Bolthole Index

Park County, Wyoming

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Park County, Wyoming

62Index Score / 100
#7 of 23 in Wyoming

Unincorporated Park County, Wyoming requires a Building/Zoning Permit for buildings and structures but has not adopted a general building code12. Park County Planning and Zoning administers zoning and small-wastewater permits on unincorporated land34. Residential RV use generally has a 90-day annual limit, with permit and sewage-disposal exceptions; Sunlight, Upper South Fork, and North Fork impose tighter restrictions56.

At a glance

Building permit
Building/Zoning Permit required; no general county building code adopted78
Zoning
Yes in unincorporated Park County — county Development Standards and Regulations apply9
Septic
County permit required before work on conventional systems below 2,000 gallons/day10
RV living
Generally limited to 90 days per calendar year without the county's permit exception11
Certificate of occupancy
Not required by Park County12
Water well
Permit required from the State Engineer's Office before drilling, $50 filing fee13
Owner-builder
An owner may act as general contractor on a primary residence; local approvals still apply14

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Park County Planning & Zoning Department

Building/zoning permits, small wastewater (septic) system permits, subdivisions, exempt subdivisions, and floodplain development permits for unincorporated Park County

307-527-8540

planning@parkcounty-wy.gov

1002 Sheridan Ave., Suite 109, Cody, WY 82414

Septic permits

Park County Planning & Zoning Department — Small Wastewater Systems

Small wastewater (septic) system permits, design review, and pre-backfill inspection for unincorporated Park County

307-527-8540

planning@parkcounty-wy.gov

1002 Sheridan Ave., Suite 109, Cody, WY 82414

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

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Park 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 Park County, Wyoming?

Unincorporated Park County requires a Building/Zoning Permit to locate, erect, construct, or enlarge a building or structure, reconstruct within a designated floodplain, change use, or increase sewage design flow through an occupancy change1. The administrative permit covers uses allowed by right; site-plan review may also apply15. Park County has not adopted a general building code and does not require a county Certificate of Occupancy or Completion, although separate state fire and electrical review may apply216. Wyoming owners may act as general contractor on their primary residence, subject to local approvals and electrical licensing requirements14. Unlike most counties around it in Wyoming, Park County requires a county building permit17. Inside Powell, the city issues building permits; the county septic authority described here covers unincorporated land184.

Who issues building permits in Park County, and how do you reach the office?

Park County Planning and Zoning issues Building/Zoning Permits and administers small-wastewater permits for unincorporated land194. Visit 1002 Sheridan Ave., Suite 109, Cody, WY 82414; call Cody at (307) 527-8540 or Powell at (307) 754-8540, or email planning@parkcounty-wy.gov19. Park County publishes applications for Building/Zoning, floodplain development, wastewater systems, site-plan review, special uses, variances, zoning amendments, and subdivisions2021. The county publishes its planning and zoning fee schedule, payment methods, and processor charges2223. We could not confirm a general county building-inspection requirement; ask Planning and Zoning which inspections and separate state reviews the project needs.

Does Park County have zoning?

Park County's Development Standards and Regulations govern land uses and structures throughout unincorporated Park County3. Inside Powell and Cody, each city's own zoning applies24; we could not confirm who issues building permits inside Cody; county wastewater authority described here is for unincorporated land254. Standard minimum lot sizes range from one-half acre in R-H, C, I, and T to 40 acres in GR-40, subject to district rules and exceptions26. Buildings generally need 20 feet from the county road right-of-way edge and 5 feet from an alleyway, with exemptions for irrigation facilities, earthworks, fences, non-illuminated signs, and minor utility uses27. Where the road right-of-way is unknown, the rule permits measurement beyond a point 30 feet from the road center27. Highway-adjoining properties subject to site-plan approval have an additional setback of 20 feet per 5,000 square feet of floor area, potentially reduced for mitigating design28. Accessory housing is allowed by right with a Building/Zoning Permit when on the principal dwelling's parcel and smaller in living area29.

How do septic permits work in Park County?

