Bolthole Index

Hot Springs County, Wyoming

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Hot Springs County, Wyoming

56Index Score / 100
#14 of 23 in Wyoming

Unincorporated Hot Springs County, Wyoming does not require a general residential building permit, but the county directs anyone planning new construction to contact the Planning Office first12. Hot Springs County applies land-use regulations similar to zoning, and the Planning Office approves residential septic permits34. County building-code adoption and general building inspections could not be confirmed, so ask the Planning Office before finalizing plans.

At a glance

Building permit
No general residential building permit reported; contact Planning before new construction12
Zoning
County land-use regulations operate similarly to zoning3
Septic permit
Required for installation, repair, or replacement; approved by the county Planning Office54
RV living
Long-term occupancy could not be confirmed; ask the Planning Office6
Tiny home
Occupancy and dimensional rules could not be confirmed; ask the Planning Office6
Owner-builder
An owner may act as general contractor on a primary residence; local approvals and electrical rules still apply7
Well permit
State approval is required before drilling or developing a qualifying spring8
Septic soils
Only 15.1% of soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field9

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Hot Springs County Planning Office

Land-development review, land-use requests, addressing, subdivision guidance, statutory exemptions, and residential septic permits

307-864-2961

415 Arapahoe, Thermopolis, WY 82443

Roads & driveways

Hot Springs County Road & Bridge

County-road maintenance and questions involving county roads

307-864-3497

740 Springview, Thermopolis, WY 82443

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 7, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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Do you need a building permit in Hot Springs County, Wyoming?

Unincorporated Hot Springs County does not administer a general residential building permit1. Treat that answer narrowly: Hot Springs County directs anyone proposing new construction to contact the Planning Office first to determine which county and state rules apply2. The office reviews development and land divisions on private land and supplies applications for land-use changes and related requests, so land-development approval may still apply102. Wyoming has adopted statewide fire and building safety codes, including the International Building Code, for work under state authority11. We could not confirm that Hot Springs County has adopted a county building code, conducts general building inspections, or issues certificates of occupancy. An owner may act as general contractor on a primary residence, although local approvals and Wyoming electrical requirements still apply7.

Who handles Hot Springs County permits, and how do you reach them?

The Hot Springs County Planning Office is the first stop for rural construction, land-use requests, property addressing, subdivisions, statutory exemptions, and residential septic permits6. Call 307-864-2961 or visit 415 Arapahoe, Thermopolis, Wyoming, before construction or land division begins6. Applications for land-use changes, subdivisions, and related requests come from the Planning Office, which also reviews and approves residential septic applications and permits2. The Planning Office coordinates county fire numbers for rural parcels6. For land on a county road, Hot Springs County Road & Bridge maintains county roads and can answer road questions at 307-864-3497 or 740 Springview, Thermopolis, Wyoming12. A county driveway-permit rule could not be confirmed, so describe the proposed entrance and road when you call.

Does Hot Springs County have zoning?

Hot Springs County has land-use regulations covering its unincorporated area that operate similarly to zoning but are not classic Euclidean zoning3. The county uses agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and airport land-use categories, and some commercial uses have parking requirements3. Numeric setbacks, minimum lot size, lot coverage, building height, and minimum dwelling size could not be confirmed. Ask the Planning Office for the parcel's category and a parcel-specific determination before relying on a seller's description of land as unrestricted6. Incorporated towns may apply their own rules because Wyoming county zoning authority applies to unincorporated land and cannot override municipal zoning authority13.

How do septic permits work in Hot Springs County?

A permit is required for a residential septic system in Hot Springs County, and construction may not begin before the permitting authority issues authorization5. The Hot Springs County Planning Office reviews and approves residential septic applications and permits4. Site conditions deserve early attention because only 15.1% of Hot Springs County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field9. That countywide rating does not decide whether an individual parcel will work, so take the parcel location and proposed home details to the Planning Office before settling on a house site6. The county's inspection stages and current septic fee could not be confirmed; ask the Planning Office about both when requesting the application.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Hot Springs County?

We could not confirm a Hot Springs County rule that expressly allows or prohibits long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping, or tiny-home occupancy on private rural land. Hot Springs County has land-use regulations in its unincorporated area, and the Planning Office identifies which county and state rules apply to proposed development32. Tell the Planning Office whether the unit will be on wheels or a foundation, whether it will be occupied during construction, and how wastewater will be handled6. A tiny home using a residential septic system needs county approval before septic construction begins54. The absence of a confirmed occupancy rule is not permission; obtain a parcel-specific answer before buying land or moving a unit onsite.

