Unincorporated Carbon County

Carbon County's specific permit triggers should be confirmed with the Planning and Zoning Department. Generally in Wyoming's unincorporated counties, permits are required for new construction of primary structures, accessory structures above a certain square footage threshold, additions to existing structures, mobile home placements, and commercial or industrial construction. Fences, agricultural buildings, and minor repairs may or may not require a permit depending on county policy. Zoning certificates or land use approvals may be required even where a formal building permit is not.

• Exempt Agricultural structures: Wyoming traditionally provides broad exemptions for agricultural structures (barns, equipment storage, grain storage, livestock facilities) on working farms and ranches. However, structures with plumbing, electrical service, or habitable space generally require permits even on agricultural land.

Note: Confirm specific thresholds with the Planning and Zoning Department at 307-328-2651.

Building code

Wyoming has no statewide residential building code mandate. Carbon County has historically not adopted a comprehensive International Building Code for residential construction in unincorporated areas, though this should be verified directly with the Planning and Zoning Department, as adoption status can change by resolution. Commercial and industrial projects, especially large-scale ones (wind energy facilities, I-80 corridor industrial), may be subject to state-level requirements and/or lender/insurer code requirements even where county adoption is absent.

Permit validity

Typically 180 days to one year from issuance; confirm with the department

Owner-builder

Wyoming generally allows property owners to perform construction on their own property without a contractor license. Verify with the department.

Contractor requirements

Wyoming has no statewide general contractor licensing requirement. However, electrical contractors must hold a Wyoming State Electrical License. Carbon County may have its own contractor registration requirements; confirm with the Planning and Zoning Department.

1. 01
   Confirm jurisdiction: Verify whether the subject property is in unincorporated Carbon County or within the limits of one of the incorporated municipalities (Rawlins, Saratoga, Encampment, Riverside, Medicine Bow, Elk Mountain, Hanna). If in a municipality, contact that municipality's building or zoning office instead.
2. 02
   Contact Planning and Zoning: Call 307-328-2651 or email planning@co.carbon.wy.us to confirm whether your project type requires a county permit or zoning approval.
3. 03
   Obtain application forms: Pick up or request forms from the Planning and Zoning Department at 215 West Buffalo Street, Suite 336, Rawlins.
4. 04
   Prepare required documents: Typically includes a completed permit application, site plan showing parcel boundaries and setbacks, project description, construction drawings or plans (PE-stamped plans required for commercial, industrial, and certain structural projects), and payment for applicable fees.
5. 05
   Submit application and fees to the Planning and Zoning Department.
6. 06
   Await plan review: Staff reviews the application for compliance with zoning regulations (setbacks, land use classification, floodplain requirements if applicable) and any adopted building standards.
7. 07
   Receive permit approval or correction notice. Address any required corrections and resubmit.
8. 08
   Post the permit on site before beginning work.
9. 09
   Schedule any required inspections.
10. 10
    Obtain final approval or certificate of occupancy upon project completion.

Typical processing time: Not formally published; contact the department at 307-328-2651 for current estimates. Simple residential permits in rural Wyoming counties often process within one to two weeks when documentation is complete.

Source: Carbon County Planning and Zoning Department ↗

Fees are typically due at time of permit application. Accepted payment methods (check, credit card, cash) should be confirmed with the department.

• Contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 307-328-2651 to schedule any required inspections. Advance notice requirements vary; ask about scheduling at the time of permit issuance. (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Mountain Time), excluding state and county holidays

Typical sequence: Typical inspection sequence for new residential construction (where applicable): 1) Pre-construction/setback inspection, 2) Foundation/footing inspection, 3) Foundation wall inspection (if applicable), 4) Framing inspection, 5) Insulation inspection, 6) Electrical rough-in, 7) Plumbing rough-in (if applicable), 8) Mechanical rough-in (if applicable), 9) Final inspection.

Due to the county's large geographic area (approximately 7,896 square miles), inspection scheduling for remote sites may require more lead time than for properties close to Rawlins.