Bolthole Index

Goshen County, Wyoming

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

45Index Score / 100
#23 of 23 in Wyoming

Unincorporated Goshen County, Wyoming does not require a county residential building permit and has no county zoning regulations or building inspections123. State electrical wiring and water-well permits still apply, while Goshen County requires a septic permit and inspection4567.

At a glance

Building permit
Not required in unincorporated Goshen County; the county has no building inspections13
Zoning
No county zoning on unincorporated land; Torrington and Lingle zone inside their own limits891011
Septic permits
Goshen County requires the permit, a $100 application fee and inspection before covering6127
Electrical wiring permit
Required for covered work; a qualifying owner-builder may do the installation but still must meet other requirements413
Well permit
Required before drilling; $50 state filing fee, licensed driller required5
RV / tiny home living
County zoning does not restrict RV or tiny-home occupancy on private land in unincorporated Goshen County1415
Subdividing land
County subdivision approval is required for covered land divisions before sale, platting or construction; agricultural and large-parcel exemptions have conditions1617
Septic soil difficulty
50.3% of county soils are rated not limited for a conventional drain field; the parcel still needs evaluation18

Who to call

Also useful

Goshen County Planning & GIS

Confirms Goshen County has no zoning regulations or building inspections; staffs the Planning Commission and is the office to ask about subdivision plats

307-532-3852

P.O. Box 160, Torrington, WY 82240

Septic permits

Goshen County Planning Office (small wastewater / septic permitting)

Accepts the small wastewater (septic) permit application and $100 county fee; applications can also be filed with the Goshen County Engineer/Surveyor's Office

(307) 532-5002

Courthouse, Torrington, WY 82240

Roads & driveways

Goshen County Road & Bridge

County-road right-of-way public-works permits, rural addressing and county-road questions

307-532-3716

4740 U.S. Highway 26/85, Torrington, WY 82240

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

Off-grid gear

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

These are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Bolthole Index earns from qualifying purchases.

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

Unincorporated Goshen County, Wyoming does not require a county residential building permit or county building inspection119. Covered electrical work needs a wiring permit before installation, with a statutory fee maximum of $504. A qualifying owner may install wiring on property owned or leased and not intended for immediate resale, but must still meet wiring-permit and electrical-code requirements134. Wyoming adopted the 2024 International Building, Fire, Fuel & Gas, Mechanical and Existing Building Codes for projects within state plan-review jurisdiction; the 2026 National Electrical Code took effect July 1, 202620. Covered projects include public-access buildings over 5,000 square feet, assembly uses, alternative-energy installations and RV-park site plans; plans need approval before work starts, and review fees must be paid before the state issues a Permit to Construct20. Those state standards apply because Goshen County has not taken over enforcement; Wyoming allows a county to apply for local enforcement authority, and nothing we found shows Goshen County has done so21. After covered work is finished, the state fire marshal inspects the building22. Covered new buildings need that inspection and a certificate of occupancy before use; covered remodeled buildings receive a letter of compliance23. The state certificate rule does not establish a requirement for an ordinary private house outside the covered categories23.

Who handles building-permit and septic questions in Goshen County?

Goshen County has no county building official for ordinary residential permits or inspections119. Goshen County Planning & GIS is the practical first call for zoning status, subdivision questions and the Planning Commission24. Goshen County administers septic permitting; the small-wastewater application carries a $100 fee and follows the county's published application and inspection process251226. Goshen County Road & Bridge handles rural addressing and public-works permits within county-road rights-of-way27. New construction or maintenance by others within a Goshen County road right-of-way requires a Public Works construction permit; the source does not establish that every driveway wholly outside the right-of-way needs one28. The county right-of-way permit lists a $125 base fee, with other listed charges potentially applicable29. Water-well permits come from the Wyoming State Engineer before drilling begins5.

Does Goshen County have zoning?

No. Unincorporated Goshen County has no county zoning regulations or county zoning districts230. Zoning in Goshen County therefore varies by location: Torrington and Lingle set their own zoning inside their limits311011. Goshen County remains the septic-permitting authority for addresses in those towns as well as unincorporated land25. The absence of county zoning means there is no county zoning-based minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setback, lot-coverage limit or building-height limit on unincorporated land3233343536. Septic, subdivision, floodplain and road-right-of-way requirements remain separate from zoning37. A covered subdivision still requires county approval before sale, platting or construction1638. Wyoming exempts qualifying agricultural-purpose divisions from subdivision regulation, subject to county documentation requirements; this is not a general exemption from septic, building, tax or other rules39. Parcels of at least 35 acres are generally exempt separately, but need binding, recordable access and utility easements at least 40 feet wide to a public road unless properly waived39.

How do septic permits work in Goshen County?