How do you build a home in Hot Springs County, step by step?

  1. Call the Hot Springs County Planning Office at 307-864-2961 with the parcel number and project description; the county directs people proposing new construction to contact the office first62.
  1. Confirm the parcel's land-use category and obtain any land-use application the Planning Office says applies32.
  1. Obtain a county fire number if the property needs an address; the Planning Office coordinates those numbers6.
  1. Apply through the Planning Office for residential septic approval before construction begins45.
  1. Obtain an approved Wyoming groundwater permit before well drilling or qualifying spring development; domestic and stock filing fees are $508.
  1. If the project divides land, start with the Planning Office: it reviews private land divisions, while the state identifies the county as reviewer for 1 to 5 lots and directs applicants to verify the criteria1014. A subdivision application must include a county-set fee that cannot exceed processing cost15.

What should you check before buying land in Hot Springs County?

Start with wastewater: only 15.1% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so confirm a workable septic location before choosing the building site9. Secure water next because Hot Springs County averages 13.3 inches of precipitation a year, and Wyoming requires an approved permit before drilling a groundwater well168. Confirm legal access and recorded easements; Wyoming's large-parcel subdivision rule generally exempts parcels of at least 35 acres but requires recordable access and utility easements at least 40 feet wide unless properly waived17. Ask the Planning Office about the parcel's land-use category, address status, subdivision history, required applications, and the current fee before dividing land31015. Floodplain permit applicability could not be confirmed for Hot Springs County, so ask the Planning Office about mapped flood hazards before placing a home. Property taxes average about 0.6%, with a median annual bill near $1,2021819.

Watch-outs

  • Hot Springs County does not require a general residential building permit, but anyone proposing new construction should contact the Planning Office first12.
  • Only 15.1% of Hot Springs County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, and residential septic construction requires county approval95.
  • RV living, tiny-home occupancy, setbacks, and minimum dwelling size remain unconfirmed; ask the Planning Office for a parcel-specific answer6.

Sources

  1. Wyoming County Commissioners Association - County Zoning, Licensing and Permitting Survey (2026 county census)
  2. Planner - Hot Springs County Wyoming, quoted and re-checked
  3. County Zoning, Licensing and Permitting, quoted and re-checked
  4. Planner - Hot Springs County Wyoming, quoted and re-checked
  5. Planner - Hot Springs County Wyoming, quoted and re-checked
  6. Hot Springs County Planning Office (hscounty.com)
  7. Startup Resources — Wyoming Business Council (Wyoming statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. Wyoming State Engineer's Office - General Processes, quoted and re-checked
  9. 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
  10. Planner - Hot Springs County Wyoming, quoted and re-checked
  11. Wyoming Administrative Rules, Chapter 1, General Provisions, quoted and re-checked
  12. Hot Springs County Road & Bridge (hscounty.com)
  13. Wyoming Statutes, Title 18, W.S. 18-5-201 (Wyoming statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Subdivision Review - Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, quoted and re-checked
  15. Title 18 Wyoming Statutes, quoted and re-checked
  16. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  17. Wyoming Statutes, Title 18 (Wyoming statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  19. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 7, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 4 of its 6 neighbors, Hot Springs County requires no county building permit for a home.

RuleHot Springs CountyFremont CountyWashakie CountyPark CountyBig Horn CountySublette CountyTeton County
Building permitNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredRequiredRequiredLimitedRequired
County zoningYesNoNoYesNoYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Planning OfficeCounty Planning Dept.County PlannerCounty Planning & ZoningCounty Land Planning Dept.County Planning & Zoning Dept.County Engineering Dept.

County locator

Hot Springs County in Wyoming

56
County map
Hot Springs County highlighted among the Wyoming counties · colored by Index score

How Hot Springs County scores

Seclusion88100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency2396% ev.
Admin Boringness6890% ev.
Durability41100% ev.
Property Autonomy74100% ev.
Carry Cost8896% ev.

Evidence strength: 97%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$245kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$823Land / acre
13.3"Annual rain
14.9% of yrsSevere drought
3.5 / yr (+3.2)Mid-century 100°F days
23.6 daysMid-century dry spell
1" (+7.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.18×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,254Home insurance / yr
1.7% / yrInsurance growth
0.8%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
465Radius comparison (15 mi)
2.3People / sq mi
42.2%Federal land
60.2%Land at 15% slope or less
15.1%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
100,674 acWorkable land screen
10.7%Wooded land
7.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac
43.7°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Hot Springs 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.

Town of East Thermopolis · Town of Kirby · Town of Thermopolis

Answers from the rulebook for Hot Springs County

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

Hot Springs County rules

  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Hot Springs County land-use regulation, including unincorporated county areas.

