Bolthole Index

Uinta County, Wyoming

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

61Index Score / 100
#10 of 23 in Wyoming

Unincorporated Uinta County, Wyoming requires a Land Use Certificate for new construction or alteration of a structure1. County zoning governs unincorporated land, while Evanston and the Town of Lyman zone inside their own limits234; Lyman also issues its own building permits5. Septic permits and pre-backfill inspections come from Uinta County Planning & Zoning67.

At a glance

Building permit
Land Use Certificate required for new construction or alteration1
Zoning
County districts and overlays apply in unincorporated areas28
Septic permit
County permit and inspection required before backfill97
RV living
Only a narrow work-related allowance was confirmed; ask Planning & Zoning10
Tiny homes
No specific tiny-home rule confirmed; dwelling standards still matter11
Minimum dwelling size
650 sq ft, plus 90 sq ft for each bedroom beyond one11
Owner-builder
May act as general contractor on a primary residence; local approvals still apply12
County-road access
$25 access permit for a new entrance onto county right-of-way1314

Who to call

Building permits

Uinta County Planning & Zoning / GIS

Land Use Certificates, address assignment, and zoning administration in unincorporated Uinta County

307-783-0318

225 9th Street, Evanston, WY 82930-3415

Septic permits

Uinta County Planning & Zoning (Wastewater / Septic System)

Small wastewater system permits and inspections in Uinta County

307-783-0360

225 9th Street, Evanston, WY 82930-3415

Roads & driveways

Uinta County Planning & Zoning (Access Permits)

Access permits for new entrances onto a county right-of-way or county road

307-783-0318

225 9th Street, Evanston, WY 82930-3415

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 Uinta 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 Uinta County, Wyoming?

Unincorporated Uinta County requires a Land Use Certificate for new construction or alteration of a structure1. The county charges $50 when a dwelling needs an address assignment and $25 for a barn or shop without an address15. Grazing, crop production, timber harvesting, and certain utilities can avoid a Use Certificate, but a utility structure or a change in land coverage or enclosure requires one1. The agricultural allowance covers specified uses, such as grazing and crops, within carrying-capacity and conservation limits; it does not cover structures, so a barn or shop without an address still carries the $25 Land Use Certificate fee16171. Those rules stop at city limits: inside Lyman, the town issues its own building permits5. Wyoming does not license general contractors statewide, but local licensing and approvals may apply and electrical work remains subject to separate requirements12. We could not confirm a general county building code, structural inspection program, or certificate of occupancy; ask Planning & Zoning what construction review applies18.

Who handles Uinta County building permits, and how do you reach them?

Uinta County Planning & Zoning / GIS handles the Land Use Certificate process at 225 9th Street, Evanston, WY 82930-3415, and the office phone is 307-783-031818. Applications for new construction or structural alterations use county forms and may be approved by the Planning Department18. The same department handles address assignment and zoning questions18. For a new entrance onto a county road or county right-of-way, submit an Access Permit to Planning & Zoning19. A county access permit costs $25; agricultural or residential access is limited to 24 feet wide, while commercial, industrial, or subdivision-road access is limited to 40 feet at the Road and Bridge Foreman's discretion13.

Does Uinta County have zoning?

Uinta County zoning applies to private land in the unincorporated county and to legally subject public land there, while city zoning governs inside city limits: Evanston has its own zoning chapter and extraterritorial zoning powers, and Lyman has its own zoning districts22034. The county publishes Agriculture/Resource Development, Residential, Commercial, and Industrial base districts plus flood-hazard, airport and other overlays; in an overlay, the base district and the overlay both apply, and district standards vary821. Dwelling units governed by the county’s Chapter 5 residential standards need at least 650 square feet of gross floor area, plus 90 square feet for each bedroom beyond one22. Residential detached-home lots generally require a 20-foot front yard, 5-foot interior side yards, and a 10-foot rear yard, with specific exceptions for corner and alley-served lots23. A detached single-family residential lot in the under-half-acre context needs at least 7,500 square feet per dwelling unit, except in cluster development, and lots under one-half acre require community water and community sewage systems24. Residential lots must retain at least 1,000 square feet of net open space per dwelling unit25; the resolution also refers to a maximum lot coverage whose number we could not confirm, so ask Planning & Zoning26. Commercial lots on a street need a 20-foot front setback27. Residential structures are limited to 45 feet above average finished grade, with exceptions for certain non-occupiable vertical projections; airport-overlay limits require a separate check2829.

How do septic permits work in Uinta County?