Every new conventional septic system, replacement tank, replacement leachfield or complete replacement system in Goshen County needs a county application before construction6. Submit a complete application and $100 fee with photos of an 8-foot exploration pit and at least 3 percolation tests in the proposed leachfield area; review generally takes 1–2 business days402641. Construction authorization follows approval, and the system must remain visible for final inspection after at least 48 hours' notice267. The conventional-system path covers domestic flows below 2,000 gallons per day and requires at least 4 feet between the leachfield bottom and seasonal high groundwater, bedrock or impervious clay; a project outside those criteria may need a non-conventional design and contact with the district engineer42. In Goshen County, 50.3% of soils are rated not limited for a conventional drain field, so evaluate the specific parcel before relying on a standard system18. A septic tank in the floodplain needs watertight lids and a backflow preventer at each end43.

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

County zoning does not restrict RV or tiny-home occupancy on private land in unincorporated Goshen County1415. Unincorporated Goshen County also has no county zoning rule for manufactured-home occupancy, accessory dwellings or temporary camping44. Those answers are limited to county zoning: municipal rules may differ, and septic, electrical, subdivision, floodplain and road requirements still apply45. Wyoming provides that short-term rental of detached one-family and two-family dwellings and townhomes is not treated as commercial use for fire, building and electrical standards, but we could not confirm whether Goshen County regulates short-term rentals under other authority46. Covered electrical work still needs the state wiring permit; a qualifying owner-builder may perform the installation without a licensed electrician but must meet the other electrical requirements447. Any conventional septic system serving an off-grid home still follows the county permit and inspection process427.

What are the steps to build a home in Goshen County?

  1. Confirm the tract is legal and whether a land division needs county subdivision approval; qualifying agricultural divisions and parcels of at least 35 acres may be exempt, subject to the stated conditions1639.
  2. Ask Goshen County Road & Bridge about rural addressing; obtain the Public Works permit if driveway construction enters a county-road right-of-way2728.
  3. File the U.W. 5 application and receive the Wyoming State Engineer's permit before drilling a well; the domestic filing fee is $505.
  4. Submit the county septic application, $100 fee, exploration-pit photos and percolation-test results before construction2640.
  5. Obtain the state electrical wiring permit for covered work, with a statutory fee maximum of $50; a qualifying owner-builder may do the installation but is not excused from the permit or code requirements447.
  6. Give at least 48 hours' notice and leave the septic components visible for final inspection267. An ordinary home in unincorporated Goshen County has no county building inspection, while a newly constructed project covered by state fire-marshal plan review needs a state inspection and certificate before occupancy192248.

What should you check before buying land in Goshen County?

Water is the headline concern here: Goshen County averages only 14.7 inches of precipitation a year, and 22.8% of years bring severe drought, so a well's depth and reliability deserve real scrutiny, and remember drilling needs a state permit before you can even start49505. For conventional septic drain fields, 50.3% of county soils are rated not limited, but confirm your specific parcel with a site evaluation before you buy18. Across Goshen County, 85.2% of land has a slope of 15% or less and 0.9% is wooded; those countywide figures do not establish grading conditions on a particular tract5152. If the tract you're buying was recently split from a larger parcel, confirm the seller obtained any required county subdivision permit, since selling, platting or building on land subject to subdivision regulation without one carries real risk16. Typical property tax runs low, about 0.6% effectively, with a median bill near $1,395 a year, against a typical home value around $253,669535455.

Watch-outs

  • Alternative-energy installations and RV-park site plans fall within Wyoming’s state plan-review categories where the state has jurisdiction; county zoning freedom for a private RV does not remove those project requirements2014.
  • A septic system in a Goshen County floodplain needs watertight tank lids and backflow preventers, but we could not confirm the separate approval path for other floodplain construction; ask Goshen County Planning & GIS before building in a mapped flood area4324.
  • We could not confirm countywide water or sewer utility-connection requirements in Goshen County; ask Goshen County Planning & GIS about the parcel before buying24.

