Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit in Cheyenne, Wyoming
VerifiedRequired for construction of a new ADU in Cheyenne. As of a Feb 2026 third-reading ordinance, the City removed its owner-occupancy requirement for ADUs and adjusted parking regulations and ADU/semi-attached-dwelling definitions in the Unified Development Code (UDC), making it easier to build and rent ADUs without the owner living on-site.
Verified 2026-07-01 · Source
When you need this permit
- ADU construction requires a standard valuation-based building permit plus Planning Fees review (Accessory Dwelling Unit planning fee)
- As of the Feb 2026 ordinance, owner-occupancy of the primary residence is NO LONGER required to build or rent out an ADU in Cheyenne
- Parking regulations were adjusted alongside the owner-occupancy repeal — confirm current on-site parking requirement with Planning and Development (307-637-6282)
- ADU and semi-attached dwelling (flat-over-flat duplex) definitions were clarified in the UDC to align zoning code with building department practice
- Governed by the 2024 IRC for construction standards; zoning eligibility governed by the Unified Development Code (UDC)
- Contact Planning and Development (307-637-6282) before applying to confirm zoning eligibility for the specific property
Required documents
- Req
Building Permit Application (via OpenGov portal)
Standard valuation-based residential permit process
- Req
Site Plan
Property lines, existing structures, proposed ADU location, setbacks, parking
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Planning Fees — Accessory Dwelling Unit | $600.00 | City of Cheyenne Schedule of Fees, Planning Fees section (Resolution 6213) |
| Building and Construction Permit Fee — valuation-based | Varies by project valuation — see Building and Construction Permit Fee table under residential-building-permit | City of Cheyenne Schedule of Fees (Ordinance 4254) |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the Building Permit Fee | City of Cheyenne Schedule of Fees (Ordinance 4254) |
Review timeline
~10–21 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Cheyenne building department
Inspection process
- 1
Foundation
Footings/foundation before concrete pour — 36-inch frost depth minimum
- 2
Framing
Structural framing, egress windows, fire separation (if attached)
- 3
MEP Rough-In
Mechanical, electrical, plumbing rough-ins before walls closed
- 4
Final
All work complete, ready for occupancy
Tips
- As of the Feb 2026 ordinance, you no longer need to live in the primary residence to build or rent out an ADU in Cheyenne — this is a significant, recent change from the prior owner-occupancy requirement.
- Councilor opposition at the Feb 2026 vote flagged investor-driven ADU purchases as a possible side effect of the owner-occupancy repeal — a signal the rule could face future revisiting, so confirm current status with Planning and Development before relying on it.
- Confirm the exact current parking requirement with Planning and Development, since parking regulations were adjusted at the same time as the owner-occupancy repeal.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I have to live on the property to build or rent an ADU in Cheyenne?
- No — as of a Feb 2026 third-reading ordinance, Cheyenne removed the owner-occupancy requirement for accessory dwelling units. Confirm current status and any parking requirements with Planning and Development at (307) 637-6282, since this is a recent change.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-01.
- City of Cheyenne Compliance Department — Building Safety Division — official building department
- City of Cheyenne Schedule of Fees — Planning Fees, Accessory Dwelling Unit (Resolution 6213)
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Cheyenne building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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