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Assessor

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1. How often does the County Assessor appraise property?

Wyoming Statute requires that all property be listed, valued and assessed as of January 1st of each year. Notices of Value must reflect the owner of record as of that date and be mailed on or before the fourth Monday in April.

2. Are appraisers working in the Assessor's office certified?

Yes. Wyoming Statute requires that all persons responsible for determining value for property assessment purposes be certified by the state as a property tax appraiser. Each appraiser must complete coursework in appraisal on an ongoing basis to acquire and maintain this certification.

3. When can I expect to have your office complete an onsite inspection?

We physically inspect all properties within Albany County every 6 years. We also inspect properties when a building permit is issued or address assigned. Inspections are done upon request of the property owner and as deemed necessary if you disagree with the value established by the Assessor's office.

4. What should I do if I disagree with the value on my assessment?

You must contact the Assessor's office within 30 days of the mail date on the Notice of Value. Please provide any information that you would like the Assessor to consider regarding the value of your property.

5. Why did my value change?

Many factors affect market value: a change in property characteristics, supply and demand, interest rates, labor and material costs, etc. 

6. What is an improvement?

Improvements consist of buildings, concrete, sheds, etc. These are considered improvements to the land.

7. What is real property?

Real property is defined as land and all things attached to the land.

8. How did you arrive at the value of my property?

Industry accepted mass appraisal procedures and methodologies are used. Items such as location, property characteristics, sales information, etc. are analyzed each year to determine the estimated fair market value.

9. How does the Assessor acquire actual sales prices?

Wyoming Statute 34-1-142 requires a statement of consideration be completed whenever a deed, contract or other document transferring legal title is recorded. Information such as the date of the sale, purchase price, terms of sale, etc. are required. This information is not public.

10. Can I review sales information?

Persons appealing their assessment may review the sales that were used to determine the fair market value of their property. The review period is limited to the 30-day appeal period. The property owners may not further disclose the sales to other persons. The sales information may be introduced during a formal appeal, but further disclosure is prohibited.

11. Can I get a copy of the appraisal?

The Assessor's office is happy to provide you with the characteristics and sketches on file for your property at anytime.  However, the fair market value of your property is based on prior years sales information and that sales information can only be release during the 30-day appeal period. 

12. I called your office and they told me there was more than just one market value. Is that right?

That is correct. Market value is simply an opinion of value. There is no one correct answer. The value determined by our office is as of January 1st of each assessment year. The state of Wyoming has statutes and rules that this office must follow to determine the value of all properties.

13. What is personal property?

Any property that is not real property; it is all moveable items not permanently affixed to or part of the real estate. Some examples of personal property are furniture and fixtures, such as desks, chairs, tables, couches, file cabinets, display counters, shelves, machines, computer equipment, software, phones, fax machines, copiers, oil field equipment, heavy equipment, etc.

14. What is the deadline for reporting personal property?

March 1st of each assessment year. Forms are mailed in early December of each year. Information provided the previous year is included. Businesses are asked to make any additions or deletions and return the form to the Assessor. If there have been no changes, owners indicate so, sign and return the form. The reporting deadline may be extended to April 1st upon written request, provided that request is made no later than February 15th.

15. Is agricultural land valued differently than other lands?

In Wyoming, land meeting the criteria for agricultural land classification is valued based on the land's productive capability under normal conditions. Landowners must complete a sworn affidavit stating the land has met the legal requirements for such classification.

16. Will my taxes go up if the market value of my property increases?

Fair market value is only a portion of the formula for calculating the tax amount. The formula for determining actual tax dollars is as follows:

• Fair Market Value x Level of Assessment = Assessed Value
• Assessed Value x Mill Levy = Tax Dollars

17. What is the level of assessment in Wyoming?

The level of assessment is the percentage of the market value that determines the assessed value. In Wyoming, the level of assessment is 100% for minerals, 11.5% for industrial use properties, 9.5% for all other property types. This percentage is determined by the Wyoming Legislation.