Sources

  1. Goshen County - Planning & GIS (2026 county census)
  2. Planning & GIS, quoted and re-checked
  3. Planning & GIS | Goshen County, WY, quoted and re-checked
  4. 2025 Wyoming Statutes, Title 35, Article 1: Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety, quoted and re-checked
  5. Ground Water Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  6. Goshen County Land Use Plan, quoted and re-checked
  7. 2024 Conventional Septic System Application, quoted and re-checked
  8. Planning & GIS, quoted and re-checked
  9. Planning & GIS, quoted and re-checked
  10. Torrington: official source (Goshen County), quoted and re-checked
  11. Town of Lingle: 11-1-1: Title (Goshen County), quoted and re-checked
  12. 2024 Conventional Septic System Application with Cover, quoted and re-checked
  13. 2025 Wyoming Statutes, Title 35, Article 1: Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety, quoted and re-checked
  14. Planning & GIS, quoted and re-checked
  15. Planning & GIS, quoted and re-checked
  16. Planning & GIS, quoted and re-checked
  17. wyoleg.gov (Wyoming statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. 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
  19. Planning & GIS | Goshen County, WY, quoted and re-checked
  20. Plan Review, quoted and re-checked
  21. Article 1 - Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety, quoted and re-checked
  22. 2025 Wyoming Statutes, Title 35, Article 1: Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety, quoted and re-checked
  23. Article 1 - Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety, quoted and re-checked
  24. Goshen County Planning & GIS (goshencountywy.gov)
  25. Goshen County Land Use Plan, quoted and re-checked
  26. 2024 Conventional Septic System Application with Cover, quoted and re-checked
  27. Goshen County Road & Bridge (goshencountywy.gov)
  28. Goshen County Public Works Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  29. Goshen County Public Works Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  30. Planning & GIS, quoted and re-checked
  31. Planning & GIS, quoted and re-checked
  32. Planning & GIS, quoted and re-checked
  33. Planning & GIS, quoted and re-checked
  34. Planning & GIS, quoted and re-checked
  35. Planning & GIS, quoted and re-checked
  36. Planning & GIS, quoted and re-checked
  37. Planning & GIS | Goshen County, WY, quoted and re-checked
  38. Wyoming Statutes, Title 18 (Wyoming statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  39. wyoleg.gov, quoted and re-checked
  40. 2024 Conventional Septic System Application with Cover, quoted and re-checked
  41. 2024 Conventional Septic System Application with Cover, quoted and re-checked
  42. 2024 Conventional Septic System Application with Cover, quoted and re-checked
  43. 2024 Conventional Septic System Application with Cover, quoted and re-checked
  44. Wyoming law on county zoning and building authority
  45. Planning & GIS | Goshen County, WY, quoted and re-checked
  46. 2015 Wyoming Session Laws, Chapter 149, quoted and re-checked
  47. Article 1 - Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety, quoted and re-checked
  48. 2025 Wyoming Statutes, Title 35, Article 1: Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety, quoted and re-checked
  49. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  50. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  51. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  52. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  53. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  54. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  55. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data

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.

Found land here? Start a Property Hunt →

Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 4 of its 6 neighbors, Goshen County has no countywide zoning.

RuleGoshen CountyPlatte CountyLaramie CountyNiobrara CountyAlbany CountyConverse CountyWeston County
Building permitNot requiredLimitedRequiredNot requiredLimitedNot requiredNot required
County zoningNoYesYesYesYesNoNo
Septic permitsCounty Planning & GISWY DEQCounty Div. of Env. HealthWY Dept. of Env. QualityCounty Planning Dept.Converse CountyWY DEQ

County locator

Goshen County in Wyoming

45
County map
Goshen County highlighted among the Wyoming counties · colored by Index score

How Goshen County scores

Seclusion85100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1396% ev.
Admin Boringness92100% ev.
Durability42100% ev.
Property Autonomy74100% ev.
Carry Cost88100% ev.

Evidence strength: 99%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$254kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$1,871Land / acre
14.7"Annual rain
22.8% of yrsSevere drought
9.6 / yr (+8.4)Mid-century 100°F days
23 daysMid-century dry spell
1.04" (+9.4%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.3×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,028Home insurance / yr
2.1% / yrInsurance growth
0.39%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
81,030People within 2 hr
1,275Radius comparison (15 mi)
5.7People / sq mi
2%Federal land
85.2%Land at 15% slope or less
50.3%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
589,856 acWorkable land screen
0.9%Wooded land
0.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac
47.6°FAvg temp

Scout Goshen County

Camp here before you commitBook a few nights nearby on Hipcamp →Already own land here?Earn money hosting campers — get $100 when you become a Hipcamp host →

Some links are affiliate or referral links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.

Property hunt

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Search live inventory elsewhere, then cost and vet each candidate here. No copied listings, account, or paid data feed.

View your full hunt →
ZillowLand & lotsRealtor.comLand listingsLandSearchRural & vacant land

Each button opens a current land search for Goshen County. Listing sites control their own results and filters.

Analyze a property
Add setup-cost allowances

Use rough quotes or placeholders. Blank fields count as $0.

Working estimate

—land + entered setup costs
Asking $ / acre
—
Setup allowance
—
All-in $ / acre
—

A planning estimate, not a valuation or contractor quote. The USDA benchmark includes farm land and buildings; it is context, not a parcel comp.

Before an offer

Parcel due diligence

0/8 checked

Saved properties and checklist progress stay on this device. Bolthole Index does not receive them.

Cities and towns in Goshen 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 Fort Laramie · Town of LaGrange · Town of Yoder

Answers from the rulebook for Goshen County

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

Goshen County rules

  • InspectionsNot required

    County building inspections in Goshen County, including ordinary private residential construction in unincorporated areas, subject to any separate state inspection authority.

    • The county page does not identify a separate municipal scope; incorporated municipalities may have their own rules.
    • State electrical inspections and state fire-marshal inspections for covered projects remain separate requirements.
    “Currently Goshen County does not have Zoning Regulations or Building Inspections.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not required — County-administered building inspections in Goshen County, Wyoming.
      “Currently Goshen County does not have Zoning Regulations or Building Inspections.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    County zoning regulations in unincorporated Goshen County.

    • The county statement does not address zoning administered by incorporated municipalities within Goshen County.
    • State and municipal rules may apply instead.
    “Currently Goshen County does not have Zoning Regulations or Building Inspections.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Absent — County zoning regulations in unincorporated Goshen County.
      “Currently Goshen County does not have Zoning Regulations or Building Inspections.”
    • Absent — County zoning regulation administered by Goshen County in unincorporated Goshen County.
      “Currently Goshen County does not have Zoning Regulations or Building Inspections.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning status across Goshen County, including the county's unincorporated area and incorporated municipalities.

