Do I Need a Permit to Build a Fence in Wyoming?
Fence permit requirements for residential fencing. Height limits, setback rules, and when you need a permit.
Sometimes — many fences need only zoning/setback approval; a building permit kicks in mainly for fences over 7 feet or with structural elements.
General Rule
Practice varies by city. The building code (IRC R105.2) exempts fences up to 7 feet tall from a building permit, and many jurisdictions follow that — requiring only that your fence comply with zoning rules for height, setback, and materials. Other cities do require a low-cost permit ($25-$50) for any new fence. Fences over 7 feet, and fences with structural elements like masonry columns or retaining walls, always need a building permit. Either way, zoning compliance is mandatory even when a permit isn't — so confirm your city's rule before you build.
Height Restrictions
In most residential zones: front yard fences are limited to 4 feet, side and rear yard fences are allowed up to 6 feet. Corner lots have additional sight-triangle restrictions near intersections. Fences over 6 feet may require a variance or special approval. Confirm the specific thresholds with your city.
Common Gotchas
The most common fence permit issues: building on or over the property line (get a survey first), blocking a drainage easement, installing prohibited materials in residential zones (barbed wire, electric), and exceeding height limits in the front yard. Call 811 before digging post holes to locate underground utilities.
HOA Rules
Many subdivisions have HOA covenants that are stricter than city code — requiring specific materials, colors, or styles. HOA approval is separate from the city permit. Get both before building.
Check your city first — you may need only zoning approval, or a low-cost ($25-$50) permit. Confirm height and setback rules before breaking ground; it's cheap insurance against having to tear down a non-compliant fence.
Permit fees by city in Wyoming
Verified from each city’s published fee schedule. Where a city has no separate fee listed for this project, open the city page for the current requirements and amount.
| City | Permit fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Casper | $35Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Cheyenne | $23.50Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Evanston | $0.010 × project cost (minimum charge $30.00)Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Gillette | $30.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Green River | 50% of: $30.00 ($1-$500), $60.00 ($501-$1,000), or $90.00 ($1,001-$2,000)Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Jackson | $564.00Verifiedvia One and Two Family Building Permit | One and Two Family Building Permit → |
| Lander | $30Verified | Fence Permit → |
| Laramie | $23.50 (no plan review fee below $5,000 valuation)Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Riverton | $26.00Verified | Fence Permit → |
| Rock Springs | $1,100.00 flat — no plan review fee chargedVerifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Sheridan | Valuation x 0.03 x 0.8Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Unincorporated Albany County | $300.00Verifiedvia Zoning Certificate & Rural Address (county's "Building Permit" stand-in) | Zoning Certificate & Rural Address (county's "Building Permit" stand-in) → |
| Unincorporated Campbell County | No feeVerifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Unincorporated Laramie County | $75.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Single-Family Residence) | Residential Building Permit (New Single-Family Residence) → |
| Unincorporated Natrona County | $70Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Unincorporated Sheridan County | $150.00Verifiedvia Zoning Permit | Zoning Permit → |
| Unincorporated Sweetwater County | $50.00Verifiedvia Zoning/Construction Permit (Land Use) — not a building-code permit | Zoning/Construction Permit (Land Use) — not a building-code permit → |
| Unincorporated Teton County | 1st 2,500 sq ft x construction cost/sq ft x 0.006, plus next 2,500 sq ft x 0.009, plus remaining sq ft x 0.012 (valuation from the current ICC Building Valuation Data table); remodels valued at 75% of new-construction valuationVerifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Unincorporated Uinta County | $50.00Verifiedvia Land Use Certificate (Zoning / Use Approval) | Land Use Certificate (Zoning / Use Approval) → |