Park County Planning and Zoning exercises delegated Wyoming DEQ authority over small wastewater systems in unincorporated Park County; the county reviews plans, inspects, issues permits and enforces violations, and DEQ design rules still apply30. New, replacement, and repaired conventional septic-tank and leach-field systems below 2,000 gallons per day require a county Permit to Construct before work starts10. Published application fees are $250 for a new or replacement system and $125 for a modified or repaired system31. Submit the design before installation, and do not backfill any component until the Small Wastewater Systems Administrator has inspected and the county has granted permission3233. Only 7.7% of county soils rate “not limited” for conventional drain fields; that does not mean septic is impossible, but a site evaluation and possibly an engineered system are needed34. Outhouses, privies, greywater systems, and similar proposals require county and/or Wyoming DEQ review, and a wastewater permit is needed before building a small wastewater facility3536.

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

In unincorporated Park County, residential RV or camper use generally cannot exceed 90 days per calendar year unless the unit qualifies for a Building/Zoning Permit as principal or accessory housing or a construction home and has approved sewage disposal; commercial campgrounds are excepted5. Sunlight, Upper South Fork, and North Fork prohibit permanent RV living, defined as occupancy exceeding 90 days in any year; longer construction-home use needs a Building/Zoning Permit, a variance, and approved sewage disposal63738. Manufactured/mobile homes must be on a foundation or blocked, skirted, and tied down within 60 days of placement39. In those planning areas, only off-frame modular factory-built homes are permitted, subject to an exception for replacing an existing factory-built home39. We could not confirm a separate tiny-home classification or minimum dwelling size; ask Planning and Zoning how the proposed design is classified before buying the unit.

Building a home in Park County, Wyoming: the steps, in order

  1. Ask Park County Planning and Zoning to identify the parcel's district, minimum lot size, setbacks, and application requirements before fixing the site plan3402720.
  1. Obtain the Building/Zoning Permit before locating or constructing the structure; site-plan or state fire review may also apply1152.
  1. For construction in a mapped Special Flood Hazard Area, obtain a floodplain development permit; applications go to a Board of County Commissioners public hearing, and residential structures must sit at least 2 feet above base flood elevation or 3 feet above the highest adjacent grade41.
  1. Obtain the septic Permit to Construct before installation and county inspection and permission before backfill1033.
  1. Receive the State Engineer's groundwater permit before drilling a well; the domestic filing fee is $5013.
  1. Before dividing land, establish the applicable subdivision or exempt-division process with Planning and Zoning; simple, minor, major, and non-exempt large-acre subdivisions require subdivision permits, and exempt divisions still need a record of survey4243. Agricultural divisions require a Certificate of Filing and an agricultural-purpose covenant presented to the County Clerk for recording with the dividing instrument4445.

What to check before you buy land in Park County

Federal land covers about 79.2% of Park County, making parcel boundaries relative to public land a useful purchase check46. Park County's severe-drought history and 22.3 inches of annual precipitation make water rights and well yield worth investigating before committing to a well4748. Wells require a State Engineer's permit before drilling and licensed well-drilling and pump-installation contractors13. A driveway onto WYDOT right-of-way needs state approval through the local WYDOT Maintenance Foreman using Form M-3A49. We could not confirm county-road driveway requirements; ask Planning and Zoning who reviews access for the parcel. Typical home values are about $458,012, with an effective property tax rate around 0.6% and a median annual tax bill near $2,115505152.

Watch-outs

  • Sunlight, Upper South Fork, and North Fork restrict both permanent RV living and factory-built home types; a construction RV beyond 90 days requires a Building/Zoning Permit, variance, and approved sewage disposal639.
  • County road setbacks are measured from the right-of-way edge, with an alternative measurement rule when its location is unknown27.
  • Park County's agricultural exemption is a land-division procedure requiring filing and a recorded covenant, not a stated agricultural-building permit exemption44451.

