On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Albany County
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.
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
- 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)
- Exempt Small accessory structures below the threshold size (sheds, playhouses below approximately 120-200 sq ft)
- Exempt Fences (though a zoning compliance check may still be required for height and setback)
- Exempt 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.
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Source: Albany County Planning and Development Department (Building Division) ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Same day for minor projects; 10-15 business days for new construction plan review; larger commercial projects may take longer.
- 01 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.
- 02 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.
- 03 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.
- 04 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.
- 05 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.
- 06 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.
- 07 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.
- 08 Contact the Building Division to schedule required inspections at appropriate construction milestones. Do not cover work before it has been inspected.
- 09 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) ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Albany County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Approximately $50-$75 for accessory structures (confirm current amount)
02
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
03
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.
04
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.
05
Reinspection fee
Typically $50-$100 per re-inspection
06
Penalty (no permit)
Wyoming counties may assess a penalty fee (typically double or triple the normal permit fee) for work begun without a permit
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.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Contact Albany County Planning and Development Department at (307) 721-2568 to schedule building inspections (phone)
- 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 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.
Source: Albany County Planning and Development Department (Building Division) ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Albany County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Albany County, WY? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Albany County, WY are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Albany County, WY? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Albany County, WY, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Albany County, WY? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Albany County, WY typically run Same day for minor projects; 10-15 business days for new construction plan review; larger commercial projects may take longer.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Albany County, WY? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Albany County, WY? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Albany County, WY via: Contact Albany County Planning and Development Department at (307) 721-2568 to schedule building inspections. Typically 24-48 hours advance notice required.
last verified April 2026
source Albany County Planning and Development Department (Building Division) ↗
entry id permits/wyoming/albany/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Albany County Planning and Development Department (Building Division) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.