    • Goshen County states that it has no zoning regulations for the county; incorporated municipalities may administer their own zoning.
    • The City of Torrington's official forms page lists zoning variance/conditional-use and zoning-amendment applications, indicating municipal zoning processes within the county.
    • This aggregate claim does not assert that Goshen County administers municipal zoning.
    “Application for Variance or Conditional Use (PDF)”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Absent — County zoning regulations in unincorporated Goshen County, Wyoming.
      “Currently Goshen County does not have Zoning Regulations or Building Inspections.”
  • Zoning districtsNot published

    County zoning districts in unincorporated Goshen County.

    • This conclusion is limited to Goshen County's unincorporated jurisdiction.
    • Municipal zoning or other local rules may apply inside incorporated municipalities.
    • Other non-zoning requirements, including septic, subdivision, floodplain, road-right-of-way, and health requirements, may still apply.
    “Currently Goshen County does not have Zoning Regulations or Building Inspections.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not published — County zoning districts and zoning regulations in unincorporated Goshen County.
      “Currently Goshen County does not have Zoning Regulations or Building Inspections.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeNone

    County zoning-based minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Goshen County.

    • Goshen County states that it has no zoning regulations; incorporated municipalities may have separate rules.
    “Currently Goshen County does not have Zoning Regulations or Building Inspections.”
  • Minimum lot sizeNone

    County zoning-based minimum lot size in unincorporated Goshen County.

    • Goshen County states that it has no zoning regulations; subdivision requirements and statutory exemptions may still apply separately.
    “Currently Goshen County does not have Zoning Regulations or Building Inspections.”
  • SetbacksNone

    County zoning-based setbacks in unincorporated Goshen County.

    • Goshen County states that it has no zoning regulations; non-zoning requirements may apply.
    “Currently Goshen County does not have Zoning Regulations or Building Inspections.”
  • Lot coverageNone

    County zoning-based lot-coverage limits in unincorporated Goshen County.

    • Goshen County states that it has no zoning regulations; non-zoning requirements may apply.
    “Currently Goshen County does not have Zoning Regulations or Building Inspections.”
  • Building heightNone

    County zoning-based building-height limits in unincorporated Goshen County.

    • Goshen County states that it has no zoning regulations; building-code or other non-zoning requirements may apply.
    “Currently Goshen County does not have Zoning Regulations or Building Inspections.”
  • Living in an RVUnrestricted

    RV occupancy on private land in unincorporated Goshen County, Wyoming, insofar as county zoning regulation is concerned.

    • The finding addresses county land-use zoning only and does not determine rules imposed by incorporated municipalities, state agencies, septic or wastewater authorities, subdivision regulations, health requirements, or other non-zoning laws.
    • The county source states that Goshen County does not have zoning regulations; it does not affirmatively authorize RV occupancy under other applicable laws.
    “Currently Goshen County does not have Zoning Regulations or Building Inspections.”
  • Camping on your land · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Goshen County: no county rule sets this, because Goshen County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The county statement does not address zoning administered by incorporated municipalities within Goshen County.
    “Currently Goshen County does not have Zoning Regulations or Building Inspections.”
  • Tiny homesUnrestricted

    Tiny-home occupancy on private land in unincorporated Goshen County, Wyoming, insofar as county zoning regulation is concerned.

    • The finding addresses county land-use zoning only and does not determine rules imposed by incorporated municipalities, state agencies, building-code authorities, septic or wastewater authorities, subdivision regulations, health requirements, or other non-zoning laws.
    • The county source states that Goshen County does not have zoning regulations; it does not affirmatively authorize tiny-home occupancy under other applicable laws.
    “Currently Goshen County does not have Zoning Regulations or Building Inspections.”
  • Manufactured homes · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Goshen County: no county rule sets this, because Goshen County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The county statement does not address zoning administered by incorporated municipalities within Goshen County.
    “Currently Goshen County does not have Zoning Regulations or Building Inspections.”
  • Accessory dwellings · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Goshen County: no county rule sets this, because Goshen County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The county statement does not address zoning administered by incorporated municipalities within Goshen County.
    “Currently Goshen County does not have Zoning Regulations or Building Inspections.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Individual sanitary wastewater treatment facilities and septic tank permitting in Goshen County.

    • The Goshen County Land Use Plan states that the State delegated septic-tank permitting and standards-setting responsibility to Goshen County by contract.
    • The Wyoming DEQ page identifies Campbell, Carbon, Niobrara, Platte, and Weston Counties as DEQ permitting jurisdictions and states that other jurisdictions may require different forms or additional information.
    “Prior to constructing your small wastewater system, you must complete the attached application and submit it along with the $100.00 application fee (payable to Goshen County) to the Goshen County Engineer/Surveyor’s Office”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction of individual sanitary wastewater treatment facilities and conventional septic systems in Goshen County.

