Albany County, WY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Albany County, Wyoming. Administers building permits for unincorporated communities including Bosler and Centennial. Does not include City of Laramie, Town of Rock River, or University of Wyoming property.

Department

Albany County Planning and Development Department (Building Division)

Address

525 Grand Avenue, Suite 302, Laramie, WY 82070

Phone

(307) 721-2568

Email

planning@albanycountywy.gov

Website

https://www.albanycounty.us/departments/planning_and_development/index.php

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Contact Albany County Planning and Development at (307) 721-2568 to confirm whether your project is within unincorporated Albany County jurisdiction and whether a building permit is required.
2. Verify the property's zoning designation with the Planning Division before submitting. Albany County has a Land Use and Development Code that governs permitted uses, setbacks, lot coverage, and minimum lot size.
3. Gather required documents: Completed Albany County Building Permit Application form, site plan showing parcel boundary, existing structures, proposed structure footprint, setbacks from all property lines, driveway/access location, and well/septic locations if applicable. Construction drawings or plans as appropriate to project scope.
4. For new residences or additions with new bathrooms, obtain a Wyoming DEQ OWTS permit before or concurrent with the building permit. If accessing a state highway, obtain a WYDOT Access Permit. If near Medicine Bow National Forest, verify USFS coordination needs.
5. Submit completed application, site plan, construction documents, and applicable fees to the Planning and Development office at 525 Grand Avenue, Suite 302, Laramie, WY 82070.
6. County staff reviews the submission for zoning compliance and building code compliance. Plan review may take 10-15 business days for new residential construction or larger commercial projects. Straightforward projects may receive over-the-counter review.
7. Upon approval, the permit card is issued. The permit card and approved plans must be posted on-site and accessible to inspectors at all times.
8. Contact the Building Division to schedule required inspections at appropriate construction milestones. Do not cover work before it has been inspected.
9. Upon passing the final inspection, a Certificate of Occupancy or final sign-off is issued. No structure may be occupied before a CO is granted for projects that require one.

Typical processing time: Same day for minor projects; 10-15 business days for new construction plan review; larger commercial projects may take longer.

Source: Albany County Planning and Development Department (Building Division)

General Requirements

New residential structures, new commercial structures, residential additions, detached garages/carports/ADUs, accessory structures over threshold size (typically 120-200 sq ft), attached decks, structural renovations, electrical work, plumbing and mechanical installations, manufactured/mobile home placement, swimming pools, demolition, and re-roofing in certain circumstances.

Required Documents

• Completed Albany County Building Permit Application
• Site plan (drawn to scale or with dimensions): parcel boundary, proposed structure location and dimensions, setbacks from all property lines and easements, existing structures, driveway/access point, well and septic locations if applicable
• Construction documents: for new residences and commercial structures, floor plans, elevations, foundation plan, structural details. Plans may require a Wyoming-licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Architect (RA) stamp depending on scope and occupancy classification.
• Energy compliance worksheet (REScheck or equivalent) for new residential construction subject to IRC/IECC
• Structural engineering: PE-stamped structural calculations and drawings strongly recommended for all new construction, particularly for structures with unusual geometry, large spans, or flat/low-slope roofs
• Wyoming DEQ OWTS permit (if new or modified septic system)
• WYDOT Access Permit (if accessing a state highway)
• Proof of legal access (if applicable) - recorded access easement documentation for rural parcels
• Contractor information and license numbers if applicable
• Floodplain documentation if applicable (FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, Flood Insurance Rate Map panel, elevation certificate)
• HOA or deed restriction documentation if applicable

Permit validity

Typically valid for 12 to 24 months. A permit may be voided if work does not commence within 180 days of issuance or if work is suspended for 180 days or more after commencement. Extensions are available by request prior to expiration.

Building code

International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), International Plumbing Code (IPC), International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) - residential and commercial, Wyoming State Electrical Code (WSEC / NFPA 70), Wyoming State Fire Marshal Code (commercial and multi-family). Confirm current edition adopted with department.

Owner-builder

Property owners may typically perform work on their own primary residence in Wyoming. Confirm Albany County's specific owner-builder policy regarding electrical, plumbing, and mechanical self-performed work.

Contractor requirements

Wyoming has no statewide general contractor license requirement. Albany County may have local contractor registration or licensing requirements. Electrical contractors and electricians must hold a valid Wyoming State Electrical License. Plumbing contractors must be registered. HVAC/mechanical contractors must confirm whether state or local registration is required.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Approximately $50-$75 for accessory structures (confirm current amount)

Plan check fee

May be assessed separately for projects requiring formal plan review; typically 65-75% of the base building permit fee for new construction

Permit fee formula

Typically valuation-based, calculated as a percentage of total project valuation (labor plus materials). Project valuation is typically established using the total contract price or the ICC Building Valuation Data table.

Trade permit fee

Electrical permits issued by Wyoming State Electrical Inspector (state fee). Mechanical/plumbing permits may be assessed separately or included in base building permit.

