Town of Pinedale

A building permit is required for all new construction of buildings and structures, additions to existing buildings, structural alterations, change of occupancy, and roofing replacement within the Town of Pinedale. Also required for: garages, detached accessory buildings above the exemption threshold, decks and covered porches, pools and spas, manufactured home placements, demolition of structures, and retaining walls above 4 feet measured from the bottom of footing to the top of wall.

• Exempt One-story detached accessory structures of 200 sq ft or less used as tool/storage sheds or playhouses, not intended for human habitation
• Exempt Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
• Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height measured from bottom of footing to top, not supporting a surcharge
• Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinet and countertop installations, and similar interior finish work
• Exempt Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches from the wall and do not require additional structural support
• Exempt Minor electrical, plumbing, and mechanical repair work (confirm specific thresholds with the Building Department)

Note: Exemptions from permit requirements do not override zoning regulations; even exempt structures must comply with setback, height, and use requirements.

Building code

The Town of Pinedale has adopted the International Residential Code (IRC) for one- and two-family dwellings and the International Building Code (IBC) for all other occupancies. Confirm the currently adopted edition of the IRC and IBC, and any local amendments, with the Building Department at (307) 367-4136. Local amendments addressing Pinedale's high-altitude climate conditions (snow load, frost depth, wind) may be in effect.

Permit validity

Permits are typically valid for 12 months from issuance; construction must commence within 180 days. Permits that expire without project completion may require a renewal application and additional fee.

Owner-builder

Property owners may act as their own contractor for construction on owner-occupied property in Wyoming; confirm owner-builder declaration requirements with the Building Department.

Contractor requirements

No Wyoming state general contractor license. Electrical work requires a Wyoming-licensed electrician. Confirm whether the Town of Pinedale requires any local contractor registration or licensing beyond state-level licenses.

Source: Town of Pinedale Building Department ↗

1. 01
   Verify that the project address is within the incorporated limits of the Town of Pinedale. The town boundary can be confirmed via the town's GIS resources or by calling the Building Department. Properties immediately outside the town limits are in unincorporated Sublette County and use the county permit process.

2. 02
   Consult the Town of Pinedale Zoning Map and Municipal Code Title 17 (Land Use Regulations) to identify the applicable zoning district and confirm that the proposed use is a permitted use by-right, a conditional use, or requires a variance or special use permit.

3. 03
   For commercial projects, new construction, or projects with zoning complexity, a pre-application meeting with the Building Official and/or Planning and Zoning staff is recommended to identify permit requirements, applicable codes, and any discretionary approvals needed before formal submittal.

4. 04
   Pick up the application at Town Hall or download from the town website. Complete all fields including property owner information, contractor information, project description, construction valuation, and zoning information.

5. 05
   Prepare two complete sets of construction drawings. Construction documents for Pinedale must address: ground snow load approximately 60 to 80 psf (design ground snow load per ASCE 7 for Pinedale's elevation and location; verify with a qualified structural engineer); frost depth minimum 48 to 60 inches from finished grade to bottom of footing; seismic design category (confirm with Building Official); wind design (ASCE 7 design wind speed for the site). Required drawing content: site plan (dimensioned), floor plan(s), exterior elevations, foundation plan with footing depths noted, framing/structural plan with member sizes and connections, roof framing plan with snow load design compliance, insulation and energy details, MEP rough-in layouts.

6. 06
   Deliver to the Building Department at Town Hall. The Building Official will review for completeness and may issue a correction notice if documents are incomplete before accepting the application for formal review.

7. 07
   The Building Official reviews the submitted documents for zoning compliance and code compliance per the adopted building code (confirm the currently adopted edition with the office). Commercial projects, projects with complex structural conditions, and projects in regulated overlay zones may require extended plan review timelines.

8. 08
   Upon plan review approval, pay the permit fee (if not already paid at submittal) and receive the building permit. Post the permit card on-site in a prominent and weatherproof location accessible to inspectors. Retain a complete set of approved plans on-site for inspector reference during all inspections.

9. 09
   Schedule required inspections at the required milestones (see Inspections section). Do not proceed past an inspection point without the inspector's approval and sign-off.

10. 10
    Upon completion, request the final inspection. The Building Official (or designee) will conduct the final inspection and, if all work conforms to approved plans and applicable codes, issue a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). Do not occupy a new building before the CO is issued.

Typical processing time: Simple residential permit applications may be reviewed within one to two weeks during non-peak periods. Commercial or complex projects may take two to four weeks or longer. During peak construction season (spring through fall) and periods of high energy-industry construction activity, review timelines may be extended. Contact the Building Department at (307) 367-4136 for current workload and estimated review time.

Source: Town of Pinedale Building Department ↗

In-person at Town Hall; confirm accepted payment methods (check, cash, credit card) by calling (307) 367-4136.

• Call the Pinedale Building Department at (307) 367-4136 to schedule inspections (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Provide at least 24 to 48 hours advance notice.

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Mountain Time

Typical sequence: Standard residential inspection sequence: 1) Pre-construction site inspection (optional - verify building location and setbacks before excavation); 2) Footing inspection (before concrete pour; verify footing size, reinforcement placement, and depth minimum 48 to 60 inches); 3) Foundation/stem wall or pier inspection (before backfill; verify dimensions, reinforcement, drainage); 4) Underground plumbing inspection (before slab pour or backfill of below-grade piping); 5) Framing inspection (after all rough framing, sheathing, roofing underlayment complete, before insulation; inspector verifies snow load framing compliance); 6) Rough electrical inspection by Wyoming state program (coordinate with state at 307-777-6529, concurrently with or shortly after framing); 7) Rough plumbing and mechanical inspection (concurrently with or after framing); 8) Insulation inspection (after all insulation and vapor barrier in place, before drywall or wall finish); 9) Final building inspection (after all work complete); 10) Final electrical inspection by Wyoming state program (separate from town's final).

Source: Town of Pinedale Building Department ↗