Sources

  1. Development Overview - Park County Wyoming, quoted and re-checked
  2. Planning and Zoning - Park County Wyoming, quoted and re-checked
  3. Development Overview - Park County Wyoming, quoted and re-checked
  4. Small Wastewater Systems - Park County Wyoming, quoted and re-checked
  5. Park County 2025 DSR - ADOPTED, quoted and re-checked
  6. Park County 2025 Development Standards and Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  7. Development Overview - Park County Wyoming, quoted and re-checked
  8. Planning and Zoning - Park County Wyoming, quoted and re-checked
  9. Park County 2025 Development Standards and Regulations - Adopted, quoted and re-checked
  10. Small Wastewater Systems - Park County Wyoming, quoted and re-checked
  11. parkcounty-wy.gov, quoted and re-checked
  12. Planning and Zoning - Park County Wyoming, quoted and re-checked
  13. seo.wyo.gov (Wyoming statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Startup Resources — Wyoming Business Council (Wyoming statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Development Overview - Park County Wyoming, quoted and re-checked
  16. Planning and Zoning - Park County Wyoming, quoted and re-checked
  17. Development Overview - Park County Wyoming (2026 county census)
  18. Powell: Sec. 17.08.090. - Building permit (Park County), quoted and re-checked
  19. Park County Planning & Zoning Department (parkcounty-wy.gov)
  20. Applications and Fees - Park County Wyoming, quoted and re-checked
  21. Applications and Fees - Park County Wyoming, quoted and re-checked
  22. Applications and Fees - Park County Wyoming, quoted and re-checked
  23. Applications and Fees - Park County Wyoming, quoted and re-checked
  24. Cody: official source (Park County), quoted and re-checked
  25. Powell: Home - City of Powell (Park County), quoted and re-checked
  26. Park County 2025 Development Standards and Regulations - Adopted, quoted and re-checked
  27. Park County 2025 Development Standards and Regulations - Adopted, quoted and re-checked
  28. Park County 2025 Development Standards and Regulations - Adopted, quoted and re-checked
  29. Park County 2025 DSR - ADOPTED, quoted and re-checked
  30. Small Wastewater Systems - Park County Wyoming, quoted and re-checked
  31. Small Wastewater Systems - Park County Wyoming, quoted and re-checked
  32. Applications and Fees - Park County Wyoming, quoted and re-checked
  33. Small Wastewater Systems - Park County Wyoming, quoted and re-checked
  34. 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
  35. Planning and Zoning - Park County Wyoming, quoted and re-checked
  36. Planning and Zoning - Park County Wyoming, quoted and re-checked
  37. parkcounty-wy.gov, quoted and re-checked
  38. parkcounty-wy.gov, quoted and re-checked
  39. 2015 Development Standards and Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  40. Park County 2025 Development Standards and Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  41. Planning and Zoning - Park County Wyoming, quoted and re-checked
  42. Planning and Zoning - Park County Wyoming, quoted and re-checked
  43. Planning and Zoning - Park County Wyoming, quoted and re-checked
  44. Exempt Subdivisions - Park County Wyoming, quoted and re-checked
  45. Park County 2025 DSR - ADOPTED, quoted and re-checked
  46. Federal land share: Bolthole Index county data
  47. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  48. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  49. Form M-3A, Application for Permit to Construct Access Driveway (Wyoming statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  50. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data
  51. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  52. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 15, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 4 of its 6 neighbors, Park County requires a building permit for a home.

RulePark CountyHot Springs CountyTeton CountyBig Horn CountyWashakie CountyFremont CountySublette County
Building permitRequiredNot requiredRequiredRequiredNot requiredNot requiredLimited
County zoningYesYesYesNoNoNoYes
Septic permitsCounty Planning & ZoningCounty Planning OfficeCounty Engineering Dept.County Land Planning Dept.County PlannerCounty Planning Dept.County Planning & Zoning Dept.

County locator

Park County in Wyoming

62
County map
Park County highlighted among the Wyoming counties · colored by Index score

How Park County scores

Seclusion86100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency35100% ev.
Admin Boringness4490% ev.
Durability50100% ev.
Property Autonomy74100% ev.
Carry Cost82100% 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 →

$458kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$2,842Land / acre
22.3"Annual rain
10.9% of yrsSevere drought
0.7 / yr (+0.7)Mid-century 100°F days
18.1 daysMid-century dry spell
1.26" (+7.7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.25×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,341Home insurance / yr
2% / yrInsurance growth
0.43%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
3,305Radius comparison (15 mi)
4.4People / sq mi
79.2%Federal land
48.9%Land at 15% slope or less
7.7%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
289,550 acWorkable land screen
43.7%Wooded land
19.3 tonsBiomass / forest ac
39.1°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Park 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: Cody · Town of Frannie · Town of Meeteetse

Answers from the rulebook for Park County

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

Park County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Buildings and structures, enlargements, floodplain reconstruction, use changes, and occupancy changes increasing sewage design flow in unincorporated Park County.