    • The official survey describes the regulations as similar to zoning but not classic Euclidean zoning.
    • The survey identifies some parking requirements for certain commercial uses.
    • The survey states that few commercial activities occur in the unincorporated portion of the county.
    “Hot Springs County has land use regulations similar to zoning, but they are not classic Euclidian zoning.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Hot Springs County land-use regulation, including the county's unincorporated portion.

    • The county survey describes the regulations as similar to zoning but not classic Euclidean zoning.
    • The survey identifies agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and airport categories.
    • Some parking requirements apply to certain commercial uses.
    • The survey states that there are few commercial activities in the unincorporated portion of the county.
    “Hot Springs County has land use regulations similar to zoning, but they are not classic Euclidian zoning.”
  • Zoning districtsPartial

    Hot Springs County land-use categories reported in the official county survey.

    • The survey lists Agriculture, Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, and Airport categories.
    • The survey expressly states that the system is similar to zoning but is not classic Euclidean zoning.
    “Agricultural, Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Airport”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Residential septic-system permitting in Hot Springs County.

    • The county page specifically addresses residential septic systems.
    • Other state requirements may apply depending on system type and jurisdiction.
    “Applications and permits for residential septic systems are reviewed and approved by the Hot Springs County Planning Office.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • County — Residential septic-system permitting in Hot Springs County.
      “Applications and permits for residential septic systems are reviewed and approved by the Hot Springs County Planning Office.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation, repair, or replacement of residential septic systems in Hot Springs County.

    • Hot Springs County Planning Office reviews and approves residential septic applications and permits.
    • Wyoming DEQ states that a permit is required for installation, repair, or replacement of small wastewater systems; the applicable permitting authority may require different forms or additional information.
    • Construction may not commence until the permitting authority issues authorization.
    “A permit is required for the installation, repair or replacement of small wastewater systems, also known as septic tanks and leach fields.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Residential septic systems in Hot Springs County.
      “Construction may not commence until the permitting authority issues authorization.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Proposed developments and land divisions on private lands within Hot Springs County.

    • The county Planning Office reviews proposed developments and land divisions on private lands within the county.
    • Applications for land-use changes, subdivisions, and related requests must be obtained from the Planning Office.
    • The Planning Office determines who may qualify for statutory exemptions from county subdivision requirements.
    • The county page advises contacting the Planning Office before dividing land to determine which county and state regulations may apply.
    “The Hot Springs County Planning Office reviews proposed developments and land divisions on private lands within the county.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Proposed developments and land divisions on private lands within Hot Springs County.
      “Applications for land-use changes, subdivisions, and related requests must be obtained from the Planning Office.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Published Hot Springs County Planning Office processes for land-use changes, subdivisions, related requests, and residential septic permits.

    • Applications for land-use changes, subdivisions, and related requests must be obtained from the Planning Office.
    • The Planning Office determines eligibility for statutory exemptions from county subdivision requirements.
    • Residential septic applications and permits are reviewed and approved by the Planning Office.
    • Applicants are advised to contact the Planning Office before construction, land division, or other development work to identify applicable county and state requirements.
    “Applications and permits for residential septic systems are reviewed and approved by the Hot Springs County Planning Office.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — County land-use, subdivision, and septic permitting processes in Hot Springs County.
      “Anyone proposing new construction or considering dividing land should contact the Planning Office first to determine which County and State regulations may apply.”

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:”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

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

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

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

    • The requirement is subject to W.S. 35-9-108(h), subsection (q), and W.S. 35-9-118.
    • It applies after new construction is completed and after the state fire marshal inspects the building and determines conformance with the plan review or amended plan review.
    • A remodeled building receives a letter of compliance rather than a certificate of occupancy.
    • No newly constructed or remodeled building may be used or occupied until the required certificate of occupancy or letter of compliance is issued.
    • The state fire marshal may order use and occupancy to cease if the building is used before issuance.
    • The state fire marshal requirement does not apply where a municipality or county has received enforcement authority under W.S. 35-9-121.
    “Except as provided under subsections (h) and (q) of this section and W.S. 35-9-118, after new construction or remodeling of buildings is completed, the state fire marshal shall inspect the building and determine conformance with the plan review or amended plan review. If he finds conformance, the state fire marshal shall issue a certificate of occupancy for a newly constructed building and a letter of compliance for a remodeled building. No newly constructed or remodeled building shall be used or occupied until the state fire marshal has issued a certificate of occupancy or letter of compliance.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

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

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

    Groundwater wells and qualifying springs in Hot Springs County under Wyoming statewide rules.

