Unincorporated Sheridan County

Properties in Big Horn are typically large-lot rural residential (5-40+ acres) or equestrian estates. A Building and/or Zoning Permit is required prior to construction, reconstruction, alteration, or change of use of any structure or lot. Additional specific permits required: Driveway Permit for any new or changed driveway accessing a County road; Septic Permit for new or replacement septic systems (including partial replacements); Flood Plain Development Permit for any activity within a FEMA-designated county floodplain area.

• Exempt Agricultural and equestrian facility structures (pole barns, hay storage, stables, indoor arenas, corrals, equipment buildings) -- may qualify for agricultural exemptions under Sheridan County Agricultural Covenant rules
• Exempt Family land transfers (Family Exemption available; does not automatically exempt from building permit requirements)
• Exempt Large Acreage Exemptions for parcels meeting county size thresholds

Note: Agricultural/Large-Lot exemptions are available in-office only (not downloadable). Contact Public Works to determine eligibility. Given Big Horn's identity as the polo capital, the equestrian economy is central to the area; many parcels have active agricultural operations and may have significant exemption eligibility. Confirm which specific structures require permits and which qualify for agricultural covenant exemptions.

Building code

Sheridan County adopted the 2021 editions of the International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), International Plumbing Code (IPC), and International Fire Code (IFC), as amended by county rules. The 2015 IECC (Energy Conservation Code) was deleted and not replaced. Note: no energy code (IECC) is in effect for unincorporated county construction as of March 2026.

Permit validity

Not published publicly; contact office for current rules

Owner-builder

Not specified in publicly available sources; contact Public Works Department

Contractor requirements

No county-level contractor licensing requirement identified in public sources. Wyoming has no statewide general contractor license requirement. Wyoming State Fire Marshal licensing applies to electrical contractors statewide.

Source: Sheridan County Public Works Department -- Planning and Zoning Division (county authority; Big Horn is unincorporated) ↗

1. 01
   Contact the Public Works Department at (307) 675-2420 or publicworks@sheridancountywy.gov before submitting any application. Staff confirm the correct permit type for your situation and whether any exemptions apply.
2. 02
   Determine whether a Zoning Permit, Building Permit, or both are required. Some projects require both; some uses are exempt from the zoning permit. A Flood Plain Development Permit is also required for any activity in a designated county floodplain area.
3. 03
   Download the appropriate permit application form(s) from the county Document Center. Note: If any preprinted text on the form is modified, deleted, or added to, the form is no longer valid for submission.
4. 04
   Prepare required supporting documents: site plan, construction drawings, property legal description, and any applicable covenant, septic, or driveway permit applications.
5. 05
   Submit completed application(s) in person at the courthouse, 4th Floor, during business hours (M-F 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).
6. 06
   Staff review application for zoning compliance, code conformance, and septic/floodplain requirements.
7. 07
   Permit issued; post permit on job site.
8. 08
   Schedule and pass required inspections during construction.
9. 09
   Final inspection sign-off.

Typical processing time: Not published; contact office at (307) 675-2420. Note on Powder Horn Ranch PUD: The Powder Horn Ranch planned unit development (PUD) north of Big Horn has its own PUD-specific conditions of approval beyond standard county building and zoning requirements. Prior to any new construction or renovation within Powder Horn Ranch, confirm PUD-specific requirements (architectural standards, landscape standards, HOA requirements) with Sheridan County Public Works and review the recorded PUD approval documents.

Source: Sheridan County Public Works Department -- Planning and Zoning Division (county authority; Big Horn is unincorporated) ↗

In-person payment at courthouse, 4th Floor; no online payment portal confirmed for county permits

• Contact Public Works Department at (307) 675-2420 or publicworks@sheridancountywy.gov during business hours (M-F 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) (email)

Scheduling deadline

Big Horn is approximately 10-12 miles from Sheridan. County inspectors travel from Sheridan courthouse to inspect. Inspection scheduling may require advance notice; confirm lead time requirements with Public Works before scheduling construction phases.

Inspection hours

M-F 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Time windows

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Typical sequence: Typical inspection sequence for residential new construction: Footing/foundation inspection (before concrete pour); rough framing inspection (before sheathing/insulation); mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-in inspection (coordinated with framing inspection or separate); insulation inspection (before drywall); final inspection (after all work complete). Actual required inspections depend on project scope and county code requirements.

Wyoming statewide electrical wiring permit holders may receive a state electrical inspection separate from county building inspections. Coordinate timing of state and county inspections to avoid construction delays.

Source: Sheridan County Public Works Department -- Planning and Zoning Division (county authority; Big Horn is unincorporated) ↗