You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-07-01.
Rock Springs building permits
VerifiedRock Springs, Wyoming — as published 2026-07-01.
Verified 2026-07-01 · Source
Codes adopted
2024 International Building Code (IBC) — with local amendments; adopted per Rock Springs Municipal Code § 150.04, including Appendix E, Appendix I and Appendix J, excluding Chapter 272024 International Residential Code (IRC) — with local amendments per § 150.04(D); including Appendix BF, Appendix B, Appendix C and Appendix CA; excluding R-309, P2904, and several Section R-403.3 subsections/tables/figures2024 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) — adopted per § 150.042024 International Mechanical Code (IMC) — with local amendment per § 150.04(C)2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC) — with local amendment per § 150.04(C); including Appendix D (Degree Day/Design Temperatures), Appendix E (Sizing of Water Pipe Systems) and Appendix C (Structural Safety)2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) — including Appendix A, Appendix B and Appendix C2024 International Fire Code (IFC) — per City of Rock Springs Building Ordinances pageNational Electrical Code, 2023 edition (NFPA) — adopted per § 150.04; enforced locally by the City Electrical Inspector under Rock Springs Municipal Code §§ 150.30–150.36 (city electrical code), NOT the Wyoming State Fire Marshal default program
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family dwellings and other one- and two-family residential construction within Rock Springs city limits. Governed by the 2024 IRC as adopted (with local amendments) by Rock Springs Municipal Code § 150.04. Single-family new construction is charged a flat permit fee rather than the valuation table.
Verified 2026-07-01 · Source
Requirements
- Any person, firm or corporation desiring to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, convert, or demolish any building or structure must obtain a building permit from the Building Official before work begins (§ 150.02(A)(1))
- Contractor/subcontractor/builder must have the permit issued and exhibited before commencing work (§ 150.02(A)(2))
- Design must account for adopted design criteria: 30 psf ground snow load, 115 mph ultimate wind speed (Exposure C), 42-inch minimum frost depth
- Mine Subsidence classification must be checked with City Engineering (307-352-1540); classified-area foundations must be designed to mitigate subsidence effects with a design engineer's statement on the plans
- A dimensioned site plan showing utilities, setbacks, streets, alleys, and parking is required
- Sewer connection fee is due at permit issuance if the property has not previously been assessed for the sanitary sewer system and a prior connection fee has not been paid (§ 150.02(A)(3))
- General contractor must be a City of Rock Springs registered contractor ($125 registration fee + insurance certificate on file)
- Permit becomes null and void if work is not commenced within 180 days, or is suspended/abandoned for 180 days after commencement
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationCity of Rock Springs Building Permit Application form — job address, legal description, owner, architect/engineer, class of work, description of work, general contractor, valuation, floodplain data, and special approvals routing (zoning, fire, engineering, soil report, health dept.)
- RequiredConstruction DrawingsFull plan set showing structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical scope
- RequiredSite PlanDimensioned site plan showing property lines, utilities, setbacks, streets, alleys, and parking
- OptionalDetail Sheet — Concrete (Foundations/Footings/Slabs)City of Rock Springs standard detail sheet for foundation/footing/slab construction, available in the Building Inspections & Permits Document Center
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single-family home (flat fee) | $1,100.00 flat — no plan review fee charged | Rock Springs Municipal Code § 150.08(B)(2): 'Single-family homes: building permit fee, $1,100, no plan review fee.' |
| Building Permit Fee — general valuation table (used for non-single-family new residential construction, e.g. duplexes) | $1 to $500: $32.45; $501–$2,000: $32.45 for the first $500 plus $4.20 per additional $100 or fraction; $2,001–$25,000: $95.31 for the first $2,000 plus $19.25 per additional $1,000; $25,001–$50,000: $538.72 for the first $25,000 plus $13.88 per additional $1,000; $50,001–$100,000: $885.22 for the first $50,000 plus $9.62 per additional $1,000; $100,001–$500,000: $1,366.47 for the first $100,000 plus $7.70 per additional $1,000; $500,001–$1,000,000: $4,446.47 for the first $500,000 plus $6.60 per additional $1,000; $1,000,001 and up: $7,712.10 for the first $1,000,000 plus $5.01 per additional $1,000 | Rock Springs Municipal Code § 150.08(B); this valuation table applies to all adopted codes (mechanical, plumbing, electrical included) unless a specific override applies |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the building permit fee | § 150.08(B)(1); waived for single-family homes and residential alterations/additions per the specific overrides |
| Reinspection Fee | $100 per hour (or total hourly cost to the city, whichever is greater) | § 150.08(B), Other Inspections and Fees table, assessed under IBC Section 305.8 |
| Inspections outside normal business hours | $59 per hour | — |
Residential Addition / Remodel Permit
VerifiedRequired for additions, remodels, alterations, repairs, and detached garages on existing one- and two-family dwellings in Rock Springs. Charged at 50% of the general valuation-based fee table with no separate plan review fee.