18. What is a mill levy?

This is the number of dollars in taxes that a property owner must pay for every $1,000 of assessed value. The County Commissioners establish the total mill levy for each tax district based on budget requests from the various taxing entities within the district's boundaries.

19. How is the mill levy determined?

In order to determine the mill levy for each tax district, taxing entities must submit their final budget requests. The budget, less anticipated revenues from non-property tax sources, is divided by the assessed value to obtain the tax rate or mill levy. Assessed values determined by the Assessor and values of state assessments (those industries valued by the Department of Revenue, such as utilities, minerals, etc.) are combined to determine the total assessed value within the taxing entities' boundaries. An individual assessed value is multiplied by the total mill levy for the tax district to obtain an individual tax amount.

20. What are tax districts?

They are the geographic areas on which a taxing entity has the right to levy taxes. These entities include school districts, counties, cities, water and sewer districts, fire districts or other specially formed districts as designated by state statute.

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Assessor - Veterans' Exemption

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1. What is the Veterans' Exemption?

The State of Wyoming Legislature budgets funding to assist Veterans of foreign wars in paying property taxes.

2. Who qualifies for Veterans' Exemption?

Veterans who:

• Are Wyoming residents for a minimum of three years preceding qualifying for the benefit
• Have written discharge (DD-214 or equivalent) from active duty military service
• Served during an armed conflict and received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) or equivalent
• Each Veteran must appear in person at their local County Assessor’s office to qualify
• A disabled veteran with a compensable service-connected disability certified by the veteran’s administration is eligible for the exemption regardless of the time of service

Forms are available in the County Assessor’s office.

3. How can the exemption be used?

The exemption can be used in one of two ways, outlined as follows.

Property Tax

The exemption may be used on property tax and it reduces the assessed valuation by 3000 annually. The tax dollar amount varies depending on mill levy for tax district. Approximate amount $200. Eligible property must be owned by the Veteran and or Spouse as of January 1st.

Veterans must contact their local County Assessor’s office each year after January 1st or before the 4th Monday in May.

Vehicle Licensing

County fees for licensing a vehicle (not sales tax) may be reduced by 3000 assessed dollars (approximately $90) annually. More than one vehicle may qualify, not to exceed a total of $90 per year.

Title, registration, or expiration reminder showing the Veteran and/or spouse’s names is required prior to purchasing tags for exemption usage. New purchases must be titled before qualifying; leased vehicles do not qualify.

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Elections - Absentee Ballot Requests

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1. How do I request an Absentee Ballot?

• By Email - Put "Absentee Ballot Request" in the subject line
• By Mail - Print and fill out the application form and mail to your county clerk
• By Phone - Call your county clerk
• If you are a U.S. citizen 18 years or older and are an active duty member of the Armed Forces, Merchant Marine, Public Health Service, NOAA, a family member of the above, or a U.S. citizen residing outside the United States or U.S. citizen 18 years or older and are a U.S. citizen residing outside the United States visit Federal Voting Assistance Program.
• In Person - Request an absentee ballot in person at the county clerk’s office
• Online Request Form - Follow the link to the form Online Absentee Request Form

2. When can I receive or pick up my Absentee Ballot?

Any voter pick up their absentee ballot as early as 45 days prior to the election or any day after by visiting their county clerk’s office but not on Election Day.

Mailed ballots will be sent 45 days before the election to all voters who have requested that an absentee ballot be mailed. Absentee ballot requests received after 45 days will be sent as soon as possible. (Mail delivery within the county may take up to seven days, and longer if your mailing address is outside the county.)

Albany County has an absentee polling place that is located in the Election Building on the east side of the Courthouse. All qualified electors wishing to vote in person by absentee may vote at the absentee polling site. The absentee polling site will be open Monday through Friday 9 am to 5 pm. July 1, 2022 to August 15, 2022 for the Primary Election and September 23, 2022 to November 7, 2022 for the General Election. Please keep in mind that the absentee polling site is not open on Election Day. You must vote at your designated polling place on Election Day.

