Lincoln County, WY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Covers all unincorporated areas of Lincoln County. Does not cover the incorporated municipalities of Kemmerer, Afton, Cokeville, Diamondville, Thayne, or Star Valley Ranch town limits.

Department

Lincoln County Planning and Zoning Department

Address

925 Sage Ave., Suite 201, Kemmerer, WY 83101 (Kemmerer office); 80 East 1st Ave., Afton, WY 83110 (Star Valley office)

Phone

(307) 877-9056 (Kemmerer); (307) 885-3158 (Afton / Star Valley office)

Website

https://www.lcwy.org/planning-zoning

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine whether the parcel is in a zoning district by consulting the Lincoln County Land Use Map or calling the Planning and Zoning office
2. Identify the applicable zoning classification and confirm the proposed use is a permitted or conditional use under the Lincoln County Land Use Regulations
3. Verify the parcel is not subject to a Flood Hazard Area or Floodplain overlay
4. Contact the Kemmerer or Afton office to request the current building permit application package
5. Prepare a site plan showing parcel boundaries, existing structures, proposed structure footprint, setbacks from property lines and easements, driveway/access, and septic/well locations
6. Submit completed application, site plan, construction drawings, and applicable fee to the nearest office
7. Planning and Zoning staff review for zoning compliance
8. Building Division reviews for structural compliance
9. Permit is issued; post permit visibly on the job site
10. Schedule required inspections at each required stage
11. Final inspection and sign-off; county records the completion

Typical processing time: 1-3 weeks for straightforward single-family residential; commercial or complex projects may take longer

Source: Lincoln County Planning and Zoning Department

General Requirements

New construction of any structure; additions and structural alterations to existing buildings; accessory structures above 200 sq ft (confirm current threshold); manufactured or modular home placement on permanent foundation; any construction within a Special Flood Hazard Area

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application
• Site plan drawn to scale, showing parcel boundaries, setbacks, existing and proposed improvements, well and septic system locations
• Construction drawings/plans as applicable to project scope
• Septic/well permits if applicable
• Energy compliance documentation if county requires it

Permit validity

Typically 6-12 months from issuance for Wyoming counties; construction required to begin within that period

Building code

Wyoming does not have a mandatory statewide residential building code. Lincoln County's land use regulations include construction standards, but the county has not adopted the full IBC or IRC as of the latest available information.

Owner-builder

Wyoming does not require a general contractor license statewide, so owner-builders may pull their own building permits. However, licensed contractors are required for electrical work (state electrical license) and state-licensed plumbers for plumbing.

Contractor requirements

No general contractor license required at county level. Subcontractors for electrical and plumbing must hold appropriate state licenses. Wyoming State Electrical Board: (307) 777-7701. Wyoming State Plumbing Board: (307) 777-7752.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Likely based on project valuation or structure size (square footage), consistent with Wyoming county practice

Penalty (no permit)

Typically Wyoming counties impose a doubling of the permit fee for after-the-fact permits

Payment note

In person at office (check, cash, money order); call to confirm if credit card payment is accepted

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Certain agricultural buildings (barns, storage structures, livestock facilities) on working agricultural parcels may be exempt or subject to reduced review
• Structures below minimum threshold (commonly 200 sq ft for accessory structures) may be exempt

Important: Confirm with county office whether the parcel qualifies for agricultural exemption and what documentation establishes agricultural use. Confirm the exact size threshold for accessory structure exemption.

Inspections

How to Schedule

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Scheduling deadline

Due to large geographic footprint, inspectors may consolidate scheduled inspections in a geographic area on specific days. Advance notice of 24-48 hours or more may be required for remote Star Valley locations.

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (both offices)

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence for single-family residential: Pre-pour foundation/footing inspection, foundation/stem wall inspection, framing inspection, rough mechanical/electrical/plumbing, insulation inspection (where required), final building inspection

Electrical inspections performed separately by Wyoming State Electrical Inspector (Division of Labor Standards). Applicants must schedule state electrical inspections independently.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Wyoming does not have a mandatory statewide residential building code. Lincoln County's land use regulations include construction standards, but the county has not adopted the full IBC or IRC as of the latest available information.
• Wyoming Electrical Board
• Wyoming State Plumbing Board
• Wyoming DEQ Water Quality Division
• Wyoming State Engineer's Office
• 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln County Building Permit FAQ

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

New construction of any structure; additions and structural alterations to existing buildings; accessory structures above 200 sq ft (confirm current threshold); manufactured or modular home placement on permanent foundation; any construction within a Special Flood Hazard Area

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Lincoln County, WY?

Fees are calculated as: Likely based on project valuation or structure size (square footage), consistent with Wyoming county practice.

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

1. Determine whether the parcel is in a zoning district by consulting the Lincoln County Land Use Map or calling the Planning and Zoning office 2. Identify the applicable zoning classification and confirm the proposed use is a permitted or conditional use under the Lincoln County Land Use Regulations 3. Verify the parcel is not subject to a Flood Hazard Area or Floodplain overlay 4. Contact the Kemmerer or Afton office to request the current building permit application package 5. Prepare a site plan showing parcel boundaries, existing structures, proposed structure footprint, setbacks from property lines and easements, driveway/access, and septic/well locations 6. Submit completed application, site plan, construction drawings, and applicable fee to the nearest office 7. Planning and Zoning staff review for zoning compliance 8. Building Division reviews for structural compliance 9. Permit is issued; post permit visibly on the job site 10. Schedule required inspections at each required stage 11. Final inspection and sign-off; county records the completion

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Lincoln County, WY?

Typical processing time is 1-3 weeks for straightforward single-family residential; commercial or complex projects may take longer.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Certain agricultural buildings (barns, storage structures, livestock facilities) on working agricultural parcels may be exempt or subject to reduced review; Structures below minimum threshold (commonly 200 sq ft for accessory structures) may be exempt. Note: Confirm with county office whether the parcel qualifies for agricultural exemption and what documentation establishes agricultural use. Confirm the exact size threshold for accessory structure exemption.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: . Due to large geographic footprint, inspectors may consolidate scheduled inspections in a geographic area on specific days. Advance notice of 24-48 hours or more may be required for remote Star Valley locations..