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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Natrona County
Permits are required for new buildings (residential and commercial), additions (bedrooms, bathrooms, family rooms, etc.), residential work (decks, garages, fences over 7 feet, fireplaces, water heaters), renovations (garage conversions, basement finishing), and electrical, plumbing, and mechanical (HVAC) systems.
- Exempt Fences up to 7 feet in height (a zoning certificate is still required)
- Exempt Emergency equipment replacements (permit obtained the next business day)
Note: The publicly available FAQs do not provide an exhaustive list of exempt work categories. Contact the Building Department at (307) 235-9435 to confirm exemption status for a specific project.
- Building Permit Application
- Site plan
- Copy of building plans (PE-stamped plans required for some projects)
- Applicable fees
- Building code
- 2024 International Building Code (Resolution 84-24), 2024 International Existing Building Code (Resolution 85-24), 2024 International Fire Code (Resolution 86-24), 2024 International Fuel Gas Code (Resolution 87-24), 2024 International Mechanical Code (Resolution 88-24), 2024 International Plumbing Code (Resolution 89-24), 2024 International Residential Code (Resolution 90-24), 2023 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70).
- Permit validity
- Permits expire 180 days from issuance. A permit becomes void if work is not started within 6 months of issuance or if work is suspended for 6 months after commencement.
- Owner-builder
- Property owners may obtain permits and perform mechanical, electrical, and/or plumbing work on their own private residential property if it is their primary residence. Work must comply with adopted building codes and all required inspections must be obtained.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors performing work in the unincorporated county must be currently licensed by Natrona County. Licenses expire December 31 each year and must be renewed annually. Contractors must carry public liability insurance ($100,000 per person / $300,000 per incident minimum) and property damage insurance ($100,000 per incident minimum).
Application process
Typical processing: Up to 10 business days for plan review once all documents are received.
- 01 Determine whether your project requires a permit by contacting the Building Department at (307) 235-9435 or reviewing the FAQ.
- 02 Prepare required documents: completed Building Permit Application, site plan, copy of building plans (some projects require plans stamped by a Wyoming-licensed Professional Engineer), and applicable fees.
- 03 Submit application, site plan, plans, and fees to the Building Department in person at Room 205 or through the OpenGov online portal.
- 04 Staff reviews submission for compliance with adopted building codes and zoning regulations.
- 05 Plan review takes up to ten (10) business days once all documents are received.
- 06 Upon approval, permit is issued. Post the permit on-site before starting work.
- 07 Schedule required inspections throughout construction. Inspections can typically be scheduled for the next business day (up to 48 hours during busy periods).
- 08 Pass all required inspections and obtain final sign-off.
Typical processing time: Up to 10 business days for plan review once all documents are received.
Fee schedule
Effective 2024
Fees are due at time of permit application submission.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2024) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (307) 235-9435 (phone)
- OpenGov portal (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- Requests should be submitted at least one business day in advance; up to 48 hours notice may be needed during busy periods.
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Typical sequence: Varies by project type. For new construction, typical sequence includes foundation/footing inspection, framing/rough inspection, insulation, and final inspection. Separate inspections are required for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical rough-in and finals.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Natrona County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Natrona County, WY? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Natrona County, WY? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Natrona County, WY? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Natrona County, WY? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Natrona County, WY? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Natrona County, WY? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Natrona County Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.