Bolthole Index

Teton County, Wyoming

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

58Index Score / 100
#11 of 23 in Wyoming

Teton County, Wyoming requires a building permit for new structures and many additions or alterations in unincorporated areas, with narrow exceptions for qualifying agricultural and small non-habitable accessory buildings.1 County zoning applies to unincorporated parcels, while the Town of Jackson is a different jurisdiction with different regulations.23 Septic permits come from the county, and the county's land development regulations prohibit using a camping trailer or RV as residential living quarters.45

At a glance

Building permit
Required for new structures and listed additions or alterations1
Zoning
County zoning applies in unincorporated Teton County2
Septic
County permit required before construction, installation or modification4
Private well
State permit required before drilling6
RV living
Prohibited as living quarters, except a temporary trailer while a residential building permit is active5
Tiny home
Occupancy rule not confirmed; dwelling construction still needs review2
Owner-builder exemption
State general-contractor licensing is not required, but local approvals still apply7
Agricultural building
Narrow permit exception below 600 sq. ft. when all conditions are met8

Who to call

Building permits

Teton County Planning & Building — Building Division

County building-permit applications, plan review and construction inspections

307-733-7030

200 S Willow Street, Jackson, WY 83001

Online permits →

Zoning

Teton County Planning & Building — Planning

Planning permits, zoning, land-development questions and parcel-specific guidance

307-733-3959

planneroftheday@tetoncountywy.gov

Teton County Administration Building, 2nd Floor, 200 S Willow Street, Jackson, WY 83001

Online permits →

Septic permits

Teton County Engineering Division

Small wastewater facility permits and septic-system questions

307-733-3317

engineering@tetoncountywy.gov

200 S Willow Street, Jackson, WY 83001

Floodplain permits

Teton County Engineering — Floodplain Management

Floodplain program questions, permit requirements and fees

(307) 733-3317

200 S Willow Street, Jackson, WY 83001

Roads & driveways

Teton County Road & Levee Department

Access permits for driveways connecting to county roads

307-733-7190

3190 S Adams Canyon Drive, Jackson, WY 83001

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 Teton 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 Teton County, Wyoming?

Yes, in unincorporated Teton County. The county requires a building permit for new structures and listed work such as additions, porches, certain retaining walls, roof or window replacements, exterior doors, interior remodels, and elevated decks.1 Qualifying agriculture-related buildings are excepted only when they house farm implements, feed, or livestock, are under 600 square feet, and have no more than two sides; a planning review may still be necessary.8 Small non-habitable accessory structures also have a limited exception under the county's stated conditions.1

Applications submitted on or after February 1, 2025 must use the 2024 IRC and IBC editions.9 The county's building-code adoption lists the 2024 International Building Code.10 Plan review adds a fee equal to 65% of the building permit fee.11 Permit holders must request inspections when work is ready, and inspections must occur at least every 180 days to keep a permit active.12

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

The Teton County Planning & Building Department handles county building permits through its Building Division at 200 S Willow Street in Jackson.13 Call 307-733-7030 for permit-process questions, submit the application through the county online portal, and request inspections online or by telephone.1314 New residential, commercial, and small miscellaneous projects require scheduled submission weeks, while trade permits do not.15

Planning applications are digital through the SmartGov portal.15 For allowed uses, setbacks, height limits, and planning approvals, contact Teton County Planning at 307-733-3959 or planneroftheday@tetoncountywy.gov.16 County and municipal jurisdictions have different regulations, so use the parcel's jurisdiction rather than its mailing address to choose the correct office.3

Does Teton County have zoning?

Yes, in unincorporated Teton County. The Teton County Land Development Regulations establish urban, suburban, rural, conservation, special-purpose, and overlay zoning classifications for unincorporated Teton County.17 County and municipal jurisdictions have different regulations.3

A parcel's district, proposed use, and recorded plat matter because building-height restrictions depend on zoning and sometimes use, while a subdivision plat may add restrictions.18 Natural-resource setbacks include 150 feet from rivers, 100 feet from perennial or intermittent streams and natural lakes or ponds, 30 feet from ephemeral streams, and 50 feet from wetlands.19 We could not confirm countywide numeric rules for minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, or lot coverage; ask the Planner of the Day for a parcel determination before design begins.16

How do septic permits work in Teton County?

