Unincorporated Sheridan County

A Building and/or Zoning Permit is required prior to construction, reconstruction, alteration, or change of use of any structure or lot within unincorporated Sheridan County. 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 structures and uses (eligible parcels only; requires Agricultural Covenant or Large Acreage Exemption)
• Exempt Family land transfers (Family Exemption available; does not automatically exempt from building permit requirements)

Note: Agricultural/Large-Lot exemptions are available in-office only (not downloadable). Contact Public Works to determine eligibility. Ranching heritage means a significant number of parcels may qualify for agricultural classifications that reduce or eliminate permit requirements for certain farm, ranch, or outbuilding structures.

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. Also adopted: the 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings; NFPA 2022 National Electrical Code; ICC Building Valuation Data (current edition). The 2015 IECC (Energy Conservation Code) was deleted and not replaced.

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. City of Sheridan has its own contractor licensing program but that applies within city limits only.

Source: Sheridan County Public Works Department -- Planning and Zoning Division ↗

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

Source: Sheridan County Public Works Department -- Planning and Zoning Division ↗

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)
• No online inspection scheduling system identified for county permits (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Not specified in public sources; contact office for required lead time for inspection scheduling

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 -- confirm with Public Works at permit issuance.

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 ↗