Bolthole Index

Natrona County, Wyoming

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

49Index Score / 100
#19 of 23 in Wyoming

Unincorporated Natrona County, Wyoming requires building permits for new residential and commercial buildings, additions, renovations, and electrical, plumbing and mechanical work1. County zoning also applies throughout the unincorporated area, so a parcel's district controls uses, lot size and setbacks234. The Casper-Natrona County Health Department, not the building or planning office, handles septic permits and inspections in Natrona County56.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for new residential and commercial buildings, additions, renovations, and electrical, plumbing and mechanical work1
Zoning permit
Yes; land throughout the unincorporated county is subject to county zoning7
Setbacks
District-specific; standards vary by road type, building type and adjacency8
Septic permits
Health Department permits and pre-cover inspections are required, subject to stated permit exceptions96
RV or tiny-home living
Temporary use requires zoning approval; a construction dwelling may be permitted for up to one year1011
Owner-builder option
Available for an owner working on the owner's primary residence; permits, code compliance and inspections still apply12
Well permit
An approved state permit is required before drilling a domestic or stock well13
Septic soil suitability
30.9% of county soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field14

Who to call

Building permits

Natrona County Building Department

Plan review, building-permit issuance and inspections

307-235-9435

200 N. Center ST, Room 205, Casper, WY 82601

Online permits →

Planning & zoning

Natrona County Planning Department

Zoning, related planning permits, subdivision review and code enforcement

307-235-9447

200 N. Center St., Room 202, Casper, WY 82601

Septic permits

Casper-Natrona County Health Department, Environmental Health Division

Permitting, installation oversight and use of onsite wastewater treatment systems

307-235-9340

1017 S Conwell St., Casper, WY 82601

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

Off-grid gear

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

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

Yes. Unincorporated Natrona County requires permits for new residential and commercial buildings, additions, renovations, and electrical, plumbing and mechanical work1. Construction may begin only after the permit is approved and issued; emergency equipment replacement or repair paperwork may be submitted the next business day1. Building submissions require an application, site plan, building plans and the correct fees, and some plans may require a Wyoming-licensed professional engineer15. The county enforces adopted building-code requirements, and permitted work requires inspections, including a final inspection to close the permit161718. These rules cover unincorporated land; for a parcel inside a city, ask that city's building and planning offices, because the county's page does not establish that its building permits apply there16. Septic permits and well permits are separate and are not part of the building permit1913. An owner may do work on the owner's primary residence, but the correct permits, code compliance and all necessary inspections still apply12.

Who issues building permits and zoning approval in Natrona County, and how do you reach them?

The Natrona County Building Department handles plan review, building-permit issuance and inspections at 200 N. Center ST, Room 205, Casper, WY 82601; call 307-235-9435 or use the online permit portal linked above20. The Natrona County Planning Department handles zoning, related planning permits, subdivision regulations and code enforcement at 200 N. Center St., Room 202, Casper, WY 82601; call 307-235-944721. Planning applications may require zoning, floodplain, subdivision or other approvals15. The Planning Department implements the county's subdivision regulations and processes subdivision applications and exemption forms22. The Casper-Natrona County Health Department is the separate contact for septic permits (small wastewater systems) at 307-235-9340, and it holds that role for Natrona County whichever building or planning office covers the parcel523.

Does Natrona County have zoning, and what does it mean for RVs and setbacks?

Yes. Natrona County's zoning resolution applies to all land in the county's unincorporated portions, where uses may be permitted, conditional or prohibited by district27. Minimum lot size varies with the zoning district and with public or private sewer and water service; published standards range from 4,000 square feet to 35 acres4. Setbacks vary by district, road type, building type and adjacency; examples include 25 feet from a public road and 10 feet from front, side and rear property lines8. Some residential districts permit one primary dwelling and one accessory dwelling unit per lot, subject to district and use rules24. Ask the Planning Department to identify the parcel's district before siting either dwelling21.

How do septic permits work in Natrona County, Wyoming?

The Casper-Natrona County Health Department administers small wastewater systems throughout Natrona County under delegated Wyoming DEQ authority25. The Health Department requires a septic permit before construction, installation or modification of an onsite system across the county, although its regulations allow stated exceptions and written determinations that a permit is unnecessary919. For permitted installation, notify the department at least 24 hours before covering the system; inspection occurs before earth covers the system or it is used6. If a representative cannot perform the final inspection after notice, photographic evidence is due within five working days6. Only 30.9% of Natrona County soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field, so establish site suitability before budgeting for a standard system14.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on land in Natrona County, Wyoming?