3. Where do I return my completed Absentee Ballot?

All Absentee ballots must be received in the county clerk’s office no later that 7 pm on Election Day. Ballots arriving after the deadline will not be counted.

Ballots may be returned to the county clerk in the following ways:

By Mail

• Mail your completed absentee ballot in the provided envelop with regular postage to your county clerk’s office. (Mail delivery within the county may take up to seven days, and longer if you’re mailing your ballot from outside the county.)

In Person

Your ballot can be retuned in person in one of the following ways

• Bring your completed absentee ballot in the signed envelope to your county clerk’s office.
• Deliver the ballot envelope to the Election Building, which is located on the East Side of Courthouse.
• Drop your Ballot in the Secured Drop Box located in front of the Election Building on the East Side of the Courthouse.

4. How do I track my Absentee Ballot?

Contact your county clerk for information on the status of your ballot.

Albany County Elections Office
525 Grand Avenue
Suite 202
Laramie, WY 82070

Phone: 307-721-2546

Email Elections

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EMA - Outdoor Warning System

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1. What does it mean when I hear the Outdoor Warning Sirens?

In short, it means that something life-threatening is happening and you should go indoors and get more information. 

2. What should I do when I hear the outdoor warning sirens?

When the sirens are heard, seek shelter and tune in to local media/NOAA Weather Radio to get more information.

3. Why can’t I hear the outdoor warning sirens in my house?

Sirens are an outdoor warning system designed only to alert those who are outside that something dangerous is approaching. 

4. How can I get alerts when I’m at work or in my house?

Sign up for Albany Countywide Alerts. In addition, every home and business should have a NOAA Weather Radio All-Hazards. NOAA Weather Radios are like a smoke detector for severe weather and can wake you up when a warning is issued for your area so you can take appropriate action. 

5. When are outdoor warning sirens tested?

Sirens are tested on the first Friday of each month at 10 am. These tests may be postponed if severe weather is in the area to avoid confusion if an actual event occurs. 

6. Why don’t the outdoor warning sirens sound an all-clear signal?

People should be indoors and monitoring local media for updates on the storm.

7. Will the outdoor warning sirens warn me of every dangerous storm?

The safest approach is to be proactive and use all of the information available to protect yourself and your family from threatening weather. Nothing can replace common sense. If a storm is approaching, the lightning alone is a threat. Sirens are only one part of a warning system that includes preparation, Albany Countywide Alerts, NOAA Weather Radios, and local media.

8. Who activates the outdoor warning sirens?

In Albany County, the Outdoor Warning Sirens are activated by Laramie/Albany County Records and Communications (LARC/Dispatch).

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Marriage License

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1. Is a marriage license required?

Yes, a marriage license must be obtained prior to getting married.

2. Where do we get a marriage license?

You may apply for a marriage license at the Albany County Clerk’s Office. You may expedite the process by filling out the Marriage License Information Form (PDF).

3. What is the cost of a marriage license?

The marriage license fee is $30 dollars. Accepted forms of payment are cash, personal checks and debit cards that include a Personal Identification Number (PIN). (There is an additional $2 convenience fee for using a debit card.)

4. What are the residency requirements for Wyoming?

None. You do not have to be a previous or current resident of Wyoming to obtain a marriage license that is valid statewide.

5. Is there a waiting period from the application date to the date the license is issued?

No, you will receive your license immediately.

6. Is there a waiting period from the date the license is issued to the date I am allowed to marry?

No, you can marry immediately after receiving your license.

7. Are blood tests and physical exams required?

No blood test or physical exam is required in Wyoming.

8. What is the minimum age a man or woman may marry?

You must be 18 years old or older to marry without parental consent.

9. What if one or both of us is younger than 18?

If either partner is under 18, parental consent forms must be signed and notarized. A Blank Affidavit of Parent’s Consent (PDF) is available through this website and at the County Clerk’s Office. The form may be notarized at our Office for a $5 fee.

Anyone under 16 years of age needs a court order before he or she can get married.

Note: Only one parent is required to give permission for the marriage.

