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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Lincoln County
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
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
- Exempt Certain agricultural buildings (barns, storage structures, livestock facilities) on working agricultural parcels may be exempt or subject to reduced review
- Exempt 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.
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
- 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.
- Permit validity
- Typically 6-12 months from issuance for Wyoming counties; construction required to begin within that period
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 1-3 weeks for straightforward single-family residential; commercial or complex projects may take longer
- 01 Determine whether the parcel is in a zoning district by consulting the Lincoln County Land Use Map or calling the Planning and Zoning office
- 02 Identify the applicable zoning classification and confirm the proposed use is a permitted or conditional use under the Lincoln County Land Use Regulations
- 03 Verify the parcel is not subject to a Flood Hazard Area or Floodplain overlay
- 04 Contact the Kemmerer or Afton office to request the current building permit application package
- 05 Prepare a site plan showing parcel boundaries, existing structures, proposed structure footprint, setbacks from property lines and easements, driveway/access, and septic/well locations
- 06 Submit completed application, site plan, construction drawings, and applicable fee to the nearest office
- 07 Planning and Zoning staff review for zoning compliance
- 08 Building Division reviews for structural compliance
- 09 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
§ 04
Fee schedule
Lincoln County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Likely based on project valuation or structure size (square footage), consistent with Wyoming county practice
02
Penalty (no permit)
Typically Wyoming counties impose a doubling of the permit fee for after-the-fact permits
In person at office (check, cash, money order); call to confirm if credit card payment is accepted
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Call the Lincoln County Planning and Zoning office at (307) 877-9056 (Kemmerer) or (307) 885-3158 (Afton) to schedule inspections (phone)
- 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 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Lincoln County permits
01 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
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Lincoln County, WY? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Lincoln County, WY are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Likely based on project valuation or structure size (square footage), consistent with Wyoming county practice.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Lincoln County, WY? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Lincoln County, WY, follow these steps: 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
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Lincoln County, WY? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Lincoln County, WY typically run 1-3 weeks for straightforward single-family residential; commercial or complex projects may take longer. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Lincoln County, WY? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Lincoln County, WY? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Lincoln County, WY via: Call the Lincoln County Planning and Zoning office at (307) 877-9056 (Kemmerer) or (307) 885-3158 (Afton) to schedule inspections. 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..
last verified April 2026
source Lincoln County Planning and Zoning Department ↗
entry id permits/wyoming/lincoln/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Lincoln County Planning and Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.