Park County, WY - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Covers all unincorporated areas of Park County. The Planning and Zoning Department administers zoning regulations and subdivision rules. A county-level Board of Adjustment hears variance applications. Does not cover the incorporated jurisdictions of Cody, Powell, or Meeteetse.

Department

Park County Planning and Zoning Department

Address

1002 Sheridan Avenue, Cody, WY 82414

Phone

(307) 527-8540

Email

planning@parkcounty.us

Website

https://www.parkcounty.us/departments/planning_and_zoning/index.php

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Verify the parcel's zoning designation, ownership, legal description, and whether it falls within an incorporated city/town or in the unincorporated county using the Park County Assessor's parcel lookup tool or by contacting Planning and Zoning.
2. Contact Planning and Zoning at (307) 527-8540 or email planning@parkcounty.us to discuss your proposed project and confirm zoning requirements and permit requirements.
3. Determine zoning district. Park County maintains zoning districts including Agricultural (A), Residential (R), Commercial (C), Industrial (I), and overlay districts.
4. Check if the proposed construction is within or near a FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Area at https://msc.fema.gov/. If so, a Floodplain Development Permit is required.
5. Obtain application forms from the Planning and Zoning office at 1002 Sheridan Avenue, Cody, WY 82414. Forms may also be available for download on the county website.
6. Prepare required documents including completed building permit application, site plan, construction plans (for complex projects), proof of water supply, proof of wastewater disposal, and any applicable state or federal permits.
7. For projects involving new or expanded structures requiring septic service, obtain a septic system permit from the Wyoming DEQ or county health authority.
8. For projects requiring a new well, obtain a well permit from the Wyoming State Engineer's Office at (307) 777-6150.
9. Submit the completed application, supporting documents, and applicable fees to the Planning and Zoning Department at 1002 Sheridan Avenue, Cody, WY 82414. Fees are due at submission.
10. Plan review is conducted for compliance with zoning regulations, subdivision rules, and applicable building requirements. Review timelines vary by project complexity.
11. Upon approval, the permit is issued. Post the permit card prominently at the construction site before beginning any work.
12. Contact Planning and Zoning to confirm required inspection stages and schedule inspections. For electrical work, schedule inspections separately with the Wyoming state electrical inspector.
13. Pass all required final inspections before occupying or using the completed structure.

Source: Park County Planning and Zoning Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required in Park County for new construction (residential and commercial), additions, accessory structures, and other regulated construction on unincorporated land subject to county zoning regulations. Note: Not all unincorporated parcels in Park County fall within a zoning district. Large tracts of unimproved agricultural and ranch land may not be zoned; contact the Planning and Zoning Department to confirm whether your parcel is subject to zoning and what permit requirements apply.

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application
• Site plan or plot plan showing property boundary lines, dimensions, adjacent road or highway, proposed structure location, setback distances from all property lines, existing structures on the parcel, utility line locations, well location (if applicable), and septic system location (if applicable)
• Construction plans (basic dimensioned drawings for simple structures; complete construction drawings for larger or more complex projects, stamped by a Wyoming-licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or licensed architect for commercial and structural alterations)
• Proof of water supply (well permit or documentation of water service connection)
• Proof of wastewater disposal (septic system permit or documentation of sewer connection)
• For projects in a FEMA flood zone: Floodplain Development Permit application and pre-construction elevation certificate from a Wyoming-licensed land surveyor
• For commercial and multi-family projects: Additional submittal requirements (contact for complete checklist)
• Any applicable state or federal permits (USACE Section 404, Forest Service permits, Wyoming DEQ stormwater permit)

Building code

Park County's permit program is primarily a zoning and land use program. The county's code adoption posture for structural building codes is limited compared to more urbanized Wyoming counties. The Wyoming State Electrical Code (NFPA 70, adopted by state) and Wyoming State Fire Marshal requirements apply statewide regardless of county code adoption. Contact the Planning and Zoning Department to obtain current regulations and confirm which, if any, building codes have been formally adopted.

Owner-builder

Wyoming does not impose statewide owner-builder licensing restrictions. Property owners may generally obtain permits for and perform construction work on their own property. Contact (307) 527-8540 to confirm any local owner-builder declaration forms required.

Contractor requirements

Wyoming has no statewide general contractor license. Park County does not appear to impose a county-level general contractor registration requirement. However, subcontractor trades are state-licensed: electrical and plumbing/mechanical contractors must be licensed through the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services. Confirm any local contractor requirements with the Planning and Zoning Department.

Fees

Payment note

Payment is due at time of permit application submission. Fees are payable at the Planning and Zoning office, 1002 Sheridan Avenue, Cody.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Agricultural structures: Many agricultural buildings (barns, hay storage, equipment storage, livestock shelters, irrigation pumphouses, farm worker housing on working farms) on agricultural-zoned parcels may be exempt from building permit requirements under Wyoming statute and county regulations. Contact the Planning and Zoning Department to confirm exemption status.
• Small accessory structures: Detached accessory structures below a certain square footage threshold (small storage sheds, playhouses, or similar non-habitable structures) may not require a building permit in some zoning districts. A zoning review or zoning certificate may still be required to confirm setback and placement compliance.
• Ordinary maintenance and repair: Maintenance and repair work that does not affect structural components or regulated systems (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) generally does not require a permit.
• Guest ranch and outfitter structures: Small seasonal structures (tent platforms, portable outfitter camps) may be treated differently depending on permanency. The Wyoming State Fire Marshal's commercial occupancy requirements apply to larger guest lodging facilities regardless of county code adoption.
• Mobile homes and manufactured housing: Requires a separate permit and compliance with HUD manufactured housing standards.

