Tiny Home Regulations in Wyoming: The Complete Guide
If you’re anything like us, then many of your problems could probably be solved on top of a mountain—specifically, a mountain in the Teton Range. Up there, your problems might not disappear, but they’ll surely feel smaller.
What if you could enjoy those breathtaking views without leaving the comfort of your home? With a Zook Cabin’s Park Model Tiny Home, you can! These tiny homes make it possible to explore Wyoming’s incredible National and State Parks while embracing the spirit of the Wild West.
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry! Navigating tiny home regulations in Wyoming is simpler than you might think. Let us guide you through the process so you can focus on your next adventure.
Wyoming is a relatively easy place to bring your tiny home. With very few building laws or permit requirements across the state, there is much to explore for the budget-conscious and adventure-filled heart. In this article, we’ll unpack everything you should know about tiny living in Wyoming!
We’ll answer questions like:
Are Tiny Houses Legal in Wyoming?
Yes! Tiny homes are legal in Wyoming.
In general, tiny homes are welcome throughout the state of Wyoming. However, because Wyoming does not have statewide building regulations, tiny home laws can vary vastly by county or even within a county from city to city.
While the state has not adopted any building code, Wyoming does recommend that counties, cities, and building projects follow the International Building Code. This code has regulations for tiny houses in its Appendix Q. This appendix regulates that homes that are 400 sq ft or less should have a skylight or roof window for emergency escape, a landing platform for a loft, a ceiling height of no less than 6ft 8in, and if a loft is added, appropriate stairs and handrails for access.
Homes in Wyoming generally should have a living room and a bedroom with 220 sq ft of floor area, a separate bathroom, a kitchen with appropriate cooking appliances, and utility connections to city or county water, sewer systems, and electricity.
To find out what kind of tiny homes are allowed in your area and where exactly they are allowed, it’s usually best to contact your local building and planning office.
Are Park Models the Same Things As Tiny Homes?
Yes and no. The difference between park model homes and tiny houses is not always clear, as regulations in different areas discuss and define these two types of homes differently.
In general, a park model home is one that is built on a chassis with wheels, is less than 400 sq ft, and is designed to be moved. These homes are built to comply with the ANSI A119.5 standards, which also govern recreational vehicles (RVs).
On the other hand, “tiny homes” is a more broad term used to describe a number of different designs, sizes, and styles of small houses. This means that while park models can be tiny homes, many tiny homes are not park models. Read more about this distinction with our complete article about the differences between park model homes and tiny homes here.
Why is this important? Well, park model-style tiny homes are often regulated as recreational vehicles, which can make it more challenging to live in a park model tiny home permanently. In Wyoming, many counties regulate park models as RVs, and only some counties and cities allow RVs to be placed in every zoned district or used as permanent housing.
What Counties in Wyoming Allow Park Model Tiny Homes?
Does Albany County, Wyoming Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes. Albany County, Wyoming, does allow tiny homes. Albany County does not have any building codes but instead recommends new buildings follow the national building code standard. A zoning certificate and a building permit are required in most places in the county for the construction of new houses and accessory buildings. Contact Albany County’s Planning & Zoning Commission for more information. Cities within Albany County may have their own building codes, like the city of Laramie, so be sure to check in with your local area’s building and zoning code to ensure your tiny home meets local and state codes.
Does Big Horn County, Wyoming Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, Big Horn County, Wyoming, does allow tiny homes. Special building regulations may exist for new building projects or residential buildings near airport protection zones and flood zones. However, relatively few regulations or permit requirements exist outside of those areas. Contact your local area’s planning or zoning office to find the complete list of tiny home laws for your location, or reach out to Big Horn County’s Planning and Zoning Commission.
Does Campbell County, Wyoming Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes! Tiny homes are allowed in Campbell County, Wyoming. Like many counties in Wyoming, Campbell County does not have countywide zoning or building codes. Check out Campbell County’s Planning & Zoning Division for more information. There are many places within the county where cities or subdivisions have specified how the land may be used. In these instances, tiny homes are more often than not regulated as manufactured and mobile homes and are usually permitted in specific areas within these counties. Check your local area’s regulations to find out what local specifications your tiny home should follow.
Does Carbon County, Wyoming Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, tiny homes are legal in Carbon County, Wyoming. The county has county-wide zoning regulations but does not have specific rules for tiny homes. Following the state’s precedent, tiny homes are likely regulated as manufactured homes. This means they must follow the manufactured home code and should primarily be located in zoning districts where manufactured homes are also permitted. Check out the zoning resolution for yourself here.
