Bolthole Index

Laramie County, Wyoming

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

50Index Score / 100
#17 of 23 in Wyoming

Unincorporated Laramie County, Wyoming requires a building permit for a home, issued by Laramie County Planning & Development, which also administers county zoning123. Incorporated cities and towns may run separate municipal zoning3. Septic systems under 2,000 gallons a day are permitted through Environmental Health, a separate office45.

At a glance

Building permit
Required in unincorporated Laramie County6
Zoning
Yes — 2025 Land Use Regulations with LU, RRC, RRH and RRL districts7
Septic permit
Laramie County Environmental Health, for systems under 2,000 gallons/day4
Owner-builder
Allowed on your own primary residence; permits and inspections still required8
Well permit
State permit (U.W. 5 form) required before drilling; $50 filing fee9
Subdivision / driveway easement
Parcels 35+ acres are generally exempt from the subdivision-permit process but need a recorded 40-ft easement to a public road10
Floodplain permit
Required for building in a FEMA-mapped flood hazard area11

Who to call

Building permits

Laramie County Planning & Development

Building/IRC permits, inspections, code enforcement and zoning administration for unincorporated Laramie County

(307) 633-4303

building@laramiecountywy.gov

3966 Archer Pkwy Cheyenne, WY 82009

Online permits →

Septic permits

Environmental Health (Cheyenne-Laramie County Public Health)

Small wastewater (septic) system permits and inspections for Laramie County

307.633.4090

Floodplain permits

Laramie County Planning & Development (Floodplain Information)

Floodplain maps, flood-hazard information and floodplain development questions for unincorporated Laramie County

307-633-4303

3966 Archer Pkwy Cheyenne, WY 82009

Roads & driveways

Laramie County Public Works

Driveway/access permits onto county roads in unincorporated Laramie County

(307) 633-4302

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

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

Yes. Laramie County Planning & Development requires a building permit before construction begins in unincorporated Laramie County, and inspections are required as the work proceeds612. Exceptions exist for some accessory buildings and agricultural buildings; for detached accessory structures, the permit-exemption threshold moved from 200 to 400 square feet on December 2, 202513. Laramie County's amended 2024 International Codes took effect January 1, 2025 and cover building, residential, fire, plumbing, mechanical, fuel-gas and existing-building work administered by the county14. The county has deferred application and inspection enforcement of commercial building permits to the Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety, but residential-code enforcement stays with the county1. County guidance says that on your primary residence you may do all of the work yourself, including electrical work, as long as it meets the adopted codes15.

Who issues building permits in Laramie County, and how do you reach them?

Laramie County Planning & Development is the building department for unincorporated Laramie County, at 3966 Archer Pkwy, Cheyenne, WY 820091. Call (307) 633-4303 for permitting questions, (307) 633-4615 to schedule an inspection, or email building@laramiecountywy.gov for building-permit information1. Residential applicants must apply through the county's online portal and provide the required materials, including a plot plan, foundation details, building plans, applicable ownership evidence and fees; an incomplete or unpaid application will not enter processing16. The county states that plan review takes 10 business days after complete payment16. The former Citizen Access Portal is offline, but legacy records remain available at the office kiosk and staff can make parcel information available in the SmartGov public portal after an email request1.

Does Laramie County have zoning?

Yes. Laramie County adopted the 2025 Laramie County Land Use Regulations along with an Unincorporated Zone District Map that sorts county land into districts, including the rural categories LU, RR, RRH and RRL and the urban categories URLD, URMD and URHD717. The county's zoning rules apply everywhere except incorporated cities and towns and federally owned land, so ask the city or town about land inside municipal limits183. Minimum lot sizes in the rural districts are 5.25 to 10.4 acres in RR, 10.5 acres and up in RRH and 5.25 acres in LU; RRL covers older lots of 0.1 to 5.24 acres recorded before the new regulations19. In the urban districts a single-family lot needs at least 8,000 square feet in URLD, 4,000 in URMD and 2,000 in URHD, and URLD principal-structure setbacks are 20 feet front, 20 feet rear and 10 feet on the sides2021. Confirm the parcel's district on the county parcel viewer, then call Planning & Development with the parcel number191. Wyoming law gives every county board of commissioners general authority to regulate land use in unincorporated areas, but not to block agricultural use or mineral extraction22.

How do septic permits work in Laramie County?

