Wyoming

Wyoming Permit Guide for Metal Carports, Garages and Barns

Whether a metal carport in Wyoming needs a permit depends on where you live, because Wyoming has no statewide building code for homes and their outbuildings. Some counties and most larger towns adopt their own codes and issue building permits, while other counties, Fremont County for example, don't enforce building codes at all outside town limits. So the honest answer to a Wyoming carport permit question is to call the county planning office, or the city if you're inside town limits. Where a local code is in place, size is usually the trigger: Laramie County, for one, exempts a detached accessory structure up to 400 square feet. Any electrical work still needs a state wiring permit unless a local program handles it.

Building code in effect

Wyoming has no statewide residential building code. The Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety (the State Fire Marshal) adopted the 2024 International Building Code, 2024 International Fire Code and related 2024 International Codes on June 28, 2024, plus the 2026 National Electrical Code, but those apply to the buildings the state reviews under W.S. 35-9-108: government buildings, schools, public buildings over 5,000 square feet, multi-story buildings and places of assembly. A private carport or garage on a home lot isn't on that list. Counties and cities can adopt their own codes, and under W.S. 35-9-121 a local government that takes over enforcement must keep standards at least as strict as the state's. In practice, the code you build to is whatever your county or town has adopted, and some rural counties have none.

Who issues permits

Your county planning or building office handles permits in the unincorporated county, and your city or town handles them inside its limits. Some counties issue full building permits; others only handle zoning, septic and floodplain permits. Fremont County, for instance, says it does not enforce countywide zoning or building codes. The State Fire Marshal issues a Permit to Construct only for the commercial and public building types it reviews, and it issues electrical wiring permits statewide where no local electrical program has taken over. Even where no building permit is needed, check setbacks, floodplain maps and any subdivision covenants before you set a building.

County permit guides

County guides are coming soon.

Don't see your county? Call 919-725-8176 and we'll help you find the right office.

When you need a permit

Local code areas: If your county or town has adopted a building code, a carport or garage over its exempt size needs a building permit. Laramie County moved its exempt size for detached accessory structures from 200 to 400 square feet on December 2, 2025.
Counties without building codes: In counties that don't enforce building codes, a residential carport may need no building permit, but floodplain, septic and zoning rules can still apply.
Electrical work: The state requires a wiring permit before new construction or remodeling when the power company has to connect or disconnect service. Homeowners can apply through the State Fire Marshal's online portal using a homeowner wiring permit.
Business and public buildings: A building over 5,000 square feet with public access, a multi-story building or a place of assembly needs State Fire Marshal plan review and a Permit to Construct before work starts, unless a local agency has plan review authority.
Engineered plans: Where permits apply, metal buildings often need stamped drawings. Laramie County says metal-framed buildings require engineered plans stamped by a Wyoming design professional.

Farm buildings

Wyoming's state fire safety rules in W.S. 35-9-106 through 35-9-117 do not apply to farms or ranches of 40 acres or more on deeded land (W.S. 35-9-118). The same 40-acre farm and ranch rule appears in the electrical licensing exemptions (W.S. 35-9-123), so an owner can do their own wiring there, though the work still has to meet code and a hired electrician doesn't get the exemption. Counties set their own farm rules on top of that. Laramie County exempts agricultural buildings from building permits, but a new agricultural building built after January 1, 2016 still needs an exemption permit from its Planning and Development Office. Ask your county how it defines an agricultural building before you skip a permit.

Wind and snow

Wind is the big one across most of Wyoming, with long open stretches and steady high gusts, and snow loads climb fast in the mountains and higher valleys. Local numbers differ: Laramie County's residential table lists a 32 PSF ground snow load and a 105 mph design wind speed with topographic effects, while Casper lists 30 pounds for snow. Ask your county or city office what wind speed and ground snow load your building must be engineered for at your exact site. Our partnered manufacturers offer certified buildings rated for 140 MPH wind and 35 PSF snow load, and higher ratings can be quoted where required.

Before you order

Call your county planning office and ask three things: does the county enforce a building code, what size accessory building is exempt, and do they need stamped drawings for a metal building.
If you're inside city or town limits, call the town instead. Town rules are often stricter than the county around them.
Look up your subdivision covenants or HOA rules, since many rural Wyoming subdivisions limit building size, color or placement even where the county doesn't.
Plan for wind. Ask what anchoring your site needs and get a level, solid base ready before delivery.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Wyoming?
It depends on your county or town, since Wyoming has no statewide residential building code. Where a local code is adopted, a carport over the exempt size needs a building permit; some rural counties don't enforce building codes at all. Call your local planning office to confirm.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage in Wyoming?
In a county or town with a building code, usually yes once it's over the exempt size, and metal-framed buildings may need engineered plans. Laramie County, for example, requires plans stamped by a Wyoming design professional for metal-framed buildings. If you wire the garage, you'll also need a state or local wiring permit.

Are farm buildings exempt in Wyoming?
The state's fire safety rules don't apply to farms or ranches of 40 acres or more on deeded land (W.S. 35-9-118). Counties set their own building permit rules for farm buildings, and some still ask for an exemption permit, so check with your county first.

Who handles electrical permits in Wyoming?
The State Fire Marshal's Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety issues wiring permits statewide unless a local program has taken over. Homeowners can apply online for a homeowner wiring permit.

Sources

Permit rules change. Always confirm with your local permit office before you build.

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