    • A county permit application is required before construction authorization.
    • The 2024 county application identifies a $100 Goshen County permit fee.
    • The application is revised 05/24.
    • Construction and approval conditions may include county standards and the permitting authority's review.

    permit fee: 100 USD

    “A permit application is required for all new systems, as well as all replacement tanks, replacement leachfields, or the replacement of complete systems.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Conventional septic sewage systems in Goshen County.

    • The applicant must contact the county planner 48 hours before covering the sewage system for final approval.
    • The form states that final approval is required before the system is covered.
    • The application states it is a statement of compliance with present standards only, not a guarantee of the sewage system.
    • The application revision is 05/24.

    advance notice before covering sewage system: 48 hours

    “To be sure someone is available to inspect upon completion, 48 hours’ notice is required for an inspection.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Conventional off-grid domestic wastewater systems using a septic tank and leachfield in Goshen County.

    • A permit application is required for all new systems and for replacement tanks, replacement leachfields, or replacement complete systems.
    • Before construction, the completed application and $100.00 Goshen County application fee must be submitted to the Goshen County Engineer/Surveyor’s Office at the specified Torrington address.
    • The application must include photos of an 8-foot-deep exploration pit and at least 3 percolation tests in the leachfield area.
    • The county generally reviews an application within 1-2 business days; 48 hours’ notice is required for inspection completion.
    • The conventional application package applies only to systems treating less than 2,000 gallons per day of domestic wastewater, with standard trench or bed disposal, at least four feet between the leachfield bottom and seasonal high groundwater, bedrock, or impervious clay, and soil percolation rates greater than 5 and less than 60 minutes per inch.
    • If those conventional criteria are not met, a non-conventional system may be required and the applicant must contact the district engineer.
    • The source does not state that a public-sewer connection is required to use this permit path.

    application fee: 100 USD · domestic wastewater flow: < 2000 gallons per day (Systems exceeding this threshold require contact with the Underground Injection Control Program.) · seasonal high groundwater, bedrock, or impervious clay depth below leachfield bottom: >= 4 feet · soil percolation rate: 5-60 minutes per inch (The source states greater than 5 and less than 60 minutes per inch.)

    “A permit application is required for all new systems, as well as all replacement tanks, replacement leachfields, or the replacement of complete systems.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land in unincorporated Goshen County.

    • The county Planning & GIS page warns that the Subdivision Regulations in the Land Use Plan are outdated and directs applicants to the separate Subdivision Regulations attachment.
    • Subdivision requirements and incorporated-municipality rules may differ.
    “The regulation and control of the subdivision of land in the unincorporated areas in each county is vested in the board of county commissioners of the county in which the land is located. [...] No person shall sell land subject to subdivision regulation under this article, record a plat or commence construction of a subdivision without first obtaining a subdivision permit pursuant to W.S. 18-5-306 or, if applicable, W.S. 18-5-316 from the board of the county in which the land is located.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Driveway or other construction affecting a Goshen County road right-of-way.

    • The source requires a Public Works construction permit for new construction or maintenance performed by others within a Goshen County right-of-way.
    • The source does not establish a permit requirement for every private driveway located wholly outside a county right-of-way.
    “(THIS PERMIT IS REQUIRED FOR ANY NEW CONSTRUCTION AND/OR MAINTENANCE OPERATION PERFORMED BY OTHERS WITHIN GOSHEN COUNTY RIGHT-OF-WAY. SPECIAL MAINTENANCE OR EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PERMITS MAY ALSO BE ISSUED)”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Small wastewater systems located in the floodplain in Goshen County; the cited source establishes septic-system conditions, not a comprehensive rule for all floodplain development.

    • For a system in the floodplain, the tank must have water-tight lids.
    • A backflow preventer must be installed at each end of the tank.
    • The planner must be contacted 48 hours before covering the sewage system for final approval.
    • The document is marked “Rev: 05/24”; this revision notation is not treated as an effective date.

    inspection/final approval notice: >= 48 hours (contact the planner before covering the sewage system)

    “If your system is in the floodplain, your tank must have water-tight lids and you will need to install a backflow preventer at each end of your tank. [...] CONTACT PLANNER 48 HOURS PRIOR TO COVERING SEWAGE SYSTEM FOR FINAL APPROVAL.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Goshen County Public Works construction or maintenance permits for work by others within county road rights-of-way.

    • The permit applies to new construction or maintenance within a Goshen County right-of-way.
    • The listed fees are nonrefundable.
    • Special maintenance permit cost may be determined jointly by county officials and the utility.

    inspection fee: 50 USD · marker fee: per 25 USD (each marker) · plan review fee: per 50 USD (number needed) · closure and filing fee: 25 USD · base permit fee: 125 USD

    “Inspection Fees $ 50.00 Marker Fees (Each) $ 25.00 Plan Review Fees $ 50.00”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Goshen County small wastewater system permit applications, including new systems and replacement tanks, replacement leachfields, or complete replacement systems.
      “Prior to constructing your small wastewater system, you must complete the attached application and submit it along with the $100.00 application fee (payable to Goshen County) to the Goshen County Engineer/Surveyor’s Office”
    • Published (with conditions) — Conventional small-wastewater permits administered through Goshen County.
      “$100.00 application fee (payable to Goshen County)”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Small wastewater system permitting in Goshen County, including new systems and replacement tanks, replacement leachfields, or complete replacement systems.