Unincorporated Natrona County treats overnight RV accommodation as temporary use for less than 90 days and requires a Zoning Certificate plus temporary water, sewer and utilities10. Agricultural property larger than 10 acres may have no more than four temporary RVs, while residential property may have no more than one10. During construction of a permanent structure, an RV or motor home may be permitted as a temporary dwelling for up to one year with a Zoning Certificate and temporary water, septic or sewer service, and utilities11. Extensions track the building-permit period, and the RV cannot remain more than 30 days after substantial completion or the permanent dwelling's Certificate of Occupancy11. We could not confirm a specific tiny-home occupancy rule or a minimum dwelling size; ask Planning about the proposed structure and district21.

How do you build a home in Natrona County, Wyoming? The steps, in order

  1. Ask the Planning Department to identify the zoning district, allowed residential use, minimum lot size, setbacks and any subdivision or other planning review74821.
  1. If creating a new approach onto a county-maintained road, obtain a Driveway Access Permit from County Road & Bridge26.
  1. Apply to the Casper-Natrona County Health Department for the required onsite-wastewater approval, unless the department determines in writing that an exception applies9.
  1. If the parcel needs a well, obtain an approved Wyoming State Engineer permit before drilling13.
  1. Submit the building permit application, site plan, building plans and correct fees to the Building Department; some plans may require a Wyoming-licensed professional engineer1520.
  1. Arrange county building inspections and the septic inspection before the system is covered or used176.
  1. For projects requiring a Certificate of Occupancy, request it 7 business days in advance27.

What should you check before buying land in Natrona County?

Confirm the zoning district, permitted use and parcel-specific setbacks with the Planning Department before relying on a listing description2821. A new access or approach onto a county-maintained road requires a Driveway Access Permit from County Road & Bridge, and receiving an address does not make the county responsible for access or road maintenance26. Verify legal access carefully: Wyoming's large-parcel provision generally covers parcels of 35 acres or more and requires binding, recordable ingress, egress and utility easements at least 40 feet wide to a public road unless properly waived29. Federal land covers 44.6% of Natrona County, making boundary and access checks especially relevant30. Only 30.9% of county soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field, so price septic feasibility before closing14.

Watch-outs

  • A setback copied from a neighboring Natrona County parcel may be wrong because setbacks vary by zoning district, road type, building type and adjacency8.
  • The owner-builder option is limited to an owner working on the owner's primary residence, and permits, adopted-code compliance and inspections still apply12.
  • Natrona County's temporary-RV rules do not establish permission for indefinite RV residence, and other required health or building permits still apply10.
  • We could not confirm rules for tiny-home occupancy, minimum dwelling size, off-grid sanitation or a general agricultural permit exemption; ask the Planning Department and Environmental Health about the proposed parcel and use2123.
  • Building permits and zoning certificates come from county offices for unincorporated land, while septic permits come from the Casper-Natrona County Health Department and well permits from the state; one approval does not cover the others1513.

Sources

  1. Building & Inspection FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  2. Natrona County 2022 Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  3. Natrona County 2022 Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  4. 2022 Zoning Resolution Amended May 2026, quoted and re-checked
  5. Licensing – Casper-Natrona County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  6. Natrona County Wastewater Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  7. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  8. 2022 Zoning Resolution Amended May 2026, quoted and re-checked
  9. Licensing — Small Wastewater Program, quoted and re-checked
  10. Natrona County 2022 Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  11. Natrona County 2022 Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  12. Building & Inspection FAQs — owner work, quoted and re-checked
  13. seo.wyo.gov (Wyoming statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. 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
  15. Building and Inspection FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  16. Building & Inspection, quoted and re-checked
  17. Building & Inspection FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  18. natronacounty-wy.gov, quoted and re-checked
  19. Natrona County Wastewater Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  20. Natrona County Building Department (natronacounty-wy.gov)
  21. Natrona County Planning Department (natronacounty-wy.gov)
  22. Planning Department, quoted and re-checked
  23. Casper-Natrona County Health Department, Environmental Health Division (casperpublichealth.org)
  24. Natrona County 2022 Zoning Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  25. Licensing — Casper-Natrona County Health Department, quoted and re-checked
  26. Application for New Physical Address, quoted and re-checked
  27. natronacounty-wy.gov, quoted and re-checked
  28. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  29. Wyoming Statutes, Title 18 (Wyoming statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  30. Federal land share: 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, Natrona County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleNatrona CountyConverse CountyJohnson CountyWashakie CountyCarbon CountyFremont CountyAlbany County
Building permitRequiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredRequiredNot requiredLimited
County zoningYesNoNoNoYesNoYes
Septic permitsCasper-Natrona County Health Dept.Converse CountyCounty Planning Dept.County PlannerWY DEQCounty Planning Dept.County Planning Dept.