Teton County administers small wastewater facilities under authority delegated by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, and the county rules may not be less stringent than corresponding state regulations.20 A county permit is required before constructing, installing, or modifying a small wastewater facility, apart from the stated initial emergency-response exception.4 Contact Engineering at 307-733-3317 or engineering@tetoncountywy.gov before fixing the house location or system design.21

Only 3.4% of mapped county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so test wastewater feasibility early rather than assuming acreage guarantees a workable conventional system.22 Privies or outhouses may not be built within the 100-year floodplain, and the design engineer must certify that an installed small wastewater system conforms to the approved design before or with the Sanitarian's final inspection.2324 We could not confirm every off-grid sanitation alternative that qualifies; ask Engineering about the proposed system and parcel.21

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

No for an RV, with one exception. The Teton County Land Development Regulations prohibit using a camping trailer or RV as residential living quarters, except for temporary use of a trailer in conjunction with an active building permit for a residential structure.5 A camping trailer in use must be parked in an authorized campground, though the county does not stop you from storing it on your property when not in use, as long as outside-storage standards are met.25

We could not confirm a countywide rule on tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Teton County; ask the Planner of the Day how the parcel's zoning district, proposed use, wastewater plan, and recorded plat affect it.16 A small dwelling is still within the county's building-permit framework, and the confirmed accessory-structure exception covers only non-habitable structures.1 Constructing, installing, or modifying a small wastewater facility also requires a septic permit from the county.4 Short-term rentals are limited in unincorporated Teton County: rentals under 31 days are prohibited except in listed locations.26

Building a home in Teton County: what are the steps?

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is in unincorporated Teton County or a municipality, because the jurisdictions use different regulations.3
  2. Ask Planning to identify the zoning district, allowed use, setbacks, district-specific height limits, plat restrictions, and required applications.172718
  3. Resolve the wastewater design with Teton County Engineering and obtain the required permit before installation or modification.4
  4. Obtain an approved Wyoming groundwater permit before drilling a private well; domestic and stock applications carry a $50 filing fee.6
  5. File digital planning applications and the building application through SmartGov, scheduling a submission week when the project type requires one.1514
  6. If access connects to a county road, obtain the no-charge Road Access Permit.28
  7. Request inspections online or by telephone when work is ready and keep them within 180 days of one another while the permit remains active.1412

What should you check before buying land in Teton County?

Start with jurisdiction, zoning, the recorded plat, legal access, water, wastewater feasibility, and mapped floodplain. County zoning regulates unincorporated land, municipal regulations differ, and subdivision or platting is regulated through the county Land Development Regulations.329 For parcels of 35 acres or more covered by Wyoming's large-parcel rule, binding and recordable access and utility easements must generally be at least 40 feet wide to a public road unless properly waived.30

Ask Floodplain Management about permit requirements if mapping places a building site in a floodplain.31 A driveway from a county road requires a county Road Access Permit.28 Septic deserves special attention because only 3.4% of mapped soils avoid a severe conventional-drain-field limitation.22 The effective property-tax rate is about 0.4%, and the median annual property-tax bill is $5,462.3233

Watch-outs

  • Do not plan to live in an RV while you build unless an active residential building permit is in place; the county prohibits RVs as residential living quarters otherwise5.
  • Do not apply municipal rules to an unincorporated Teton County parcel; county and municipal jurisdictions have different regulations.3
  • Natural-resource buffers can move a building envelope substantially: confirmed county setbacks reach 150 feet from rivers and 50 feet from wetlands.19
  • A private well needs an approved Wyoming groundwater permit before drilling begins.6
  • The agricultural building exception is narrow, and qualifying buildings may still need planning review.8
  • Wyoming does not require a statewide general-contractor license for an owner working on a primary residence, but county approvals still apply and we could not confirm a separate county owner-builder exemption.713