    • A completed application is required before construction.
    • The application must include photos of an 8-foot-deep exploration pit and at least three percolation tests in the leachfield area.
    • Applications are generally reviewed within 1–2 business days, after which the applicant is notified of questions or approval to construct.
    • The applicant must provide an estimated completion date.
    • At least 48 hours’ notice is required for inspection upon completion.
    • Before inspection, some backfilling around the tank up to the piping may be completed, but piping, the distribution box, and the entire leachfield must remain visible.
    • The county document is marked “Rev: 05/24”; this revision notation is not treated as an effective date.

    wastewater flow: < 2000 gallons per day (the county application package is for conventional small wastewater facilities; other systems may require different treatment or permitting) · application review time: 1-2 business days (the document states review will generally occur within this period) · inspection notice: >= 48 hours (notice is required before inspection upon completion)

    “Your application must be filled out completely, including photos of an 8-foot-deep exploration pit and at least 3 percolation tests, all in the leachfield area. Once an application is submitted, it will generally be reviewed within 1-2 business days and you will be notified of any questions or given approval to construct. At this time, you will be asked for an estimated completion date for the construction of your system. To be sure someone is available to inspect upon completion, 48 hours’ notice is required for an inspection.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic

Wyoming rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    State fire-marshal plan review before new construction, remodeling, or installation of aboveground flammable or combustible fuel storage tanks for specified buildings and facilities statewide, where the state retains authority.

    • The requirement is subject to W.S. 35-9-108(h), subsection (q), and W.S. 35-9-118.
    • Covered categories include state or local government buildings or structures; public buildings over 5,000 square feet including basement; multistory public buildings; child-care centers housing more than 10 children; specified public assembly and hospitality uses regardless of size; and public or private aboveground fuel-dispensing facilities.
    • The requirement does not apply to municipalities or counties that have received enforcement authority for fire safety standards under W.S. 35-9-121.
    • No covered new construction or remodeling may begin until the state fire marshal approves the plans.
    • If no written violation notice is given within 21 working days, plans are approved as submitted; corrected plans are approved if no written violation notice is given within 10 working days.
    • Plan review is not required for remodeling exempt from permitting under the International Code; special rules apply to remodeling affecting built-in fire protection systems and to projects subject to sole local plan-review authority.

    public-building floor area threshold: > 5000 square feet including basement · child-care occupancy threshold: > 10 children · initial plan-review response period: 21 working days (If no written violations are provided within this period, plans are approved as submitted.) · corrected-plan response period: 10 working days (If no written violations are provided within this period, corrected plans are approved as resubmitted.)

    “Except as provided under subsections (h) and (q) of this section and W.S. 35-9-118, prior to beginning any new construction, the remodeling of existing buildings or the installation of aboveground flammable or combustible fuel storage tanks, the owner or the owner's designated representative shall submit plans to the state fire marshal for review of the proposed project for compliance with applicable fire and electrical safety standards for:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    An owner, partner, or major stockholder of a family corporation installing electrical equipment on property owned or leased by that person in Goshen County, when the property is not for immediate resale.

    • The waiver concerns the requirement that electrical equipment be installed by licensed electrical contractors employing licensed master or journeyman electricians or registered apprentices supervised by them.
    • The property must be owned or leased by the person performing the installation or qualifying through the stated ownership relationship.
    • The property must not be for immediate resale.
    • The waiver does not exempt the person from meeting all other electrical-code requirements.
    • The exception does not apply to a person who contracts or subcontracts to or for an otherwise exempt person, partnership, or corporation.
    “This requirement is waived for the following”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — An owner installing electrical equipment on property the owner owns or leases, including a residential owner-builder in Goshen County.
      “Licensed electrical contractors employing licensed master or journeymen electricians, or registered apprentice electricians supervised by a licensed master or journeyman electrician shall install all electrical equipment. This requirement is waived for the following, however the waiver does not exempt the following persons from meeting all other code requirements under this act: (i) Property owned or leased by a person when the person, his partner or a major stockholder of a family corporation is installing the equipment and the property is not for immediate resale;”
    • 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.”
    • Conditional — Owner-builder construction subject to Wyoming fire, building, existing-building, or electrical safety enforcement.
      “The state fire marshal shall delegate complete authority to municipalities and counties which apply”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    The Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety's statewide adoption and administration of the 2024 International Building Code, including state fire-marshal plan review under the statutory categories in W.S. 35-9-108(a).