County locator

Natrona County in Wyoming

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

How Natrona County scores

Seclusion84100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency17100% ev.
Admin Boringness4490% ev.
Durability57100% ev.
Property Autonomy74100% ev.
Carry Cost86100% 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 →

$316kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$825Land / acre
12.1"Annual rain
15.3% of yrsSevere drought
2.7 / yr (+2.6)Mid-century 100°F days
21.6 daysMid-century dry spell
1" (+7.4%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.24×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,637Home insurance / yr
1.2% / yrInsurance growth
0.55%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
388Radius comparison (15 mi)
15People / sq mi
44.6%Federal land
71.2%Land at 15% slope or less
30.9%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
957,404 acWorkable land screen
3.2%Wooded land
9 tonsBiomass / forest ac
44.2°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Natrona 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 Edgerton · Town of Midwest · Town of Mills

Answers from the rulebook for Natrona County

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

Natrona County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New residential and commercial buildings, additions, residential work, renovations, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical/HVAC work in unincorporated Natrona County.

    • Emergency equipment replacements and repairs may be submitted the next business day.
    • The county advises contacting the Development Department before beginning construction to determine whether a permit is needed.
    • Construction may begin after the building permit has been approved and issued.
    “Natrona County requires you to obtain permits”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Residential and commercial construction and listed alterations in unincorporated Natrona County.
      “Natrona County requires you to obtain permits for most residential and commercial projects.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Owner construction of the homeowner/property owner's primary residence.

    • The owner may perform the work only as homeowner/property owner of the primary residence.
    • All work must comply with the adopted building code.
    • Correct permits and all necessary inspections remain required.
    • The county suggests using a licensed contractor.
    “Yes, as the homeowner/property owner and if this is your primary residence,, you may do the work; providing that all items are built in accordance with the adopted building code. You will need to obtain the correct permits and have all necessary inspections for your projects. However, we suggest that you use a licensed contractor.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — A homeowner or property owner performing work on the owner's primary residence.
      “if this is your primary residence,, you may do the work”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    County Building Department enforcement in the county building-permit jurisdiction.

    • The page describes minimum adopted building-code requirements; applicability to incorporated municipalities was not established from the opened page.
    “minimum adopted building code requirements”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Minimum adopted building-code requirements administered by the Natrona County Building Department.
      “The mission of the Building Department is to ensure compliance with the minimum adopted building code requirements”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Building work subject to county permits and adopted codes in unincorporated Natrona County.

    • Inspections are required as part of the permit process; the county FAQ states that necessary inspections must be obtained for owner-performed work.
    • The precise inspection schedule was not established from the opened official page.
    “You will need to obtain the correct permits and have all necessary inspections for your projects. However, we suggest that you use a licensed contractor.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Permitted building projects administered by the Natrona County Building Department.
      “A final inspection is required to close the permit.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Projects for which the Natrona County Development Department issues a Certificate of Occupancy.

    • The project must be completed according to approved plans and approved by a Building Inspector; the Building Official issues the certificate when no code or other enforced-law violations are found; a request requires seven business days advance notice.

    advance notice: 7 business days

    “A request for a Certificate of Occupancy will require a seven business day advance notice.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning administered under the Natrona County Zoning Resolution in unincorporated Natrona County.

    • The cited county zoning page expressly scopes the zoning districts and land-use controls to the unincorporated area of the County.
    • Uses may be permitted, conditional, or prohibited by zoning district.
    “The division of the unincorporated area of the County into zoning districts;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present — Unincorporated Natrona County.
      “The division of the unincorporated area of the County into zoning districts;”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Natrona County zoning in unincorporated areas.