Uinta County Planning & Zoning administers permits and inspections for small wastewater systems6. Construction, installation, or modification cannot begin without a county permit, and the application fee is $1509. The sequence is to obtain the application, conduct groundwater observation and percolation tests, submit the design, receive the permit, install to the approved design, and arrange inspection before backfill30. Off-grid septic systems need the same county permit and pre-backfill inspection; installation requires a licensed installer unless the owner installs under the county resolution and wastewater engineer’s guidance31. In a subdivision, connection may be required when public sanitary sewer is within 500 feet or the commission finds it close enough and feasible; otherwise an approved central or individual disposal system is needed3233. A residence on a commercial lot must use a county- or DEQ-approved sewage system, but that does not establish a countywide municipal-utility connection rule34. Only about 25% of county soils avoid a severe conventional-drain-field limitation, so a parcel-specific evaluation matters35.

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

Uinta County confirms only a narrow travel-trailer allowance for a night watchman, dispatcher, full-time employee, or proprietor under the applicable district provisions; that does not establish a general right to live in an RV on private land10. Ask Planning & Zoning before using an RV as long-term housing or for temporary camping18. A mobile home on an individually owned lot is treated as a single-family dwelling and must meet residential standards36. Manufactured homes cannot be placed in a floodway, and those in the specified mapped flood zone must be elevated on a permanent foundation and anchored3738. We could not confirm a rule written specifically for tiny homes, but a tiny home subject to the county’s residential dwelling standards would face the 650-square-foot minimum plus 90 square feet for every bedroom beyond one22.

Building a home in Uinta County: the steps in order

  1. Ask Uinta County Planning & Zoning to identify the base district and any overlay, then confirm lot size, setbacks, open space, and height2124232528.
  2. File the U.W. 5 groundwater application with Wyoming’s State Engineer and receive approval before drilling a domestic well; the filing fee is $50, and drilling and pump installation require appropriately licensed contractors39.
  3. Complete groundwater observation and percolation testing, submit the septic design, and obtain the county permit before installation930.
  4. Apply for the Land Use Certificate on county forms; a dwelling needing an address carries a $50 fee1.
  5. Obtain the $25 access permit before constructing a new entrance onto a county road or right-of-way13.
  6. Arrange the county septic inspection before backfilling7.
  7. For a subdivision, schedule the required pre-application conference and follow county review for access, utilities, sewage, and water supply4041.

What should you check before buying land in Uinta County?

Check jurisdiction and the county's interactive zoning map first because county rules govern unincorporated land while incorporated-city or extraterritorial zoning may apply elsewhere428. Confirm the district and development type before relying on a seller’s building envelope: lot and yard minimums vary, and existing lots cannot be reduced below the applicable minimum43232528. Verify legal access and driveway approval because a new entrance onto county right-of-way requires a permit13. If land is being divided, county subdivision regulations generally do not apply to parcels of 35 acres or more, while smaller divisions may require review44. Large exempt parcels still generally need a binding, recordable access and utility easement at least 40 feet wide to a public road unless properly waived45. Only about 25% of county soils avoid severe conventional-septic limitations, and about 75.4% of the land has a slope of 15% or less3546.

Watch-outs

  • We could not confirm general county building-code adoption, structural inspections or a certificate-of-occupancy requirement in unincorporated Uinta County; ask Planning & Zoning what applies18.
  • The confirmed travel-trailer allowance is narrow and work-related; ask Planning & Zoning before relying on an RV for housing10.
  • A septic system must be inspected before backfill, and a noncompliant installation may have to be uncovered, removed, and rebuilt7.
  • A domestic well needs an approved state groundwater permit before drilling, and the completion statement is due within 30 days after the well is completed and ready for use39.