Septic and other small wastewater systems in Laramie County are permitted through Environmental Health, not Planning & Development and not a state office, for any system that treats less than 2,000 gallons of domestic wastewater a day4. Wyoming DEQ's small-wastewater program permits directly only in Campbell County (commercial systems), and Carbon, Niobrara, Platte and Weston Counties; every other Wyoming jurisdiction, Laramie County included, runs its own permitting under that same general framework23. All small wastewater systems, whether residential or commercial, must be permitted before installation, repair or modification5. A system generating 2,000 gallons a day or more instead goes to Wyoming DEQ's Water Quality Division24. Soils matter here: USDA's soil survey rates about half of Laramie County's soil, 49.7%, as not severely limited for a conventional drain field, so plan on a site evaluation and be ready for an engineered system on the other half25.

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

It depends on the zoning district. In the unincorporated rural districts RR, RRH, RRL and LU, county guidance says you can live in a tiny home on wheels, but you must have a permit2618. In the urban residential districts URLD, URMD and URHD, county guidance says no to living in a tiny home on wheels or an RV on the property27. For an RV on a rural-district parcel, we could not confirm a rule, so ask Laramie County Planning & Development before you rely on it1. Inside an incorporated city or town these county district rules do not apply3. Statewide rules about licensed campgrounds and RV parks do not answer whether you can live in an RV on your own land. Whatever you live in, a home with plumbing still needs a permitted septic system through Environmental Health5.

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

  1. Confirm your parcel's zone district, minimum lot size and setbacks with Laramie County Planning & Development before you design anything17.
  2. If you'll drill a well, file Wyoming's U.W. 5 "Application for Permit to Appropriate Ground Water" and get it approved before drilling; the filing fee is $50, and a licensed Wyoming water-well contractor has to do the work9.
  3. If you need an onsite septic system, apply for a permit through Laramie County Environmental Health before you install, repair or modify it54.
  4. If your lot sits near one of the county's mapped flood-hazard watersheds, check with Planning & Development for floodplain status and any floodplain development permit before you build2811.
  5. If you're building a new driveway or altering an existing one onto a county road, get an access permit from Laramie County Public Works first29.
  6. Apply online for your Laramie County residential building permit with the plot plan, foundation details, building plans, applicable ownership evidence and fees; processing does not begin until the application is complete and paid16.
  7. Allow 10 business days for plan review after complete payment, then schedule required inspections as work proceeds by calling (307) 633-4615; a Certificate of Occupancy for a site under the 2025 site-plan rules requires a Certificate of Compliance first16130.

What should you check before buying land in Laramie County?

Water: a well permit takes state approval before drilling, and Laramie County has been in severe drought roughly 14.8% of years on record, so ask about well depth and yield before you count on one931. Soils: about half the county's soil, 49.7%, isn't severely limited for a conventional septic drain field, which means roughly half is, so get a site evaluation before you assume a standard system will work25. Terrain: 82.9% of Laramie County land sits at 15% slope or less, which is favorable for building and driveways on most parcels32. Flood: check whether your parcel is near one of the county's mapped watersheds and pull the FEMA flood map for the parcel before you close28. Access: parcels of 35 acres or more are generally exempt from Wyoming's subdivision-permit process but still need a recorded 40-foot ingress/egress and utility easement to a public road, and any new driveway onto a county road needs its own access permit from Public Works1029. Taxes: Laramie County's effective property tax rate runs about 0.6%, with a median bill around $1,893 a year, against a typical home value of $393,457 and farmland running about $2,003 an acre33343536.

Watch-outs

  • Laramie County has deferred application and inspection enforcement of commercial building permits to the Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety, while enforcement of the International Residential Code for homes stays with the county1.
  • Laramie County's Citizen Access Portal for building permit and development records is offline due to security concerns; use the walk-in kiosk at the Planning & Development office or email your parcel number and expect a SmartGov portal update within two business days1.
  • Tiny-home occupancy is allowed with a permit in the rural districts and barred in the urban districts, but RV occupancy on a rural-district parcel is unconfirmed; call Planning & Development with your parcel number18271.