Verified 2026-07-01 · Source
Requirements
- Any enlargement, alteration, or repair of an existing building or structure requires a permit from the Building Official (§ 150.02(A)(1))
- Applies to residential alterations and additions, including detached garages
- Design must meet adopted design criteria: 30 psf ground snow load, 115 mph wind speed (Exposure C), 42-inch minimum frost depth for any new foundation work
- Detached accessory buildings/garages over 1,500 sq ft combined require a conditional use permit before a building permit can be issued (§ 157.129(D)–(E))
- Contractor must be registered with the City ($125 fee + insurance) if not the homeowner performing their own work
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationCity of Rock Springs Building Permit Application form
- RequiredSite PlanDimensioned site plan showing existing structures, proposed addition footprint, setbacks
- OptionalDetail Sheet — Retaining WallCity standard detail sheet, available in the Building Inspections Document Center, if retaining walls are part of the project
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential alterations and additions, including detached garages | 50% of the general valuation-based fee table in § 150.08(B); no plan review fee charged | Rock Springs Municipal Code § 150.08(B)(3) |
Electrical Permit
VerifiedRequired for electrical wiring, alterations, and new installations within Rock Springs city limits. ISSUED BY THE CITY — Rock Springs holds delegated local electrical-enforcement authority under W.S. § 35-9-121 and runs its own City Electrical Inspector office (Rock Springs Municipal Code §§ 150.30–150.36), distinct from the Wyoming State Fire Marshal's default statewide electrical program. Per the WSFM 'LOCAL AND STATE JURISDICTIONS' chart (updated 5/11/2026), Rock Springs is listed ELEC INSP/PR = L/L.
Verified 2026-07-01 · Source
Requirements
- No alterations or additions to existing wiring, and no new wiring of a building for lights, motors, heating devices, or any apparatus requiring electrical current, without first notifying the City Electrical Inspector and securing a permit (§ 150.32) — EXCEPT minor repair work such as repairing flush/snap switches, replacing fuses, changing lamp sockets/receptacles, taping bare joints, and repairing drop cords, which are exempt from permit
- Upon completion of wiring, the installer must notify the Electrical Inspector, who inspects within 24 hours of notice; a certificate of inspection is required before the electrical service may be connected/energized (§ 150.33)
- All wires to be concealed must be inspected before concealment — installer must give the Electrical Inspector 24 hours' notice before covering wires (§ 150.33)
- Electrical work must conform to the adopted 2023 National Electrical Code (NFPA) and this subchapter before a certificate of inspection will issue (§ 150.34)
- All electric wiring within any structure — except one- and two-family dwellings and multi-family structures under 6,000 sq ft — must be in approved conduits (§ 150.34)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationElectrical permits are processed through the same City of Rock Springs Building Permit Application / Building Inspection Office intake
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical permit fee | Charged under the general § 150.08(B) valuation-based building-permit fee schedule — no separate dedicated electrical fee line is published in the Municipal Code | § 150.08(A) states the fee schedule applies to 'all adopted codes' (which includes the 2023 NEC per § 150.04) unless specifically overridden elsewhere in § 150.08(B); no electrical-specific override exists, so electrical-only permits are charged under the same valuation table as building permits. This is a verified fact per the wy-framework.md clarification that 'charged under the general valuation table' is verified, not partial. |
| Penalty for violation of the electrical subchapter (§§ 150.30–150.36) | Up to $100 fine plus court costs at the court's discretion, upon conviction | Rock Springs Municipal Code § 150.99(B) |
Plumbing Permit
VerifiedRequired for plumbing installations, alterations, and repairs in Rock Springs. Governed by the 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC) as adopted (with local amendments) by Rock Springs Municipal Code § 150.04. Charged under the general valuation-based building-permit fee schedule.