    • An approved U.W. 5 permit is required before drilling or spring development.
    • Springs over 25 gallons per minute, or springs used for non-domestic or non-stock purposes, must be permitted through the Surface Water Division.
    • The application must include the appropriate filing fee.
    • Domestic, stock, and other uses have different state fees; the cited page lists domestic and stock fees as $50.00 and miscellaneous fees as $75.00.
    • The State Engineer states that wells must be drilled by a Wyoming-licensed water-well drilling contractor and pumps installed by a Wyoming-licensed pump-installation contractor.

    domestic filing fee: 50 USD · stock filing fee: 50 USD · spring threshold: <= 25 gallons per minute (For domestic or stock use through the Ground Water Division)

    “Do I need a permit to drill a water well? Yes. Any person who intends to acquire the right to beneficial use of any underground water in the state of Wyoming, shall, before commencing construction of any well or other means of obtaining underground water or performing any work in connection with construction or proposed appropriation of underground water or any manner utilizing the water for beneficial purposes, shall file with the State Engineer an application for a permit to make the appropriation (i.e., an Application for Permit to Appropriate Ground Water, or a U.W. 5 Form) and shall not proceed with any construction or work until a permit is granted by the State Engineer (W.S. 41-3-930).”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction of a groundwater well or development of a spring in Wyoming, including domestic and stock wells or springs flowing at most 25 gallons per minute.
      “Wells and Springs - Before you drill a well, or develop a spring* (that flows less than or equal to 25 gallons per minute (gpm) and will be used f or D omestic and/or Stock W atering use only), you must submit an "Application for Permit to Appropriate Ground Water", or U.W. 5 Form, to the Ground Water Division and receive an approved permit prior to commencement of any drilling or spring development activities.”
    • Required — A person seeking the right to beneficial use of underground water in Wyoming through a well or other means of obtaining underground water.
      “Any person who intends to acquire the right to beneficial use of any underground water in the state of Wyoming, shall, before commencing construction of any well or other means of obtaining underground water or performing any work in connection with construction or proposed appropriation of underground water or any manner utilizing the water for beneficial purposes, shall file with the State Engineer an application for a permit to make the appropriation (i.e., an Application for Permit to Appropriate Ground Water, or a U.W. 5 Form) and shall not proceed with any construction or work until a permit is granted by the State Engineer (W.S. 41-3-930).”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

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

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

    Construction of an access driveway on Wyoming Department of Transportation right-of-way or the state highway system.

    • The application is submitted to the local WYDOT Maintenance Foreman, who reviews it and submits the paperwork to the District Traffic Engineer.
    • Two copies of the completed and signed M-3A form are required.
    • The planned ingress or egress must be identified as field, residential, commercial, or major access.
    • Commercial access includes development serving 10 or more family residences.
    • Major access includes access generating more than 50 trip ends in any hour of a typical day or a public street or access.
    • Additional site drawings, ownership information, traffic estimates, and proposed-work details are required.

    commercial-access residential threshold: >= 10 family residences · major-access traffic threshold: > 50 trip ends in any hour

    “I, the undersigned property owner, request permission to construct an access driveway on Wyoming Department of Transportation right-of-way”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Sale or other disposition of parcels 35 acres or larger subject to Wyoming subdivision law.
      “Except as provided in W.S. 18-5-316, this article shall not apply to the sale or other disposition of land where the parcels involved are thirty-five (35) acres or larger, subject to the requirement that ingress and egress and utility easements shall be provided to each parcel by binding and recordable easements of not less than forty (40) feet in width to a public road unless specifically waived by the grantee or transferee in a binding and recordable document.”
  • 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”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Stormwater general permit authorizations administered by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality under the WYPDES program, including construction stormwater authorizations.

    • Beginning July 1, 2013, permit fees for individual permits and general permit authorizations must be submitted with the permit application or NOI form.
    • The fee must be calculated using the Fee Calculator and depends on the NOI date.
    • For mineral mining stormwater general permit authorizations, the fee depends on the coverage start date and length of the permit term.
    • Fees are $200 per 12-month period and are not prorated for partial years.
    • The Wyoming DEQ page states that stormwater permit fees changed to $200 per 12-month period on July 1, 2020, with a maximum fee of $1,000 for a five-year term; permit fees cannot be prorated for partial years.
    • A qualifying small-construction erosivity waiver has no application fee when the application is received at least 30 days before construction starts and the project qualifies.

    fee: per 200 USD per 12-month period (No proration for partial years.) · maximum fee: 1000 USD per five-year term · fee determination: NOI date, coverage start date, and permit-term length