Sources

  1. Laramie County Planning & Development (laramiecountywy.gov)
  2. FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  3. Land Use Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  4. Wyoming DEQ - Small Wastewater Systems (2026 county census)
  5. Environmental Health (Cheyenne-Laramie County Public Health) (clcpublichealth.org)
  6. Laramie County - Planning & Development (2026 county census)
  7. Land Use Regulations - Laramie County, Wyoming (2026 county census)
  8. laramiecountywy.gov (2026 county census)
  9. seo.wyo.gov (Wyoming statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Wyoming Statutes, Title 18 (Wyoming statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. 2027-2028 Biennium Unit Narrative, Wyoming Office of Homeland Security (Wyoming statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  13. Building Code, quoted and re-checked
  14. Building Code - Laramie County, Wyoming, quoted and re-checked
  15. laramiecountywy.gov, quoted and re-checked
  16. Guidance for Residential Projects, quoted and re-checked
  17. Land Use Regulations - Laramie County, Wyoming, quoted and re-checked
  18. How Does Zoning Affect My Property? Guidance for Rural Zoning Districts, quoted and re-checked
  19. How Does Zoning Affect My Property? Guidance for Rural Zoning Districts, quoted and re-checked
  20. Laramie County Land Use Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  21. Laramie County Land Use Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  22. Wyoming Statutes, Title 18, W.S. 18-5-201 (Wyoming statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Small Wastewater Systems (Wyoming statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Small Wastewater Systems (Wyoming statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. 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
  26. Guidance for Rural Zoning Districts, quoted and re-checked
  27. How Does Zoning Affect My Property? Guidance for Urbanized Residential Zoning Districts, quoted and re-checked
  28. Laramie County Planning & Development (Floodplain Information) (laramiecountywy.gov)
  29. Laramie County Public Works (laramiecountywy.gov)
  30. Laramie County Land Use Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  31. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  32. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  33. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  34. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  35. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data
  36. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data

Written October 9, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 5 of its 6 neighbors, Laramie County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleLaramie CountyPlatte CountyGoshen CountyAlbany CountyCarbon CountyNiobrara CountyConverse County
Building permitRequiredLimitedNot requiredLimitedRequiredNot requiredNot required
County zoningYesYesNoYesYesYesNo
Septic permitsCounty Div. of Env. HealthWY DEQCounty Planning & GISCounty Planning Dept.WY DEQWY Dept. of Env. QualityConverse County

County locator

Laramie County in Wyoming

50
County map
Laramie County highlighted among the Wyoming counties · colored by Index score

How Laramie County scores

Seclusion74100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency18100% ev.
Admin Boringness48100% ev.
Durability63100% ev.
Property Autonomy74100% ev.
Carry Cost82100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$393kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$2,003Land / acre
16"Annual rain
14.8% of yrsSevere drought
2.4 / yr (+2.3)Mid-century 100°F days
20.4 daysMid-century dry spell
1.07" (+5.4%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.35×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,395Home insurance / yr
4.3% / yrInsurance growth
0.37%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
1,086People within 30 min
1,448,907People within 2 hr
2,927Radius comparison (15 mi)
37.6People / sq mi
0.9%Federal land
82.9%Land at 15% slope or less
49.7%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
774,384 acWorkable land screen
2.3%Wooded land
6.6 tonsBiomass / forest ac
46.2°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Laramie 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 Albin · Town of Burns · Cheyenne · Town of Pine Bluffs

Answers from the rulebook for Laramie County

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

Laramie County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Residential construction and work on property within Laramie County building-code jurisdiction.

    • The official FAQ states that adopted building codes require permits and inspections.
    • Accessory-building exceptions and agricultural-building exceptions may apply.
    “Building Codes that require permits & inspections.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Detached accessory structures regulated under Laramie County's adopted residential building code.
      “The Detached Accessory Structures was 200 square feet and on December 2, 2025, the new adoption is 400 square feet.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Owner-builder work on the owner's primary residence.

    • The residence must be the owner's primary residence.
    • All work, including electrical work, must comply with adopted building codes.
    “if this is your primary residence, you may do all of the work”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building, residential, fire, plumbing, mechanical, fuel-gas, and existing-building codes administered by Laramie County.

    • The county page states that 2024 International Codes with amendments are effective January 1, 2025.
    • The 2021 residential-code resolution states that its provisions control within unincorporated areas.

    code effective date: 2025-01-01

    “Laramie County has adopted the following 2024 International Codes with amendments effective January 1, 2025.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Residential building work requiring permits in Laramie County jurisdiction.