Sources

  1. Building a Structure Without a Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  2. Teton County Land Development Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  3. tetoncountywy.gov, quoted and re-checked
  4. Title 9 Small Wastewater Facility Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  5. Camper Trailer as Living Quarters, quoted and re-checked
  6. seo.wyo.gov (Wyoming statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  7. Startup Resources — Wyoming Business Council (Wyoming statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. Building a Structure Without a Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  9. Building, quoted and re-checked
  10. County Building Codes Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  11. Building Permit Fees, quoted and re-checked
  12. Building, quoted and re-checked
  13. Teton County Planning & Building — Building Division (tetoncountywy.gov)
  14. Building, quoted and re-checked
  15. Building, quoted and re-checked
  16. Teton County Planning & Building — Planning (tetoncountywy.gov)
  17. Teton County Land Development Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  18. Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  19. tetoncountywy.gov, quoted and re-checked
  20. Title 9 Small Wastewater Facility Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  21. Teton County Engineering Division (tetoncountywy.gov)
  22. 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
  23. Title 9 Small Wastewater Facilities, quoted and re-checked
  24. Title 9 Small Wastewater Facilities, quoted and re-checked
  25. Camper Trailer as Living Quarters, quoted and re-checked
  26. tetoncountywy.gov, quoted and re-checked
  27. Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  28. Teton County Road & Levee Department (tetoncountywy.gov)
  29. Teton County Land Development Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  30. Wyoming Statutes, Title 18 (Wyoming statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  31. Teton County Engineering — Floodplain Management (tetoncountywy.gov)
  32. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  33. Median property tax bill: 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

Like 4 of its 6 neighbors, Teton County has countywide zoning.

RuleTeton CountyPark CountySublette CountyHot Springs CountyLincoln CountyFremont CountyBig Horn County
Building permitRequiredRequiredLimitedNot requiredRequiredNot requiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesNoNo
Septic permitsCounty Engineering Dept.County Planning & ZoningCounty Planning & Zoning Dept.County Planning OfficeCounty Office of Planning & DevelopmentCounty Planning Dept.County Land Planning Dept.

County locator

Teton County in Wyoming

58
County map
Teton County highlighted among the Wyoming counties · colored by Index score

How Teton County scores

Seclusion76100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency38100% ev.
Admin Boringness4490% ev.
Durability39100% ev.
Property Autonomy74100% ev.
Carry Cost48100% 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 →

$2205kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$11,792Land / acre
35.6"Annual rain
13.8% of yrsSevere drought
0 / yr (+0)Mid-century 100°F days
15.7 daysMid-century dry spell
1.2" (+4.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.24×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$5,445Home insurance / yr
5.4% / yrInsurance growth
1.7%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
35,151People within 2 hr
23,309Radius comparison (15 mi)
5.8People / sq mi
42.4%Land at 15% slope or less
3.4%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
74,353 acWorkable land screen
70%Wooded land
30.6 tonsBiomass / forest ac
35.4°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Teton County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Town of Jackson

Answers from the rulebook for Teton County

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

Teton County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New residential structures and other construction governed by the county building-code resolution in unincorporated Teton County.

    • The permit-requirement table is a guideline only and does not take precedence over the Land Use Regulations or adopted International Codes.
    • Private-use agricultural buildings may be exempt only when limited to one structure per parcel, over 2 acres, with roof eave height not exceeding 10 feet and roof area not exceeding 600 square feet; the structure cannot be human habitation, a qualifying employment place, or public use, and other permits may still be required.
    • One-story detached accessory structures are exempt only when limited to one per lot or parcel and no more than 200 square feet.

    permit plan-review fee: 65 percent of building permit fee (When submittal documents are required)

    “Building Permit applications must be submitted through the Teton County Online Portal. New Residential Construction, Commercial New Construction, and MIS (Under 500 Sq Ft) are still required to have a submission week scheduled through the permit tech.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New residential structures and listed additions or alterations in unincorporated Teton County.
      “When do you need a building permit? Any new structures or additions including porches, retaining walls over 4 feet high, roof replacements, window replacements, additions of exterior doors, interior remodels, or decks over 30 inches above grade need building permits.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Owner-performed permitted work on a single-family primary residence or associated outbuildings for personal use.