Sources

  1. Land Use / Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  2. Uinta County Land Use Plan 2023 / Resolution 23-02, quoted and re-checked
  3. Evanston: Chapter 24: Zoning - City of Evanston, WY (Uinta County), quoted and re-checked
  4. Town of Lyman: Lyman, Wyoming Code of Ordinances (Uinta County), quoted and re-checked
  5. Town of Lyman: 9-1-1: Building Permit Required (Uinta County), quoted and re-checked
  6. Wastewater / Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  7. Wastewater / Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  8. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  9. Wastewater / Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  10. uintacountywy.gov, quoted and re-checked
  11. Uinta County Land Use Plan 2023, quoted and re-checked
  12. Startup Resources — Wyoming Business Council (Wyoming statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Uinta County Road Access Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  14. Land Use / Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  15. Land Use / Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  16. Uinta County Land Use Plan 2023, quoted and re-checked
  17. Land Use / Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  18. Uinta County Planning & Zoning / GIS (uintacountywy.gov)
  19. Uinta County Planning & Zoning (Access Permits) (uintacountywy.gov)
  20. Uinta County Land Use Plan 2023, quoted and re-checked
  21. Uinta County Land Use Plan 2023, quoted and re-checked
  22. uintacountywy.gov, quoted and re-checked
  23. Uinta County Land Use Resolution 2023, quoted and re-checked
  24. Uinta County Land Use Plan 2023, quoted and re-checked
  25. Uinta County Land Use Plan 2023, quoted and re-checked
  26. Uinta County Land Use Plan 2023 / Resolution 23-02, quoted and re-checked
  27. Uinta County Land Use Plan 2023 / Resolution 23-02, quoted and re-checked
  28. Uinta County Land Use Plan 2023, quoted and re-checked
  29. Uinta County Land Use Plan 2023 / Resolution 23-02, quoted and re-checked
  30. Land Use / Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  31. Wastewater / Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  32. Resolution for Subdivision of Land, quoted and re-checked
  33. Resolution for Subdivision of Land, quoted and re-checked
  34. Uinta County Land Use Plan 2023 / Resolution 23-02, quoted and re-checked
  35. 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
  36. Uinta County Land Use Plan 2023 / Resolution 23-02, quoted and re-checked
  37. uintacountywy.gov, quoted and re-checked
  38. uintacountywy.gov, quoted and re-checked
  39. seo.wyo.gov, quoted and re-checked
  40. Uinta County Land Use Plan 2023, quoted and re-checked
  41. Land Use / Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  42. Uinta County Land Use Plan 2023 / Resolution 23-02, quoted and re-checked
  43. Uinta County Land Use Plan 2023 / Resolution 23-02, quoted and re-checked
  44. Subdivisions, quoted and re-checked
  45. Wyoming Statutes, Title 18 (Wyoming statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  46. Share of land at 15% slope or less: 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, Uinta County requires a building permit only in limited cases.

RuleUinta CountyLincoln CountySweetwater CountySublette CountyFremont CountyTeton CountyHot Springs County
Building permitLimitedRequiredLimitedLimitedNot requiredRequiredNot required
County zoningYesYesYesYesNoYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Planning & ZoningCounty Office of Planning & DevelopmentCounty Env. HealthCounty Planning & Zoning Dept.County Planning Dept.County Engineering Dept.County Planning Office

County locator

Uinta County in Wyoming

61
County map
Uinta County highlighted among the Wyoming counties · colored by Index score

How Uinta County scores

Seclusion82100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency25100% ev.
Admin Boringness5790% ev.
Durability64100% ev.
Property Autonomy74100% ev.
Carry Cost87100% 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 →

$338kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$1,330Land / acre
12.7"Annual rain
17.4% of yrsSevere drought
0.1 / yr (+0.1)Mid-century 100°F days
25.1 daysMid-century dry spell
0.73" (+5.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.2×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,250Home insurance / yr
-0.3% / yrInsurance growth
0.64%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
66,609People within 2 hr
4,009Radius comparison (15 mi)
10People / sq mi
38.9%Federal land
75.4%Land at 15% slope or less
25%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
268,257 acWorkable land screen
9.9%Wooded land
17.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
40.4°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Uinta County

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

Not yet researched: Town of Bear River

Answers from the rulebook for Uinta County

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

Uinta County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    New construction or alteration of structures in unincorporated Uinta County.

    • A Land Use Certificate application is made on County forms and may be approved by the Planning Department.
    • Examples of uses not requiring a Use Certificate include grazing livestock, raising or harvesting forage or grain crops, timber harvesting, and certain public and private utilities.
    • If a utility involves erection of a structure or changes land use by coverage or enclosure, a Use Certificate is required.

    dwelling address fee: 50 USD · barn or shop fee: 25 USD (when an address is not required)

    “Application for a Land Use Certificate for new construction, or alteration of a structure, shall be made on forms provided by the County. A Land Use Certificate application may be approved by the Planning Department. If you need an address assigned for a dwelling in conjunction with the Land Use Certificate, the application fee is $50.00. If the Land Use Certificate is for a barn or shop, something that doesn't require an address, the application fee is $25.00.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — New construction or alteration of structures in unincorporated Uinta County, through the county Land Use Certificate process.
      “Application for a Land Use Certificate for new construction, or alteration of a structure, shall be made on forms provided by the County.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Uinta County land-use and zoning regulation of private lands in unincorporated portions of the county.

    • The resolution applies to private lands within unincorporated Uinta County and legally subject public lands in the same area.
    • The resolution does not contravene zoning authority of incorporated cities that have extended extraterritorial zoning powers.
    “This Resolution shall apply to all private lands within the unincorporated portions of Uinta County, and to all public lands within the same area that are legally subject to its provisions.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Private lands and legally subject public lands in the unincorporated portions of Uinta County.
      “This Resolution shall apply to all private lands within the unincorporated portions of Uinta County, and to all public lands within the same area that are legally subject to its provisions. Nothing in this Resolution shall be construed to contravene any zoning authority of any incorporated city of the first class that has extended its extraterritorial zoning powers by ordinance (Evanston City Code section 22-6).”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning across Uinta County; the county administers zoning in unincorporated areas, while incorporated-city and extraterritorial authority may apply in other areas.

