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

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural structures: Wyoming law generally limits municipal authority over agricultural uses outside incorporated limits. Agricultural outbuildings and farm structures in unincorporated Hot Springs County are unlikely to require a county building permit given the county's minimal code infrastructure. Verify with the county.. Note: No comprehensive exempt work list has been published. All exemptions should be verified directly with Hot Springs County at (307) 864-3515.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: .

County Building Permits

Hot Springs County, WY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hot Springs County, Wyoming. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Wyoming Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Hot Springs County unincorporated areas. Wyoming has no statewide mandatory residential building code; Hot Springs County has adopted little or no formal residential building code for unincorporated areas. Permits may still be required for specific work types (electrical, plumbing, septic). The Wyoming State Electrical Code, enforced by the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services Division of Labor, applies statewide regardless of local code adoption. The Wyoming State Fire Marshal has jurisdiction over commercial and multi-family fire safety. Confirm current requirements directly with the county before commencing any project.

Department: Hot Springs County Building Department
Address: 415 Arapahoe Street, Thermopolis, WY 82443
Phone: (307) 864-3515
Website: https://www.hswy.us

Application Process

Contact the Hot Springs County Commissioners office at (307) 864-3515 to determine whether a building permit is required for your specific project type in the unincorporated county.
If a permit is required, request the applicable application form from the county office in person or by phone.
Complete the application and gather required supporting documents (site plan, project description, contractor information where applicable).
Submit the completed application and any required fees in person at the Hot Springs County Courthouse, 415 Arapahoe Street, Thermopolis, WY 82443.
For any electrical work, contact the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Division of Labor (Electrical Program) to obtain the required state electrical permit, regardless of county permit status. Phone: (307) 777-7261.
For septic/OWTS (on-site wastewater treatment systems), contact the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality or the county sanitarian, as a separate permit is typically required.
For commercial or multi-family projects, contact the Wyoming State Fire Marshal at (307) 777-7262 for fire safety requirements.
Upon permit issuance, post the permit on-site and schedule any required inspections as directed.

Source: Hot Springs County Building Department

General Requirements

No comprehensive publicly available list of permit-required work has been identified for Hot Springs County unincorporated areas. Given the county's limited code infrastructure, many residential projects may not require a county-level building permit. However, the following categories likely require separate state or county permits regardless: (1) electrical work -- Wyoming State Electrical Code permit required statewide; (2) new on-site wastewater/septic systems -- state/county environmental permit required; (3) manufactured/mobile home installation -- state regulations apply; (4) commercial and multi-family construction -- Wyoming State Fire Marshal involvement required.

Required Documents

Completed application form
Site plan or plot plan showing property boundaries and proposed structure location
Description of proposed work

Building code: No formal adoption of the International Building Code or International Residential Code for unincorporated Hot Springs County has been identified as of the research date. The Wyoming State Electrical Code (based on NFPA 70 National Electrical Code) applies statewide. The International Fire Code is administered by the Wyoming State Fire Marshal for applicable commercial and multi-family occupancies.
Owner-builder: Wyoming has no statewide general contractor licensing requirement. Property owners may generally act as their own general contractor. For electrical work, the Wyoming Division of Labor's Electrical Program regulates electrical contractors and journeyman electricians; homeowner exemptions may apply for work on an owner-occupied primary residence -- confirm with the Division of Labor at (307) 777-7261.
Contractor requirements: Wyoming does not require a statewide general contractor license. Hot Springs County has not been identified as having adopted a local contractor licensing ordinance. For electrical work, Wyoming requires licensed electrical contractors or licensed journeyman electricians under the Wyoming Electrical Code.

Fees

Payment note: Fees, if applicable, are expected to be paid in person at the Courthouse. Accepted payment methods not published; confirm by phone prior to visit.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Hot Springs County Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

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Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (verify current hours by phone as schedules may vary for a small county office)

Typical inspection sequence: No formal published inspection sequence identified for unincorporated Hot Springs County. If a county permit is issued, required inspections will be specified at that time. Wyoming State Electrical inspections are conducted by the Division of Labor at (307) 777-7261. Septic/OWTS inspections are coordinated with the county sanitarian or Wyoming DEQ as applicable.

Additional Resources

Building code: No formal adoption of the International Building Code or International Residential Code for unincorporated Hot Springs County has been identified as of the research date. The Wyoming State Electrical Code (based on NFPA 70 National Electrical Code) applies statewide. The International Fire Code is administered by the Wyoming State Fire Marshal for applicable commercial and multi-family occupancies.
Hot Springs County Official Site
Wyoming Division of Labor -- Electrical Program
Wyoming State Fire Marshal
Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality -- Water Quality Division
Wyoming Uniform Building Code Commission
FEMA Flood Map Service Center
License lookup guide: Wyoming Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Wyoming Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Wyoming hub: Wyoming Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Hot Springs County Building Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hot Springs County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Hot Springs County, WY?: No comprehensive publicly available list of permit-required work has been identified for Hot Springs County unincorporated areas. Given the county's limited code infrastructure, many residential projects may not require a county-level building permit. However, the following categories likely require separate state or county permits regardless: (1) electrical work -- Wyoming State Electrical Code permit required statewide; (2) new on-site wastewater/septic systems -- state/county environmental permit required; (3) manufactured/mobile home installation -- state regulations apply; (4) commercial and multi-family construction -- Wyoming State Fire Marshal involvement required.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hot Springs County, WY?: 1. Contact the Hot Springs County Commissioners office at (307) 864-3515 to determine whether a building permit is required for your specific project type in the unincorporated county. 2. If a permit is required, request the applicable application form from the county office in person or by phone. 3. Complete the application and gather required supporting documents (site plan, project description, contractor information where applicable). 4. Submit the completed application and any required fees in person at the Hot Springs County Courthouse, 415 Arapahoe Street, Thermopolis, WY 82443. 5. For any electrical work, contact the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Division of Labor (Electrical Program) to obtain the required state electrical permit, regardless of county permit status. Phone: (307) 777-7261. 6. For septic/OWTS (on-site wastewater treatment systems), contact the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality or the county sanitarian, as a separate permit is typically required. 7. For commercial or multi-family projects, contact the Wyoming State Fire Marshal at (307) 777-7262 for fire safety requirements. 8. Upon permit issuance, post the permit on-site and schedule any required inspections as directed.
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Hot Springs County, WY?: The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural structures: Wyoming law generally limits municipal authority over agricultural uses outside incorporated limits. Agricultural outbuildings and farm structures in unincorporated Hot Springs County are unlikely to require a county building permit given the county's minimal code infrastructure. Verify with the county.. Note: No comprehensive exempt work list has been published. All exemptions should be verified directly with Hot Springs County at (307) 864-3515.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Hot Springs County, WY?: Inspections can be scheduled via: .

Need help with your project?

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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