10. How long does a marriage license remain valid once it's been issued?

Your marriage license is good for one year. If you do not get married within one year from the date issued, you will need to re-apply for another license. You may, however, request a reprint of an unexpired license.

11. Do we have to get married in Albany County?

No. The license is good anywhere in Wyoming. It is not, however, valid outside of the State.

12. What information will the Clerk’s Office need when we apply for our license?

View a copy of the Marriage License Information Form (PDF) as it lists all the information needed.

The Clerk’s Office will want to see a copy of your Driver’s License or other photo ID. In addition, we will ask for:

• The birthplaces (States) of both mothers and fathers
• Your parents’ full names including both mothers’ maiden names
• Your Social Security number, birth date and birthplace (State)

13. What if one or both partners have been divorced or have had a spouse die?

If previously married, the date of divorce or date of spouse’s death must be provided.

14. Are common law marriages legal

No, common-law marriages are not recognized in Wyoming.

15. Are same sex marriages legal?

Yes, same-sex marriages are allowed under Wyoming law.

16. Who performs marriage services in Albany County?

Any ordained minister may conduct a marriage service in Wyoming and their names and telephone numbers can be found in the yellow pages of a phone book under "Churches." In addition, the following judges and justices may be available. You will need to make your own arrangements for an officiant.

17. What do we do with the License after the wedding?

After the officiant (a minister or judge) has completed the License/ Certificate and the witnesses have signed it, the form must be returned to the County Clerk within 10 days after the ceremony. Please use black ink to complete the certificate, and because handwriting is difficult to read, we ask that you fill out the Wedding Witness Information Form and return it with the Certificate to the Clerk’s Office.

Return "License and Certificate of Marriage" along with the Wedding Information Form to the County Clerk’s Office within 10 days of the ceremony.

18. How can I get a Certified Copy of my Marriage License?

You may request a Certified Copy of your Marriage License (PDF) from the Albany County Clerk by presenting the completed marriage license in person or by mailing it to the Clerk’s Office at the following address:

Albany County Courthouse
525 E Grand Avenue
Suite 202
Laramie, WY 82070

The cost is $5.25. If requesting the Certified Copy by mail, please include the following information:

• Book and Page Number, if known
• Bride’s Maiden Name
• Date of Marriage
• Groom’s Name

19. What's the process of legally changing my last name after marriage?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires you to submit Form SS-5, "Application for a Social Security Card," when you change your name. The form must be accompanied by a document that provides legal proof of your marriage, such as a Certified Copy of your Marriage License from the issuing agency. Please note, the SSA will not accept photocopies or notarized copies of the document.

The Social Security Administration form (PDF) is available online or by contacting:

Social Security Administration
3001 E Pershing Boulevard
Suite 140
Cheyenne, WY 82001

In addition to the legal document proving your marriage, SSA will also need a document that proves your identity, bears your old name, and includes other identifying information or a recent photograph. The SSA will return your certified copy after they have processed your request.

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OpenGov

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1. What is OpenGov?

OpenGov is a technology company based in Silicon Valley focused on building the most powerful financial intelligence and transparency platform ever created for governments. We are transforming how state and local governments analyze, share and compare their financial data.

2. How do I select the data I want to see?

To focus on specific data - like a fund, department, expense type, or any combination - use the menu on the left side panel. 

The "Broken Down By" drop-down allows you to specify which breakdown you want the graphs and table rows to represent on the graph. You can analyze the expense and revenues data by fund, department, or type.

3. Can I select more than fund or departments?

Yes. Use the Data Filter on the left side panel to make specific selections within the data. The Data Filter shows you the hierarchical relationships of Funds, Departments, and Account Types. 

You’ll notice the title of the graph you are viewing on top along with the account type selector. You can use the filter to see the data of most interest to you.

4. How do I see the actual numbers within the graph?

Hover over any area of the graph to see the actual or budgeted amounts for that period. Or, just scroll down to see a table with detailed information under the graph.