    • The official FAQ states that adopted building codes require permits and inspections.
    • The FAQ identifies exceptions for some residential work and agricultural buildings.
    “Building Codes that require permits & inspections.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Structures on sites subject to the 2025 Laramie County site-plan and development regulations, including residential or commercial developments where the cited prerequisites apply.

    • A Certificate of Compliance for a site plan must precede issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for structures on the site.
    • A temporary Certificate of Compliance may precede a temporary Certificate of Occupancy only when remaining site-plan elements do not impact public health and safety.
    • A temporary Certificate of Compliance may be valid for up to 90 days or until weather permits landscape installation.
    • No temporary Certificate of Compliance may be issued when life, health, or safety issues exist.
    • For residential or commercial developments, final grading and drainage certification must be submitted before issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.

    temporary Certificate of Compliance validity: <= 90 days (Or until weather patterns allow installation of landscape improvements.)

    “shall precede the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for any structures on the site.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Prefabricated structures regulated by the cited Laramie County code provision.
      “Prior to use or occupancy of a prefabricated structure, the owner shall obtain a final inspection and certificate of occupancy”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land-use zoning in unincorporated Laramie County.

    • The official source specifically identifies the Unincorporated Laramie County Zone District Map.
    “amend the Unincorporated Laramie County Zone District Map”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning in unincorporated Laramie County.

    • The official notice specifically addresses the Unincorporated Laramie County Zone District Map.
    • Incorporated cities and towns may administer separate municipal zoning rules.
    “amend the Unincorporated Laramie County Zone District Map, as well as adoption of the FY25/26 development fee schedule.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Unincorporated Laramie County zoning districts and map.

    • The county page links the 2025 adopted land-use regulations and a zone district map amendment.
    “2025 LARAMIE COUNTY ZONE DISTRICT MAP AMENDMENT (NON-DIGITAL)”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Residential lots in the URLD, URMD, and URHD zoning districts in unincorporated Laramie County.

    • URLD is described as having urban water and sanitary sewer services.
    • The cited district standards include non-single-family categories with separate per-unit minimums.
    • Previously recorded lots and nonconforming lot sizes are governed by §§ 2-2-100 and 2-2-101.

    URLD single-family minimum lot area: 8000 square feet · URLD duplex minimum lot area: 4000 square feet per unit · URMD single-family minimum lot area: 4000 square feet · URMD duplex or townhome minimum lot area: 1500 square feet per unit · URMD multifamily minimum lot area: 1000 square feet per unit · URHD single-family minimum lot area: 2000 square feet · URHD duplex or townhome minimum lot area: 1000 square feet per unit · URHD multifamily minimum lot area: 750 square feet per unit

    “Minimum Lot Area Size By Square Feet Single Family Residential 8,000 square feet Duplex 4,000 square feet per unit [...] Single Family Residential 4,000 square feet Duplex or townhome 1,500 square feet per unit Multi-family 1,000 square feet per unit [...] Single Family Residential 2,000 square feet Duplex or townhome 1,000 square feet per unit Multi-family 750 square feet per unit”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Residential lots in the RR, RRH, RRL, and LU rural zoning districts in unincorporated Laramie County.
      “Zoning Districts RR RRH RRL LU Minimum Size 5.25 to 10.4 acres 10.5 acres on up .1 to 5.24 acres lots were recorded prior to new regulations. 5.25 acres”
    • Specified — Lots in the RR—Rural Residential zoning district in unincorporated Laramie County.
      “Zoning Districts RR RRH↓ RRL LU Minimum Size 5.25 to 10.4 acres”
    • Specified — Lots in the RRH—Rural Residential Homestead zoning district in unincorporated Laramie County.
      “Zoning Districts RR RRH↓ RRL LU Minimum Size 5.25 to 10.4 acres 10.5 acres on up”
    • Specified — Lots in the RRL—Rural Residential Legacy zoning district in unincorporated Laramie County.
      “.1 to 5.24 acres [...] lots were recorded prior to new regulations.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Principal residential structures in the URLD, URMD, and URHD zoning districts in unincorporated Laramie County.

