will be issued until the applicant provides proper verification that a potable water source will be provided to the project.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — New residential and commercial plumbing permits.
      “No plumbing permits for new Residential or any Commercial construction will be issued until the applicant provides proper verification that a potable water source will be provided to the project.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Structures on parcels of at least 40 acres used exclusively for farm or ranch operations.

    • The exemption concerns the building-permit requirement.
    • Small wastewater permits and inspections still apply regardless of agricultural exemptions.
    • The farm/ranch operation must meet Chapter 4's definition.

    minimum parcel size: >= 40 acres (exclusive farm or ranch operations)

    “Structures located on parcels forty (40) acres or greater in size, and used exclusively for Farm and Ranch Operations as defined within Section 2.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Structures located on parcels used exclusively for Farm or Ranch Operations in unincorporated Campbell County.
      “Chapter 4 Rules shall not apply to structures located on parcels used exclusively for Farm or Ranch Operations, provided that: (a) Electrical contractors performing work on Farm or Ranch Operations shall comply with W.S. 35-9-123(b) by obtaining an Electrical Permit in accordance with Chapter 4 and, (b) Small Wastewater Systems are subject to Chapter 4 rules and permits are required.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision development in Campbell County.

    • Administrative plats are excepted from the Planning Commission-first approval statement.
    • Other subdivisions require Planning Commission approval before Board of County Commissioners final approval.
    • A Wyoming-licensed professional land surveyor must prepare submittal documents.
    • New minor and major subdivisions must obtain an appropriate zoning district.
    “Except for Administrative Plats, all subdivisions must first be approved by the County Planning Commission before final approval by the Board of County Commissioners.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision of land in Campbell County.
      “Except for Administrative Plats, all subdivisions must first be approved by the County Planning Commission before final approval by the Board of County Commissioners.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Access to county roads and development access in Campbell County.

    • The county FAQ states road-access permits remain required even on unzoned property.
    • Specific approach standards and permit details were not located in the opened materials.
    “While there may not be any zoning regulations that apply to your residential home project, the County still requires permits for Small Wastewater Systems, electrical, plumbing, road access, etc.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — New physical addresses and development site plans in Campbell County.
      “The site plan needs to include the exact location of your approach/driveway off the access road. Addresses are issued based up your approach location, not necessarily your home site.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    County building, zoning, and commercial permit fees identified in official county materials.

    • Zoning Certificates have no fee.
    • New commercial building permits have a $250 fee.
    • Re-inspection fees may apply.
    • Other permit fees may vary by permit type and current schedule.

    zoning certificate fee: 0 USD · new commercial building permit fee: 250 USD (Re-inspection fees may apply)

    “There are no fees for a Zoning Certificate.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building and zoning permit process.

    • Permit applications require, as applicable, a Zoning Certificate, site plan, and plans showing compliance.
    • The site plan must identify buildings, wells, septic components, replacement leach field, rights-of-way, and utilities.
    • The applicant must keep permits and approved documents at the job site.
    • A valid county-issued address is required before a building permit can be obtained.
    “For zoned parcels, an approved Zoning Certificate from the Planning and Zoning Division shall be required prior to issuance of any permit.”

Wyoming rules that apply here

  • Building in a floodplainRequired

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

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

    participating counties: 19 counties · participating municipalities: 66 municipalities

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

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

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

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Campbell County zoning districts.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping generally, distinct from temporary dwelling or RV occupancy during construction.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in Campbell 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 Campbell County, Wyoming

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

Campbell County scores 49/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 766 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (15″/yr rainfall).

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

Campbell County generally requires a residential building permit, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Campbell County Public Works (Building, Planning & Zoning) - delegated by Wyoming 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.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Campbell County is limited to specific cases: Living in an RV while constructing a house in a platted, zoned subdivision. A Temporary Use Permit may be applied for. The county FAQ states a maximum period of one year. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Campbell County, Wyoming?

Land in Campbell County runs about $959 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Campbell County?

Campbell County gets about 15" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 18.9% of years.

How remote is Campbell County?

A typical private-land location has about 766 people within 15 miles and 212,268 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Campbell compares in Wyoming

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