Bolthole Index

Lincoln County, Wyoming

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

65Index Score / 100
#6 of 23 in Wyoming

Lincoln County, Wyoming requires a building permit for a new home, and the county Planning & Development Office provides the residential application.1 The same office administers zoning, small-wastewater (septic) permits and inspections, and floodplain matters.234 Septic digging is barred from November 15 through April 1, so winter planning matters.5

At a glance

Building permit
Required; residential application available from county Planning & Development1
Zoning
Yes — administered by Lincoln County2
Septic
Permit required for installing, repairing or replacing a system; county Planning & Development permits and inspects; no digging November 15 to April 1536
RV living
Not confirmed; county zoning makes a parcel-specific check necessary2
Tiny home
Not confirmed; zoning and dwelling standards must be checked for the parcel2
Owner-builder
No permit exemption confirmed7
Well permit
Wyoming approval is required before drilling or developing a qualifying spring8

Who to call

Building permits

Lincoln County Office of Planning & Development

Land use, zoning, subdivision, building permits, small wastewater systems and floodplain administration

(307) 877-9056

planning@lincolncountywy.gov

925 Sage Avenue, Suite 201 Kemmerer, WY 83101

Online permits →

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

Off-grid gear

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

Yes. Lincoln County requires a building permit for a new home, and its document center provides a residential building-permit application for new homes and additions1. The county's published material does not fully establish which other projects require permits, which building-code edition applies, or whether building inspections and a certificate of occupancy are required. Ask Lincoln County Planning & Development about the exact project before ordering materials; the office handles building and permitting questions9. No owner-builder exemption was confirmed, so building your own house should not be treated as an exemption from the county permit process7. Occupancy is a state matter: newly built or remodeled buildings subject to the state fire-safety statute cannot be used or occupied until the state fire marshal issues a certificate of occupancy or letter of compliance, subject to statutory exceptions.10 Wyoming law allows county building-code enforcement only after the state fire marshal delegates authority to a county that maintains qualifying standards and inspectors11.

Who is the Lincoln County building department, and how do you reach it?

Lincoln County's Office of Planning & Development is the first stop for building, land-use, zoning, subdivision, septic and floodplain questions9. The Kemmerer office is at 925 Sage Avenue, Suite 201, Kemmerer, WY 83101; call (307) 877-9056 or email planning@lincolncountywy.gov9. The county accepts permit applications through its online portal129. The portal and document center are useful starting points, but the reviewed county pages do not establish complete submittal requirements or review times12. Send the parcel number, proposed use and a short project description when asking which forms are needed, because one office coordinates several different approvals9.

Does Lincoln County have zoning?

Yes. Lincoln County administers zoning and its Land Use Regulations through county planning processes2. Wyoming law authorizes county commissioners to regulate building locations, land uses and occupancy in unincorporated areas, without overriding an incorporated city or town's zoning authority13. That distinction matters: a parcel inside Kemmerer, Afton or another municipality may follow municipal rules rather than the county rules described here13. The available facts do not confirm a parcel's minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage, building height or minimum dwelling size. Lincoln County Planning & Development should identify the zone and applicable dimensional standards before a buyer relies on a listing's claim that land is buildable9. County subdivision applications also vary by category, including major, minor, simple, amended-plat and phased processes14.

How do septic permits work in Lincoln County?

Lincoln County requires a septic permit for the installation, repair or replacement of a small wastewater system (septic tank and leach field), and construction may not start until authorization is issued.5 Lincoln County Planning & Development administers that permitting and inspection.36 Digging for septic systems is barred in the county from November 15 through April 1, so a fall start needs a finished permit and a plan for the spring.5 Wyoming DEQ directly permits small wastewater facilities in only specified jurisdictions and warns that other permitting authorities may use different forms or request more information15. Site conditions deserve early attention: only about 9.7% of Lincoln County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field16. That soil rating does not decide whether a particular lot will pass, but it makes a parcel-specific site evaluation a prudent early step. County Planning & Development handles the local septic and inspection questions at the same contact used for building permits9.

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

We could not confirm a county rule that generally allows or prohibits living in an RV on private land in Lincoln County, and the available material does not establish a rule for temporary camping. We also could not confirm county occupancy standards for a tiny home, manufactured home or accessory dwelling. Lincoln County does have zoning, so the answer may depend on the parcel's zone and the way the proposed unit is classified2. Before buying, ask Lincoln County Planning & Development in writing whether the proposed use is allowed, whether a temporary-use approval is needed, and which building and sanitation approvals apply9. A tiny home intended as a dwelling should not be assumed exempt from the residential building-permit process merely because it is small1.

