How much does a building permit cost in Buffalo, WY?

Fees are calculated as: Likely valuation-based per standard IRC/IBC permit fee table or Buffalo-specific schedule in Chapter 5 municipal code.

How do I apply for a building permit in Buffalo, WY?

1. Determine whether your project is within Buffalo city limits (contact Planning Director at planningdirector@cityofbuffalowy.com if uncertain) 2. Download the Building Permit Application from the city website or call (307) 684-5566 to obtain current form 3. If using a contractor, confirm the contractor holds a current City of Buffalo contractor's license and Wyoming State electrical license (if applicable) 4. Complete the application and prepare required supporting documents: site plan, construction drawings, energy compliance documentation 5. Submit completed application and supporting documents in person at 46 N Main Street; plumbing and mechanical permits may be faxed to 684-5726 6. Building Inspector reviews the application and issued plans 7. Permit is issued upon approval and payment of fees 8. Post the permit card on the job site per location requirements (remodels/alterations: front of house facing street; new construction: plastic bag at temporary power pole or 2x4 in ground, later in window facing street) 9. Schedule required inspections with 24-hour advance notice preferred (same-day inspections are common) 10. Pass all required inspections in sequence: footing/foundation, framing, rough-in (plumbing/mechanical/electrical), insulation, drywall, final 11. Receive Certificate of Occupancy; copy is filed with City Clerk

What work is exempt from building permits in Buffalo, WY?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet; Fences not over 7 feet in height; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of footing to the top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge; Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches deep; Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall. Note: Confirm the exact local exemption list with the Building Inspector. Buffalo may have adopted local amendments that modify standard IRC/IBC Section 105.2.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Buffalo, WY?

Inspections can be scheduled via: . 24-hour advance notice preferred, but same-day inspections are not uncommon.

City Building Permits

Buffalo, WY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Buffalo, Wyoming. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Wyoming Johnson County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers the incorporated city limits of Buffalo, Wyoming. Buffalo operates its own building department independently of Johnson County.

Department: City of Buffalo Building Department
Address: 46 N Main Street, Buffalo, WY 82834
Phone: (307) 684-5566
Website: https://www.cityofbuffalowy.com/pview.aspx?id=24236&catid=510

Online Permit Portal

Open Building Permit Requirements

Platform: • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Determine whether your project is within Buffalo city limits (contact Planning Director at planningdirector@cityofbuffalowy.com if uncertain)
Download the Building Permit Application from the city website or call (307) 684-5566 to obtain current form
If using a contractor, confirm the contractor holds a current City of Buffalo contractor's license and Wyoming State electrical license (if applicable)
Complete the application and prepare required supporting documents: site plan, construction drawings, energy compliance documentation
Submit completed application and supporting documents in person at 46 N Main Street; plumbing and mechanical permits may be faxed to 684-5726
Building Inspector reviews the application and issued plans
Permit is issued upon approval and payment of fees
Post the permit card on the job site per location requirements (remodels/alterations: front of house facing street; new construction: plastic bag at temporary power pole or 2x4 in ground, later in window facing street)
Schedule required inspections with 24-hour advance notice preferred (same-day inspections are common)
Pass all required inspections in sequence: footing/foundation, framing, rough-in (plumbing/mechanical/electrical), insulation, drywall, final
Receive Certificate of Occupancy; copy is filed with City Clerk

Source: City of Buffalo Building Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for any new construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, move, demolition, or change of use/occupancy of any building or structure within Buffalo city limits. IRC Section 105.2 exemption list governs exempt work (see Special Programs section).

Required Documents

Completed Building Permit Application
Site plan (showing property lines, setbacks, and proposed construction)
Construction drawings as applicable
Energy compliance documentation
Contractor license documentation if using a licensed contractor
Plumbing/mechanical application for trade work

Building code: International Residential Code (IRC) -- 2018 edition confirmed; 2024 potentially pending adoption; International Building Code (IBC) -- 2018 edition confirmed; 2024 potentially pending adoption; International Mechanical Code (IMC) -- 2018 edition confirmed; International Plumbing Code (IPC) -- 2018 edition confirmed; International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) -- 2018 edition confirmed; International Existing Building Code (IEBC) -- 2018 edition confirmed; International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) -- 2018 edition confirmed. Multiple sources cite 2018 editions as currently enforced; verify current adopted edition directly with Building Inspector.
Owner-builder: An owner may build one house every two years without holding a city contractor's license, provided all work meets adopted code and all permits and inspections are obtained.
Contractor requirements: All building contractors, plumbers, mechanical/HVAC contractors, and tree trimmers working for compensation within Buffalo must hold a current City of Buffalo contractor's license. Annual license fee: $75 (confirm with city). Electrical contractors must register a copy of their current Wyoming State Electrical Contractor's License with the City Clerk.