Important: Contact the Planning and Zoning Department at (307) 527-8540 to confirm exemption status for your specific project type.

Inspections

How to Schedule

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Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Inspection availability may be more limited than in urbanized counties due to the large geographic area and travel distances involved.

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation/footing inspection (prior to placing concrete), Foundation wall or stem wall inspection (prior to backfill), Rough framing inspection (after all framing is complete and before insulation or wall coverings), Mechanical/plumbing rough-in (before concealment), Insulation inspection (if required), Final inspection (after construction is substantially complete). Electrical inspections are scheduled separately with the Wyoming state electrical inspector.

For construction sites in remote areas of the county (North Fork corridor properties distant from Cody, Sunlight Basin, Elk Basin, Carter Mountain area), plan for extended inspection scheduling lead times. Confirm the inspector's availability and travel arrangements well in advance.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Park County's permit program is primarily a zoning and land use program. The county's code adoption posture for structural building codes is limited compared to more urbanized Wyoming counties. The Wyoming State Electrical Code (NFPA 70, adopted by state) and Wyoming State Fire Marshal requirements apply statewide regardless of county code adoption. Contact the Planning and Zoning Department to obtain current regulations and confirm which, if any, building codes have been formally adopted.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center
• Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Labor Standards Division (Electrical Code)
• Wyoming State Fire Marshal's Office
• Wyoming State Engineer's Office (Water/Wells)
• License lookup guide: Wyoming Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Wyoming Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Wyoming hub: Wyoming Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Park County Building Permit FAQ

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

A building permit is required in Park County for new construction (residential and commercial), additions, accessory structures, and other regulated construction on unincorporated land subject to county zoning regulations. Note: Not all unincorporated parcels in Park County fall within a zoning district. Large tracts of unimproved agricultural and ranch land may not be zoned; contact the Planning and Zoning Department to confirm whether your parcel is subject to zoning and what permit requirements apply.

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

1. Verify the parcel's zoning designation, ownership, legal description, and whether it falls within an incorporated city/town or in the unincorporated county using the Park County Assessor's parcel lookup tool or by contacting Planning and Zoning. 2. Contact Planning and Zoning at (307) 527-8540 or email planning@parkcounty.us to discuss your proposed project and confirm zoning requirements and permit requirements. 3. Determine zoning district. Park County maintains zoning districts including Agricultural (A), Residential (R), Commercial (C), Industrial (I), and overlay districts. 4. Check if the proposed construction is within or near a FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Area at https://msc.fema.gov/. If so, a Floodplain Development Permit is required. 5. Obtain application forms from the Planning and Zoning office at 1002 Sheridan Avenue, Cody, WY 82414. Forms may also be available for download on the county website. 6. Prepare required documents including completed building permit application, site plan, construction plans (for complex projects), proof of water supply, proof of wastewater disposal, and any applicable state or federal permits. 7. For projects involving new or expanded structures requiring septic service, obtain a septic system permit from the Wyoming DEQ or county health authority. 8. For projects requiring a new well, obtain a well permit from the Wyoming State Engineer's Office at (307) 777-6150. 9. Submit the completed application, supporting documents, and applicable fees to the Planning and Zoning Department at 1002 Sheridan Avenue, Cody, WY 82414. Fees are due at submission. 10. Plan review is conducted for compliance with zoning regulations, subdivision rules, and applicable building requirements. Review timelines vary by project complexity. 11. Upon approval, the permit is issued. Post the permit card prominently at the construction site before beginning any work. 12. Contact Planning and Zoning to confirm required inspection stages and schedule inspections. For electrical work, schedule inspections separately with the Wyoming state electrical inspector. 13. Pass all required final inspections before occupying or using the completed structure.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural structures: Many agricultural buildings (barns, hay storage, equipment storage, livestock shelters, irrigation pumphouses, farm worker housing on working farms) on agricultural-zoned parcels may be exempt from building permit requirements under Wyoming statute and county regulations. Contact the Planning and Zoning Department to confirm exemption status.; Small accessory structures: Detached accessory structures below a certain square footage threshold (small storage sheds, playhouses, or similar non-habitable structures) may not require a building permit in some zoning districts. A zoning review or zoning certificate may still be required to confirm setback and placement compliance.; Ordinary maintenance and repair: Maintenance and repair work that does not affect structural components or regulated systems (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) generally does not require a permit.; Guest ranch and outfitter structures: Small seasonal structures (tent platforms, portable outfitter camps) may be treated differently depending on permanency. The Wyoming State Fire Marshal's commercial occupancy requirements apply to larger guest lodging facilities regardless of county code adoption.; Mobile homes and manufactured housing: Requires a separate permit and compliance with HUD manufactured housing standards.. Note: Contact the Planning and Zoning Department at (307) 527-8540 to confirm exemption status for your specific project type.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: .