Park County, Wyoming
Planning and Zoning Department
Contact Information:
- OFFICE LOCATION: 1002 Sheridan Ave., Suite 109, Cody, WY 82414
- Cody: (307) 527-8540
- Powell: (307) 754-8540
- Office Hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm
- Monday - Friday
- Appointments are strongly encouraged
- planning@parkcounty-wy.gov
Staff Directory:
- Kim Hardage - Office Assistant
- Kelby Tranas - SWW Administrator/Planning Technician
- Erika Decker - Planner I
- Jennifer Cramer - Planner II
- Joy Hill - Director / Floodplain Administrator
We're here to help.
Get in touch with us.
**ANNOUNCEMENTS**
- NEW! NEXT ROUND OF OPEN HOUSES ON ROUND 2 DSR AMENDMENTS
- REGULATION AMENDMENTS PROCESS IN PROGRESS
- 2024 LAND USE PLAN ADOPTED
- Before You Build: Really Important Stuff to Know
- Subdivision Permit Requirement Notice
- Planning and Zoning Department Responsibilities
- Notice of Potential Fire Prevention Requirements
NEXT ROUND OF OPEN HOUSES TO DISCUSS PROPOSED ROUND 2 AMENDMENTS TO THE DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
In January, February and early March of this year, Park County hosted eight (8) open houses to kick off the second round of amendments to the Park County, Wyoming, Development Standards and Regulations (DSR). Based upon the input gathered from the open houses and the online questionnaire that was open from January 16th through March 7th, the project consultant developed “draft” zoning districts, including proposed lot sizes and use allowances for public consideration. The County will host six (6) open houses at the end of March to present draft information and gather preliminary input on the new zoning district and use concepts.
This phase of the amendments process is very important. Public input is critical throughout. These open houses are another component of the public outreach activities planned for this phase of the project. The entire Park County community is encouraged to participate in these meetings. There will be a presentation at the start of each open house. County representatives and/or consultants will be available for the duration of the open houses to answer questions and gather feedback.
- Wednesday, March 26, 2025: 11am – 1pm at Clark Pioneer Recreation Center, 321 Rd. 1AB, Clark, WY
- Wednesday, March 26, 2025: 5pm – 7pm at the Heart Mountain Hall @ Fairgrounds, 655 East 5th St., Powell, WY
- Thursday, March 27, 2025: 11am – 1pm at the Meeteetse Conservation District Office, 1906 State St., Meeteetse, WY
- Thursday, March 27, 2025: 5pm – 7pm at Wapiti School Gym, 3167 N Fork Hwy, Cody, WY
- **RESCHEDULED**
Monday, March 31, 2025: 11am – 1pm at the Cody Auditorium, 1240 Beck Ave, Cody, WY - Monday, March 31, 2025: 5pm – 7pm at the South Fork Fire Hall, 3 Road 6NQ, Cody, WY
- **NEW DATE/TIME**: Wednesday, April 9, 2025: 5pm – 7pm at the Cody Auditorium, 1240 Beck Ave, Cody, WY
REGULATION AMENDMENTS PROCESS IN PROGRESS
ROUND 1: The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) held a public hearing on January 27, 2025 @ 1:15pm to consider adoption of the first-round amendments (2025 Development Standards and Regulations). Since that time, the Board and Planning and Zoning Commission (PZ Commission) have been working together to adjust language in the document to address concerns brought forth by the public.
NOTE: The first round of proposed updates to the DSR involved, generally, formatting and administrative changes including, but not limited to: modernizing the format of the document (e.g., automatic page numbering, linked Table of Contents, etc.); updates to Chapter I (Administration); a preliminary update of Chapter II (Definitions); updates to portions of the regulations that are directly impacted by recent statutory language changes (e.g., family exemptions, subdivision fencing, etc.); and a first-round appendices clean-up. Bringing the regulations into alignment with state and federal law is a primary goal of this effort. This first round of amendments is intended to address “low hanging fruit” issues during a short window of time. During the past several years, P&Z staff, the P&Z Commission and Board identified several key areas of the DSR requiring quick attention during this round of amendments. Recommended language and changes are reflected in all but Chapter V of this first-round draft. No changes to the official zoning map of the County are proposed during this round.
ROUND 2: The County hosted eight (8) open houses to gather information from the public about desired uses and lots sizes in the various planning areas. In addition to the open houses, the public was invited to complete a questionnaire to let us know more specific details about uses, level of review on uses, and more. We had an amazing turnout for both the meetings and the questionnaires. Thank you so much for contributing to this important effort!