5. Why are there sometimes spikes in one year?

In reviewing multiple years of data, you may see "spikes" in the individual years; this can be due to unexpected expenses, such as a hard winter, equipment failure, a capital project, or a specific event that required additional funds. You can drill-down into our OpenGov platform to learn more about where exactly those expenses or revenues are categorized.

6. Can I save the data I am looking at?

Yes, there are Share and Download buttons in the upper right corner. You can share any view on a social network or by email. 

There are also options to download the displayed data in.csv spreadsheet and.png image formats. Additionally, you can copy and paste the url at the top of the page you are viewing.

7. How do I learn more about government accounting?

Use the Help menu on the top right corner to navigate to the "Budget 101" primer to learn more about multi-fund accounting.

8. I have a question. How do I contact my organization?

Use the Help menu on the top right corner to navigate to the "Contact" option to send a message to your organization.

9. Where can you find OpenGov?

• Blog
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Twitter: @OpenGovInc

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Planning - Casper Aquifer

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1. What is the Casper Aquifer Protection Plan?

The purpose of the Casper Aquifer Protection Plan (CAPP) is the protect groundwater resources that supply Public Water Systems (PWS) and Albany County residents within the defined recharge area for the Casper Aquifer. The Casper Aquifer supplies approximately 50 to 60% of the City’s water supply depending on the time of year and 100% of the water to approximately 450 rural residences in Albany County.

To learn more about or view CAPP documents, visit our Casper Aquifer page.

2. Where can I find more information on the Casper Aquifer and the Casper Aquifer Protection Area Map?

Information on the Casper Aquifer Protection Plan (CAPP), as well as maps of the protection area, can be found on our Casper Aquifer page. The Planning Staff are also available to answer questions at 307-721-2568.

3. What are prohibited uses within the Casper Aquifer?

The following are some of the prohibited uses within the Aquifer Protection Overlay:

• Underground storage or transmission of oil or petroleum
• Discharge to ground water of any waste product
• Storage, treatment, or disposal of hazardous waste
• Pest control services which involve storage, mixing, or loading of pesticides or other hazardous materials
• Salvage operations of metal or vehicle parts
• Water wells which are not cased at least to the top of the production zone

For a complete list, please see the Albany County Zoning Resolution (PDF).

4. Can I build in the Casper Aquifer Protection Area?

Development within an overlay zone must meet the additional standards of the overlay, in addition to the underlying zoning standards. In other words, your well and wastewater system must comply with the requirements found within the Albany County Zoning Resolution’s Aquifer Protection Overlay Zone.

For more information, visit the Regulations and Zoning Map page.

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Planning - County Rural Addressing

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1. How do I get an address?

In order to get an address, you must file a principal structure Zoning Certificate Application and pay the appropriate fees. Your address will be assigned and approved with your zoning certificate.

2. Can I get an address for a shop built on my property?

The county will not address vacant land, you must apply for a zoning certificate for a principal structure.

3. When does the county name a road?

The County Addressing Coordinator will name a road when two or more properties share a common roadway. All addresses will be changed to the new named road. A change may also occur if the County Addressing Coordinator determines that naming the roadway to the property will aid emergency service responders.

4. Who names the new roads?

In most circumstances, it is up to the land owners to name the road. If an agreement cannot be made, the County Addressing Coordinator will name the road. The proposed road name must not conflict with existing road names within the county (duplicate or similar sounding). The proposed name will also be checked against the Forest Service road name database.

5. How is the address number determined?

The rural address is assigned to the centerline of the driveway accessing the property. This location cannot be changed after the rural address application has been submitted. If the driveway location is changed, you will be assessed a new rural address fee and assigned a new rural address. A flag can be picked up in the Planning Office to mark the centerline of the driveway.

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Planning - Enforcement & Nuisances

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1. What are different types of enforcement complaints?

Enforcement complaints may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Appliances
• Batteries
• Buildings without permits
• Buildings
• Cars
• Hazardous waste
• Land use violations
• Metal
• Tires
• Trash
• Vehicles
• Wastewater systems without permits
• Wood

2. What does Albany County call a nuisance?

A nuisance is any use or non-use of property, real or personal which causes material injury to others or which presents a threat to the health or safety of Albany County citizens. The Nuisance section is Chapter VI, Section 7 on page 84 of the Albany County Zoning Resolution (PDF).