Building a home in Lincoln County: the steps, in order

  1. Ask Lincoln County Planning & Development to confirm the parcel's jurisdiction, zone, allowed residential use and dimensional standards29.
  2. Resolve access and subdivision issues early; regulated subdivisions need county approval, while qualifying parcels of 35 acres or more generally require recorded access and utility easements at least 40 feet wide to a public road unless properly waived1417.
  3. Apply to Wyoming for well approval before drilling; domestic and stock applications carry a $50 filing fee8.
  4. Have the site evaluated, get the county septic permit, and schedule inspections with county Planning & Development; no septic digging is allowed November 15 through April 1.536
  5. Ask whether the site needs a floodplain development permit before moving dirt or placing a structure4.
  6. Submit the residential building-permit application through the county's online portal and confirm any required inspections directly with the office112.
  1. Before moving in, ask the state fire marshal about the certificate of occupancy or letter of compliance.10

What to check before you buy land in Lincoln County

Start with jurisdiction and zoning: county rules govern unincorporated land, while incorporated places can use their own zoning13. Check water before closing because Wyoming requires an approved groundwater permit before drilling a well or developing a qualifying spring8. Check soils early because only about 9.7% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field16. Check terrain and winter access on the actual parcel; about 55% of county land has a slope of 15% or less, but a countywide figure cannot describe one lot18. Confirm floodplain status and any development permit with Planning & Development49. Verify legal access, especially on large tracts subject to Wyoming's recorded-easement rule17. For carrying costs, the effective property-tax rate is about 0.4%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $1,4581920.

Watch-outs

  • Only about 9.7% of Lincoln County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so investigate the specific homesite before assuming a standard system will work16.
  • Lincoln County's reviewed material does not confirm the rules for RV living, tiny-home occupancy, minimum dwelling size or setbacks; ask Planning & Development about the parcel and proposed use9.
  • A parcel inside an incorporated city or town may be subject to municipal zoning rather than Lincoln County's unincorporated-area rules13.
  • The county no-dig period, November 15 through April 1, applies to septic systems and digging in the county right-of-way.21

Sources

  1. Lincoln County Office of Planning & Development (2026 county census)
  2. Planning & Development (2026 county census)
  3. Planning & Development, quoted and re-checked
  4. Planning & Development, quoted and re-checked
  5. Permitting, quoted and re-checked
  6. Planning & Development, quoted and re-checked
  7. Article 1 - Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety (2026 county census)
  8. seo.wyo.gov (Wyoming statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Lincoln County Office of Planning & Development (lincolncountywy.gov)
  10. Wyoming Statutes, Article 1, Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety, quoted and re-checked
  11. Wyoming Statutes, Title 35, W.S. 35-9-121 (Wyoming statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Planning & Development, quoted and re-checked
  13. Wyoming Statutes, Title 18, W.S. 18-5-201 (Wyoming statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Planning & Development, quoted and re-checked
  15. Small Wastewater Systems (Wyoming statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. 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
  17. Wyoming Statutes, Title 18 (Wyoming statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  19. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  20. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  21. Planning & Development, quoted and re-checked

Written October 10, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

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

RuleLincoln CountySublette CountyUinta CountySweetwater CountyTeton CountyFremont CountyHot Springs County
Building permitRequiredLimitedLimitedLimitedRequiredNot requiredNot required
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesNoYes
Septic permitsCounty Office of Planning & DevelopmentCounty Planning & Zoning Dept.County Planning & ZoningCounty Env. HealthCounty Engineering Dept.County Planning Dept.County Planning Office

County locator

Lincoln County in Wyoming

65
County map
Lincoln County highlighted among the Wyoming counties · colored by Index score

How Lincoln County scores

Seclusion86100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency44100% ev.
Admin Boringness4490% ev.
Durability42100% ev.
Property Autonomy74100% ev.
Carry Cost78100% ev.

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

$507kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$3,963Land / acre
20.1"Annual rain
16.2% of yrsSevere drought
0.1 / yr (+0.1)Mid-century 100°F days
23.2 daysMid-century dry spell
0.98" (+5.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.19×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,499Home insurance / yr
2.2% / yrInsurance growth
0.6%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
1,776Radius comparison (15 mi)
5.1People / sq mi
74.1%Federal land
55%Land at 15% slope or less
9.7%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
224,820 acWorkable land screen
33.3%Wooded land
36.6 tonsBiomass / forest ac
38.6°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Lincoln 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 Afton · Town of Cokeville · Town of Diamondville · Kemmerer · Town of La Barge · Town of Opal

Answers from the rulebook for Lincoln County

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

Lincoln County rules

  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land-use and zoning administration in Lincoln County.

    • The official county page identifies zoning as an Office of Planning and Development function.
    • Specific district standards and incorporated-jurisdiction rules were not resolved in this pass.
    “The Office of Planning and Development deals with Land Use, Zoning, Subdividing, Building, Permitting and Inspecting Small Wastewater (Septic) Systems, Floodplain Administration, and Other Matters.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    County-level local zoning in Lincoln County; incorporated municipalities may have separate rules.