Verified 2026-07-01 · Source
Requirements
- A permit from the Building Official is required for plumbing work associated with construction, alteration, or repair of a building or structure (§ 150.02(A)(1))
- Restaurants and any food service facility must submit plans to the Sweetwater County Health Department in addition to city building permit review
- Any code-mandated element requiring a Wyoming DEQ permit must be obtained and submitted prior to building permit issuance
- Projects requiring grease traps, sand and grease interceptors, or special sewage treatment must be approved by the City of Rock Springs Pretreatment and Collections Supervisor (307-352-1466)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationPlumbing permits are processed through the City of Rock Springs Building Permit Application / Building Inspection Office
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing permit fee | Charged under the general § 150.08(B) valuation-based building-permit fee schedule — no separate flat plumbing fee line is published | § 150.08(A): the IBC fee schedule applies to all adopted codes (including the 2024 IPC per § 150.04) unless a specific override is listed; no plumbing-specific override exists in § 150.08(B) |
| Sewer hookup fee | Collected at building permit issuance if the property has not previously been assessed in a special sewer district and a prior connection fee has not been paid | Rock Springs Municipal Code § 150.02(A)(3); amount varies by connection — noted as a line item ('SEWER HOOK UP(S) FEE') on the Building Permit Application form |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for heating, cooling, ventilation, and fuel gas installations in Rock Springs. Governed by the 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC) and 2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) as adopted by Rock Springs Municipal Code § 150.04. Charged under the general valuation-based building-permit fee schedule.
Verified 2026-07-01 · Source
Requirements
- A permit from the Building Official is required for mechanical/HVAC work associated with construction, alteration, or repair of a building (§ 150.02(A)(1))
- Design loads and equipment must comply with the adopted 2024 IMC and 2024 IFGC (with appendices A, B, and C for fuel gas)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationMechanical/HVAC permits are processed through the City of Rock Springs Building Permit Application / Building Inspection Office
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical/HVAC permit fee | Charged under the general § 150.08(B) valuation-based building-permit fee schedule — no separate flat mechanical fee line is published | § 150.08(A): the IBC fee schedule applies to all adopted codes (including the 2024 IMC and IFGC per § 150.04) unless a specific override is listed; no mechanical-specific override exists in § 150.08(B) |
Roofing Permit (Reroof)
VerifiedRequired for roof replacement (tear-off and reroof) on residential and commercial buildings in Rock Springs. Governed by the 2024 IBC/IRC as adopted by § 150.04. Residential reroofs are charged at 50% of the valuation table as a residential alteration; a Detail Sheet — Roof is available from the Building Inspection Office's Document Center.