    • County zoning applies to unincorporated portions.
    • The resolution preserves incorporated-city zoning authority, including Evanston extraterritorial authority where applicable.
    “Nothing in this Resolution shall be construed to contravene any zoning authority of any incorporated city of the first class that has extended its extraterritorial zoning powers by ordinance (Evanston City Code section 22-6).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate county record: Uinta County zoning applies in unincorporated areas, while incorporated municipalities and Evanston extraterritorial areas may administer separate zoning.
      “Nothing in this Resolution shall be construed to contravene any zoning authority of any incorporated city of the first class that has extended its extraterritorial zoning powers by ordinance (Evanston City Code section 22-6).”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Uinta County zoning districts and overlays administered under the county land-use framework for unincorporated areas.

    • Published base districts are Agriculture/Resource Development (ARD), Residential (R), Commercial (C), and Industrial (I).
    • Published overlay zones are Flood Hazard Area Overlay (FHAO/FHO), Airport Protection Overlay (APO), and Sexually Oriented Business Overlay District (SOBOD).
    • Overlay requirements apply together with the requirements of the underlying base zoning district.
    • The county zoning page provides an interactive map for determining the zoning district of a specific area.
    “The ARD, R, C, and I zoning districts are base zone districts that establish the allowable uses and development standards for each zone. The FHO, APO, and SOBOD zones are overlay zones that may apply to one or more underlying base zone district designations. Within overlay zones, the requirements of both the base zoning district and the overlay zone apply.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Uinta County zoning districts and overlays in unincorporated areas.
      “Section 5: Agriculture Resource Development ( A.R.D.) District Section 6: Residential District (R) Section 7: Commercial District (C) Section 8: Industrial District (I) Section 9: Zoning Districts of Approved Subdivisions Section10: Flood Hazard Area Overlay Section 11: Airport Protection Overlay Section 12: Sexually Oriented Business Overlay”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Residential dwelling units governed by Chapter 5 residential standards.

    • The standard is stated per dwelling unit.
    • An additional 90 square feet applies for each bedroom over one.
    • Other district-specific standards may also apply.

    minimum gross floor area per dwelling unit: 650 square feet (Plus 90 square feet for each bedroom over one)

    “Minimum floor area per dwelling unit: there shall be a minimum gross floor area of six hundred fifty (650) square feet per dwelling unit plus an additional ninety (90) square feet for each bedroom over one.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Residential district dwelling units in unincorporated Uinta County.
      “Minimum floor area per dwelling unit: there shall be a minimum gross floor area of six hundred fifty (650) square feet per dwelling unit plus an additional ninety (90) square feet for each bedroom over one.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Residential, commercial, and industrial districts governed by the Uinta County Land Use Resolution.

    • Residential lots under one-half acre per dwelling unit must have community water and community sewage collection and disposal systems.
    • Specific lot-size rules vary by use and service configuration.

    detached single-family residential lot minimum under one-half acre context: >= 7500 square feet net area per dwelling unit (except in cluster development)

    “For detached single family residences the lot size shall be a minimum of seven thousand five hundred (7,500) square feet net area per dwelling unit, except in cases where the cluster development concept is used.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Lots and yards in Uinta County land-use districts.
      “No lot of record or yard of the district in which it is located, existing at the time of the passage of this Resolution, shall be reduced in dimensions or area below the minimum requirements set forth herein. Lots and yards created after the effective date of this Resolution shall meet the minimum requirements established by this Resolution.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Structures and development in the county's unincorporated residential, commercial, and industrial land-use districts.

    • Residential detached single-family, duplex, and similar development has a 20-foot front yard, 5-foot side yards for interior lots, 12 feet from the right-of-way line of a side street on corner lots, and a 10-foot rear yard; lots serviced by alleys may have a 2-foot rear yard.
    • Residential side and rear yards may be replaced by a recorded deed restriction or covenant with adjoining owners if the arrangement provides the same or greater building separation; the County must have enforcement running to it.
    • Commercial and industrial lots abutting a public or private street have a 20-foot front setback; commercial side and rear setbacks follow Chapter 5, Section 3.b.1, except strip-mall interior lots have no side-yard setbacks.
    • The resolution applies to private lands within unincorporated portions of Uinta County.

    residential front yard: 20 feet · residential interior side yard: >= 5 feet · residential corner-lot side-street setback: >= 12 feet (measured from the side-street right-of-way line) · residential rear yard: >= 10 feet (2 feet for lots serviced by alleys) · commercial and industrial front setback: 20 feet (from the front property or road right-of-way line)