    • The permit is a non-discretionary administrative permit for uses and structures permitted by right.
    • Site Plan Review may also be required.
    • A permit is required for RV/camper occupancy exceeding 90 days per annum.

    RV/camper residential occupancy threshold: > 90 days per annum (Except as otherwise authorized by the regulations.)

    “A Building/Zoning Permit issued by the Planning and Zoning Department is required to:”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Locating, erecting, constructing, enlarging, reconstructing, or changing the use or occupancy rating of buildings or structures in unincorporated Park County.
      “A Building/Zoning Permit issued by the Planning and Zoning Department is required to:”
    • Required — Locating, erecting, constructing, enlarging, reconstructing, changing use, or increasing sewage design flow for buildings and structures in unincorporated Park County.
      “A Building/Zoning Permit issued by the P&Z Department is required to: (a) Locate, erect, or construct any building or structure; (b) Enlarge the outside dimensions of any building or structure; (c) Reconstruct any building or structure within the designated floodplain (d) Change the use of any building or structure; or (e) Change the use or occupancy rating of a building so as to increase the building’s sewage design flow.”
  • Building code adoptedNot adopted

    Building-code adoption in unincorporated Park County.

    • The county encourages builders and property owners to refer to the International Building Code.
    • State fire-prevention and electrical plan-review requirements may still apply to specified development.
    “Unincorporated Park County has not adopted building codes.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not adopted (with conditions) — County building-code adoption in unincorporated Park County.
      “Unincorporated Park County has not adopted building codes.”
  • Certificate of occupancyNot required

    Certificates of occupancy and certificates of completion issued by Park County.

    “Further, we do not issue Certificates of Occupancy or Certificates of Completion.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not required — Certificates of Occupancy and Certificates of Completion issued by Park County for unincorporated areas.
      “we do not issue Certificates of Occupancy”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County Development Standards and Regulations in unincorporated Park County.

    • No person shall locate, erect, construct, reconstruct, enlarge, maintain or use structures or land without complying with zoning requirements.
    • Incorporated municipalities may administer separate local rules.
    “These regulations apply to the location and use of buildings and structures and the use, condition of use or occupancy of all unincorporated lands within the political boundaries of Park County, Wyoming.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning regulation of unincorporated lands within Park County.
      “These regulations apply to the location and use of buildings and structures and the use, condition of use or occupancy of all unincorporated lands within the political boundaries of Park County, Wyoming. Except as hereinafter provided, no lot, tract, parcel or other unit of land shall be altered, divided, used or occupied and no structure shall be located, erected, constructed, reconstructed, enlarged, changed, maintained, altered, used, or occupied except in conformity with the provisions of these regulations.”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Lots and parcels in Park County zoning districts, including conventional subdivisions or conventional exempt land divisions and qualifying special subdivision types.

    • Table 4-5 contains the lot-size requirements for each zoning district.
    • The minimum lot size is the smallest total land area permitted within a conventional subdivision or conventional exempt land division.
    • The special minimum applies only to lots or parcels meeting the requirements for grouped lots or lot-size averaging.
    • For lot-size averaging, no lot or parcel may be smaller than the special minimum, the average lot size must equal or exceed the district minimum, applicable plat and deed notices are required, and applicable subdivision or exempt-division requirements must be met.
    • A pre-existing-residence exception permits division or subdivision into smaller parcels only where the separate residential buildings were built before January 7, 1998, the original parcel is not large enough to create a minimum-size lot for each residential building, and the buildings are not residential accessory buildings such as guesthouses.
    • The regulation source does not establish that this county rule governs incorporated municipalities; municipal rules may apply there.

