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

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Home » Planning and Zoning

**ANNOUNCEMENTS**

ADDITIONAL PUBLIC MEETINGS FOR REGULATIONS AMENDMENTS - ROUND 2

On January 28th and 29th of 2025, the County held all-day open houses in Cody and Powell to answer questions and gather feedback to consider second-round amendments to the 2015 Park County Development Standards and Regulations. In particular, the open houses focused on gathering preferences on zoning district types and allowable uses in each planning area. To provide more time and opportunity to gather input from those who were unable to attend, the County is hosting six (6) condensed open houses to continue discussions. There will not be formal presentations, however, County representatives will be available within the timeframes stated below to assist attendees and gather feedback.

  • Tuesday, February 18, 2025: 6pm – 8pm at Wapiti School Gym, 3167 N Fork Hwy, Cody, WY
  • Thursday, February 20, 2025: 11:30am – 1:30pm at the Meeteetse Conservation District Office, 1906 State St., Meeteetse, WY
  • Monday, February 24, 2025: 6pm – 8pm at the South Fork Fire Hall, 3 Road 6NQ, Cody, WY
  • Wednesday, February 26, 2025: 4pm – 6pm at the Grizzly Room, Cody Library, 1500 Heart Mtn St, Cody, WY
  • Thursday, February 27, 2025: 4pm – 6pm at the Homesteader Meeting Rm, Library @ Fairgrounds, 655 East 5th, Powell, WY
  • Monday, March 3, 2025: 10am – 2pm at Clark Pioneer Recreation Center, 321 Rd. 1AB, Clark, WY

QUESTIONNAIRE: REGULATION AMENDMENTS - ROUND 2

We strongly encourage anyone who lives in or owns land in unincorporated Park County (outside of the municipalities of Cody, Powell, Meeteetse and Frannie) to complete this survey. The goal is to gather information regarding the types of uses that are desired (or not desired) in each of the twelve (12) planning areas. This is the first public input opportunity we are offering during the second round of amendments to the Development Standards and Regulations. It is so important for us to know what you do or do not want to see in your “neighborhood.” 

Click here to open the questionnaire!

REGULATION AMENDMENTS PROCESS IN PROGRESS

The first round of proposed amendments to the 2015 Development Standards and Regulations were released for public review on October 17, 2024. The Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on November 20, 2024, to consider the proposed amendments and recommended approval with conditions for the correction of minor typographical errors throughout the document and adjustment of the language relating to variances to reflect slightly less restrictions than were originally proposed.

The new draft, reflecting those changes, is now available for public review.  The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on January 27, 2025 @ 1:15pm to consider adoption of the first-round amendments (2025 Development Standards and Regulations). 

Visit www.engageparkcounty.com to see updates and follow progress on this important process! We hope to see you along the way

Proposed 1st Round Amendments (November 26th, 2024 web release - includes PZ Commission recommended changes)
Click here for Board of County Commissioners Public Hearing Notice
Click here for Takings Assessment
Visit the Engage Park County Website
Click here to see proposed 1st Round Amendments (October 17, 2024 version 1 release)
Click here for PZ Commission Public Hearing Notice

PLAN PARK COUNTY - LAND USE PLAN ADOPTED

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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 (Information Source – USFS):

Use IBC 2003—20 psf-30 psf with Case Study Areas at higher elevations.

Also, the University of Wyoming has a website with a WYOMING CLIMATE ATLAS by Jan Curtis and Kate Grimes, that gives information on how to use SNOTEL Data to Estimate Snow Loads at: Wyoming Climate Atlas: Snow – Wyoming State Climate Office and Water Resources Data System (uwyo.edu)

In addition, you can estimate/verify your snow loads by Using SNOTEL Data to Estimate Snow Load Amounts: http://www.id.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/data/geninfo/snowload.html & Wyoming Data http://www.wy.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/

Wiring and Fire Protection Inspections: The State Fire Marshal’s Office in Cheyenne handles electrical wiring permits and fire prevention plan review for certain types of construction.

*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):

Buildings intended for public access:

  • New Construction: Govt. owned/leased buildings, or over 5000 sq.ft. in area, or child care centers for more than 10 children, or multi-story buildings, or places of assembly regardless of size.

  • Additions to existing commercial buildings

  • Alterations and remodeling of commercial buildings with work area 400 square feet or greater

  • Change of cccupancy type or use in a commercial building

Fire Protection Systems (i.e. Fire Alarm, Fire Sprinkler, Fire Suppression);

  • New Systems

  • Additions to, or alterations of existing systems

Alternative Energy ( 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

NOTE: On September 22, 2021 the State of Wyoming adopted the 2021 International Codes. The following codes apply: 2021 International Fire Code, 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Fuel & Gas Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Existing Building Code and the current edition of the National Electrical Code.

All new plan review submissions from October 1, 2021, and until further notice, must be compliant with the current edition of the ICC 2021 adopted state codes and referenced standards.

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

The 2024 Land Use Plan IS HERE!