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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Crook County
Crook County has NOT adopted a county-wide building code for private residential construction. No general building permit for residential construction in unincorporated areas is apparent from publicly available sources. Septic permit required whenever a new on-site wastewater system is installed.
- Exempt No building code / no permit required for residential construction in unincorporated areas
- Exempt One-Split Subdivision: Properties may be split once without going through the full subdivision review process, subject to the county's one-split regulation
- Exempt Subdivision Exemptions: Crook County maintains subdivision exemption criteria. Contact the Planning Department for the current exemption list.
- Exempt Agricultural exemptions: Agricultural land uses and accessory farm structures are generally outside the scope of any local code in Crook County given the absence of a building code
Note: The absence of a county building permit program is confirmed by multiple independent sources. However, county policies can change; always verify current requirements with the Planning Department at (307) 283-4548 before breaking ground.
- Site plan
- Soil evaluation
- System design by a licensed Wyoming engineer or sanitarian (where applicable)
- Building code
- None formally adopted for private residential construction in unincorporated areas. The county recommends following the Wyoming Building Code (2021 IBC base) and related I-Codes voluntarily for structural and life-safety purposes.
- Owner-builder
- No county restriction identified; owner-builder construction is permissible in the unincorporated county.
- Contractor requirements
- No county-level contractor license requirement. Wyoming does not have a statewide general contractor license. Electrical work requires a licensed electrician under Wyoming State Fire Marshal rules.
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Download the Crook County Conventional Small Wastewater Application Packet from the county website or obtain from the Growth and Development Department
- 02 Complete the application and include all required documentation (site plan, soil evaluation, system design by a licensed Wyoming engineer or sanitarian where applicable)
- 03 Submit completed application to the Growth and Development Department with the $200.00 permit fee
- 04 Crook County Planning Administrator reviews for compliance with the Crook County Small Wastewater Regulation
- 05 Permit to Construct issued
- 06 Construct the system
- 07 Contact Caleb Peters to schedule the required inspection prior to backfilling or covering the system
- 08 Inspection passed; system may be covered
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Contact Caleb Peters at calebp@crookcounty.wy.gov or (307) 283-4548 to schedule septic inspections (email)
- Scheduling deadline
- Prior to backfilling or covering the septic system
Typical sequence: Septic inspection required prior to backfilling or covering the system. Electrical inspections performed by the Wyoming State Fire Marshal's Office/Electrical Safety Division for work requiring a state electrical wiring permit.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Crook County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Crook County, WY? ▸
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Crook County, WY? ▸
03 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Crook County, WY? ▸
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Crook County, WY? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Crook County Growth and Development Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.