3. How do I file an enforcement or nuisance complaint?

To file an enforcement or nuisance complaint you may fill out the Nuisance Complaint Form (PDF) and submit it to the planning office.

4. What, and when, is the Albany County Clean Up Day?

The Albany County Clean Up Day, which includes the waiving of fees for Albany County residents to use the Laramie Landfill, is usually scheduled in Late August.

The Board of County Commissioners, the Laramie Rivers Conservation District and the City of Laramie sponsor this event. The disposal cost of auto tires and old refrigerators are paid for by the sponsors.

5. Where can I find the Albany County Building Codes?

Albany County does not have any building codes. However, if you wish to sell your property in the future, we recommend that you use a national building code standard.

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Planning - Floodplains

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1. What is a floodplain?

Any land area susceptible to being inundated by water from any source. These areas are expected to become inundated with flood water at least once in 100 years (and possibly more often).

2. Where can I find floodplain information?

Information on Albany County floodplains can be found in the Flood Damage Prevention Resolution (PDF). Additionally, you may come into the Planning Office to see the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) or you may come in and speak with the Assistant Planner - Environmental, Lisa Erikson.

3. What do I do if my property is in the floodplain?

If your property is located within a floodplain and you are planning to make changes (such as excavation or construction), you will need to fill out an Floodplain Development Application through the Planning Office. The County Planning Department is available to assist you with any questions you may have about this application.

4. Can I contest as to whether or not the property is in the floodplain?

The owner of the property can petition the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) for a “Letter of map change” where the property will be evaluated more extensively to see if an error is present.

5. Who do I contact if I have questions about a floodplain?

If you have questions about floodplains, you may contact the Albany County Planning office, at 307-721-2568.

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Planning - Other Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What can I do on my property?

What you can do on your property depends on the planned use and what the current zoning is on the parcel. Please call 307-721-2568 or come into our office for specifics.

2. Where can I find applications?

Visit the Permit Applications page for:

• Conditional Uses
• Land Use Changes
• Outdoor Signs
• Subdivisions
• Towers, including:
  • Land Use Towers
  • Small Wind Energy Tower
  • Temporary Towers (MET)
  • Tower Co-Locates
  • Wind Energy Conversion Systems
• Other, related permits

When applying for any permit, be sure to review the Schedule of Fees.

3. What are the setbacks and maximum height for towers?

Setbacks and maximum height differ between different types of towers:

• Small Wind Energy Systems:
  • Setbacks from property lines must be 150 feet or three times the tower height, whichever is greater
  • Setbacks from above ground transmission lines, road rights-of-way/easements, and railroad rights-of-way (must be at least 1.1 times the total tower height)
  • The tower height can be no more than 100 feet
• Towers (Land Use Change):
  • Setbacks from property lines must be one foot for every foot in height of the tower
  • No maximum height
• Temporary Towers (MET Towers)
  • The tower location will be at least 1,000 feet from any residence unless the residents sign a document indicating no objection to the tower in the proposed location
  • The height of the tower will be less than 200 feet

4. How do I start the process of developing a subdivision?

It is recommended that you talk to a planner in the Planning Office before you begin the subdivision application process. An applicant will need to have a professional survey completed. You will need to hire a professional engineer or surveyor to complete this process. Many engineering firms are familiar with our process and regulations, however, it is strongly recommended that you speak with a planner to determine what is required and how long the process will take.

For more information, contact the Planning Department at 307-721-2568.

5. How long is the Conditional Use Permit good for?

Conditional Use Permits become void 1 year after they are granted unless put to use. If the permit has been abandoned for 1 year it becomes void.

6. What is a Notice Fee and when is it required?

The Notice Fee covers the notice expenses at the time of filing a development proposal. The Notice Fee is required for any application that is reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

7. What are the requirements for the permits?

Requirements vary depending on the permit. You can find the requirements on the permit applications and in applicable County Land Use Regulations. It is your responsibility to contact the Planning Office to get the specifics on each.

