On this page 5
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Platte County
A building permit is required for any new construction, addition, structural alteration, repair, relocation, demolition, or change of occupancy within unincorporated Platte County, unless specifically exempt under the adopted code or local ordinance. Agricultural structures used exclusively for farming or ranching operations on qualifying agricultural properties may be exempt under Wyoming law -- confirm with Planning and Zoning.
- Exempt Agricultural structures used exclusively for farm or ranch use not serving the public, subject to Wyoming law (W.S. 35-9-101 et seq.) exemptions for bona fide agricultural lands.
Note: Confirm specific exemption criteria and documentation requirements with Platte County Planning and Zoning.
- Completed permit application
- Site/plot plan drawn to scale showing property lines, structure footprint, setbacks from all property lines, driveway access, and utility locations
- Construction drawings including floor plan, exterior elevations, and structural framing details
- Foundation plan or specification
- Energy compliance documentation where required under the adopted code
- Drainage plan or grading plan for new construction on lots where drainage is a concern
- Engineered plans (Wyoming-licensed P.E. stamp) for non-standard structural systems, retaining walls over 4 feet, or commercial projects
- Building code
- Platte County is subject to Wyoming statewide building code requirements. Wyoming adopted the 2024 International Building Code (IBC), 2024 International Residential Code (IRC), and related 2024 International Codes effective June 28, 2024, with a 6-month window for local jurisdictions to adopt. Confirm with Platte County Planning and Zoning which edition and any local amendments are currently in effect. Platte County is a low-density rural county; code administration may be limited in scope compared to urban counties.
- Permit validity
- Not publicly posted for Platte County specifically. Wyoming standard under IRC Section R105.5 is 180 days without inspected work activity; confirm current county policy with Planning and Zoning. Extensions may be available upon written request.
- Owner-builder
- Wyoming does not require a state general contractor license; homeowners may pull their own permits and serve as their own general contractor. Confirm owner-builder documentation requirements with Platte County Planning and Zoning.
- Contractor requirements
- Wyoming has no statewide general contractor license requirement. Electrical contractors must hold a state-issued license and obtain a Wyoming State Fire Marshal (WSFM) wiring permit for all electrical work. Plumbing and mechanical contractors should confirm local or state registration requirements. Platte County does not appear to maintain a separate local contractor licensing or registration program for unincorporated areas -- verify with Planning and Zoning.
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly posted. Contact Platte County Planning and Zoning at (307) 322-3555 for current turnaround times. Rural county offices typically review small residential projects within 1-2 weeks; commercial and larger projects may take longer.
- 01 Contact Platte County Planning and Zoning at (307) 322-3555 or visit the courthouse at 800 9th Street, Wheatland to determine whether a permit is required for your project and which application form applies.
- 02 Obtain the applicable permit application form from the Planning and Zoning office.
- 03 Prepare required documents: completed application, site/plot plan showing property boundaries, setbacks, and proposed structure location; construction drawings (floor plan, elevations, structural details); and any additional specialty plans as required.
- 04 Submit completed application with all supporting documents to Planning and Zoning staff in person.
- 05 Pay applicable permit fees at time of submission.
- 06 Application enters staff review. Turnaround time varies; contact the office for current processing times.
- 07 Respond to any staff comments or requests for additional information.
- 08 Permit is issued once review is complete and fees are paid in full.
- 09 Post permit on site in a visible location before work begins.
- 10 Schedule required inspections through Planning and Zoning or contact staff for inspector referral.
- 11 Receive final inspection sign-off. Certificate of occupancy (if applicable) is issued by county staff.
Typical processing time: Not publicly posted. Contact Platte County Planning and Zoning at (307) 322-3555 for current turnaround times. Rural county offices typically review small residential projects within 1-2 weeks; commercial and larger projects may take longer.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Contact Platte County Planning and Zoning at (307) 322-3555 to schedule inspections. Inspection scheduling may be handled by county staff who coordinate with a contract inspector or a designated county building official. Confirm current scheduling method with the office. (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Platte County Courthouse general hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time; confirm Planning and Zoning office hours directly.
- Time windows
- Inspector availability in rural counties can be limited -- request scheduling well in advance of planned work stages.
Typical sequence: Typical inspection sequence for residential construction: 1. Foundation/footing inspection (before pouring concrete), 2. Underground utilities/plumbing (before backfill), 3. Framing inspection (after rough framing is complete, before insulation or sheathing), 4. Rough mechanical, plumbing, and electrical (coordinate electrical with WSFM; rough-in before walls are closed), 5. Insulation inspection, 6. Wallboard/sheathing, 7. Final inspection (all work complete, ready for occupancy). Electrical inspections are handled separately by the Wyoming State Fire Marshal, not Platte County.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Platte County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Platte County, WY? ▸
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Platte County, WY? ▸
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Platte County, WY? ▸
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Platte County, WY? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Platte County, WY? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Platte County Planning and Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.