    • The resolution applies to all lands within unincorporated portions of Natrona County.
    “This Resolution shall apply to all lands within the unincorporated portions of Natrona County.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Published zoning districts and district-specific dimensional standards in unincorporated Natrona County.

    • The county zoning page publishes the current zoning resolution and identifies zoning districts in the unincorporated area.
    • The resolution contains district-specific tables of allowable uses and dimensional standards.
    “Table 2.04-1 Ranching, Agriculture, and Mining (RAM) District Dimensional Standards”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Unincorporated Natrona County zoning districts and dimensional standards.
      “The division of the unincorporated area of the County into zoning districts;”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Zoning-district dimensional standards in unincorporated Natrona County.

    • Minimum lot size varies by zoning district and by public or private sewer and water service.
    • Examples include 2 acres, 5 acres, 10 acres, 35 acres, 4,000 square feet, and 9,000 square feet with additional square footage for additional units.

    Urban Residential minimum lot size with private sewer: 2 acres · Urban Residential minimum lot size with public sewer: 9000 square feet (for single or two-unit dwellings, plus 1,500 square feet for each additional unit) · Suburban Residential minimum lot size: 2 acres · Manufactured Home district minimum lot size: 4000 square feet

    “Minimum Lot Size 2 acres with private sewer; 9,000 square feet with public sewer for single or two-unit dwellings, plus 1,500 square feet for each additional unit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Residential and other zoning districts governed by the Natrona County zoning resolution.
      “Minimum Lot Size 5 acres Building Setbacks Minimum Setback from Public Road 25 ft. Minimum Front Setback 10 ft. Minimum Right and Left Side Setback 10 ft. Minimum Rear Setback 10 ft.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Zoning-district setbacks in unincorporated Natrona County.

    • Setbacks vary by zoning district, road type, building type, and adjacency.
    • Examples include 25-foot public-road setbacks, 10-foot front/side/rear setbacks, 7.5-foot manufactured-home setbacks, and larger setbacks for certain industrial uses.

    typical public-road setback: 25 feet (district-specific) · typical side and rear setback: 10 feet (district-specific)

    “Building Setbacks Minimum Setback from Public Road 25 ft. Minimum Front Setback 10 ft. Minimum Right and Left Side Setback 10 ft. Minimum Rear Setback 10 ft.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Unincorporated zoning districts.
      “Minimum Setback from Public Road 25 ft. Minimum Front Setback 10 ft. Minimum Right and Left Side Setback 10 ft. Minimum Rear Setback 10 ft.”
    • Specified — Development in zoning districts governed by the county zoning resolution.
      “Minimum Setback from Public Road 25 ft. Minimum Front Setback 10 ft. Minimum Right and Left Side Setback 10 ft. Minimum Rear Setback 10 ft.”
  • Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)

    Overnight accommodation of people in recreational vehicles on unincorporated Natrona County property.

    • The use is defined as overnight accommodation of human beings in motorized vehicles for less than 90 days and does not constitute a campground.
    • A Zoning Certificate is required, with provisions for temporary water, sewer, and utilities.
    • The standards and permitting requirements do not apply to temporary RV use in RAM and UA zoning districts for agricultural uses.
    • The RV use must operate for less than 90 days.
    • A maximum of four temporary RVs is allowed on agricultural property larger than 10 acres.
    • A maximum of one temporary RV is allowed on residential property.
    • Other required health or building permits remain applicable.

    maximum duration: < less than 90 days · maximum RVs on agricultural property over 10 acres: <= 4 vehicles · maximum RVs on residential property: <= 1 vehicle

    “Recreational vehicles for temporary use is defined as the overnight accommodation of human beings in motorized vehicles for a period of time less than ninety (90) days. Recreational vehicles for temporary use meeting the standards of this section do not constitute a campground. The use of recreational vehicles for temporary use may be permitted subject to the following standards.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Temporary only (with conditions) — Use of a motor home or recreational vehicle as a temporary dwelling during construction of a permanent structure in unincorporated Natrona County.
      “A temporary dwelling may be permitted for a period up to one (1) year during the construction of the permanent structure. The property owner must obtain a Zoning Certificate for such dwelling and show provisions for temporary water, septic or sewer service, and utilities.”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    Residential zoning districts where the zoning resolution permits an accessory dwelling unit.