    GR-M minimum lot size: 1 acre (Subject to applicable exceptions and special minimum rules) · GR-P minimum lot size: 1 acre (Subject to applicable exceptions and special minimum rules) · GR-40 minimum lot size: 40 acres (Subject to applicable exceptions and special minimum rules) · GR-35 minimum lot size: 35 acres (Subject to applicable exceptions and special minimum rules) · GR-20 minimum lot size: 20 acres (Subject to applicable exceptions and special minimum rules) · GR-5 minimum lot size: 5 acres (Subject to applicable exceptions and special minimum rules) · RR-2 minimum lot size: 2 acres (Subject to applicable exceptions and special minimum rules) · R-H minimum lot size: 1/2 acre (Subject to applicable exceptions and special minimum rules) · C minimum lot size: 1/2 acre (Subject to applicable exceptions and special minimum rules) · I minimum lot size: 1/2 acre (Subject to applicable exceptions and special minimum rules) · T minimum lot size: 1/2 acre (Subject to applicable exceptions and special minimum rules)

    “GR-M one acre one acre NA GR-P one acre one acre NA GR-40 40 acres 5 acres 40% GR-35 35 acres 4 acres 40% GR-20 20 acres 2 acres 40% GR-5 5 acres one acre 30% RR-2 2 acres 37,000 sq. ft. 20% R-H 1/2 acre 7,000 sq. ft. 10% C 1/2 acre 1/2 acre 0% I 1/2 acre 1/2 acre 0% T 1/2 acre 1/2 acre 0%”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Lots and parcels subject to Park County's 2025 zoning districts and subdivision or exempt-division rules in unincorporated Park County.
      “TABLE 4-5: DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS ZONING DISTRICT MINIMUM LOT SIZE SPECIAL MINIMUM LOT SIZE LOT GROUPING BONUS GR-M one acre one acre NA GR-P one acre one acre NA GR-40 40 acres 5 acres 40% GR-35 35 acres 4 acres 40% GR-20 20 acres 2 acres 40% GR-5 5 acres one acre 30% RR-2 2 acres 37,000 sq. ft. 20% R-H 1/2 acre 7,000 sq. ft. 10% C 1/2 acre 1/2 acre 0% I 1/2 acre 1/2 acre 0% T 1/2 acre 1/2 acre 0%”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Lots and parcels governed by Park County zoning districts in unincorporated Park County; the applicable minimum depends on the zoning district.
      “GR-M one acre one acre NA GR-P one acre one acre NA GR-40 40 acres 5 acres 40% GR-35 35 acres 4 acres 40% GR-20 20 acres 2 acres 40% GR-5 5 acres one acre 30% RR-2 2 acres 37,000 sq. ft. 20% R-H 1/2 acre 7,000 sq. ft. 10% C 1/2 acre 1/2 acre 0% I 1/2 acre 1/2 acre 0% T 1/2 acre 1/2 acre 0%”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Buildings and structures subject to Park County zoning regulations.

    • No building or structure may be built or located within 20 feet of county road rights-of-way or within 5 feet of alleyways.
    • The setbacks do not apply to irrigation facilities, earthworks, fences, non-illuminated signs, and minor utility uses.
    • The road-right-of-way setback is measured from the edge of the road right-of-way.
    • If the location of a county road right-of-way is not known, the setback from the county road may be measured beyond a point 30 feet from the road center.
    • The regulation source does not establish that this county rule governs incorporated municipalities; municipal rules may apply there.

    county road right-of-way setback: 20 feet (Except for listed exempt uses) · alleyway setback: 5 feet (Except for listed exempt uses)