    • The exception applies to an owner of a single-family home performing work on the owner's primary residence or associated outbuildings for personal use.
    • A homeowner constructing more than one house every two years before receiving a Certificate of Occupancy or Completion in Teton County is considered a contractor and must be licensed.
    • The exemption concerns contractor licensing and does not eliminate building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, septic, or other required permits.
    “Owner(s) of a single family home performing work on their primary residence or associated outbuildings for their personal use.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Teton County fire and wildland-urban-interface codes.

    • The county page states that the current adopted International Fire Code and International Wildland Urban Interface Code versions are 2024.

    International Fire Code version: 2024 · International Wildland Urban Interface Code version: 2024

    “All permits submitted on or after 2/1/2025 will need to be using the 2024 IRC & IBC Code Edition.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Building permits submitted to Teton County.
      “All permits submitted on or after 2/1/2025 will need to be using the 2024 IRC & IBC Code Edition.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Building construction in unincorporated Teton County.
      “The International Building Code, 2024 edition, including Appendix C, Group U-Agricultural Buildings; Appendix I, Patio Covers, as published by the International Code Council.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Active Teton County building permits.

    • The permit holder or agent must notify the Building Department when work is ready.
    • Inspections must occur at least every 180 days to keep the permit active.
    • Fire Department inspections, including electrical and sprinkler inspections, must be scheduled directly with the Fire Department.

    inspection interval: <= 180 days (Required to keep the permit active)

    “It is the duty of the permit holder or their agent to notify the Building Department that work is ready to be inspected. For Teton County, call 307-732-5745 or go online to schedule and inspection. Inspections must occur at least every 180 days in order to keep the permit active.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Work performed under an active Teton County building permit.
      “It is the duty of the permit holder or their agent to notify the Building Department that work is ready to be inspected. For Teton County, call 307-732-5745 or go online to schedule and inspection. Inspections must occur at least every 180 days in order to keep the permit active.”
    • Required — Inspections under active Teton County building permits.
      “It is the duty of the permit holder or their agent to notify the Building Department that work is ready to be inspected. For Teton County, call 307-732-5745 or go online to schedule and inspection. Inspections must occur at least every 180 days in order to keep the permit active.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Building-code compliance items requiring documentation before certificate of occupancy in unincorporated Teton County.

    • The source confirms certificate-of-occupancy prerequisites for specified energy testing and verification, but does not establish a universal certificate-of-occupancy requirement for every building.
    “The installation of the continuous air barrier shall be verified by a registered design professional or approved agency in accordance with the following and verification provided to the code official prior to Certificate of Occupancy:”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land-use zoning and development regulation in unincorporated Teton County.

    • The county publishes and administers Land Development Regulations; incorporated areas may have separate administration.
    “Building setbacks and height restrictions are based on the zoning of the property in question, and sometimes the use.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning and land-development regulation in unincorporated Teton County.
      “This Division specifies the purpose and intent of the zoning districts established by these Land Development Regulations. The zoning districts have been organized into broad district classifications, these being urban, suburban, rural, conservation, special purpose, and zoning district overlays.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate zoning conclusion for Teton County, including county-administered unincorporated areas and separately administered incorporated areas.

    • The conclusion aggregates county and municipal/local zoning systems; the county does not administer every local ordinance.
    • The Town of Jackson is separately identified on county pages as having its own planning and building administration.
    “Teton County and the Town of Jackson are different jurisdictions with different regulations.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — County aggregate of zoning administered under the Jackson/Teton County LDRs and separate municipal regulations.
      “Teton County and the Town of Jackson are different jurisdictions with different regulations.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Teton County zoning districts and district-specific development standards.