Verified 2026-07-01 · Source
Requirements
- Complete roof replacement (tear-off and reroof) requires a permit from the Building Official (§ 150.02(A)(1))
- Roof design must meet the adopted 30 psf ground snow load requirement
- Residential reroofing is treated as a residential alteration for fee purposes
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationRoofing permits are processed through the City of Rock Springs Building Permit Application / Building Inspection Office
- OptionalDetail Sheet — RoofCity of Rock Springs standard roof detail sheet, available in the Building Inspections & Permits Document Center
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential reroof (treated as residential alteration) | 50% of the general valuation-based fee table in § 150.08(B); no plan review fee | Rock Springs Municipal Code § 150.08(B)(3) covers 'residential alterations and additions' at 50% of the table; reroofing is a residential alteration for fee purposes since no dedicated reroof fee line exists |
Solar PV Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of rooftop or ground-mounted solar photovoltaic systems in Rock Springs. Processed as a standard building permit under the 2024 IBC/IRC and 2023 NEC, subject to the general valuation-based fee schedule, with electrical inspection performed by the City Electrical Inspector.
Verified 2026-07-01 · Source
Requirements
- A building permit is required for solar PV installation, covering structural (racking/attachment) and electrical (2023 NEC Article 690) scope
- Structural design must account for the adopted 30 psf ground snow load and 115 mph wind speed (Exposure C)
- Electrical scope requires City Electrical Inspector review/certificate of inspection before the system may be energized (§ 150.33)
- Roof-mounted systems on structures in a Mine Subsidence classified area may require additional foundation/structural review — confirm with City Engineering (307-352-1540)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSolar PV permits are processed through the City of Rock Springs Building Permit Application / Building Inspection Office
- RequiredElectrical Plan / Single-Line DiagramRequired for City Electrical Inspector review of the PV system's electrical connections
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solar PV permit (valuation-based) | Charged under the general § 150.08(B) valuation-based building-permit fee schedule based on installation cost — no dedicated solar PV fee line is published | § 150.08(A) states the fee schedule applies to all adopted codes unless a specific override exists; no solar-specific override is listed in § 150.08(B), so solar PV is charged as ordinary valuation-based new construction/alteration work |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the building permit fee | § 150.08(B)(1), standard plan review fee applies unless the project qualifies as a residential alteration override |
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit
VerifiedRock Springs' Zoning Ordinance (Rock Springs Municipal Code Chapter 157) explicitly permits ACCESSORY DWELLINGS as a use in the R-2 Low Density Residential Zone (§ 157.086(A)(2)), with detailed development standards at § 157.086(B)(13). An accessory dwelling requires BOTH a zoning determination (that the property is properly zoned R-2, or another zone where the use is separately listed in the Table of Uses) and a standard residential building permit for construction.
Verified 2026-07-01 · Source
Requirements
- Zone eligibility: the R-2 Low Density Residential Zone is purpose-built to allow 'single-family detached dwellings, accessory dwelling units and directly related complementary uses' (§ 157.086(A)(2)); verify zoning of the specific parcel via the Table of Uses in § 157.086(B) or by contacting the Planning Office (307-352-1540)
- Definition: an ACCESSORY DWELLING is 'a detached structure which is accessory to a single-family dwelling, located on the same lot as a single-family dwelling and placed on a permanent foundation, with no more than one bedroom and provides basic requirements for living, sleeping and sanitation' (§ 157.008)
- General accessory-building rules apply (§ 157.129): not located in a front yard; not in a utility easement; combined accessory floor area over 1,500 sq ft requires a conditional use permit
- Size: newly constructed or newly converted accessory dwelling square footage shall be no more than 75% of the principal building's square footage OR 800 sq ft, whichever is less; in no case less than 300 sq ft (§ 157.086(B)(13)(b))
- Design: any newly constructed accessory dwelling must have roof pitch, siding, and exterior finish matching the principal building in style and material (existing pre-ordinance structures are exempt) (§ 157.086(B)(13)(c))
- Parking: at least one off-street parking space dedicated solely to the accessory dwelling occupants, in addition to the principal building's required parking; this space may be inside the accessory dwelling structure if the remaining non-parking area is at least 300 sq ft (§ 157.086(B)(13)(d))
- Owner occupancy: either the principal building or the accessory dwelling must be owner-occupied (§ 157.086(B)(13)(e))
- Number: a maximum of ONE accessory dwelling is allowed per parcel or lot (§ 157.086(B)(13)(f))
- Prohibited: mobile homes, recreational vehicles, motor vehicles, boats, and similar are NOT considered accessory dwellings (§ 157.086(B)(13)(g))
- Once zoning eligibility and standards are confirmed, construction requires the standard Building Permit Application and is subject to the 2024 IRC/IBC and the general valuation-based fee schedule (or residential-alteration 50% rate if converting existing space)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationStandard City of Rock Springs Building Permit Application, required for ADU construction after zoning confirmation
- RequiredSite PlanShowing the principal dwelling, proposed accessory dwelling location, required off-street parking space, and setbacks
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee for a newly constructed accessory dwelling | Charged under the general § 150.08(B) valuation-based fee schedule (new detached structure) or the 50% residential-alteration rate if converting existing accessory space — no ADU-specific fee line is published | § 150.08(A)/(B)(3); the fee mechanism depends on whether the ADU is new construction or a conversion, per the general building-fee rules |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired for demolition of buildings or structures in Rock Springs. Charged a flat fee, and a dedicated 'Permit - Demolition' document is available from the Building Inspection Office's Document Center.