    • The 2024 International Building Code was adopted as part of Wyoming's 2024 International Codes on June 28, 2024.
    • The state fire-marshal plan-review requirement applies to state or local government-owned or leased buildings; public buildings over 5,000 square feet including basement; multistory public buildings; child-care centers housing more than 10 children; specified public assembly, hospitality, and entertainment uses regardless of size; and public or private aboveground fuel-dispensing facilities.
    • The statutory plan-review provision is subject to W.S. 35-9-108(h) and (q) and W.S. 35-9-118.
    • W.S. 35-9-108(h) excludes municipalities or counties that have received enforcement authority for fire-safety standards under W.S. 35-9-121.
    • Under W.S. 35-9-108(q), plan review is not required for remodeling exempt from permitting under the International Code; remodeling under $40,000 affecting a built-in fire-protection system requires review with a fee of no more than $50 per hour; remodeling costing $40,000 or more requires review and fees under W.S. 35-9-108(d); and submission to the state fire marshal is not required when review is submitted to a local governmental entity with sole plan-review authority under W.S. 35-9-121(b).
    • W.S. 35-9-118 excludes farms or ranches of 40 acres or more on deeded land; specified hospitals and health-care facilities except as permitted under W.S. 35-9-121.1; mines and appurtenant facilities, oil-field operations, petroleum refineries, and liquefied petroleum gas facilities; specified railway property and equipment; and specified utility automotive equipment. The state fire marshal may still assist those properties or local governmental entities upon request under W.S. 35-9-121.
    • The Wyoming State Fire Marshal's plan-review page states that plans must be accepted or rejected within 5 business days, complete-submittal review is generally completed within 21 business days after acceptance, fees are due before issuance of a Permit to Construct, and no work may begin before that permit is issued.
    • Local enforcement authority requires state delegation under W.S. 35-9-121; a local authority's standards must be equivalent to or more stringent than the department's standards, and local authority can revert to the department if required standards are not maintained.

    building code edition: 2024 International Building Code · adoption date: 2024-06-28 · public-building plan-review threshold: > 5000 square feet of total floor area including basement · child-care plan-review threshold: > 10 children housed · remodeling review threshold: 40000 USD (Remodeling below this amount affecting a built-in fire-protection system is reviewed at no more than $50 per hour; remodeling at or above this amount is subject to W.S. 35-9-108(d).) · remodeling fire-protection review fee cap: <= 50 USD per hour (Applies to remodeling costing less than $40,000 that affects a built-in fire-protection system.)

    “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 2026 National Electrical Code”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — State-adopted building, fire, fuel-and-gas, mechanical, existing-building, and electrical codes applicable in Goshen County where Wyoming state plan-review jurisdiction applies.
      “The State of Wyoming, on June 28, 2024 adopted the 2024 International Codes.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Wyoming minimum fire and related building standards, subject to statutory exemptions and any valid local enforcement authority.
      “The State of Wyoming, on June 28, 2024 adopted the 2024 International Codes.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    New construction or remodeling subject to Wyoming state fire-marshal plan review, including state or local government buildings, public buildings over 5,000 square feet, multistory public buildings, child-care centers housing more than 10 children, specified public assembly uses, and public or private aboveground fuel-dispensing facilities.

    • Before construction, remodeling, or covered fuel-tank installation, plans must be submitted for state fire-marshal review unless a statutory exception applies.
    • The state fire-marshal plan-review requirement does not apply to municipalities or counties that have received fire-safety enforcement authority under W.S. 35-9-121.
    • After covered new construction or remodeling, the state fire marshal must inspect for conformance with the plan review.
    • A newly constructed covered building may not be used or occupied until the certificate of occupancy is issued; a remodeled building receives a letter of compliance instead.
    • The quoted statute does not establish a state certificate-of-occupancy requirement for ordinary private single-family residential construction outside the listed covered categories.

    public-building floor area threshold: > 5000 square feet (including basement) · child-care center occupancy threshold: > 10 children

    “Except as provided under subsections (h) and (q) of this section and W.S. 35-9-118, prior to beginning any new construction, the remodeling of existing buildings or the installation of aboveground flammable or combustible fuel storage tanks, the owner or the owner's designated representative shall submit plans to the state fire marshal for review of the proposed project for compliance with applicable fire and electrical safety standards for: (i) Buildings or structures owned or leased by the state or local governmental entities; (ii) Public buildings over five thousand (5,000) square feet of total floor area including basement; (iii) Multistory public buildings; (iv) Buildings intended for use as child care centers housing more than ten (10) children; (v) Public bars, public lounges, restaurants, night clubs, lodge halls, theaters, churches or public meeting places regardless of size; (vi) Public and private aboveground fuel dispensing facilities. [...] (h) Nothing in this section shall apply to municipalities or counties which have received enforcement authority for fire safety standards under W.S. 35-9-121. [...] (n) 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Newly constructed buildings in Goshen County that are subject to state fire-marshal plan review under W.S. 35-9-108(a).
      “shall issue a certificate of occupancy”
    • Limited — Newly constructed buildings subject to state fire-marshal plan review statewide.
      “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.”
  • 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 — Construction of a water well or other means of obtaining underground water for beneficial use in Goshen County, under Wyoming statewide groundwater law.
      “Any person who intends to acquire the right to beneficial use of any underground water in the state of Wyoming, shall, before commencing construction of any well or other means of obtaining underground water or performing any work in connection with construction or proposed appropriation of underground water or any manner utilizing the water for beneficial purposes, shall file with the State Engineer an application for a permit to make the appropriation (i.e., an Application for Permit to Appropriate Ground Water, or a U.W. 5 Form) and shall not proceed with any construction or work until a permit is granted by the State Engineer (W.S. 41-3-930).”
    • Required — A person seeking the right to beneficial use of underground water in Wyoming through a well or other means of obtaining underground water.
      “Any person who intends to acquire the right to beneficial use of any underground water in the state of Wyoming, shall, before commencing construction of any well or other means of obtaining underground water or performing any work in connection with construction or proposed appropriation of underground water or any manner utilizing the water for beneficial purposes, shall file with the State Engineer an application for a permit to make the appropriation (i.e., an Application for Permit to Appropriate Ground Water, or a U.W. 5 Form) and shall not proceed with any construction or work until a permit is granted by the State Engineer (W.S. 41-3-930).”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    State subdivision-regulation exemptions for agricultural-purpose land divisions, including land in Goshen County.