    “(10) Building Setbacks: (a) Application: No building or structure shall be built or located within twenty (20) feet of county road rights-of-way, or within five (5) feet of alleyways. (b) Exceptions: The building setbacks shall not apply to irrigation facilities, earthworks, fences, non-illuminated signs, and minor utility uses.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Buildings and structures regulated by Park County zoning regulations in unincorporated Park County.
      “(a) Application: No building or structure shall be built or located within twenty (20) feet of county road rights-of-way, or within five (5) feet of alleyways. (b) Exceptions: The building setbacks shall not apply to irrigation facilities, earthworks, fences, non-illuminated signs, and minor utility uses.”
    • Specified — Buildings and structures in unincorporated Park County under the county's 2025 zoning regulations.
      “No building or structure shall be built or located within twenty (20) feet of county road rights-of-way, or within five (5) feet of alleyways. The building setbacks shall not apply to irrigation facilities, earthworks, fences, non-illuminated signs, and minor utility uses. The building setback shall be measured from the edge of the road right-of-way. The building setback from any county road may be measured beyond a point thirty (30) feet from the center of the road if the location of the county road right-of-way is not known.”
    • Specified — Buildings and structures in unincorporated Park County under the County's 2025 Development Standards and Regulations.
      “(10) Building Setbacks: (a) Application: No building or structure shall be built or located within twenty (20) feet of county road rights-of-way, or within five (5) feet of alleyways. (b) Exceptions: The building setbacks shall not apply to irrigation facilities, earthworks, fences, non-illuminated signs, and minor utility uses. (c) Measurement for road rights-of-way: The building setback shall be measured from the edge of the road right-of-way. The building setback from any county road may be measured beyond a point thirty (30) feet from the center of the road if the location of the county road right-of-way is not known.”
    • Specified — Buildings on properties adjoining a state or county highway when subject to Park County site-plan approval standards.
      “xix. Building setbacks along highways: Building setbacks shall be increased twenty (20) feet for every five thousand (5,000) square feet of floor area for buildings located on properties adjoining a state or county highway. The Board or Commission may reduce the required increase of the setback distance by up to fifty (50) percent provided the site design mitigates the adverse effects of the reduced setback.”
  • Living in an RVAllowed (with conditions)

    Use of an RV or camper as a construction home for longer than 90 days in the Sunlight, Upper South Fork, and North Fork Planning Areas.

    • A Building/Zoning Permit is required.
    • A variance is required.
    • The cited allowance is limited to use as a construction home.
    • An approved means of sewage disposal is required under the general RV/camper exception in the same subsection.

    occupancy duration: > 90 days (Construction-home use may be permitted with a Building/Zoning Permit and variance.)

    “RVs/campers may be permitted in the Sunlight, Upper South Fork and North Fork Planning Areas as a construction home for longer than ninety (90) days with a Building/Zoning Permit and variance.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Residential occupancy of RVs and campers in areas governed by Park County's 2025 Development Standards and Regulations, except commercial campgrounds.
      “RVs and campers, except those in a commercial campground, shall not be used for residential occupancy for more than ninety (90) days in any calendar year unless the unit can be granted a Building/Zoning Permit as a principal or accessory housing unit or construction home and has an approved means of sewage disposal.”
    • Limited — RV and camper residential occupancy in the Sunlight, Upper South Fork, and North Fork Planning Areas of unincorporated Park County.
      “with a Building/Zoning Permit and variance.”
    • Prohibited — Permanent residential living in an RV, camper, house trailer, or motor home in the Sunlight, Upper South Fork, and North Fork Planning Areas.
      “RVs and campers are not permitted in the Sunlight, Upper South Fork, and North Fork Planning Areas when utilized for permanent living. Permanent means when any occupants reside or stay in the house trailer, camper or motor home exceeding ninety (90) days in any year;”
    • Limited — Residential occupancy of RVs and campers in unincorporated Park County.
      “RVs and campers, except those in a commercial campground, shall not be used for residential occupancy for more than ninety (90) days in any calendar year unless the unit can be granted a Building/Zoning Permit as a principal or accessory housing unit or construction home and has an approved means of sewage disposal.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured/mobile homes and factory-built homes in unincorporated Park County.

    • Manufactured/mobile homes must be on a foundation or blocked, skirted, and tied down within 60 days of placement.
    • Only off-frame modular factory-built homes are permitted in the Sunlight, Upper Southfork, and Northfork Planning Areas, subject to the stated exception for replacement of an existing factory-built home.
    • Mobile/manufactured home parks are treated as subdivisions and have dimensional standards.

    foundation/skirting/tie-down deadline: <= 60 days (The source requires the home to be located on a foundation or blocked, skirted, and tied down within 60 days of placement.)

    “All manufactured/mobile homes shall be located on a foundation, or blocked, skirted, and tied down within sixty (60) days of placement. Skirting shall be waterproof, rigid, and durable.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Accessory housing units in unincorporated Park County zoning districts.

    • The use table marks accessory housing units as permitted by right with a Building/Zoning Permit across the listed districts.
    • The unit must be accessory to and on the same lot or parcel as a principal dwelling and smaller in living area.
    ““P” indicates uses permitted by right with a Building/Zoning Permit (Sec. 4a)”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Small wastewater systems in unincorporated Park County.

