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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Fremont County
Building permits are required for new construction of any structure (residential or commercial), additions to existing structures, structural alterations, placement of manufactured/modular homes, and accessory structures above a threshold size. Fences, demolition, and placement of temporary structures may also require permits depending on type and size.
- Exempt Agricultural exemptions: Wyoming law generally exempts farm and ranch buildings used for agricultural purposes from building permit requirements in unincorporated areas, provided they are not used for human habitation. Confirm the specific scope of Fremont County's agricultural exemption with the department.
- Exempt Small structures: Sheds and accessory structures below a certain square footage may be exempt from building permits. The threshold varies; contact the department for the current Fremont County threshold.
- Completed county building permit application form
- Site plan showing property boundaries, setbacks, structure location, and utilities
- Construction drawings (floor plan, elevations, foundation plan, framing details)
- Proof of legal access and/or road approach permit if accessing a county road
- Water supply documentation (well permit from Wyoming State Engineer's Office, or water district connection approval)
- Wastewater/septic documentation (Wyoming DEQ permit or documentation of connection to a public sewer system)
- Floodplain determination (contact Fremont County Floodplain Administrator if property is in or near a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area)
- For manufactured/modular homes: HUD data plate, installation specifications, and foundation engineering if required
- Building code
- Fremont County has historically adopted the International Building Code (IBC) for commercial construction and may reference the International Residential Code (IRC) for residential. Wyoming has no statewide mandate to adopt a residential code, so county adoption and the specific edition in effect should be confirmed directly with the department.
- Owner-builder
- Wyoming does not require a state general contractor license, so property owners may generally perform their own construction work. An owner-builder is still required to obtain all applicable building permits and pass all required inspections. For electrical and plumbing work, licensed specialty contractors are required unless the owner-builder qualifies for an owner-occupant exemption under Wyoming Division of Labor and Wyoming Plumbing Board rules.
- Contractor requirements
- No general contractor license required at the state or county level. Electricians must be licensed through the Wyoming Division of Labor. Plumbers must be licensed through the Wyoming State Plumbing Board.
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Determine whether the project parcel is in unincorporated Fremont County or within a municipality. Use the county GIS parcel viewer or call the department at 307-332-1077. Also confirm the parcel is not on tribal trust land.
- 02 Contact the Fremont County Building Department at 307-332-1077 to confirm which permit type applies and to request a current application packet.
- 03 Obtain a completed application form from the department. Forms are not reliably available for download from the county website.
- 04 Prepare required documents per the department's current checklist.
- 05 For projects requiring zoning compliance, confirm the property's zoning designation and whether the proposed use is permitted, conditional, or prohibited in that zone.
- 06 Submit the completed application and all required documents in person at Room 230, Courthouse, 450 N. 2nd Street, Lander.
- 07 Pay the required permit fee at submission.
- 08 Department reviews the application for completeness and code compliance.
- 09 For projects requiring additional review (floodplain, environmental, WRIR boundary confirmation, etc.), additional processing time should be expected.
- 10 Permit is issued; post the permit card on site in a visible location.
- 11 Schedule required inspections with the Building Department by phone at 307-332-1077.
- 12 Complete required inspections during construction.
- 13 Final inspection; Certificate of Occupancy or completion document issued upon passing.
- 14 For electrical work, a separate Wyoming state electrical permit and state electrical inspector visit are required.
Fee schedule
Fremont County building permit fees
Fees are typically due at time of permit issuance or application; confirm accepted payment methods with the department.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- By phone at 307-332-1077 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Mountain Time)
- Time windows
- Advance notice requirements (typically 24-48 hours) should be confirmed with the department. Inspector travel time to remote areas may affect scheduling availability.
Typical sequence: Typical inspection sequence for residential new construction: (1) Foundation/footing inspection (before pouring concrete), (2) Framing inspection (after rough framing is complete, before insulating or covering), (3) Rough mechanical inspection (plumbing rough-in, if applicable), (4) Insulation inspection (before drywall), (5) Final inspection (after all work is complete), (6) Separate state electrical inspections by Wyoming Division of Labor inspector at rough-in and final stages.
The large geographic area of Fremont County means inspection availability in remote locations may require more lead time. Confirm with the department when scheduling.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Fremont County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Fremont County, WY? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Fremont County, WY? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Fremont County, WY? ▸
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Fremont County, WY? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Fremont County, WY? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Fremont County Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.