    • For URLD, the principal-structure setbacks are front 20 feet, rear 20 feet, side 10 feet, and corner-lot side yard facing road 10 feet.
    • For URMD, the principal-structure setbacks are front 20 feet, rear 15 feet, side 5 feet, and corner-lot side yard facing road 10 feet.
    • For URHD, the principal-structure setbacks are front 10 feet, rear 5 feet, side 5 feet, and corner-lot side yard facing road 10 feet.
    • Any setback of 0 feet requires a 2-hour firewall under the adopted building codes.
    • Setback-line exceptions refer to § 3-1-102(g).

    URLD front setback: 20 feet · URLD rear setback: 20 feet · URLD side setback: 10 feet · URMD front setback: 20 feet · URMD rear setback: 15 feet · URMD side setback: 5 feet (0 if shared wall with fire separation) · URHD front setback: 10 feet · URHD rear setback: 5 feet · URHD side setback: 5 feet (0 if shared wall with fire separation)

    “Setbacks – Principal Structure(s) By Feet Front yard 20 Rear yard 20 Side yard 10 Corner lot – side yard facing road 10 [...] Setbacks – Principal Structure(s) Number of Feet Front yard 20 Rear yard 15 Side yard 5 (0 if shared wall with fire separation) Corner lot – side yard facing road 10 [...] Setbacks – Principal Structure(s) Number of Feet Front yard 10 Rear yard 5 Side yard 5 (0 if shared wall with fire separation) Corner lot – side yard facing road 10”
  • Tiny homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Living in a tiny home on wheels in the RR, RRH, RRL, and LU zoning districts in unincorporated Laramie County.

    • A permit is required.
    • The guidance applies specifically to the RR, RRH, RRL, and LU zoning districts; it does not establish a countywide rule for incorporated municipalities.

    permit: true

    “Zoning Districts RR RRH↓ RRL LU [...] Can I live in tiny home on wheels? Yes But must have permit Yes But must have permit Yes But must have permit Yes But must have permit”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, installation, repair, or replacement of small wastewater systems in Laramie County.

    • The permitting authority must approve the application and issue a permit to construct or notice of coverage before construction begins.
    • The DEQ page states that authority may differ by jurisdiction.

    maximum domestic sewage flow: < 2000 gallons per day

    “Construction may not commence until the permitting authority issues authorization.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Land divisions and subdivisions governed by the 2025 Laramie County Land Use Regulations.

    • Subdivision exemptions exist under W.S. § 18-5-303 and are subject to the stated statutory qualifications.
    • Minor subdivisions contain up to 19 tracts and require a Subdivision Permit and Plat approval.
    • Major subdivisions contain 20 or more lots and require an approved Preliminary Subdivision Plan before applying for Subdivision Permit and Plat approval.
    • Large acreage subdivisions range from 35 to 80 acres.
    • All land-division types remain subject to the applicable regulatory processes and requirements.
    • Applicable Environmental Health, water and sewer district, Wyoming State Engineer, Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, water-resource-protection, erosion-control, and state-law requirements also apply.
    • Subdivisions of six or more lots must comply with State DEQ and Laramie County standards for water-resource protection and erosion control.
    • The regulations state that all subdivisions must comply with state statutes including perimeter fencing under W.S. 11-28-106, effective in 2023.

    minor subdivision maximum: <= 19 tracts (Requires Subdivision Permit and Plat approval.) · major subdivision threshold: >= 20 lots (Requires approved Preliminary Subdivision Plan before applying for Subdivision Permit and Plat approval.) · water-resource and erosion-control threshold: >= 6 lots (Must comply with State DEQ and Laramie County standards.) · large acreage subdivision range: 35-80 acres

    “Minor subdivisions, containing up to nineteen (19) tracts”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Laramie County planning and development fees.

    • The county page links a 2025 Planning and Development Fee Schedule and identifies the FY25/26 development fee schedule.
    “Application and sign fees shall be paid at the time of application submittal.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Residential building permit application and review process.

    • Applicants must apply online through the county portal.
    • Incomplete applications or unpaid fees are not accepted for processing.
    • Required documents include ownership evidence where applicable, plot plans, foundation details, building plans, and fees.
    • Plan review is stated as 10 business days after complete payment.

    plan review period: 10 business days (after complete payment)

    “Application will not be processed until fees are paid in full. [...] Plan review is 10 business days once we receive complete payment.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic

Wyoming rules that apply here

  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Small wastewater and septic permitting statewide in Wyoming.

