City of Cody

Building permits are required for all new construction (residential and commercial), additions, structural alterations, demolition, accessory structures, and regulated mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, and fire suppression work within the City of Cody. Contact the Building Department at (307) 527-7511 to confirm whether a specific scope of work requires a permit.

• Exempt Detached one-story accessory structures 200 sq ft or less with no plumbing or electrical
• Exempt Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height (a zoning review may still be required)
• Exempt Retaining walls 4 feet or less in height measured from bottom of footing to top of wall (not supporting a surcharge)
• Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not elevated above grade
• Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, countertops, and similar finish work
• Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 less than 24 inches deep
• Exempt Window awnings supported by exterior walls
• Exempt Ordinary maintenance and repair

Note: Even for exempt structures, zoning setbacks and lot coverage requirements still apply. Confirm exemption status for your specific project with the Cody Building Department at (307) 527-7511. These exemptions apply under the IRC; confirm with the city what applies.

Building code

The City of Cody does not publish its adopted code edition list on the city website. The most likely current adoption is either the 2018 or 2021 ICC suite, but direct verification with the Building Department is required. This matters because the 2021 IRC and IBC contain updated requirements for energy efficiency, fire sprinklers in townhouses, and other items not present in the 2018 editions.

Source: City of Cody Building Department (within the Community Development Department) ↗

1. 01
   For commercial, mixed-use, and larger residential projects, schedule a pre-application meeting with Community Development at (307) 527-7511 to identify zoning issues, special use requirements, and submittal requirements specific to your project. No fee for a pre-application meeting.
2. 02
   Confirm the parcel's zoning classification with the Community Development Planning Division. Cody's zoning designations include residential (R-1, R-2, R-3), commercial (C-1, C-2), industrial, and potentially mixed-use and historic overlay districts.
3. 03
   Download or pick up the building permit application from Community Development at 1338 Rumsey Avenue. Separate permit applications may be required for building, mechanical, plumbing, and fire suppression/alarm systems.
4. 04
   Compile all required submittal materials based on project type. For commercial projects, a full plan set stamped by a Wyoming-licensed PE or architect is required.
5. 05
   Confirm with the Building Department whether the City of Cody has adopted the IECC or a local energy efficiency standard. If required, energy compliance documentation must be submitted.
6. 06
   For commercial projects, hotels, multi-family residential, or structures requiring fire suppression systems, coordinate fire suppression plan review with the Cody Fire Department and/or the Wyoming State Fire Marshal concurrently with building permit review.
7. 07
   Deliver the complete application package and fees to the Building Department at 1338 Rumsey Avenue. Fees are due at time of submittal.
8. 08
   Building Department staff review for compliance with adopted building codes, zoning regulations, and all applicable local ordinances. For commercial projects, review may include coordination with the Planning Division, Fire Department, Public Works, and the Wyoming State Fire Marshal.
9. 09
   Upon approval, the building permit is issued. The permit must be posted at the job site in a location visible from the street before any work begins.
10. 10
    Confirm that all contractors performing work hold any required City of Cody contractor registration. Electrical contractors must hold a Wyoming state electrical license.
11. 11
    Schedule required inspections at each required milestone. For electrical work, schedule state electrical inspections separately with the Wyoming regional electrical inspector.
12. 12
    After all final inspections pass for new commercial construction or major projects, the Building Department issues a Certificate of Occupancy. The building may not be occupied until the CO is issued.

Typical processing time: Not published on the city website. Simple residential permits may be processed in a few days; commercial projects may require two to four weeks or longer for full plan review. During peak construction season (spring through fall), turnaround times may be longer.

Source: City of Cody Building Department (within the Community Development Department) ↗

• Schedule required inspections with the Building Department at (307) 527-7511 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed legal holidays)

Typical sequence: Residential new construction: Footing inspection (prior to placing concrete in forms), Foundation wall inspection (prior to backfilling cast-in-place or masonry foundation walls), Under-slab inspection (for slab-on-grade construction), Rough framing inspection (after all wall framing, floor framing, and roof framing are complete and before insulation or drywall), Rough mechanical/plumbing inspection (before concealment), Insulation inspection (if required), Drywall inspection (if required), Final building inspection (after construction is substantially complete), Final electrical inspection (state inspector). Commercial new construction: Same sequence as residential, plus Fire suppression rough-in, Fire suppression hydrostatic test and final, Fire alarm system, ADA/accessibility inspection, Pre-occupancy fire inspection by Cody Fire Department, Certificate of Occupancy inspection.

Source: City of Cody Building Department (within the Community Development Department) ↗