    “There shall be side yards of at least five (5) feet from each side property line to all structures of interior lots, and at least twelve (12) feet from the right-of-way line of a side street on corner lots. There shall be a rear yard of at least ten (10) feet from the rear property line to all structures except for lots serviced by alleys there shall be a rear yard of two (2) feet.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Setbacks in County land-use districts, including commercial development.
      “Setbacks: there shall be a setback of twenty (20) feet from the front property or road right-of-way line to all structures for lots which abut on a public or private street. Side and rear setback requirements shall be the same as Chapter 5, Section 3.b.1 except for “strip mall” type developments, which will not have side yard setbacks for interior lots.”
    • Specified — Structures on county-regulated lots in applicable land-use districts.
      “there shall be a setback of twenty (20) feet from the front property or road right-of-way line to all structures for lots which abut on a public or private street.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Residential lots in districts governed by the Uinta County Land Use Resolution.

    • Net open space may not be reduced below 1,000 square feet per dwelling unit.
    • Balconies, terraces, decks, or other integral open-space areas at least 100 square feet and at least 8 feet in width or depth may count toward the requirement.

    minimum net open space per dwelling unit: >= 1000 square feet (qualifying balconies, terraces, decks, or other integral open-space areas may count)

    “no lot shall be covered by structures to such an extent that the amount of net open space would be reduced to less than one thousand (1,000) square feet per dwelling unit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Residential development standards in County land-use districts.
      “Required open space and maximum lot coverage shall be as specified in Section 3.a. (5) preceding.”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Structures in the Airport Protection Overlay and other County-regulated districts.

    • Airport overlay height limits vary by zone.
    • Structures and trees up to 45 feet above the surface are excepted under the stated airport-overlay provision.
    • Additional permit exceptions apply to certain structures under 75 feet in specified airport zones.

    airport-overlay excepted height: 45 feet above surface (subject to the overlay provision)

    “Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting the construction or maintenance of any structure, or growth of any tree to a height up to forty-five (45) feet above the surface of the land.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Structures on residential lots in districts governed by the Uinta County Land Use Resolution.
      “Maximum structure height: the maximum height of all structures on each lot shall be forty-five (45) feet above the average finished grade at the structures.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    A travel trailer used for a night watchman, dispatcher, full-time employee, or proprietor on a county-regulated lot.

    • The cited allowance is limited to the conditions specified in the applicable district provisions; the full subsection was not resolved in this pass.
    “One travel trailer for the purpose of a night watchman, dispatcher, or other full-time employee, or the proprietor, of the company occupying the lot, shall be allowed under the following conditions:”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Mobile or manufactured homes on individual lots and in parks.

    • Mobile homes on individually owned lots are treated as single-family dwellings and must meet the residential standards.
    • Temporary construction housing requires a Use Certificate for the conventional dwelling and functioning water and sewage systems, with a one-year limit subject to possible extension.
    • Mobile-home parks require County and state standards and permits.
    “Considered as single family dwellings: mobile homes which are to be placed on individual lots where the mobile home and the lot are under the same ownership and which are not in what is generally termed a mobile home park, shall meet the requirements of Section 3.b. and shall be considered as single family dwellings.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Prohibited — Manufactured homes in a floodway within the county flood-hazard overlay.
      “No manufactured home shall be placed in a flood way.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Small wastewater systems in Uinta County.

    • The cited county program concerns conventional small wastewater systems.
    • Property owners may install their own system only under the guidance of the county resolution and Wastewater Engineer.
    “No construction, installation or modification of a small wastewater system shall be allowed unless a permit to construct, install or modify has been obtained from Uinta County, Wyoming.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • County (with conditions) — Small wastewater permitting and inspection administered by Uinta County.
      “A Small Wastewater Permit is required for the construction, installation, or modification of small wastewater facilities shall be allowed only in accordance with the terms and conditions of permits issued pursuant to the provisions of the Uinta County Small Wastewater Regulations. The application fee for a Small Wastewater Permit is $150.00. No construction, installation or modification of a small wastewater system shall be allowed unless a permit to construct, install or modify has been obtained from Uinta County, Wyoming.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, installation, or modification of small wastewater systems in Uinta County.

    • A permit must be obtained before construction, installation, or modification.
    • The permit does not relieve the permittee of responsibility to plan, design, construct, operate, and maintain the facility.

    application fee: 150 USD

    “No construction, installation or modification of a small wastewater system shall be allowed unless a permit to construct, install or modify has been obtained from Uinta County, Wyoming. The issuance of a permit to construct does not relieve the permitted of their responsibility to properly plan, design, construct, operate and maintain the facility described in the application and permit conditions.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, installation, or modification of small wastewater facilities in Uinta County.
      “No construction, installation or modification of a small wastewater system shall be allowed unless a permit to construct, install or modify has been obtained from Uinta County, Wyoming.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Permitted small wastewater systems before backfilling.

