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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Buffalo
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).
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
- 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
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet in height
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of footing to the top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge
- Exempt 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
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches deep
- Exempt 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.
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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Determine whether your project is within Buffalo city limits (contact Planning Director at planningdirector@cityofbuffalowy.com if uncertain)
- 02 Download the Building Permit Application from the city website or call (307) 684-5566 to obtain current form
- 03 If using a contractor, confirm the contractor holds a current City of Buffalo contractor's license and Wyoming State electrical license (if applicable)
- 04 Complete the application and prepare required supporting documents: site plan, construction drawings, energy compliance documentation
- 05 Submit completed application and supporting documents in person at 46 N Main Street; plumbing and mechanical permits may be faxed to 684-5726
- 06 Building Inspector reviews the application and issued plans
- 07 Permit is issued upon approval and payment of fees
- 08 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)
- 09 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
§ 04
Fee schedule
Buffalo building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Likely valuation-based per standard IRC/IBC permit fee table or Buffalo-specific schedule in Chapter 5 municipal code
02
Trade permit fee
Plumbing/Mechanical: Permit required for work above $1,000; specific fee amounts not confirmed
In-person at the Building Inspector's office; no online payment portal identified
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Call the Building Inspector at (307) 684-5566 (phone)
- 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 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Buffalo permits
01 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).
02 How much does a building permit cost in Buffalo, WY? ▸
Building permit fees in Buffalo, WY are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Likely valuation-based per standard IRC/IBC permit fee table or Buffalo-specific schedule in Chapter 5 municipal code.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Buffalo, WY? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Buffalo, WY, follow these steps: 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
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Buffalo, WY? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Buffalo, WY? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Buffalo, WY via: Call the Building Inspector at (307) 684-5566. 24-hour advance notice preferred, but same-day inspections are not uncommon.
last verified April 2026
source City of Buffalo Building Department ↗
entry id permits/wyoming/johnson/buffalo
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Buffalo Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.