    • The county provides the Land Development Regulations online and identifies zoning-map amendments as part of long-range planning.
    • District-specific standards include minimum lot size, setbacks, and maximum height.
    • The directly opened dimensional PDF is an older printing; current amendments should be checked before parcel-level reliance.
    “The Jackson/Teton County Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Regulations are now available online.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Zoning districts established by the Teton County Land Development Regulations.
      “The zoning districts have been organized into broad district classifications, these being urban, suburban, rural, conservation, special purpose, and zoning district overlays.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Building setbacks and height-related setbacks determined by zoning and sometimes use.

    • Subdivision plats may establish building envelopes or setbacks.
    • If no subdivision-specific setbacks exist, zone-specific setbacks apply.
    “Building setbacks and height restrictions are based on the zoning of the property in question, and sometimes the use.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Development in unincorporated Teton County, including natural-resource buffers and zone-specific setbacks.
      “The required setbacks for development are: 150 feet from Rivers 100 feet from Perennial or Intermittent Streams or natural Lakes/Ponds 30 feet from Ephemeral Streams 50 feet from Wetlands”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Building height restrictions based on property zoning and sometimes use.

    • Subdivision plats may establish building envelopes or setbacks; zone-specific controls apply when no subdivision-specific control exists.
    “Building setbacks and height restrictions are based on the zoning of the property in question, and sometimes the use.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Building height in unincorporated Teton County.
      “Building setbacks and height restrictions are based on the zoning of the property in question, and sometimes the use.”
    • Specified — Maximum building height by zoning district under Table 2400 and related LDR standards.
      “If there aren’t subdivision specific setbacks, or the property is unplatted, then the zone specific setbacks apply. The same applies to building heights.”
  • Living in an RVProhibited

    Using a camping trailer or RV as residential living quarters.

    • A temporary use of a trailer is excepted when it is in conjunction with an active building permit for a residential structure.
    • Camper trailers must be parked in an authorized campground when used for camping.
    • Parking a trailer on private property when not in use is not prohibited if outside-storage standards are met.
    “The Teton County Land Development Regulations prohibit using a camping trailer or RV as residential living quarter, with the exception of a temporary use of a trailer in conjunction with an active building permit for a residential structure.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Recreational Park Trailers and campsite occupancy at regulated campgrounds.
      “Campsite occupancy, including RPT occupancy, is limited to short-term use of less than 30 days in any 90-day period.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Regulated campground and campsite use in Teton County.

    • The opened LDR provision limits campsite occupancy to less than 30 days in any 90-day period.
    • The provision allows longer occupancy for campground employees under CUP-determined limits.
    • This claim does not establish rules for every form of private-land camping outside regulated campgrounds.

    maximum campsite occupancy: < 30 days in any 90-day period (Campground employees as determined in the CUP)

    “Campground employees may be permitted to occupy a Conventional Camping Unit or tent campsite for longer than 30 days. The maximum number of campsites that may be used by employees shall be determined in the CUP.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Temporary use of camping trailers or RVs in unincorporated Teton County.
      “When using camper trailers you must be parked in an authorized campground. This does not prohibit the parking of your camping trailer on your property when not in use, as long as Section 6.4.1. Outside Storage standards are met.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Small wastewater facilities administered through Teton County Engineering and the county Sanitarian.

    • Title 9 is the county's small-wastewater regulation.
    • The building-code resolution states that Title 9 Small Waste Water Facility Regulations are adopted by the Teton County Engineering Division.
    “The provisions of Title 9 Small Waste Water Facility Regulations adopted by the Teton County Engineering Division.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • County (with conditions) — Small wastewater facilities within Teton County.
      “These regulations are an integral component of the delegation agreement in effect between the Teton County Board of County Commissioners and the Director of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality.”
    • Mixed (with conditions) — Small wastewater facilities within Teton County.
      “These regulations are an integral component of the delegation agreement in effect between the Teton County Board of County Commissioners and the Director of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, modification, or replacement of covered small-wastewater and septic-system components.