    • Planning and Zoning inspects before backfilling.
    • The county may require a non-compliant system to be unearthed, removed, and rebuilt.
    • A Small Wastewater Facility Permit with permission to backfill must be obtained after inspection.
    “Planning & Zoning Office inspects system BEFORE backfilling occurs.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Small wastewater systems in Uinta County before backfilling.
      “Planning & Zoning Office inspects system BEFORE backfilling occurs.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    On-site sewage disposal where public sanitary sewer is not reasonably accessible in a subdivision.

    • The subdivider must obtain approval for a central sewage treatment facility from Uinta County or Wyoming DEQ, or require the lot purchaser to develop an individual sewage disposal system.
    • On-site systems require a licensed Wyoming Engineer report addressing topography, population density, soil conditions, and watersheds.
    “Where a public sanitary sewer system is not reasonably accessible, the subdivider shall either: (a) Obtain approval from Uinta County or the Wyoming State Department of Environmental Quality to install a central sewage treatment facility and obtain a written report by a licensed Wyoming engineer certifying the adequacy and safety of the proposed system, or (b) Require the lot purchaser to develop his own sewage disposal system.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Construction, installation, or modification of small wastewater facilities, including off-grid septic systems, in unincorporated Uinta County.
      “No construction, installation or modification of a small wastewater system shall be allowed unless a permit to construct, install or modify has been obtained from Uinta County, Wyoming.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Subdivision development where a public sanitary sewer system is nearby.

    • The rule applies to subdivision development.
    • Connection is required when the public sanitary sewer is within 500 feet, or when the Commission considers it close enough, and connection is deemed feasible.

    public sanitary sewer distance: <= 500 feet (The Commission may require connection when it considers the system close enough.)

    “Where a public sanitary sewer system is within five hundred (500) feet, or in the opinion of the Commission is close enough to require a connection, the subdivider shall connect, when deemed feasible, with such sanitary sewer system and provide adequate connection lines to the property lines of each lot.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Residential and commercial development where the County Resolution specifies connection to an approved sewage disposal system.
      “The single-family dwelling shall be connected to a County-approved or Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) approved sewage disposal system.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable

    Specified agricultural uses in unincorporated Uinta County.

    • Agricultural use must be consistent with carrying capacity and good conservation practices.
    • The exemption does not cover structures or land-use changes that otherwise require a Use Certificate.
    “A few examples of uses not requiring a Use Certificate are as follows; Grazing Livestock Raising or Harvesting forage or grain crops”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Specified agricultural uses in unincorporated Uinta County.
      “A few examples of uses not requiring a Use Certificate are as follows; Grazing Livestock Raising or Harvesting forage or grain crops timber harvesting (not to include plants which transform harvested timber into finished or semi finished products) public and private utilities (not to include commercial electrical plants, or large wastewater treatment facilities) Regardless of the above examples, if the utility involves the erection of any structure, or building, or changes the use of land by coverage or enclosure or other methods, a Use Certificate is required.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land in Uinta County.

    • Regulations do not apply to parcels 35 acres or larger.
    • Submittals require a completed application, landowner signature, proof of ownership, and non-refundable application fees.
    • Specified immediate-family divisions may be exempt subject to listed conditions.

    large-parcel exemption threshold: >= 35 acres

    “The Subdivision Regulations were established to promote the public health, safety, welfare, and orderly growth of the County. These regulations are enacted for the purpose of implementing procedures to regulate the subdivision of lands within the County consistent with the goals and policies of the County Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Plan and to minimize the loss of productive agricultural land. The Subdivision Regulations shall not apply to parcels of land thirty five (35) acres or larger in size in land within Uinta County.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and development of land governed by the Uinta County Land Use Resolution.
      “No person shall subdivide land nor commence construction on the ground of a subdivision without first obtaining Board of Uinta County Commissioners approval, being issued a Subdivision Permit, and having the Final Plat recorded.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Access constructed onto a Uinta County right-of-way.

    • Application is submitted to the Uinta County Planning Office.
    • Access must be constructed and maintained safely and may not provide parking or vehicle servicing on the county right-of-way.
    • Construction must start within 30 days of approval, the road foreman must be notified 24 hours before construction, work must be completed within 90 days, and final inspection and approval must be obtained.
    • Maximum width is 24 feet for agricultural or residential access and 40 feet for commercial, industrial, or subdivision roadway access, at the Road and Bridge Foreman's discretion.

    access permit application fee: 25 USD · maximum agricultural or residential access width: <= 24 feet · maximum commercial, industrial, or subdivision roadway access width: <= 40 feet (At Road and Bridge Foreman's discretion)

    “I, the undersigned property owner or authorized agent, request authorization to construct an access onto a county right-of-way at the location described above and shown on the reverse side of this application, subject to the restrictions contained in the “Uinta County Road Access Encroachment Resolution”.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development and manufactured homes in the county Flood Hazard Area Overlay and airport/land-use regulated areas.