    • The reviewed dimensional standards state one primary dwelling unit and one accessory dwelling unit per lot in the applicable residential district; other district and use rules may apply.

    accessory dwelling units: per 1 per lot

    “Residential Density 1 Primary Dwelling Unit; and 1 Accessory Dwelling Unit per lot”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Small wastewater systems in Natrona County.

    • The Casper-Natrona County Health Department provides regulatory oversight through a delegation agreement with Wyoming DEQ.
    “regulatory oversight of small wastewater systems in Natrona County through a delegation agreement with Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WY DEQ).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Mixed (with conditions) — Small wastewater systems in Natrona County administered by the Casper-Natrona County Health Department under delegation from Wyoming DEQ.
      “through a delegation agreement with Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WY DEQ).”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, installation, or modification of a small wastewater system in Natrona County.

    • The permit must be obtained from the Casper-Natrona County Health Department before construction, installation, or modification; permit terms and other applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances also apply.
    “Construction, installation, modification or operation of small wastewater systems shall be allowed only in accordance with these regulations, within the terms and conditions of permits”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Installation, repair, and use of on-site wastewater treatment systems in Natrona County.
      “An on-site wastewater treatment system (OWTS), also known as a septic system, treats the wastewater on an individual’s property. Septic systems are installed on properties that cannot be served by a wastewater utility. The Casper-Natrona County Health Department permits the installation, repair, and use of these systems in all areas of the county.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Small wastewater system installation in Natrona County.

    • The department must be notified at least 24 hours before the system is covered.
    • The department inspects before the system is covered with earth and/or used.
    • If the representative cannot conduct the final inspection after notice, photographic evidence is required within five working days.

    inspection notice: >= 24 hours (before covering the system) · photographic evidence deadline: 5 working days (when the authorized representative cannot conduct the final inspection)

    “shall inspect the installation before it is covered with earth and/or used.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupWater and sewer (with conditions)

    Each manufactured-home space in a manufactured-home park.

    • The cited requirement applies to manufactured-home parks, not all residential parcels.
    “The space provided for each manufactured home shall be supplied with piped potable water, electrical connections and sewage disposal connections.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and land-development requests in unincorporated Natrona County.

    • The Planning Department implements the adopted Subdivision Regulations; the county applications page lists subdivision applications and multiple subdivision-exemption forms.
    “implementation of the adopted Development Plan, Zoning Resolution, and the Subdivision Regulations”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New access or approaches onto county-maintained roads in Natrona County.

    • The permit is obtained through the County Road & Bridge Department.
    • Issuance of an address does not make Natrona County responsible for access or roadway maintenance.
    “All new access/approaches onto County maintained roads require a Driveway Access Permit”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building and planning permit application processes.

    • Building submissions require an application, site plan, building plans, and correct fees; some plans may require a Wyoming-licensed professional engineer.
    • Planning applications follow general application procedures and may require zoning, floodplain, subdivision, or other approvals.
    “Building Application & Inspections Forms”

Wyoming rules that apply here

  • 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;”
  • 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.”
    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.

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Natrona County.
  • Building height — General building-height limits in unincorporated Natrona County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping outside regulated campground or temporary-dwelling contexts.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Natrona County.
  • Manufactured homes — Manufactured-home occupancy outside the specifically regulated manufactured-home-park context.

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 Natrona County, Wyoming

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

Natrona County scores 49/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and deep seclusion — about 388 people within 15 miles. Watch-outs: weak self-sufficiency basics: only 12.1″ of rain a year.

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

Natrona County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Casper-Natrona County Health Department, Environmental Health Division. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Natrona County is allowed on a temporary basis only: Overnight accommodation of people in recreational vehicles on unincorporated Natrona County property. The use is defined as overnight accommodation of human beings in motorized vehicles for less than 90 days and does not constitute a campground. A Zoning Certificate is required, with provisions for temporary water, sewer, and utilities. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Natrona County, Wyoming?

Land in Natrona County runs about $825 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Natrona County?

Natrona County gets about 12.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 15.3% of years.

How remote is Natrona County?

A typical private-land location has about 388 people within 15 miles and 170,520 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Natrona compares in Wyoming

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