    • DEQ is the permitting authority for small wastewater facilities in Campbell County for commercial systems, and in Carbon, Niobrara, Platte, and Weston Counties.
    • Other jurisdictions may have different permitting authorities, forms, or additional information requirements.
    • The DEQ Water & Wastewater Program states that permits for small wastewater systems in other counties should be located through the applicable permitting authority.
    “DEQ authorizes permits to construct for small wastewater facilities, defined by Wyoming Statutes 35-11-103(c)(ix), that are located in Campbell (commercial systems only), Carbon, Niobrara, Platte, and Weston Counties where DEQ is the permitting authority. The permitting authority for other jurisdictions may require different forms or additional information.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Mixed (with conditions) — Small wastewater facilities, including septic tanks and leachfields, throughout Wyoming.
      “DEQ authorizes permits to construct for small wastewater facilities, defined by Wyoming Statutes 35-11-103(c)(ix), that are located in Campbell (commercial systems only), Carbon, Niobrara, Platte, and Weston Counties where DEQ is the permitting authority. The permitting authority for other jurisdictions may require different forms or additional information.”
    • Mixed (with conditions) — Permitting of small wastewater facilities in Wyoming; DEQ is the permitting authority in the counties and use identified by DEQ, while another permitting authority applies in other jurisdictions.
      “DEQ authorizes permits to construct for small wastewater facilities, defined by Wyoming Statutes 35-11-103(c)(ix), that are located in Campbell (commercial systems only), Carbon, Niobrara, Platte, and Weston Counties where DEQ is the permitting authority. The permitting authority for other jurisdictions may require different forms or additional information.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

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

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

    Construction of a groundwater well or development of a spring in Wyoming, including domestic and stock wells or springs flowing at most 25 gallons per minute.

    • An approved permit must be received before drilling or spring-development activities begin.
    • Springs flowing more than 25 gallons per minute, or springs used for purposes other than domestic or stock watering, must be permitted through the Surface Water Division.
    • Wells must be drilled by a Wyoming licensed water-well drilling contractor and pumps must be installed by a Wyoming licensed pump-installation contractor.
    • The U.W. 5 application must be complete and accurate and accompanied by the appropriate filing fee.
    • Domestic and stock applications are listed with a $50 filing fee.

    spring flow threshold: <= 25 gallons per minute (Higher-flow springs or non-domestic/non-stock use are handled through the Surface Water Division.) · domestic permit filing fee: 50 USD · stock permit filing fee: 50 USD

    “Wells and Springs - Before you drill a well, or develop a spring* (that flows less than or equal to 25 gallons per minute (gpm) and will be used f or D omestic and/or Stock W atering use only), you must submit an "Application for Permit to Appropriate Ground Water", or U.W. 5 Form, to the Ground Water Division and receive an approved permit prior to commencement of any drilling or spring development activities.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • 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”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

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

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

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

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

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

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

Still unanswered

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

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size for residential dwellings in unincorporated Laramie County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage in unincorporated Laramie County.
  • Building height — Building-height limits in unincorporated Laramie County.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or residential RV occupancy on private land in unincorporated Laramie County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in unincorporated Laramie County.
4 more unanswered
  • 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.

Water rights & wells in Laramie County

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

Actively managed

This basin is under active state management — new water use is scrutinized, though a domestic well is usually still allowed.

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 ↗
  • Laramie County Control Areapartial of county

    Portions of the High Plains (Ogallala) aquifer closed to new large-capacity wells (State Engineer's Order, 2015); well-spacing, reporting and a 20% drawdown limit apply. Small domestic/stock wells still permitted.

    Wyoming State Engineer's Office — Control Areas / Orders ↗

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 Laramie County, Wyoming

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

Laramie County scores 50/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: thin water margin (16″/yr rainfall).

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

Laramie County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Laramie County Division of Environmental Health. 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 Laramie County, Wyoming?

Land in Laramie County runs about $2,003 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Laramie County?

Laramie County gets about 16" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 14.8% of years. On water rights, Laramie County lies in the Laramie County Control Area — Portions of the High Plains (Ogallala) aquifer closed to new large-capacity wells (State Engineer's Order, 2015); well-spacing, reporting and a 20% drawdown limit apply. Small domestic/stock wells still permitted..

How remote is Laramie County?

A representative private-land location has about 1,086 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,448,907 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Laramie compares in Wyoming

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