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Building & Inspection

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1. What is a building permit?

A building permit gives you legal permission to start construction of a building project in accordance with the approved drawings and specifications.

2. Why do I need a building permit?

It saves time and money; they permitting process helps you determine if your project is feasible or even allowable 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 is the law; Natrona County requires you to obtain permits for most residential and commercial projects.

3. What if I build without a permit?

State statute is a fine of up to $750.00 per day. You take the chance of having to remove your structure; also, you will be charged a double fee for the permit and the property cannot receive any other permits.

4. What am I required to do before I build on or alter my property?

Before construction, you must submit a Building Permit application, site plan, a copy of the building plans, (some may require to be signed by a licensed (in the state) Professional Engineer) and the correct fees to the Building Department. The staff will review the submission to ensure that the planned activities are in accordance with any Building Codes and Zoning Regulations. If the planned development is found to be in an area with special requirements, an additional permit may be required before construction can commence.

5. When do I need a permit?

The best way to find out if you need a permit is to call the Natrona County Development Department at (307) 235-9435. Discuss your plans with staff before beginning construction to determine whether you need a permit. Permits are required for the following:
* New buildings - Residential and Commercial
* Additions (bedrooms, bathrooms, family rooms, breakrooms, offices, etc.)
* Residential work (decks, garages, fences, fireplaces, water heater, etc.)
* Renovations (garage conversions, basement finishing, kitchen expansions,
re-roofing, etc.)
* Electrical Systems
* Plumbing Systems
* Mechanical - HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning) systems

6. Where can I find the building codes for Natrona County?

Natrona County has adopted the International Code Council (ICC) building codes for structures being built in the unincorporated areas of the county. These codes can be found at the ICC web site and our amendments to those codes are located on this website. ICC Website

7. Do I need a building permit for a new shed?

It is always best to call our office to verify if a building permit is required; a Zoning Certificate is required on all sheds.

8. Do I need a permit to build a fence?

Fences up to 7 feet high do not require a building permit. All fences must comply with Natrona County Zoning Resolution Chapter VII, Section 3, Fences, Walls, Hedges, and Screening. A Zoning Certificate is still required.

9. My furnace just quit. Do I have to get a permit before I replace it?

When equipment replacements and repairs must be performed in an emergency situation, the permit application shall be submitted the next business day.

10. When can I begin construction?

Construction can begin as soon as your building permit has been approved and issued.

11. 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, all materials and labor costs shall be included.

12. How long does it take to review building plans for a house?

Once all documents have been received building permits may take up to ten (10) business days to be reviewed. Holidays and heavy volume times will influence the length of time needed to review.

13. Where can I find wind and snow load information?

The required wind and snow load information can be found on the guidelines page of the Building and Inspections page.

14. When does a building permit expire?

All issued permits expire 180 days from issue date. A permit issued shall become void unless the work authorized by such permit is started within 6 months after issuance, or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended for a period of 6 months after the work has commenced.

15. 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 of not more than 180 days each. The request for an extension shall be in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.

16. Once I get a permit, what do I do with it?

The building permit or copy thereof shall be kept on the job site until completion of the project. Posted in a location that is visible from the road.

17. What is a site plan?

A site 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. Indicate topography showing relative slope of the ground surface either by contour lines or by spot grades related to elevation of point.

18. What kind of plans do I need to submit?

You will need to submit various plans pertaining to the work you are performing:
* Plumbing - Pipe placement (waste, vent, water, gas) and plumbing appliance
location
* Heating - Heating structure and location of heating appliance (gas, propane,
wood and pellet).
* Appliances - What are you placing in the structure (AC unit, water softener,
etc.).
* Elevation Views - Front, sides and rear of the structure (Height of walls and
roof pitch).
* Electrical - Service size, one-line drawing of the fixtures, lights, and outlets.
* Footprint - Footprint of your structure = total square footage and placement
on the property.
* Foundation - Type, footer size, depth, and amount and size of reinforcement
steel used.
* Framing Details - Framing material size and type of lumber, openings, beams,
truss and joist details, and exterior sheathing.

The more detailed information you supply, the better.

19. Can I do the work myself?

Yes, as the homeowner/property owner and if this is your primary residence,, you may do the work; providing that all items are built in accordance with the adopted building code. You will need to obtain the correct permits and have all necessary inspections for your projects. However, we suggest that you use a licensed contractor.

20. How can I get an inspection?

After a permit is obtained call (307) 235-94435 at least 24 hours before you want the inspection. Busy times it may take up to 48 hours to get an inspection. Remember to call and get all of the required inspections for your project.

21. When will I get an inspection?

Usually, an inspection can be scheduled for the next day after your request for an inspection has been received (weekends and holidays excluded). At busy times it may take up two days to receive an inspection from the date of your request.

22. What time of day will the inspector arrive?

Due to varying work schedules and staff availability, only a general arrival time can be given for either the morning or the afternoon. We will be happy to have the inspector call and confirm a time frame to perform the inspection.

23. What needs to be inspected on my project and for a final inspection?

All underground work, rough framing, rough plumbing, rough electrical, rough HVAC, rough gas piping, and all final work. A good rule to follow is; if you will have to cover up or fill it up or turn it on, then we need to inspect it before you do. A final inspection is required to close the permit. 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 completed and ready to occupy.

24. 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 Development Department, he shall issue a Certificate of Occupancy. A request for a Certificate of Occupancy will require a seven business day advance notice.

25. Will I need a permit to finish my basement?

Yes, you do need a permit and inspections to finish or remodel your basement. The processing time is usually a little quicker for this.

26. Will I need a permit to move my mobile/modular/manufactured home?

Yes, you will need to obtain a Building Permit from our office and have the necessary inspections. Additionally, if the home is 20 years or older, a compliance inspection is required. A Building Permit is required before the home can be moved to the new location.

27. Are there restrictions on my property as to location of buildings,and how close I can build them to the property lines on my property?

Yes, it varies on your property's zoning. Please contact our office to find out the requirements for your location. You can also go to Geosmart. Geosmart

28. Will I need a permit for Roofing, siding, windows, electrical, mechanical or plumbing work?

Yes, you are required to obtain the proper building, electrical, mechanical or plumbing permits and have required inspections.

29. Can I build my shop (accessory structure) first and then build my home?

In most zoning districts a principle structure shall be permitted or applied for in order for an accessory building permit to be approved. An accessory building is defined as a subordinate building larger than 120 sf located on the same lot or tract as the principle building and which is incidental to the principle building. Some restrictions apply.

30. Is an Elevation Certificate required?

If the building site is located in the one percent (100 yr flood or AE) as designated by FEMA, and is used to determine the Base Flood Elevation (BFE).

31. What is an Elevation Certificate?

An Elevation Certificate is used to provide elevation information necessary to ensure compliance with community Floodplain Management ordinances and to determine the proper insurance premium rate.

The Elevation Certificate is used to ensure construction and/or improvements are at or above the BFE.

32. How can I obtain an address for my parcel?

A location address will be assigned by the Planning Department simultaneously with the Zoning Certificate and/or Building Permit.

33. Does my address have to be posted?

Yes. The Development Department will not issue development permits or provide inspection services for properties that do not have clearly visible premise identification signs.

34. Where can I purchase "Fire Numbers" or "Address Numbers"?

These are required to be code compliant with Resolution number 88-06. The Building Department sells these numbers and address plates at cost for your convenience.