Fees

Permit fee formula: Likely valuation-based per standard IRC/IBC permit fee table or Buffalo-specific schedule in Chapter 5 municipal code
Trade permit fee: Plumbing/Mechanical: Permit required for work above $1,000; specific fee amounts not confirmed
Payment note: In-person at the Building Inspector's office; no online payment portal identified

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet
Fences not over 7 feet in height
Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of footing to the top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge
Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches deep
Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall

Important: Confirm the exact local exemption list with the Building Inspector. Buffalo may have adopted local amendments that modify standard IRC/IBC Section 105.2.

Inspections

How to Schedule

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Scheduling deadline: 24-hour advance notice preferred, but same-day inspections are not uncommon
Inspection hours: Monday-Friday during city business hours (call to confirm exact hours)

Typical inspection sequence: Typical residential new construction sequence: (1) Footing/foundation inspection (before concrete pour), (2) Framing inspection (structural framing, before insulation or drywall), (3) Rough-in inspections (plumbing, mechanical/HVAC, electrical -- coordinate state electrical inspector if applicable), (4) Insulation inspection, (5) Drywall (if required), (6) Final inspection (systems complete, finishes done, ready for occupancy), (7) Certificate of Occupancy issued. Inspection card must be on site and accessible to the inspector at all times.

Additional Resources

Building code: International Residential Code (IRC) -- 2018 edition confirmed; 2024 potentially pending adoption; International Building Code (IBC) -- 2018 edition confirmed; 2024 potentially pending adoption; International Mechanical Code (IMC) -- 2018 edition confirmed; International Plumbing Code (IPC) -- 2018 edition confirmed; International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) -- 2018 edition confirmed; International Existing Building Code (IEBC) -- 2018 edition confirmed; International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) -- 2018 edition confirmed. Multiple sources cite 2018 editions as currently enforced; verify current adopted edition directly with Building Inspector.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Owner-builder rules: View rules
City of Buffalo Building Department
Contractors License
License and Permit Bonds
Ice and Water Shield / Sheathing Requirements
Plumbing/Mechanical Permit Application
Planning Maps
City Planning Director
Buffalo municipal code (Chapter 5 - Buildings)
Wyoming State Electrical License Registration
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 City of Buffalo Building Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Buffalo, WY?: A building permit is required for any new construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, move, demolition, or change of use/occupancy of any building or structure within Buffalo city limits. IRC Section 105.2 exemption list governs exempt work (see Special Programs section).
How much does a building permit cost in Buffalo, WY?: Fees are calculated as: Likely valuation-based per standard IRC/IBC permit fee table or Buffalo-specific schedule in Chapter 5 municipal code.
How do I apply for a building permit in Buffalo, WY?: 1. Determine whether your project is within Buffalo city limits (contact Planning Director at planningdirector@cityofbuffalowy.com if uncertain) 2. Download the Building Permit Application from the city website or call (307) 684-5566 to obtain current form 3. If using a contractor, confirm the contractor holds a current City of Buffalo contractor's license and Wyoming State electrical license (if applicable) 4. Complete the application and prepare required supporting documents: site plan, construction drawings, energy compliance documentation 5. Submit completed application and supporting documents in person at 46 N Main Street; plumbing and mechanical permits may be faxed to 684-5726 6. Building Inspector reviews the application and issued plans 7. Permit is issued upon approval and payment of fees 8. Post the permit card on the job site per location requirements (remodels/alterations: front of house facing street; new construction: plastic bag at temporary power pole or 2x4 in ground, later in window facing street) 9. Schedule required inspections with 24-hour advance notice preferred (same-day inspections are common) 10. Pass all required inspections in sequence: footing/foundation, framing, rough-in (plumbing/mechanical/electrical), insulation, drywall, final 11. Receive Certificate of Occupancy; copy is filed with City Clerk
What work is exempt from building permits in Buffalo, WY?: The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet; Fences not over 7 feet in height; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of footing to the top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge; Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches deep; Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall. Note: Confirm the exact local exemption list with the Building Inspector. Buffalo may have adopted local amendments that modify standard IRC/IBC Section 105.2.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Buffalo, WY?: Inspections can be scheduled via: . 24-hour advance notice preferred, but same-day inspections are not uncommon.

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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