Verified 2026-07-01 · Source
Requirements
- A permit from the Building Official is required to demolish any building or structure (§ 150.02(A)(1))
- Utility disconnects should be arranged/verified prior to demolition
Required documents
- RequiredPermit - DemolitionCity of Rock Springs' dedicated demolition permit document, available in the Building Inspections & Permits Document Center
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition permit (flat fee) | $35.00 | Rock Springs Municipal Code § 150.08(B): 'Demolition permits $35' |
Commercial Tenant Improvement Permit
VerifiedRequired for interior remodels, additions, and tenant improvements in commercial buildings in Rock Springs. Governed by the 2024 IBC as adopted by § 150.04. Charged under the general valuation-based fee schedule; new projects/additions of 5,000 sq ft or larger trigger the full nonresidential checklist (Wyoming-licensed design professionals for architectural, structural, mechanical/plumbing, and electrical plans).
Verified 2026-07-01 · Source
Requirements
- A building permit is required for commercial remodels, additions, or tenant improvements (§ 150.02(A)(1))
- Two sets of construction drawings required; for new structures/additions ≥5,000 sq ft: architectural plans stamped by a Wyoming registered architect, structural plans sealed by a Wyoming-licensed structural/civil engineer, mechanical/plumbing plans sealed by a Wyoming-licensed mechanical engineer, and electrical plans sealed by a Wyoming-licensed electrical engineer
- Two sets of project specifications, if available
- Site-specific soils investigation complying with 2024 IBC Section 1802; foundation design must be based on the soils report
- Design loads shown on plans: 30 psf ground snow load, 115 mph wind speed (Exposure C), 42-inch minimum frost depth
- Occupancy Group/Division and Type of Construction (per 2024 IBC) must be listed on the plans
- Mine Subsidence classification must be listed per the adopted Mine Subsidence Risk Map — contact City Engineering (307-352-1540)
- Dimensioned site plan showing utilities, setbacks, streets, alleys, and parking; contact the City Planner for zoning/floodplain requirements (307-352-1540)
- Restaurants/food service facilities must submit plans to the Sweetwater County Health Department
- Grease traps, sand/grease interceptors, or special sewage treatment require approval from the City's Pretreatment and Collections Supervisor (307-352-1466)
- Any code-mandated DEQ permits must be obtained/submitted before the building permit is approved and issued
- Two full sets and one electronic set of plans amended per plan review comments must be submitted prior to permit issuance
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationCity of Rock Springs Building Permit Application, with special approvals routing for Zoning, Fire, Engineering, Soil Report, and Health Dept.