NOTE: The second round of updates to the DSR are expected to broad/significant, impacting every chapter within the document in some way. A new County zoning map will be developed, subdivision processes will be cleaned up, application processes and procedures will be revised, and Chapter V (Road and Bridge Standards) is expected to be removed from the document.
Next up…open houses at the end of March to share what we have heard so far! Visit www.engageparkcounty.com for more info!
The Planning and Zoning Department is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the County’s Development Standards and Regulations. Following are the types of permits processed by this department.
Building/Zoning Permits*
- Required to locate, relocate, erect or construct any building or structure; enlarge the outside dimensions of any building or structure; and reconstruct any building or structure within the designated floodplain.
- Required to change the use of any building or structure or change the use or occupancy rating of a building so as to increase the building’s sewage design flow.
- Required to occupy an RV/camper for more than 90 days per annum.
- Site Plan Review may be required.
Small Wastewater System Permits
- Required for new systems/components, replacement systems/components and repairs to any system component.
- Required for emergency installations and repairs.
- Installation of any system component may not commence without an approved Small Wastewater System permit.
- County and/or DEQ review is required for the disposal of human waste, by any means, in Park County. Outhouses, privvies, greywater systems and similar proposals require review.
Flood Development Permits
- Construction proposed in a mapped Special Flood Hazard Area in unincorporated Park County requires a permit.
- If you are unsure of which types of construction require a permit, consult the County Development Standards and Regulations or call/stop by the Planning and Zoning Department.
- All floodplain development permit applications go before the Board of County Commissioners in a public hearing.
Subdivision Permits
- Required for Simple Subdivisions, Minor Subdivisions, Major Subdvisions and Non-Exempt Large-Acre (35+ acre) Subdivisions.
Special Use Permits*
- Required before commencing with or establishing any use specified in Chapter IV, Section 2.e. Table 4-1 in the County Development Standards and Regulations.
- Site Plan Review may be required.
The Planning and Zoning Department also handles Site Plan Reviews (when required), zoning/rezoning,
variance requests and violations of the County Development Standards and Regulations.
- Building Codes:
- Unincorporated Park County has not adopted building codes.
- We encourage builders and property owners to refer to the International Building Code.
- Further, we do not issue Certificates of Occupancy or Certificates of Completion.
- Please see below for information about fire prevention requirements for certain types of development.
- Snow Loads
- US Forest Service: Use IBC 2003—20 psf-30 psf with Case Study Areas at higher elevations.
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service: Snow and Water Interactive Map
*NOTICE OF POTENTIAL FIRE PREVENTION REQUIREMENTS (updated 1/1/2023)
The Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety may require Plan Review according to Wyoming State Statute 35-9-108. A Plan Review is REQUIRED for all of the following (list subject to change – confirm with WDFPES):
Construction of, additions to, or extensions of:
state/local government owned/leased buildings, or
schools, or
buildings over 5000 sq.ft in total area with public access such as a business, or
child care centers for more than 10 children, or
multi-story buildings, or
places of assembly regardless of size.
Alterations and remodeling of the above buildings with a valuation of $40,000 or greater using the ICC Building Valuation Data Square Foot Construction Costs table. ICC Square Foot Construction Costs
Change of occupancy type or use to become one of the above buildings
- Installation, addition, or alteration of fire protection systems (i.e. fire alarm, fire sprinkler, fire suppression) regardless of size or valuation.
Alternative Energy installation or alteration ( solar, residential wind, generator, etc.)
Installations of Above Ground Storage Tanks, or Dispensing facilities for flammable or combustible liquids.
Type I Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Hood installations
Spray finish applications
Site plans for RV, camping, mobile home, and similar parks/areas to ensure electrical safety and fire department access.
NOTE: On July 1, 2023 the State of Wyoming adopted the 2023 edition of the National Electric Code. On June 28, 2024, the State of Wyoming adopted the 2024 International Codes. The following codes apply: 2024 International Fire Code, 2024 International Building Code, 2024 International Fuel & Gas Code, 2024 International Mechanical Code, 2024 International Existing Building Code and the current edition of the National Electrical Code.
All new plan review submissions from June 28, 2024 must be compliant with the adopted state codes and referenced standards: 2024 International Fire Code, 2024 International Building Code, 2024 International Fuel & Gas Code, 2024 International Mechanical Code, 2024 International Existing Building Code and the 2023 edition of the National Electrical Code.
For additional information, please contact:
Jeff Schoen
307-673-1461
jeff.schoen@wyo.gov
Park County Planning and Zoning Department | 1002 Sheridan Ave. Suite 109, Cody, WY 82414 | 307-527-8540 | planning@parkcounty-wy.gov