Access the appropriate applications on the Permit Applications page to learn more about specific requirements, or contact the Planning Department at 307-721-2568.

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Planning - Wastewater

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1. What is a wastewater permit?

A wastewater permit is a written authorization issued by the Assistant Planner - Environmental, which authorizes the applicant to construct, install, or modify the small wastewater facility. A small wastewater system is any sewerage system, disposal system or treatment works having engineering needs which is intended for wastes originating from a single residential unit serving no more than four families or which distributes two thousand gallons or less of domestic sewage per day.

For more information, view the Albany County Regulations for Permit to Construct, Install or Modify Small Wastewater Facilities (PDF).

2. Why do I need a wastewater permit?

A wastewater permit is required to ensure that the wastewater system is installed in the best location on the property and that it meets a number of county, state and federal requirements.

3. Where can I find the wastewater permit application?

View the Wastewater Permit Application. Additionally, applications can be picked up in our office, located at 1002 S 3rd Street in the County Annex Building.

4. Who can I contact if I have any questions about the application?

For any questions regarding the wastewater applications, an existing system or a proposed system, please contact the Albany County Planning office at 307-721-2568.

5. What is required for a wastewater permit?

In order to receive authorization to begin a wastewater system, you (or your installer) must bring in the:

• Completed application
• Correct fees (cash/check only)
• Plans, specifications or design data

It is highly recommended that you call 307-721-2568 or email the Planning Department to schedule an appointment with the Assistant Planner - Environmental when you wish to turn in your application.

Aquifer Protection Zone

If your property lies within an area designated as the Casper Aquifer Protection Overlay Zone (CAPZ), any septic field that is to be installed in that area will have to be designed by a Professional Engineer, licensed to practice in Wyoming and qualified to do such work. An electrical engineer, for example, may not have the requisite skills for this undertaking. The engineer should contact the Assistant Planner - Environmental for guidance regarding what will be expected.

6. When and how will my wastewater permit be approved?

The wastewater application will be reviewed by the Assistant Planner - Environmental and the applicant will be given permission to construct. At a later date, the Assistant Planner - Environmental will schedule a time to approve the system before back fill.

7. Who can install wastewater systems in Albany County?

Wastewater systems must be installed by a licensed installer in Albany County.

8. Can I install my own wastewater system?

Property owners may install their own system under the guidance of the Assistant Planner - Environmental.

9. When am I required to get a wastewater permit?

A wastewater permit must be applied for if you are installing, repairing or modifying a small wastewater facility.

10. How do I determine the size of my wastewater system?

The wastewater system is determined by the number of bedrooms in the structure, as well as other criteria. For more complete requirements, please call 307-721-2568 or email the Planning Department to schedule an appointment with the Assistant Planner - Environmental.

11. When can I begin putting the system in?

The wastewater system can be begun when the applicant’s application has been reviewed by the Assistant Planner - Environmental and the applicant has received a permission to construct letter. The installer cannot backfill until the Assistant Planner - Environmental has come out to the site and given their final approval of the system.

12. What are the setbacks for a small wastewater system?

For domestic wastewater systems, with a flow of less than 2000 gallons per day, the following minimum isolation distance (in feet) shall be maintained:

From	To Septic Tank or Equivalent	To Absorption System
Wells (including neighboring wells)	50 feet	100 feet
Property lines (for properties originating on or after 1997)	50 feet	50 feet
Building foundation (without foundation drains)	5 feet	10 feet
Building foundation (with foundation drains)	5 feet	25 feet
Potable water pipes	25 feet	25 feet
Septic tank	N/A	10 feet
Stream or surface body of water (including seasonal and intermittent)	50 feet	50 feet

Location

Absorption systems shall not be located beneath buildings, parking lots, roadways or other similarly compacted areas.

Prior to 1997

For properties originating before 1997, the setback requirement was 10 feet.