Does Converse County, Wyoming Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes. Converse County, Wyoming, does allow tiny homes. Like many rural counties in Wyoming, Converse County does not have a county-wide building code. Similarly, in most cases, permits are not required for building or placing residences in the county. However, residences are required to have county-compliant septic and wastewater systems. Check your local area’s residential building and zoning regulations to find the specific list of laws for your tiny home and location. Or, check Converse County’s list of regulations here!
Does Crook County, Wyoming Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, Crook County does allow tiny homes. The county has not adopted a county-wide building or zoning code. This means that there are few building laws or permit requirements to follow when building or placing a tiny home in Crook County. Confirm this with the County’s Planning Department here. However, Crook County does recommend following the State of Wyoming’s recommended International Building Codes. Check your local area’s code, as laws and regulations frequently differ by city within a county, and it’s important to be sure your tiny home is up to your local area’s code as well.
Does Fremont County, Wyoming Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes. Tiny homes are allowed in Fremont County, Wyoming. Fremont County does not have any county-wide zoning code or county-specific building code. However, the county requires that permits be acquired for small wastewater systems and buildings within designated flood hazard zones. The county also recommends that new construction projects follow the 2021 International Building Code. Contact Fremont County’s Planning Department for more information. This code has a special appendix specifically for tiny homes, which gives tiny home enthusiasts in Fremont County an excellent starting point for their tiny home projects. Be sure to check your local area’s code within Fremont County, as regulations often differ within a county.
Does Goshen County, Wyoming Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes. Goshen County, Wyoming, does allow tiny homes. Goshen County does not have its own zoning regulations or building permit requirements. For the most part, residents interested in living or building in Goshen County should use Goshen County’s subdivision regulations for guidance on building and placing tiny homes in the county. View Goshen County’s Planning Regulations for the most up-to-date information. Also, be sure to check with your local city or town’s code department, as regulations often vary within a county.
Does Hot Springs County, Wyoming Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, Hot Springs County, Wyoming, does permit tiny homes. Overall, Hot Springs County does not enforce a county-level building code, but there are sometimes permit requirements for land use changes and residential septic systems. Check-in with your local government’s planning and building office to ensure your tiny home is legal in your area and that you follow any tiny home-specific regulations your area might enforce. Also check in with Hot Springs County’s Planning Department as regulations are always changing!
Does Johnson County, Wyoming Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, tiny homes are legal in Johnson County, Wyoming. Johnson County has very few regulations for tiny houses but does have some zoning specifications. If you are interested in building or placing a tiny home in Johnson County, please contact the Johnson County Planning and Zoning Department for specific regulations and subdivision requirements. It’s also a good idea to check with your local city or town’s planning office to see if your area has specific tiny home regulations.
Does Laramie County, Wyoming Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes! Tiny homes are allowed in Laramie County, Wyoming. Building codes and permits are enforced in Laramie County, and tiny homes and park model tiny homes on wheels are allowed in most zoning districts throughout the county. Check-in with your local area’s planning or zoning office to determine what laws and requirements will apply to your tiny home. Or, contact the Laramie County’s Planning and Development office.
Does Lincoln County, Wyoming Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes. Lincoln County, Wyoming, does allow tiny homes. Lincoln County recommends that residents follow the International Residential and Building Code when building any residential building, including a tiny house. Some areas have adopted versions of the International Residential Code with specific emphasis on the fire protection appendixes. Building permits are required in Lincoln County, Wyoming. For more information about regulations in Lincoln County contact their office of planning and development. Check your local planning and zoning department for your area’s most specific building regulations.
Does Natrona County, Wyoming Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes! Tiny homes are allowed in Natrona County, Wyoming! A permit is required to build, move, or place a tiny home in Natrona County. Tiny homes should have a living space of no smaller than 220 sq ft with an additional 100 square feet for each additional occupant. The ceiling should be no smaller than 7 ft, and a kitchen sink, cooking, and refrigeration applications are required. Light and ventilation specifications should follow the residential code, and a separate bathroom is required.
Tiny homes on wheels are defined as trailers in Natrona County and are subject to Manufactured Home standards. Find all of Natrona County’s regulations here. Contact your local planning department for a complete list of requirements and to clarify any questions you may have about these laws.