- RequiredNonresidential Building Permit Application ChecklistCity of Rock Springs' checklist for any new project that is not a single-family home (per the Building Ordinances page)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial building/tenant improvement permit fee (valuation-based) | Charged under the § 150.08(B) general valuation-based fee schedule — same table used for residential new construction, scaled by project valuation | § 150.08(A): the fee schedule applies to all adopted codes for commercial/nonresidential work; no commercial-specific override exists in § 150.08(B), so the general table applies in full (not the 50% residential-alteration rate, which is limited to residential alterations/additions) |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the building permit fee | § 150.08(B)(1) |
| Additional plan review (changes/revisions to plans) | $59 per hour (minimum charge: one-half hour) | § 150.08(B), Other Inspections and Fees table |
| Outside consultants for plan checking/inspections | Actual costs (including administrative and overhead costs) | § 150.08(B), Other Inspections and Fees table, note 2 |
EV Charging Station Permit (Electrical Permit)
VerifiedRequired for installation of a Level 2 (or higher) electric vehicle charging station/EVSE in Rock Springs, processed as a standard electrical permit under the 2023 NEC (including Article 625, Electric Vehicle Power Transfer System) as adopted by the City. Rock Springs Municipal Code § 150.08(B) has no dedicated electrical-only fee line, let alone an EV-specific one — the same finding this file's electrical-permit and solar-pv-permit entries document — so an EV charger install is charged under the general valuation-based building-permit fee schedule, with electrical inspection performed by the City's own Electrical Inspector program (not the state).
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- A permit is required for the EV charger's electrical scope, covering the new/upgraded circuit and EVSE connection under the 2023 NEC (§ 150.04, Codes Adopted)
- Electrical scope requires City Electrical Inspector review/certificate of inspection before the system may be energized (§ 150.33)
- Fee is charged under the general § 150.08(B) valuation-based fee schedule based on installation cost, since no electrical-specific or EV-specific override exists in the Municipal Code
- 24 hours' notice must be given to the City Electrical Inspector before concealment of new wiring (§ 150.33)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (electrical scope)EV charger permits are processed through the City of Rock Springs Building Permit Application / Building Inspection Office; no dedicated EV/EVSE application exists
- RequiredElectrical Plan / Single-Line DiagramRequired for City Electrical Inspector review of the EVSE circuit's electrical connections
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EV charger/EVSE electrical permit (valuation-based) | Charged under the general § 150.08(B) valuation-based building-permit fee schedule based on installation cost — no dedicated electrical-only or EV-specific fee line is published | § 150.08(A) states the fee schedule applies to 'all adopted codes' (which includes the 2023 NEC per § 150.04) unless specifically overridden elsewhere in § 150.08(B); no electrical-specific or EV-specific override exists, so EV charger permits are charged under the same valuation table as building permits generally, the same treatment already documented in this file's electrical-permit entry. |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the building permit fee | § 150.08(B)(1), standard plan review fee applies unless the project qualifies as a residential alteration override |
Sign Permit
VerifiedRock Springs regulates signage through its Zoning Ordinance (Rock Springs Municipal Code Chapter 157, §§ 157.195-157.198 'Signs') rather than the Building Code chapter. A $10 sign permit application fee (§ 157.009(B)) accompanies any sign requiring zoning approval or a conditional use permit under the district regulations table at § 157.198; many common sign types are either permitted by right with no approval needed, or prohibited outright, depending on zoning district and sign type.