    • Wyoming DEQ delegated authority and responsibility to Park County.
    • DEQ rules, including Chapter 25, remain applicable.
    “The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality delegated the authority and responsibility to enforce and administer the provisions of W.S. 35-11-301(a)(iii) and (v) for small wastewater facilities to Park County.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • County (with conditions) — Small wastewater facilities in unincorporated Park County under delegated Wyoming DEQ authority.
      “delegated the authority and responsibility [...] to Park County.”
    • County (with conditions) — Small wastewater facilities in unincorporated Park County under DEQ delegation.
      “delegated the authority and responsibility [...] to Park County.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Conventional small wastewater facilities with domestic sewage flow below 2,000 gallons per day in unincorporated Park County.

    • Applies to new construction/install, replacement, or repair.
    • The application package is for conventional septic tank and leach-field systems below 2,000 gallons per day.
    • A county Permit to Construct must be issued before construction starts.
    • Not all installations follow the exact published process; exceptions are possible.

    maximum domestic sewage flow: < 2000 gallons per day · new system application fee: 250 USD · modified/repaired system application fee: 125 USD · replacement system application fee: 250 USD

    “A septic permit must be issued by Park County before activity can commence.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Conventional small wastewater systems with flow under 2,000 gallons per day in unincorporated Park County.
      “A Septic Permit Application Package is required for any new construction/install, replacement or repair of a small wastewater treatment facility within unincorporated areas of Park County. The application should ONLY be used for conventional systems (septic tank and leach field) with a wastewater flow of less than 2,000 gallons per day.”
    • Required — New, replacement, or repaired small wastewater treatment facilities in unincorporated Park County.
      “A small wastewater permit is required before construction”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Small wastewater systems in unincorporated Park County.

    • The SWW Administrator inspects before backfilling.
    • No system component may be backfilled before the inspection and county-issued permission to backfill.
    “6) Install system according to approved design specifications. DO NOT BACKFILL any component of the system. 7) SWW Administrator inspects system before backfilling occurs. 8) Obtain county-issued permission to backfill.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Human-waste disposal methods, including outhouses, privies, greywater systems, and similar proposals in Park County.

    • County and/or Wyoming DEQ review is required.
    • A wastewater permit is required before construction of a small wastewater facility.
    “County and/or DEQ review is required for the disposal of human waste, by any means, in Park County. Outhouses, privvies, greywater systems and similar proposals require review.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Disposal of human waste by outhouse, privy, greywater system, or similar means in Park County.
      “County and/or DEQ review is required for the disposal of human waste, by any means, in Park County. Outhouses, privvies, greywater systems and similar proposals require review.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Agricultural divisions of land under Park County subdivision procedures.

    • A Certificate of Filing is required.
    • A covenant conforming to Appendix J, Covenant for Agricultural Purposes Exemption, must be presented for recording.
    • The exemption is subject to the Wyoming Real Estate Subdivision Act and anti-evasion provisions.
    “covenant [...] that conforms to Appendix J, Covenant for Agricultural Purposes Exemption.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Agricultural divisions or exempt divisions under Wyoming subdivision law as administered through Park County filing procedures.
      “owners or agents of a property owner seeking to record deeds, records of survey, contract for deeds, or other types of instruments that divide land through agricultural exemption pursuant to W.S. 18-5-303(a)(vii) (Exemptions from Provisions), shall present to the County Clerk a covenant to be recorded with the instrument that conforms to Appendix J (Covenant for Agricultural Purposes Exemption).”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Simple, minor, major, and non-exempt large-acreage subdivisions in Park County.

    • Subdivision permits are required for simple, minor, major, and non-exempt large-acre subdivisions.
    • Minor subdivisions generally involve no more than five lots smaller than 35 acres.
    • Major subdivisions include six or more lots smaller than 35 acres.
    • Eleven or more 35-to-40-acre parcels cumulatively require a subdivision permit.
    “Required for Simple Subdivisions, Minor Subdivisions, Major Subdvisions and Non-Exempt Large-Acre (35+ acre) Subdivisions.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Simple, minor, major, and non-exempt large-acre subdivisions in Park County.
      “Required for Simple Subdivisions, Minor Subdivisions, Major Subdvisions and Non-Exempt Large-Acre (35+ acre) Subdivisions.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Construction proposed in mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas in unincorporated Park County.