Does Niobrara County, Wyoming Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes! Tiny homes are permitted in Niobrara County, Wyoming. Tiny homes should be no smaller than 264 sq ft, and all homes must have connections to required county utilities. Tiny homes may not be allowed in every zoned district in Niobrara County, but, for the most part, these homes are allowed throughout the county. Contact the Niobrara County government for more information. Be sure to check with your local town or city’s planning and building department to determine the specific regulations your tiny home must meet.
Does Park County, Wyoming Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes! Park County, Wyoming, does allow tiny homes. Park County’s regulations for tiny homes may be slightly more stringent than those of other counties in Wyoming, as Park County is predominantly home to Yellowstone National Park. However, tiny homes are permitted in the county and regulated as manufactured and mobile homes. Contact Park County’s Planning and Zoning department here!
The county seat, Cody, has specific tiny home regulations, including zoning restrictions for tiny homes on wheels. Otherwise, so long as homes are on a permanent foundation or properly skirted and tied down, tiny homes are allowed throughout zoning districts in the county. As always, be sure to check with your local planning and zoning office, as regulations frequently differ by city or town within a county.
Does Platte County, Wyoming Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes. Tiny homes are allowed in Platte County, Wyoming. Tiny homes on a foundation are permitted in every residential zoning district, provided they follow each zone’s residential building requirements. Tiny houses on wheels are subject to the same regulations as mobile homes and, depending on the case, as recreational vehicles. In most cases, tiny homes on wheels are allowed throughout the county, so long as they meet the specifications of the zoned district where they are placed. Find more information on the Platte County Planning and Zoning website. Check with your local building and zoning codes, as regulations frequently vary within counties in Wyoming.
Does Sheridan County, Wyoming Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, tiny homes are allowed in Sheridan County, Wyoming. A building and, in some cases, a zoning permit is required before the construction or placement of a tiny home in Sheridan County. Tiny homes should follow the zoning restrictions of either the residential or manufactured homes in the district they are placed in. As regulations vary by each zoned district and because laws often differ between cities within a county, check with your local area’s planning and zoning office for the most accurate tiny home regulations for your location. Or, for more information, contact Sheridan County’s Planning Department.
Does Sublette County, Wyoming Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes! Tiny homes are legal in Sublette County, Wyoming. Homes must be no smaller than 400 sq ft. In addition, a permit is required to build or place a tiny home inside Sublette County. Find Sublette County’s Planning and Zoning Department here! Check with your local building and zoning code to find your most local building laws, as regulations frequently differ between areas.
Does Sweetwater County, Wyoming Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, Sweetwater County does allow tiny homes. A zoning permit is required in Sweetwater County to build or place a tiny house. Make sure your tiny home in Sweetwater County meets all the zoning rules. Since it’s primarily a rural desert area, following the regulations is key to settling in and living there comfortably. For more information, contact Sweetwater County’s Land Use Department. Be sure to check your local area’s laws, as building and zoning codes can differ by city or town within a county.
Does Teton County, Wyoming Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, Teton County, Wyoming, does allow tiny homes. Teton County follows the International Residential Code, which contains a special appendix for tiny houses. Tiny homes in Teton County must have an egress roof access window, a landing platform for a loft, and a minimum ceiling height of 6 ft 8in. Find all of Teton County’s Code Resolutions here. A permit is required to build in Teton County, Wyoming. Check your local area’s zoning and building code for the most localized list of tiny homes in your area.
Does Uinta County, Wyoming Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, tiny homes are legal in Uinta County, Wyoming. Uinta County does not have a countywide building code. However, all residential building projects require a building and land use permit throughout the county. Unincorporated parts of the county are subject to few building or zoning restrictions. Still, most cities in the county have adopted some version of the International Building Code and its appendices. Therefore, it is likely that tiny homes are permitted in most areas of the county. For more information at the county level, check in with Uinta’s Planning & Development Department. Be sure to check with your local area’s building and planning office to ensure your tiny house is legal in your area.
Does Washakie County, Wyoming Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes. Tiny homes are permitted in Washakie County, Wyoming. The county has some zoning regulations but does not have a countywide building code. This means that there are very few restrictions or permit requirements for unincorporated parts of Washakie County. Check in with the Washakie County Planner for more information.
Many cities within Washakie County have adopted their own building code. For example, the county seat, Worland, has adopted a version of the International Residential Code. In this case, it is best to check with your local area’s planning and zoning office to find out if your area abides by a particular building code and, if so, what that code is.