    • No county permit is required under this provision when ownership or operation is by a WYDEQ-permitted wastewater collection or treatment system.
    • Other Title 9 standards and applicable permits may apply.
    “A permit is required to construct, modify, or replace the components described in this section unless the ownership or operation is by a WYDEQ-permitted wastewater collection or treatment system.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction, installation, or modification of small wastewater facilities capable of causing or contributing to pollution in Teton County.
      “No construction, installation, or modification of a small wastewater facility shall be allowed unless a permit to construct, install or modify has been obtained.”
    • Required — Construction, installation, or modification of small wastewater facilities capable of causing or contributing to pollution in Teton County.
      “No person, except when authorized by permit issued pursuant to these regulations, shall: i. Construct, install, or modify any small wastewater facility capable of causing or contributing to pollution;”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation of small wastewater systems requiring final inspection.

    • Before or coinciding with the Sanitarian's final inspection, the design engineer must certify that the installation conforms to the approved design.
    • Qualified-service-provider inspection of each small wastewater facility is recommended for ongoing maintenance, not stated as universally mandatory.
    “Prior to, or coinciding with the final inspection of the installation by the Sanitarian, the design engineer shall certify that the installation of the small wastewater system conforms to the approved design.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Alternative sanitation systems and privies/outhouses under Title 9 Small Wastewater Facilities.

    • The Title 9 source contains standards for privies or outhouses, including insect-tight construction, self-closing doors, seat covers, screened openings, adequate ventilation, and prohibition within the 100-year floodplain.
    • Holding tanks for residential systems are restricted when alternative systems are available, except on a temporary, seasonal, or intermittent basis or to correct a failed soil-absorption system when alternatives are unavailable.
    “Privies or outhouses shall not be constructed within the 100 year floodplain.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Building-permit exemption for qualifying agricultural buildings.

    • The building must house farm implements, feed, or livestock.
    • The building must be under 600 square feet.
    • The building must be only two-sided or less.

    area: < 600 sq ft (Only two-sided or less and used for farm implements, feed, or livestock)

    “Agriculture-related buildings that house farm implements, feed or livestock that are under 600 square feet and are only 2-sided or less.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Private-use agricultural buildings under the county building-code permit exemptions.
      “Private use agricultural buildings, limited to one structure per parcel, with a roof eave height not to exceed 10 feet. and a roof area not exceeding 600 square feet, defined as a structure designed and constructed to house farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock or other horticultural products placed on a lot or parcel over 2 acres in size.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and platting under the Teton County Land Development Regulations.

    • The LDRs contain separate subdivision and PUD approval processes; developments already in process may be governed by prior regulations under stated transition conditions.
    “Developments in the subdivision or PUD approval process that have not received Final Plat or PUD Final Master Plan approval prior to the effective date of these Land Development Regulations (May 9, 1994) must comply with these Land Development Regulations”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    New and substantially improved structures and other development in the Teton County floodplain.

    • An elevation certificate is required for the lowest floor of all new and substantially improved post-FIRM structures in the floodplain.
    • The as-built elevation certificate must be submitted to the County Floodplain Administrator before issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.
    • Nonresidential floodproofed structures require a professional engineer or architect certificate.
    • Floodway encroachment requires a no-rise certification by a professional engineer.
    • Water, sewer, and septic systems must be designed and located to avoid impairment or contamination during flooding.
    • New or expanded subdivisions may require a floodplain study.

    floodplain variance fee: 750 USD (Variance request)

    “Elevation Certificate: Required to document the lowest floor of all new and substantially improved post-FIRM structures in the floodplain. As-built Elevation Certificate must be submitted to County Floodplain Administrator prior to issuance of Certificate of Occupancy.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate in special flood hazard areas outside incorporated areas.
      “A floodplain development permit is required for any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate located within special flood hazard areas except for routine maintenance of irrigation facilities as specified on page 1 of this document.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Residential short-term rentals of fewer than 31 days in Teton County areas subject to county LDRs.