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Planning - Zoning Certificates

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1. Should I contact anyone before beginning a project?

Please refer to the Albany County Zoning Resolution or call the Planning Office at 307-721-2568 before beginning a project. These frequently asked questions are meant to be a guide, but are not the regulations. Some projects may require more than a zoning certificate.

2. What is a zoning certificate?

A statement issued by the Albany County Board of County Commissioners that the proposed development is in compliance with the zoning regulation.

3. When do I need a zoning certificate?

A zoning certificate is required for new uses, expansions of existing uses, conditional uses, or changes of use pursuant to Wyoming Statute § 18-5-203. Uses which require a zoning certificate are:

• Principal Structures: the main or principal use of the property. These buildings may be agricultural, residential, commercial, or industrial buildings.
  • Examples include homes, cabins, commercial structures, etc., including structures moved onto the property, such as modular homes, mobile homes and relocated stick-built homes.
• Accessory Buildings: a building that is incidental, detached, and subordinate to the principal structure. This includes any structure with a roof, attached or detached, as well as any temporary or portable structure, and:
  • Barns
  • Garages
  • Sheds
  • Shops
• Additions to Principal Structures or Accessory Buildings:
  • Enclosed porches
  • Additional living space
  • Covered decks
  • Garage additions

4. Where can I find a Zoning Certificate Application?

Access the Zoning Certificate Application. Applications can also be picked up in our office, located at 1002 S 3rd Street in the County Annex Building.

5. When does the zoning certificate expire?

Zoning certificates are valid for two years from the date of approval. A one year extension may be granted, at the discretion of the County Planner, if substantial progress toward completion has occurred.

6. What is required for a zoning certificate?

In order to have your zoning certificate processed, you must mail or bring in the:

• Completed application
• Correct fees (cash/check only)
• Easements and/or approach licenses
• Proof of ownership (deed)
• Site plan

Incomplete applications will be returned.

7. What can be used for proof of ownership?

A deed, warranty deed, or a contract for deed can be used for proof of ownership.

8. Where can I get a copy of my deed?

The County Real Estate Office, located at 525 Grand Avenue, will have a copy of your deed. If out-of-town, you can call the Real Estate Office at 307-721-2547 and they can fax us a copy of your deed.

9. What is required for the site plan?

A site plan requires:

• The entire lot or parcel with dimensions and orient the drawing to the North Arrow
• Adjacent roads and their names
• Locations and outside dimensions of all buildings
• Building setback distances
• Setbacks for the well and septic systems
• Significant features or improvement of the subject property, such as:
  • Corrals
  • Fences
  • Irrigation ditches
  • Overhead power lines
  • Ponds
  • Septic systems
  • Streams
  • Towers
  • Wells
• Driveway location

10. When will my zoning certificate be approved?

The Albany County Zoning Certificate Application will be reviewed by the Planning Department. If it satisfies the requirements of the Zoning Regulations, the application will be approved. The approval packet will be emailed to the applicant within approximately 14 business days of submittal.

11. When will I receive the approved zoning certificate?

You will receive your approved zoning certificate in the mail approximately one to two weeks from the date of approval.

12. Can I build my shop (accessory building) first?

County Zoning Regulations (PDF) require that a principal structure must be permitted or applied for in order for an accessory building permit to be approved. An accessory building is defined as any structure not used as a principal structure.

13. What if I build without a permit?

A late fee charge of $100 will be assessed for any construction begun prior to approval from the Board of County Commissioners.

14. Why do you need the estimated cost of my new structure?

New construction and estimated building costs are reported to the Wyoming Center for Business and Economic Analysis, Inc. and the U.S. Census Bureau.

15. Do I have to get a wastewater (septic) permit before a zoning certificate?

It is strongly recommended that you obtain your zoning certificate and wastewater permit at the same time. If you are building on a small lot, this is highly recommended to insure that the proper location for the septic field can be determined.

Access the Wastewater Permit.

16. When can I begin construction?

Construction can be begun as soon as your zoning certificate has been approved. Dirt work can be started prior to approval.