Are commercial projects reviewed differently than residential projects in unincorporated Laramie County?

Yes — per the county's Building Department FAQ, commercial projects are reviewed and inspected to different codes than residential projects, and large commercial projects may be assigned a specific Building Inspector to coordinate with.

What is a Certificate of Review (C.O.R.) and do I need one for a tenant improvement?

The C.O.R. is an approved, signed document from the Laramie County Planning Department confirming the project meets planning requirements. It is required for most commercial permit types, including additions, new construction, signs, and alternative energy — confirm with Planning whether your specific tenant-improvement scope needs one.

Commercial Tenant Improvement / Renovation Permit in Unincorporated Laramie County, Wyoming

Verified

Required for interior alterations, repairs, and tenant improvements to existing commercial buildings in unincorporated Laramie County. Requires a Certificate of Review (C.O.R.) from the Planning Department and fully engineered, Wyoming-Design-Professional-stamped plans, charged under the general valuation-based fee schedule.

Verified 2026-07-01 · Source

Varies by project valuation — see Laramie County 2022 Building and Plan Review Fee ScheduleBuilding Permit Fee — same valuation-based table as new construction

When you need this permit

Pre-application meeting with the Planning Department required before starting any application for new or expanding commercial building projects (call 307-633-4303 or email planning@laramiecountywy.gov)
Certificate of Review (C.O.R.) — approved signed copy from the Planning Department required
Engineered Building, Foundation, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical plans stamped by a Wyoming Design Professional, required to be site-specific
Code Study required: building height, design occupancy load, occupancy type, type of construction, risk category, structure use (prior use not needed for new construction); must meet current adopted building codes
Full floor plan showing existing vs. proposed work for renovations/alterations

Required documents

Req
Commercial Permit Application (SmartGov portal)
Filed under Building Safety and Construction — Commercial
Req
Certificate of Review (C.O.R.)
Approved signed copy from Laramie County Planning Department
Req
Engineered Building/Foundation/Plumbing/Mechanical/Electrical Plans
Stamped by a Wyoming Design Professional, site-specific, with Code Study
Req
Site Plan
Sketches/drawings/photographs showing physical design, siting, vehicular/pedestrian access, and improvements

Fee schedule

Fee type	Amount	Notes
Building Permit Fee — same valuation-based table as new construction	Varies by project valuation — see Laramie County 2022 Building and Plan Review Fee Schedule	Laramie County Building Permit Fee Schedule (PDF)
Plan Review Fee	65% of the Building Permit Fee	—
Use of outside consultants for plan checking and/or inspections	Actual costs	Laramie County Building Permit Fee Schedule — applies to large/complex commercial projects requiring outside consultant review

Review timeline

~7–10 business days

Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Unincorporated Laramie County building department

Inspection process

1
Rough Framing / Rough MEP
Before walls are closed
2
Final
Required before occupancy/certificate of occupancy

Tips

Commercial plan review timing depends on project size and complexity per the county's Building Department FAQ — the general 7-10 business day estimate is a floor, not a ceiling, for larger commercial projects.
Cell towers are exempt from building permitting as of May 8, 2025 (per 2024 IBC exemption M #4), EXCEPT for electrical services, which still require Wyoming-Design-Professional-stamped, site-specific electrical plans.
Coordinate final inspections with Planning staff on commercial projects to ensure site plan, grading, and Certificate of Review requirements are all satisfied together.

Frequently asked questions

Are commercial projects reviewed differently than residential projects in unincorporated Laramie County?: Yes — per the county's Building Department FAQ, commercial projects are reviewed and inspected to different codes than residential projects, and large commercial projects may be assigned a specific Building Inspector to coordinate with.
What is a Certificate of Review (C.O.R.) and do I need one for a tenant improvement?: The C.O.R. is an approved, signed document from the Laramie County Planning Department confirming the project meets planning requirements. It is required for most commercial permit types, including additions, new construction, signs, and alternative energy — confirm with Planning whether your specific tenant-improvement scope needs one.

Sources & verification

Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-01.

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 Unincorporated Laramie County building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.

Other permits in Unincorporated Laramie County

Residential Building Permit (New Single-Family Residence)Residential Addition, Remodel, Deck/Patio/Porch, and Basement Finish Permit Electrical Permit Plumbing Permit Mechanical / HVAC Permit Roofing Permit Solar PV Permit Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit Demolition Permit

Get the AI compliance checklist

Upload your project scope, get a jurisdiction-specific checklist of everything you need. Coming soon.

We only use your email to send permit updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. Privacy.