    • Manufactured homes in Zone A1-30 must be elevated on a permanent foundation at or above base flood elevation and securely anchored.
    • No manufactured home may be placed in a floodway.
    • Other floodplain development standards and permits may apply.
    “All manufactured homes to be placed or substantially improved within Zone A1-30 shall be elevated on a permanent foundation such that the lowest floor of the manufactured home is at or above the base flood elevation, and be securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system in accordance with the provisions above.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Published County land-use and small-wastewater permit fees.

    • Fees differ by permit/use type.
    • The reviewed pages publish $50 for a dwelling address with a Land Use Certificate, $25 for a barn or shop without an address, and $150 for a Small Wastewater Permit.

    dwelling address with Land Use Certificate: 50 USD · barn or shop Land Use Certificate: 25 USD (when no address is required) · Small Wastewater Permit application: 150 USD

    “If you need an address assigned for a dwelling in conjunction with the Land Use Certificate, the application fee is $50.00. If the Land Use Certificate is for a barn or shop, something that doesn't require an address, the application fee is $25.00.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Published Uinta County land-use and small-wastewater permit fees.
      “The application fee for a Small Wastewater Permit is $150.00.”
  • Permit processPublished

    County land-use and small-wastewater permitting processes in unincorporated Uinta County.

    • Land-use applications are made on county forms and may be approved by the Planning Department.
    • The wastewater process includes application, groundwater observation and percolation testing, design submission, county permit issuance, installation, inspection before backfill, and a facility permit authorizing backfill.
    “Submit Septic Permit Application to Planning & Zoning Office with Design Layout. Obtain County Issued Small Wastewater Permit to Construct. Install system according to approved design specifications. Planning & Zoning Office inspects system BEFORE backfilling occurs.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County land-use and small wastewater permitting process.
      “Obtain a Small Wastewater Permit Application from Planning & Zoning Conduct groundwater observation cut and percolation tests. Submit Septic Permit Application to Planning & Zoning Office with Design Layout. Obtain County Issued Small Wastewater Permit to Construct. Install system according to approved design specifications. Planning & Zoning Office inspects system BEFORE backfilling occurs.”

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.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    The Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety's statewide adoption and administration of the 2024 International Building Code, including state fire-marshal plan review under the statutory categories in W.S. 35-9-108(a).

    • The 2024 International Building Code was adopted as part of Wyoming's 2024 International Codes on June 28, 2024.
    • The state fire-marshal plan-review requirement applies to state or local government-owned or leased buildings; public buildings over 5,000 square feet including basement; multistory public buildings; child-care centers housing more than 10 children; specified public assembly, hospitality, and entertainment uses regardless of size; and public or private aboveground fuel-dispensing facilities.
    • The statutory plan-review provision is subject to W.S. 35-9-108(h) and (q) and W.S. 35-9-118.
    • W.S. 35-9-108(h) excludes municipalities or counties that have received enforcement authority for fire-safety standards under W.S. 35-9-121.
    • Under W.S. 35-9-108(q), plan review is not required for remodeling exempt from permitting under the International Code; remodeling under $40,000 affecting a built-in fire-protection system requires review with a fee of no more than $50 per hour; remodeling costing $40,000 or more requires review and fees under W.S. 35-9-108(d); and submission to the state fire marshal is not required when review is submitted to a local governmental entity with sole plan-review authority under W.S. 35-9-121(b).
    • W.S. 35-9-118 excludes farms or ranches of 40 acres or more on deeded land; specified hospitals and health-care facilities except as permitted under W.S. 35-9-121.1; mines and appurtenant facilities, oil-field operations, petroleum refineries, and liquefied petroleum gas facilities; specified railway property and equipment; and specified utility automotive equipment. The state fire marshal may still assist those properties or local governmental entities upon request under W.S. 35-9-121.
    • The Wyoming State Fire Marshal's plan-review page states that plans must be accepted or rejected within 5 business days, complete-submittal review is generally completed within 21 business days after acceptance, fees are due before issuance of a Permit to Construct, and no work may begin before that permit is issued.
    • Local enforcement authority requires state delegation under W.S. 35-9-121; a local authority's standards must be equivalent to or more stringent than the department's standards, and local authority can revert to the department if required standards are not maintained.

    building code edition: 2024 International Building Code · adoption date: 2024-06-28 · public-building plan-review threshold: > 5000 square feet of total floor area including basement · child-care plan-review threshold: > 10 children housed · remodeling review threshold: 40000 USD (Remodeling below this amount affecting a built-in fire-protection system is reviewed at no more than $50 per hour; remodeling at or above this amount is subject to W.S. 35-9-108(d).) · remodeling fire-protection review fee cap: <= 50 USD per hour (Applies to remodeling costing less than $40,000 that affects a built-in fire-protection system.)