Verified 2026-07-22 · Source
Requirements
- Permitted sign types, area, height, and location standards are set by the District Regulations table in § 157.198, which varies by zoning district (Residential, B-1, B-2, B-3 Central Business, I-1/I-2) and by sign type
- Many sign types require zoning approval before installation, denoted 'Z' in the § 157.198 table (e.g., freestanding, monument, wall, awning/canopy, identification, illuminated signs); some require a conditional use permit ('C'/'C-PICR', e.g., electronic message boards, digital billboards); others are permitted by right with no zoning approval ('P'/'P-PICR', e.g., address/nameplate, governmental purpose, real estate, temporary, portable signs)
- Flashing signs and moving signs are prohibited outright citywide, with no permit path available (§ 157.196)
- A $10.00 sign permit application fee accompanies the zoning petition (§ 157.009(B))
- Signs must be constructed to be safe and substantial, and maintained in a condition of reasonable repair; nonconforming signs may not be enlarged or replaced except in conformance with the subchapter (§ 157.197)
- Off-premises signs/billboards are prohibited except where specifically provided for in the subchapter, subject to area, height, setback, and separation standards (§ 157.198(4))
- Electronic message boards and digital billboards require Zoning Administrator conditional-use approval, including neighbor notification within 200 feet and a minimum ten-day waiting period before a determination (§ 157.198(5), (6))
- Structural footings or electrical connections for a sign (e.g., an illuminated freestanding or monument sign) may separately trigger the standard Chapter 150 building/electrical permit process administered by the Building Inspection Division, in addition to the zoning Sign Permit; the Municipal Code does not explicitly cross-reference this relationship for signs specifically, so confirm with both the Planning Office and Building Inspection Division for illuminated or structurally significant signage
Required documents
- RequiredSign Permit / Zoning ApplicationCity of Rock Springs Planning & Zoning petition for a sign permit, accompanied by the $10 application fee under § 157.009(B)
- RequiredSign Plan / Site PlanDrawing showing sign dimensions, area calculation, height, and location, required for zoning review of sign types marked 'Z' or 'C' in the § 157.198 district table
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sign permit (zoning application fee) | $10.00 | Rock Springs Municipal Code § 157.009(B) Application Fees table: 'Sign permit $10' |
| Electronic message board / digital billboard conditional use review | Charged under the same $10 sign permit application fee per § 157.009(B); no separate EMB-specific fee line is published | § 157.198(6) requires Zoning Administrator conditional-use approval for electronic message boards and digital billboards but does not establish a distinct fee beyond the general application fees in § 157.009 |
Fire Sprinkler & Fire Alarm System Permit
Required for the installation, alteration, or removal of an automatic fire sprinkler system or a fire alarm/detection system in Rock Springs, under the 2024 International Fire Code as adopted by Rock Springs Municipal Code § 150.06. The Rock Springs Fire Department's Fire Prevention Bureau (led by a Fire Inspector) reviews life-safety system plans and performs field inspections, while the City's Building Department processes the underlying permit and assesses the plan-review/permit fee under the general valuation-based building-permit schedule — the Fire Department does not separately charge for its plan review or inspections.
Reviewed 2026-07-22 · Source
Requirements
- The 2024 International Fire Code, adopted in full by Rock Springs Municipal Code § 150.06 (subject only to the specific sections listed as locally amended), governs fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems; the city's own Fire Department confirms 'There is no sprinkler ordinance provision in the City of Rock Springs...other than those specifically required in the IFC' (Rock Springs Fire Department Master Plan, April 2020, p.21)
- Automatic sprinkler systems are required in new buildings/structures per the locations described in the adopted, locally-amended IFC § 903.2; audible/visual occupant notification devices must be connected to each automatic sprinkler system per the adopted, locally-amended IFC § 903.4.3
- An approved fire alarm system complying with NFPA 72 is required in new buildings/structures per the adopted, locally-amended IFC § 907.2, including at least one manual fire alarm box in an approved location unless a listed exception applies
- The RSFD Fire Inspector (Fire Prevention Bureau) participates in all new-construction plan reviews and reviews life-safety systems for commercial tenant improvements/remodels, at no charge to the applicant; the City's Building Department is responsible for the underlying plan review and building permit and assesses the applicable fee ('The Fire Inspector does not charge a fee for inspections or reviews, but the Building Department assesses a fee for plan reviews and building permits' — Rock Springs Fire Department Master Plan, April 2020, p.22)