    • This claim concerns the county zoning authority and does not establish the contents of municipal ordinances.
    “The Office of Planning and Development deals with Land Use, Zoning, Subdividing, Building, Permitting and Inspecting Small Wastewater (Septic) Systems, Floodplain Administration, and Other Matters.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Published Lincoln County zoning-district materials and maps.

    • The document center lists LUR Appendix M as zoning maps; the underlying map content and district boundaries were not extracted.
    “LUR APPENDIX M - Zoning Maps, Land Use Regulations”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Small wastewater and septic-system permitting and inspection administered by Lincoln County Planning and Development.

    • The county page identifies the county Office of Planning and Development as handling the function.
    • State and other jurisdictional requirements may also apply.
    “The Office of Planning and Development deals with Land Use, Zoning, Subdividing, Building, Permitting and Inspecting Small Wastewater (Septic) Systems, Floodplain Administration, and Other Matters.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • County — Small wastewater and septic-system permitting and inspection administered by Lincoln County Planning and Development.
      “The Office of Planning and Development deals with Land Use, Zoning, Subdividing, Building, Permitting and Inspecting Small Wastewater (Septic) Systems, Floodplain Administration, and Other Matters.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation, repair, or replacement of small wastewater systems in Lincoln County.

    • Construction may not commence until the permitting authority issues authorization.
    • Lincoln County's no-dig period runs from November 15 through April 1 and applies to septic systems.
    “A permit is required for the installation, repair or replacement of small wastewater systems, also known as septic tanks and leach fields.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Inspection of small wastewater (septic) systems administered by Lincoln County Planning and Development.

    • The official page limits the statement to small wastewater (septic) systems.
    • The page does not state that every septic-related activity requires an inspection.
    “The Office of Planning and Development deals with Land Use, Zoning, Subdividing, Building, Permitting and Inspecting Small Wastewater (Septic) Systems, Floodplain Administration, and Other Matters.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and platting in Lincoln County.

    • The official page identifies subdividing as an office function.
    • Specific major, minor, simple, amended, and phased subdivision standards were not resolved.
    “The Office of Planning and Development deals with Land Use, Zoning, Subdividing, Building, Permitting and Inspecting Small Wastewater (Septic) Systems, Floodplain Administration, and Other Matters.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and platting in Lincoln County.
      “Subdivision, Major Final Plat Application Updated 8-2026”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development subject to Lincoln County floodplain administration.

    • The county page identifies floodplain administration as an office function.
    • The document center lists a Floodplain Development Permit updated 1-2025.
    • The reviewed text does not state the complete set of floodplain thresholds or exemptions.
    “Floodplain Development Permit Updated 1-2025”
  • Permit processPartial

    Lincoln County Planning and Development permit applications.

    • The county states that applications are accepted through an online portal.
    • The reviewed pages did not establish complete review timelines, inspection sequencing, or appeal procedures.
    • Septic digging is subject to the county no-dig period from November 15 through April 1.
    “NO DIGGING IN LINCOLN COUNTY FROM NOVEMBER 15th TO APRIL 1st THIS APPLIES TO SEPTIC SYSTEMS AND DIGGING WITHIN THE COUNTY RIGHT OF WAY”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — Lincoln County planning and development permit applications.
      “LINCOLN COUNTY PLANNING OFFICE IS NOW ACCEPTING PERMIT APPLICATIONS VIA OUR ONLINE PORTAL”
    • Published — Lincoln County planning and development permit process.
      “LINCOLN COUNTY PLANNING OFFICE IS NOW ACCEPTING PERMIT APPLICATIONS VIA OUR ONLINE PORTAL”

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”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

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

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

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

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

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

    “Wells and Springs - Before you drill a well, or develop a spring* (that flows less than or equal to 25 gallons per minute (gpm) and will be used f or D omestic and/or Stock W atering use only), you must submit an "Application for Permit to Appropriate Ground Water", or U.W. 5 Form, to the Ground Water Division and receive an approved permit prior to commencement of any drilling or spring development activities.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Groundwater wells and qualifying springs in Wyoming, including Lincoln County.
      “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.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • 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 — Building inspections in Lincoln County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Lincoln County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in Lincoln County.
  • Setbacks — Building and other land-use setbacks in Lincoln County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage limits in Lincoln County.
7 more unanswered
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • 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 Lincoln County, Wyoming

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

Lincoln County scores 65/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 1,776 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost.

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

Lincoln County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Lincoln County Office of Planning & Development. 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 Lincoln County, Wyoming?

Land in Lincoln County runs about $3,963 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Lincoln County?

Lincoln County gets about 20.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 16.2% of years.

How remote is Lincoln County?

A typical private-land location has about 1,776 people within 15 miles and 452,227 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Lincoln compares in Wyoming

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