    “All storm water general permit authorizations have variable fees that must be calculated depending upon the coverage start date and length of permit term.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Variable (with conditions) — Subdivision permit applications, including subdivision permitting administered by Hot Springs County.
      “Each application for a subdivision permit shall be accompanied by a reasonable fee not to exceed the cost of processing the application as determined by the board. All fees collected shall be credited to the county general fund.”
    • Variable (with conditions) — Wyoming DEQ storm-water individual permits and general-permit authorizations for construction activities.
      “All storm water authorizations have variable fees”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    County regulation of the location and use of buildings and structures and the use, condition of use or occupancy of land in unincorporated areas of Wyoming.

    • The authority is exercised by each board of county commissioners for the unincorporated area of the county.
    • County zoning may not contravene the zoning authority of an incorporated city or town.
    • A zoning resolution or plan may not prevent a use or occupancy reasonably necessary for extraction or production of mineral resources.
    • A board may not require land use or physical development to be consistent with a local land use plan unless the applicable plan provisions have been incorporated into local zoning regulations.
    • Minimum lot size requirements or other zoning measures may not prevent residential or agricultural uses authorized for land divisions exempt from subdivision requirements under W.S. 18-5-303(a)(i).
    • Private schools meeting the statutory requirements may not be regulated differently from public schools: certification by the professional engineer or architect of record, capacity for fifty (50) students or more, and ownership and operation by a not-for-profit entity.
    “To promote the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of the county, each board of county commissioners may regulate and restrict the location and use of buildings and structures and the use, condition of use or occupancy of lands for residence, recreation, agriculture, industry, commerce, public use and other purposes in the unincorporated area of the county.”
  • county building authorityLimited

    County enforcement and interpretation of local or state fire, building, existing-building, and electrical safety standards, including residential construction in unincorporated areas, when the county obtains local enforcement authority under W.S. 35-9-121.

    • A county must apply for local enforcement authority and receive delegation from the state fire marshal by letter.
    • Before initial delegation, the state fire marshal must determine that the county has adopted minimum standards by ordinance or resolution equivalent to or more stringent than applicable department standards.
    • If the county fails to adopt new standards within six (6) months after department adoption, or fails to maintain standards at least meeting statewide standards, enforcement authority immediately reverts to the department.
    • For fire and building code enforcement, inspectors employed or contracted after July 1, 2010 must be certified by the International Code Council or the International Conference of Building Officials.
    • If electrical-code authority is requested, an electrical inspector must be certified by the International Code Council or International Association of Electrical Inspectors and licensed by Wyoming as a journeyman or master electrician.
    • If the county fails to maintain a required certified inspector, enforcement authority reverts to the department one hundred twenty (120) days after the inspector leaves.
    • A local governmental entity may assume sole plan-review authority and sole construction-inspection authority on approved plans, subject to the statutory certification requirements.
    • If local code provisions are more stringent than adopted state codes, the local code prevails.
    • The statute grants authority to enforce and interpret building standards; it does not establish that every Wyoming county universally requires a residential building permit without county-specific implementation.

    new standards adoption deadline: 6 months (following adoption of new standards by the department) · certification applicability date: July 1, 2010 (inspectors employed or contracted after this date) · authority reversion period after certified inspector leaves: 120 days

    “The state fire marshal shall delegate complete authority to municipalities and counties which apply to enforce and interpret local or state fire, building, existing building standards or electrical safety standards which meet the requirements of this section. The state fire marshal shall notify the governing body of the municipality or county of the minimum standards and requirements of this act and W.S. 16-6-501 and 16-6-502 and transfer jurisdiction and authority by letter.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Inspections — Residential building inspections in Hot Springs County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum residential dwelling size in Hot Springs County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in Hot Springs County.
  • Setbacks — Building setbacks in Hot Springs County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage limits in Hot Springs County.
8 more unanswered
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Septic inspection
  • Mandatory utility hookup

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 Hot Springs County, Wyoming

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

Hot Springs County scores 56/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and deep seclusion — about 465 people within 15 miles. Watch-outs: weak self-sufficiency basics: only 13.3″ of rain a year and elevated current hazard exposure.

Do you need a building permit in Hot Springs County, Wyoming?

Hot Springs County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Hot Springs County Planning Office. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Hot Springs County, Wyoming?

Land in Hot Springs County runs about $823 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Hot Springs County?

Hot Springs County gets about 13.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 14.9% of years.

How remote is Hot Springs County?

A typical private-land location has about 465 people within 15 miles and 181,971 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Hot Springs compares in Wyoming

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