Goshen County, WY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Covers all construction within unincorporated Goshen County. Does not apply within the incorporated limits of Torrington, Lingle, Yoder, or LaGrange. Goshen County is a predominantly agricultural county in southeastern Wyoming; extensive areas of the county have historically operated with minimal or no formal building permit requirements at the county level beyond state-mandated electrical permits.

Department

Goshen County Planning and Zoning Department

Address

2125 E A Street, Torrington, WY 82240

Phone

(307) 532-2100

Website

https://www.goshenco.com/planning-zoning/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Contact Goshen County Planning and Zoning at (307) 532-2100 to determine whether your project requires a county-level permit or zoning approval.
2. Confirm whether a building permit is required in your specific unincorporated location; requirements may be minimal or nonexistent in some rural unincorporated areas of the county.
3. If a permit is required, obtain the applicable application form from the Planning and Zoning office at 2125 E A Street, Torrington.
4. Prepare required documents: site/plot plan showing property lines, structure footprint, and setbacks from property lines and any roads; any construction drawings required by staff.
5. Submit completed application and documents in person or by mail to Planning and Zoning.
6. Pay any applicable fees at time of submission.
7. Await review and determination. Processing times are not publicly posted; contact the office for current turnaround.
8. If approved, permit or zoning clearance is issued.
9. Post any permit on-site before beginning work.
10. For electrical work anywhere in unincorporated Goshen County, obtain a Wyoming State Fire Marshal (WSFM) wiring permit separately -- this is required regardless of any county building permit requirement.
11. Schedule any required inspections as directed by county staff.

Source: Goshen County Planning and Zoning Department

General Requirements

Goshen County's public-facing information on building permit requirements for unincorporated areas is limited. Standard Wyoming practice for agricultural counties of this size is that county-level permits may be required for new residential dwellings, commercial buildings, and manufactured home placements, but agricultural structures (barns, equipment storage) may be broadly exempt. Contact Planning and Zoning at (307) 532-2100 to confirm whether a permit is required for your specific project and location before beginning work.

Required Documents

• Site/plot plan
• Completed application form

Building code

Goshen County has not been confirmed to have adopted the International Residential Code (IRC) or International Building Code (IBC) for unincorporated areas as of early 2026. Wyoming statewide law requires local jurisdictions to adopt current codes within 6 months of statewide adoption, but enforcement and adoption by county government (as opposed to incorporated municipalities) varies. Contact Planning and Zoning to confirm current code adoption status.

Owner-builder

Wyoming has no statewide owner-builder licensing restriction for general construction. Owners may typically pull their own permits. Confirm with county.

Contractor requirements

Wyoming has no statewide general contractor license. There is no indication Goshen County maintains a separate local contractor licensing program for unincorporated areas. Electrical work requires a WSFM wiring permit and a state-licensed electrical contractor.

Fees

Payment note

In-person payment at county offices assumed; confirm accepted payment methods with staff.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Goshen County Planning and Zoning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

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Inspection hours

Goshen County offices are generally open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: If county inspections are required, a typical sequence for residential construction would include: footing/foundation, framing, rough mechanical, insulation, and final inspection. Confirm with county staff.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Goshen County has not been confirmed to have adopted the International Residential Code (IRC) or International Building Code (IBC) for unincorporated areas as of early 2026. Wyoming statewide law requires local jurisdictions to adopt current codes within 6 months of statewide adoption, but enforcement and adoption by county government (as opposed to incorporated municipalities) varies. Contact Planning and Zoning to confirm current code adoption status.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Wyoming State Fire Marshal - Electrical Wiring Permits
• Wyoming State Fire Marshal - Contact
• Goshen County Environmental Health / Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (septic systems)
• Fort Laramie National Historic Site (NPS)
• Goshen County Assessor (property information)
• License lookup guide: Wyoming Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Wyoming Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Wyoming hub: Wyoming Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Goshen County Building Permit FAQ

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

Goshen County's public-facing information on building permit requirements for unincorporated areas is limited. Standard Wyoming practice for agricultural counties of this size is that county-level permits may be required for new residential dwellings, commercial buildings, and manufactured home placements, but agricultural structures (barns, equipment storage) may be broadly exempt. Contact Planning and Zoning at (307) 532-2100 to confirm whether a permit is required for your specific project and location before beginning work.

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

1. Contact Goshen County Planning and Zoning at (307) 532-2100 to determine whether your project requires a county-level permit or zoning approval. 2. Confirm whether a building permit is required in your specific unincorporated location; requirements may be minimal or nonexistent in some rural unincorporated areas of the county. 3. If a permit is required, obtain the applicable application form from the Planning and Zoning office at 2125 E A Street, Torrington. 4. Prepare required documents: site/plot plan showing property lines, structure footprint, and setbacks from property lines and any roads; any construction drawings required by staff. 5. Submit completed application and documents in person or by mail to Planning and Zoning. 6. Pay any applicable fees at time of submission. 7. Await review and determination. Processing times are not publicly posted; contact the office for current turnaround. 8. If approved, permit or zoning clearance is issued. 9. Post any permit on-site before beginning work. 10. For electrical work anywhere in unincorporated Goshen County, obtain a Wyoming State Fire Marshal (WSFM) wiring permit separately -- this is required regardless of any county building permit requirement. 11. Schedule any required inspections as directed by county staff.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural structures used exclusively for agricultural purposes (crop storage, livestock housing, equipment storage) are generally not subject to building permits in rural Wyoming counties. Note: Agricultural exemptions apply to structures used solely for agricultural purposes on active agricultural land. Residential structures on agricultural land (farmhouse, guest house, rental unit) are not exempt. Confirm scope with county staff.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: .