    “The State of Wyoming, on June 28, 2024 adopted the 2024 International Codes. The following codes apply: 2024 International Fire Code 2024 International Building Code 2024 International Fuel & Gas Code 2024 International Mechanical Code 2024 International Existing Building Code 2026 National Electrical Code”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Newly constructed buildings subject to state fire-marshal plan review statewide.

    • The requirement is subject to W.S. 35-9-108(h), subsection (q), and W.S. 35-9-118.
    • It applies after new construction is completed and after the state fire marshal inspects the building and determines conformance with the plan review or amended plan review.
    • A remodeled building receives a letter of compliance rather than a certificate of occupancy.
    • No newly constructed or remodeled building may be used or occupied until the required certificate of occupancy or letter of compliance is issued.
    • The state fire marshal may order use and occupancy to cease if the building is used before issuance.
    • The state fire marshal requirement does not apply where a municipality or county has received enforcement authority under W.S. 35-9-121.
    “Except as provided under subsections (h) and (q) of this section and W.S. 35-9-118, after new construction or remodeling of buildings is completed, the state fire marshal shall inspect the building and determine conformance with the plan review or amended plan review. If he finds conformance, the state fire marshal shall issue a certificate of occupancy for a newly constructed building and a letter of compliance for a remodeled building. No newly constructed or remodeled building shall be used or occupied until the state fire marshal has issued a certificate of occupancy or letter of compliance.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Groundwater wells in Uinta County, including domestic and stock wells, before drilling or other work to appropriate groundwater begins.

    • An approved U.W. 5 Application for Permit to Appropriate Ground Water must be received before drilling or spring development activities commence.
    • The application must be complete and accurate and accompanied by the appropriate filing fee.
    • Wells must be drilled by a Wyoming Licensed Water Well Drilling Contractor and pumps installed by a Wyoming Licensed Pump Installation Contractor.
    • Domestic and stock applications are listed with a $50.00 filing fee.
    • Applications in groundwater control areas are subject to public notice and comment and may be denied if not in the public's water interest.
    • A U.W. 6 Statement of Completion is required within 30 days after the well is completed, including pump installation, and ready for use.

    domestic groundwater permit filing fee: 50 USD · U.W. 6 completion filing deadline: 30 days after well completion and readiness for use

    “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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Groundwater wells serving Uinta County parcels, including domestic wells, under Wyoming statewide groundwater permitting.
      “Do I need a permit to drill a water well? Yes.”
    • Required — 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.
      “Wells and Springs - Before you drill a well, or develop a spring* (that flows less than or equal to 25 gallons per minute (gpm) and will be used f or D omestic and/or Stock W atering use only), you must submit an "Application for Permit to Appropriate Ground Water", or U.W. 5 Form, to the Ground Water Division and receive an approved permit prior to commencement of any drilling or spring development activities.”
    • Required — A person seeking the right to beneficial use of underground water in Wyoming through a well or other means of obtaining underground water.
      “Any person who intends to acquire the right to beneficial use of any underground water in the state of Wyoming, shall, before commencing construction of any well or other means of obtaining underground water or performing any work in connection with construction or proposed appropriation of underground water or any manner utilizing the water for beneficial purposes, shall file with the State Engineer an application for a permit to make the appropriation (i.e., an Application for Permit to Appropriate Ground Water, or a U.W. 5 Form) and shall not proceed with any construction or work until a permit is granted by the State Engineer (W.S. 41-3-930).”
  • 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 inspection requirements for structures in unincorporated Uinta County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in unincorporated Uinta County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Uinta County.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units in unincorporated Uinta County.

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 Uinta County, Wyoming

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

Uinta County scores 61/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and deep seclusion — about 4,009 people within 15 miles. Watch-outs: weak self-sufficiency basics: only 12.7″ of rain a year.

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

Uinta County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones), and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Uinta County Planning & Zoning (Small Wastewater program). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Uinta County, Wyoming?

Land in Uinta County runs about $1,330 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Uinta County?

Uinta County gets about 12.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 17.4% of years.

How remote is Uinta County?

A typical private-land location has about 4,009 people within 15 miles and 1,064,303 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Uinta compares in Wyoming

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