Reinspection fee

Typically $50-$100 per re-inspection

Penalty (no permit)

Wyoming counties may assess a penalty fee (typically double or triple the normal permit fee) for work begun without a permit

Payment note

Fees are collected at the time of permit issuance. Payment methods accepted: check made payable to Albany County, cash, or money order. Confirm credit card acceptance with office.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Agricultural buildings on agricultural-zoned land used exclusively for farming/ranching operations and not for human habitation (Wyoming state law exemption - confirm local applicability)
• Small accessory structures below the threshold size (sheds, playhouses below approximately 120-200 sq ft)
• Fences (though a zoning compliance check may still be required for height and setback)
• Ordinary maintenance and repair that does not alter structural elements, does not affect electrical/plumbing/mechanical systems, and does not change the use of the space

Important: Even if a building permit is not required, zoning requirements (setbacks, land use) still apply. Always confirm with the Planning and Development Department. Standard agricultural fencing on agricultural land is generally exempt, but decorative residential fencing may be subject to height limits and zoning compliance checks.

Inspections

How to Schedule

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Scheduling deadline

Typically 24-48 hours advance notice required

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Mountain Time); closed major federal holidays

Time windows

Inspections may be conducted on a schedule set by the inspector. Winter construction considerations apply due to cold climate and high elevation.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence for new single-family residence: (1) Footing/foundation inspection before pouring concrete; (2) Foundation inspection after foundation walls complete; (3) Underground plumbing rough-in before backfilling; (4) Framing/rough-in inspection after all rough work complete before insulation/drywall; (5) Insulation inspection after installation before drywall; (6) Electrical rough-in inspection by Wyoming State Electrical Inspector; (7) Drywall inspection (confirm requirement); (8) Final building inspection; (9) Final electrical inspection by State Inspector; (10) Final plumbing/mechanical inspection; (11) Certificate of Occupancy. For accessory structures: footing inspection, framing inspection if applicable, final inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), International Plumbing Code (IPC), International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) - residential and commercial, Wyoming State Electrical Code (WSEC / NFPA 70), Wyoming State Fire Marshal Code (commercial and multi-family). Confirm current edition adopted with department.
• Wyoming DEQ OWTS (septic) permitting - required for new septic systems
• WYDOT Access Permits - required for state highway connections
• Wyoming State Electrical Board - electrical contractor licensing and permits
• Wyoming State Fire Marshal - commercial and multi-family fire life safety
• Wyoming State Engineer's Office - water well permits
• USDA Forest Service Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest - for projects near forest boundary
• License lookup guide: Wyoming Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Wyoming Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Wyoming hub: Wyoming Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Albany County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Albany County, WY?

New residential structures, new commercial structures, residential additions, detached garages/carports/ADUs, accessory structures over threshold size (typically 120-200 sq ft), attached decks, structural renovations, electrical work, plumbing and mechanical installations, manufactured/mobile home placement, swimming pools, demolition, and re-roofing in certain circumstances.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Albany County, WY?

The minimum permit fee is Approximately $50-$75 for accessory structures (confirm current amount). Fees are calculated as: Typically valuation-based, calculated as a percentage of total project valuation (labor plus materials). Project valuation is typically established using the total contract price or the ICC Building Valuation Data table.. Plan check fee: May be assessed separately for projects requiring formal plan review; typically 65-75% of the base building permit fee for new construction.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Albany County, WY?

1. Contact Albany County Planning and Development at (307) 721-2568 to confirm whether your project is within unincorporated Albany County jurisdiction and whether a building permit is required. 2. Verify the property's zoning designation with the Planning Division before submitting. Albany County has a Land Use and Development Code that governs permitted uses, setbacks, lot coverage, and minimum lot size. 3. Gather required documents: Completed Albany County Building Permit Application form, site plan showing parcel boundary, existing structures, proposed structure footprint, setbacks from all property lines, driveway/access location, and well/septic locations if applicable. Construction drawings or plans as appropriate to project scope. 4. For new residences or additions with new bathrooms, obtain a Wyoming DEQ OWTS permit before or concurrent with the building permit. If accessing a state highway, obtain a WYDOT Access Permit. If near Medicine Bow National Forest, verify USFS coordination needs. 5. Submit completed application, site plan, construction documents, and applicable fees to the Planning and Development office at 525 Grand Avenue, Suite 302, Laramie, WY 82070. 6. County staff reviews the submission for zoning compliance and building code compliance. Plan review may take 10-15 business days for new residential construction or larger commercial projects. Straightforward projects may receive over-the-counter review. 7. Upon approval, the permit card is issued. The permit card and approved plans must be posted on-site and accessible to inspectors at all times. 8. Contact the Building Division to schedule required inspections at appropriate construction milestones. Do not cover work before it has been inspected. 9. Upon passing the final inspection, a Certificate of Occupancy or final sign-off is issued. No structure may be occupied before a CO is granted for projects that require one.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Albany County, WY?

Typical processing time is Same day for minor projects; 10-15 business days for new construction plan review; larger commercial projects may take longer..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Albany County, WY?

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings on agricultural-zoned land used exclusively for farming/ranching operations and not for human habitation (Wyoming state law exemption - confirm local applicability); Small accessory structures below the threshold size (sheds, playhouses below approximately 120-200 sq ft); Fences (though a zoning compliance check may still be required for height and setback); Ordinary maintenance and repair that does not alter structural elements, does not affect electrical/plumbing/mechanical systems, and does not change the use of the space. Note: Even if a building permit is not required, zoning requirements (setbacks, land use) still apply. Always confirm with the Planning and Development Department. Standard agricultural fencing on agricultural land is generally exempt, but decorative residential fencing may be subject to height limits and zoning compliance checks.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Albany County, WY?

Inspections can be scheduled via: . Typically 24-48 hours advance notice required.