    • 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 exemption is subject to requirements that a county board of commissioners may adopt regarding documentation of proper use and implementation of exemptions.
    • Separately, land parcels of 35 acres or larger are generally exempt from the article, but must have binding and recordable ingress, egress, and utility easements at least 40 feet wide to a public road unless waived by the grantee or transferee in a binding and recordable document.
    • This claim concerns subdivision regulation, not a general exemption from building, septic, tax, or other requirements.

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

    “Unless the method of sale or other disposition is adopted for the purpose of evading the provisions of this article, this article shall not apply to the following subdivisions of land however, the following subdivisions are subject to requirements which may be adopted by the board of county commissioners regarding documentation of the proper use and implementation of the following exemptions: [...] (vii) A division which is a sale or other disposition of land for agricultural purposes or affects the alignment of property lines for agricultural purposes;”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Certain divisions of land in unincorporated Wyoming made for agricultural purposes or affecting agricultural property-line alignment.
      “A division which is a sale or other disposition of land for agricultural purposes or affects the alignment of property lines for agricultural purposes;”
    • 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 rentalsLimited

    Short-term rentals of detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes statewide, solely for purposes of fire, building, and electrical standards.

    • This provision addresses treatment as a commercial use for fire, building, and electrical standards and regulation under the International Building Code; it does not establish whether a particular county or municipality permits, limits, or prohibits short-term rentals under other authority.
    • The act states that it is effective July 1, 2015.

    effective date: 2015-07-01

    “Notwithstanding any other provision of law, short term rental of detached one (1) and two (2) family dwellings and townhomes shall not be regulated as a commercial use for purposes of fire, building and electrical standards and shall not be subject to regulation under the International Building Code.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed — Short-term rental of detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes for purposes of Wyoming fire, building, and electrical standards.
      “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.

  • Mandatory utility hookup — Water or sewer utility connection requirements for property in Goshen 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.

Water rights & wells in Goshen County

Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from Wyoming’s water agency.

Managed area

Groundwater is actively managed here, but a small household well is generally still available.

Household wellPermit required (issued by right)

Unlike most exempt-well states, Wyoming requires a permit for every well including domestic and stock, but the permit for a small domestic/stock well is a simple, routinely granted filing and those uses carry a preferred right (W.S. 41-3-907).

Limit: All wells require a State Engineer's Office permit before drilling; small domestic/stock wells (≤25 gpm) are a routine registration and hold statutory preferred rights

Wyoming State Engineer's Office — Ground Water ↗
  • Prairie Center Control Arealocalized of county

    Advisory-board control area in the Goshen County High Plains aquifer; new appropriations subject to control-area review (spacing, public notice) and can be denied if not in the public interest.

    Wyoming State Engineer's Office — Ground Water ↗

Prior-appropriation state (first in time, first in right). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the Wyoming state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.

Living off-grid in Goshen County, Wyoming

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

Goshen County scores 45/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: weak self-sufficiency basics: only 14.7″ of rain a year, in severe drought 22.8% of years and elevated current hazard exposure.

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

Goshen 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 Goshen County Planning & GIS (small wastewater under DEQ delegation). 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 Goshen County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Goshen County is allowed: RV occupancy on private land in unincorporated Goshen County, Wyoming, insofar as county zoning regulation is concerned. The finding addresses county land-use zoning only and does not determine rules imposed by incorporated municipalities, state agencies, septic or wastewater authorities, subdivision regulations, health requirements, or other non-zoning laws. The county source states that Goshen County does not have zoning regulations; it does not affirmatively authorize RV occupancy under other applicable laws. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Goshen County, Wyoming?

Land in Goshen County runs about $1,871 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Goshen County?

Goshen County gets about 14.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 22.8% of years. On water rights, Goshen County lies in the Prairie Center Control Area — Advisory-board control area in the Goshen County High Plains aquifer; new appropriations subject to control-area review (spacing, public notice) and can be denied if not in the public interest..

How remote is Goshen County?

A typical private-land location has about 1,275 people within 15 miles and 284,967 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Goshen compares in Wyoming

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