    • All floodplain development permit applications go before the Board of County Commissioners in a public hearing.
    • Residential structures must meet the BFE/HAG elevation requirement.
    • Non-residential structures have separate elevation/floodproofing requirements and exceptions may apply.

    residential elevation above BFE: >= 2 feet (Alternatively 3 feet above highest adjacent grade.)

    “Construction proposed in a mapped Special Flood Hazard Area in unincorporated Park County requires a permit. If you are unsure of which types of construction require a permit, consult the County Development Standards and Regulations or call/stop by the Planning and Zoning Department. All floodplain development permit applications go before the Board of County Commissioners in a public hearing.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction proposed in a mapped Special Flood Hazard Area in unincorporated Park County.
      “Construction proposed in a mapped Special Flood Hazard Area in unincorporated Park County requires a permit. [...] All floodplain development permit applications go before the Board of County Commissioners in a public hearing.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Park County Planning and Zoning application and permit fees.

    • The fee schedule is identified as effective January 1, 2023 and amended March 4, 2025.
    • Credit-card processor fees apply: $1.50 for charges under $60; 2.49% for charges over $60; American Express 3.5% plus $1.50.

    fee schedule effective date: 2023-01-01 (Amended 2025-03-04)

    “Fee Schedule - Exhibits A and E (Effective 1/1/2023; amended 3/4/2025)”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Planning and zoning permit and application fees published by Park County.
      “Fee Schedule - Exhibits A and E (Effective 1/1/2023; amended 3/4/2025)”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Park County planning and zoning, wastewater, floodplain, and subdivision permitting processes.

    • Building/Zoning Permits, Floodplain Development Permits, Small Wastewater System Permits, and subdivision applications are listed on the official applications page.
    • Small wastewater applications require testing, design, submission, a county Permit to Construct before construction, inspection before backfill, and county permission to backfill.
    “THE 2025 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS ARE EFFECTIVE AS OF OCTOBER 1, 2025. NEW APPLICATIONS APPEAR BELOW OR ARE COMING SOON.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published — Park County Planning and Zoning permit application process.
      “Applications (EFFECTIVE 10/1/2025) General Development Building/Zoning Permit Application Floodplain Development Permit Application Small Wastewater System Permit Application Non-Standard Wastewater System Permit Application Affidavit of (As-Built) SWW System Special Actions Site Plan Review Application Special Use Permit Application Variance Request Application Zoning Map Amendment Application Text Amendment Application Subdivisions Simple Subdivision Application Minor Subdivision Application Major Subdivision Application Major Subdivision Preliminary Plat Application Final Plat Review Application Amended Plat Application”
    • Published (with conditions) — Park County Planning and Zoning permit and subdivision application processes.
      “Applications (EFFECTIVE 10/1/2025) General Development Building/Zoning Permit Application Floodplain Development Permit Application Small Wastewater System Permit Application”

Wyoming rules that apply here

  • 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.”
  • 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).”
  • 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”
  • 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 unincorporated Park County.
  • Local zoning — Zoning administered by municipalities or other local authorities within Park County.
  • Zoning districts — Published zoning-district map or schedule for unincorporated Park County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Park County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage limits in unincorporated Park County.
4 more unanswered
  • Building height
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • 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 Park County, Wyoming

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

Park County scores 62/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 3,305 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (22.3″/yr rainfall).

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

Park County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Park County Planning & Zoning (Small Wastewater Systems Administrator). 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 Park County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Park County is limited to specific cases: Residential occupancy of RVs and campers in areas governed by Park County's 2025 Development Standards and Regulations, except commercial campgrounds. RVs and campers may not be used for residential occupancy for more than 90 days in any calendar year unless the unit can be granted a Building/Zoning Permit as a principal or accessory housing unit or construction home. An approved means of sewage disposal is required for the permit exception. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Park County, Wyoming?

Land in Park County runs about $2,842 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Park County?

Park County gets about 22.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 10.9% of years.

How remote is Park County?

A typical private-land location has about 3,305 people within 15 miles and 207,809 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Park compares in Wyoming

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