    • Short-term rentals are prohibited unless the property is in one of the specifically listed locations, including The Aspens, Crescent H Fish Lodges lot 8, Golf Creek condominiums, Teton Shadows condominiums, Jackson Hole Racquet Club Resort Commercial Area, Spring Creek Ranch subject to its unit cap, Teton Village Areas I and II, or Snake River Canyon Ranch Resort Areas II and III.
    • Accessory residential units have additional occupancy and minimum 90-day rental-period standards.

    short-term rental period: < 31 days (Specific listed locations are excepted)

    “Short-term rentals, meaning properties rented for periods less than 31 days at a time, are prohibited in Teton County unless the property is in the following locations;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Short-term rental listings and occupancy in unincorporated Teton County.
      “Short-term rentals, meaning properties rented for periods less than 31 days at a time, are prohibited in Teton County unless the property is in the following locations;”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    County building and related permit fees.

    • Fees vary by project and may include energy mitigation, affordable housing, plumbing, and mechanical fees.
    • The county fee page links a 2026 fee schedule.

    plan review fee: 65 percent of building permit fee (Charged in addition to the building permit fee) · basic use permit: 500 USD (When applicable) · grading and erosion control fee: 400-700 USD ($700 plan level; $400 statement level) · small wastewater/septic fee: 50-250 plus 100 per additional bedroom USD ($250 first bedroom for new systems; $50 for repairs/renewals) · sewer connection fee: 100 USD (When applicable)

    “When submitting your plans, you will be required to pay a plan review fee. This fee is equal to 65% of your building permit fee and is charged in addition to the building permit fee.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Teton County planning, building, engineering, and floodplain permit fees.
      “Said Plan Review Fee shall be 65 percent of the Building Permit Fee.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building, planning, wastewater, and floodplain permitting processes.

    • Building applications use the county online portal; new residential and commercial construction require a scheduled submission week.
    • Floodplain applications require a completed form, fee, and supplemental information; review for sufficiency is within 14 days and permit action is completed within 60 days after sufficiency.
    • No floodplain work may begin before permit issuance.

    floodplain sufficiency review: <= 14 days · floodplain permit action after sufficiency: <= 60 days

    “There is no longer physical take in appointments, everything will be done via the new portal.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County planning and building permit applications.
      “All the Planning Permit applications are now completely digital and can be found on the Teton County SmartGov Portal. Here is a step-by-step guide for new portal users”
    • Published (with conditions) — County building permit applications and inspections.
      “Building Permit applications must be submitted through the Teton County Online Portal. New Residential Construction, Commercial New Construction, and MIS (Under 500 Sq Ft) are still required to have a submission week scheduled through the permit tech.”

Wyoming rules that apply here

  • 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.”
  • 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 requirements.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size requirements.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage or site-development limits.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Teton County.
  • Manufactured homes — Manufactured-home occupancy in unincorporated Teton County.
2 more unanswered
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Mandatory utility hookup

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Teton County, Wyoming

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

Teton County scores 58/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: sparse surroundings — about 23,309 people within 15 miles and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: workable self-sufficiency basics (35.6″/yr rainfall) and elevated current hazard exposure.

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

Teton County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Teton County Engineering Department (Sanitarian) under WY DEQ Title 9. 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 Teton County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Teton County is prohibited: Using a camping trailer or RV as residential living quarters. A temporary use of a trailer is excepted when it is in conjunction with an active building permit for a residential structure. Camper trailers must be parked in an authorized campground when used for camping. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Teton County, Wyoming?

Land in Teton County runs about $11,792 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Teton County?

Teton County gets about 35.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 13.8% of years.

How remote is Teton County?

A typical private-land location has about 23,309 people within 15 miles and 355,365 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Teton compares in Wyoming

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