- Rock Springs Municipal Code § 150.06 (adopted IFC §§ 108.2, 108.2.1) nominally states that permit fees and life-safety-system plan review fees are set 'in accordance with the schedule as established by the Rock Springs Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau'; no such separately published RSFD fee schedule was located, and per the city's own Fire Department Master Plan this fee is in practice assessed and collected by the Building Department
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationFire sprinkler and fire alarm system permits are processed through the City of Rock Springs Building Permit Application / Building Inspection Office, with the RSFD Fire Inspector participating in life-safety plan review
- RequiredFire Protection System (Sprinkler/Alarm) Shop DrawingsEngineered shop drawings/plans for the sprinkler or alarm system (hydraulic calculations, device layout) submitted for Fire Inspector life-safety plan review
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fire sprinkler/alarm system permit and plan review | Charged under the general § 150.08(B) valuation-based building-permit fee schedule via the City's Building Department; the Fire Prevention Bureau does not charge a separate fee for its life-safety plan review or field inspections | Rock Springs Fire Department Master Plan (April 2020), p.22; Rock Springs Municipal Code § 150.06 (adopted IFC §§ 108.2/108.2.1) nominally references a Fire Prevention Bureau fee schedule, but no such published schedule was found independently of the Building Department's general valuation-based fee table |
Change of Use / Certificate of Occupancy
Rock Springs Municipal Code Chapter 150 (Building Regulations) has no standalone change-of-use or certificate-of-occupancy section — its General Provisions run § 150.01 through § 150.17 (ending with sidewalk construction requirements) and then jump directly to the Electrical Code at § 150.30, with no dedicated C.O./change-of-use ordinance in between. The city instead relies on (1) the stock Certificate of Occupancy provisions of the adopted 2024 International Building Code (Section 111, adopted without local amendment per § 150.04), and (2) its Business License (Occupational Tax License) process, through which a change of occupant/use at an existing commercial building is screened for required Fire Department and Wastewater Department inspections and any Building-Code-mandated improvements.
Reviewed 2026-07-22 · Source
Requirements
- No permit product named 'change of use permit' or 'certificate of occupancy permit' is published separately in the Municipal Code or on the city's Building Inspections & Permits Document Center (which lists only 6 documents: Building Permit Application, Permit - Demolition, and four construction detail sheets)
- A Certificate of Occupancy is required under the adopted 2024 IBC (§ 150.04) before any new building may be occupied, and applies whenever a building's use or occupancy classification changes, per the stock (unamended) IBC Section 111 provisions
- Starting a business, or changing a business's location, ownership, or use within an existing building, requires a Business License (Occupational Tax License) application through the City Clerk's Office; 'the simplest approvals occur when new operations match previous business types (retail to retail)'
- The nature of a new or changed business use may require inspections by the City's Fire and Wastewater Departments before the license issues
- Building Codes may determine that additional building improvements or remodeling are required based on a change of occupancy type; per this file's commercial-tenant-improvement-permit entry, any such required improvements are processed as a standard building permit under § 150.02(A)(1), charged under the general § 150.08(B) valuation-based fee schedule, with Occupancy Group/Division and Type of Construction identified on the plans per the 2024 IBC
- Site Plans or Conditional Use Permits may separately be required depending on the property's zoning
Required documents
- RequiredBusiness License (Occupational Tax License) ApplicationCity of Rock Springs Business License Application, filed through the City Clerk's Office; required for any new business, and for any change of location, ownership, or name at an existing business
- OptionalBuilding Permit Application (if improvements required)If the Building Department determines the new occupancy classification requires building improvements or remodeling, a standard Building Permit Application is required, processed as this file's commercial-tenant-improvement-permit entry describes
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Change of use / Certificate of Occupancy — no standalone fee product | No independent change-of-use or certificate-of-occupancy fee is published; a Business License must be obtained (fee amount not confirmed in this chase), and if the Building Department requires improvements due to the occupancy change, the standard § 150.08(B) valuation-based building-permit fee applies to that work | City of Rock Springs Business & Development Applications page; Rock Springs Municipal Code Chapter 150 contains no dedicated change-of-use/C.O. fee line |
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 Rock Springs building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.