Cheyenne, WY - Official Website

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Building Office

1. Permits - What is a building permit?: A building permit gives you legal permission to start construction of a building project in accordance with approved drawings and specifications.
The truth is, building permits are very beneficial to you and our community. By working with expert code officials, you will benefit from their knowledge of building codes to ensure your construction project is built right, will be safe, and will last. Building Permit Applications

2. Permits - When do I need a permit?: The best way to find out if you need a permit is to call the Cheyenne Building Safety Department at (307) 637-6265. Discuss your plans with us before beginning construction to determine whether or not you need a permit. Even if a permit is not needed, we will answer construction questions and may provide valuable advice. Permits are generally required for the following:
• New buildings
• Additions (bedrooms, bathrooms, family rooms, etc.)
• Residential work (decks, garages, fences, fireplaces, pools, water heaters, etc.)
• Renovations (garage conversions, basement finishing, kitchen expansions, re-roofing, etc.)
• Electrical systems
• Plumbing systems
• HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning) systems

3. Permits - Do I need a building permit for a new shed?: It depends. A permit is not required for one-story detached accessory structures, used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 sq.ft.
These types of accessory must comply with the setbacks as defined in §17.116.010 of the Cheyenne City Code; view the informational handout here.

4. Permits - Do I need a building permit to build a fence?: It depends. Fences not over 6 feet high are exempt from permit.
All residential fences must comply with §17.116.050 of the Cheyenne City Code. view the informational handout here

5. Permits - My furnace just quit. Do I have to get a permit before I replace it?: No. Where equipment replacements and repairs must be performed in an emergency situation, the permit application shall be submitted the next business day.

6. Permits - Why do I need a building permit?: It saves time and money; The permitting process helps you determine if your project is feasible or even allowed before you invest time and money completing the project. It ensures health and safety; Permits and inspections help to ensure that the work meets minimum building standards.
It’s the law; The City of Cheyenne requires you to obtain permits for most residential and commercial projects.

7. Permits - How much do permits cost?: Project valuation determines permit fees.
Valuation has four (4) components which are labor, material, overhead and profit.
Valuation can also be determined by a contractor’s contract price.

8. Permits - How long does it take to review building plans for a house?: Building plans may take up to ten (10) business days to be reviewed. Holidays and heavy volume will influence the length of time needed for review.

9. Permits - When does a building permit expire?: Every permit issued shall become void unless the work authorized by such permit is started within 6 months after its issuance, or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 6 months after the time the work is commenced.

10. Permits - Can I get a time extension on my building permit?: The Building Official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each. The request for an extension shall be in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.

11. Permit - Once I get a building permit, what do I do with it?: The building permit or copy thereof shall be kept on the site of work until the completion of the project.

12. Permits - What is a site/plot plan?: A site/plot plan is a drawing of your lot showing the size and shape of the property and everything on it, both existing and proposed, drawn to scale and showing distances to property lines and between other elements such as buildings, fences, garages, or other accessory structures.
North arrow, street name and address, legal description of property, and location of water, gas, electric, and sewer should also be shown on the drawing along with any easements affecting the property. Topography showing relative slope of the ground surface should be indicated either by contour lines or by spot grades related to elevation of a known point

13. Inspections - How can I get an inspection?: After a permit is obtained and work is completed according to the work schedule shown on the permit, call (307) 637-6265 one working day prior to the day you want the inspection.

14. Inspections - When will I get an inspection?: Usually, an inspection can be scheduled for the day after your request for an inspection (weekends and holidays excluded).

15. Inspections - What time of day will the inspector arrive?: Due to varying work schedules and staff availability, only general arrival times can be given in either the morning or in the afternoon.

16. Inspections - What is needed for a final inspection?: The project is to be completed according to the approved plans. All electrical, plumbing, mechanical and structural installations must be completed. The project must be complete and ready to occupy.

17. Inspections - What is a Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.) and how do I obtain one?: A Certificate of Occupancy is a formal document that is issued when the project has been completed according to the approved plans and approved by a building inspector. When the Building Official finds no violations of the provisions of the codes or other laws that are enforced by the Building Safety Department, he shall issue a Certificate of Occupancy.