Does Weston County, Wyoming Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes. Weston County does allow tiny homes. While Weston County does not have countywide building regulations or permit requirements, it does have subdivision regulations, and cities within Weston have adopted their own building code. Most incorporated parts of the county have adopted a version of the International Residential Code, which permits tiny homes and usually requires a building permit for the construction or placement of a tiny house. Be sure to check with your local area’s planning and zoning office to find out if your location has a building code to follow or a permit requirement. Or, check in with Weston County’s Planning and Zoning Office for countywide information.
Find Your Park Model Tiny Home Regulations in Wyoming by Municipality
Does Casper, Wyoming Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes! Tiny homes are allowed in Casper, Wyoming. Tiny homes should be no smaller than 220 sq ft and have an additional 100 sq ft for each additional occupant over two. The ceiling of the tiny home should be no smaller than 7 ft, and there should be a separate bathroom and a room with appropriate kitchen appliances.
Tiny homes on wheels should meet HUD codes and must be inspected by a HUD inspector instead of through a traditional building permit process. Before beginning construction or placing your tiny home, it’s important to verify the specific regulations that apply to your property. Consult your local zoning district to ensure your tiny home meets all the necessary building, placement, and safety requirements.
Does Cheyenne, Wyoming Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes! Tiny homes are allowed in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Tiny houses are permitted in any residential district in which it meets the set standards for that district. In general, homes should be skirted or placed on a permanent foundation. The tiny homes should also be connected to all required public utilities. Check in with Cheyenne’s Building Department and with your specific zoned district to determine which regulations your tiny home must meet before construction or placement.
Does Cody, Wyoming Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes! Tiny homes are allowed in Cody, Wyoming. The city has adopted the International Building Code, including its appendix that regulates tiny homes. This means that tiny homes that meet the appendix’s regulations are permitted in the city. However, these homes must also abide by the city’s zoning code. Cody zones tiny homes on wheels as Recreational Vehicles or RVs and only permits them in certain areas. It is wise to check with your local zoning department for more information about where you can build or place a tiny home.
Does Gillette, Wyoming Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes. Tiny homes are allowed in Gillette, Wyoming. Tiny homes should be properly skirted and securely fastened to the ground within city limits. They should also be connected to water, sewer, gas, and electrical utilities. A building permit is required to build or place a tiny home in Gillette, Wyoming. Check Gillette’s Zoning Ordinance for a complete list of regulations for your tiny house.
Does Jackson, Wyoming Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, Jackson, Wyoming, permits tiny homes! The city has adopted the International Residential Code (IRC), which includes a dedicated appendix for tiny houses. Requirements include an egress roof access window, a landing platform for lofts, and a minimum ceiling height of 6 feet 8 inches. A building permit is mandatory for constructing a tiny home in Jackson. Be sure to consult Jackson’s Planning and Building Department and the code for your property to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Does Laramie, Wyoming Allow Tiny Homes?
Yes, tiny homes are allowed in Laramie, Wyoming. The city of Laramie has adopted the International Building and Residential Code, which permits tiny homes that meet certain height, emergency escape, and utility connection requirements. Contact Laramie’s Building Department for building permit information. Check your local building and zoning code for the most complete regulations for your tiny house in your area.
What Counties in Wyoming Don’t Allow Park Model Tiny Homes?
Great news! No county in Wyoming has explicit building regulations or requirements that prohibit tiny homes. However, building codes are always changing, and because regulations vary so widely within Wyoming, it is possible that this won’t always be the case. Consult with your local government’s building and zoning office to determine whether, where, and what kind of tiny home is permitted in your area before construction or use.
Park Model Tiny Homes That Are Allowed in Wyoming
The Luna
The Cascade
The A-Frame Studio
Park Model Regulations in Wyoming
Can I Live in A Park Model Tiny Home in Wyoming?
Yes! In many locations throughout Wyoming, it is completely legal to live in a park model tiny home. Many areas regulate park model tiny homes as recreational vehicles (RVs) and do not consider them permanent residences. However, there are many counties in Wyoming where these regulations do not apply and where park model tiny homes, if skirted or on a permanent foundation, are allowed in most residential zoning districts.
Can Park Model Tiny Homes Be Used As An ADU in Wyoming?
Some areas in Wyoming, but not all, permit park model tiny homes for use as Accessory Dwelling Units or ADUs. ADUs are only permitted in some parts of the state. Counties that permit ADUs include Campbell, Park, Sheridan, Sublette, Sweetwater, and the cities of Cheyenne and Cody. Given Wyoming’s minimal building regulations, ADUs are likely permitted in various areas across the state, offering flexible options for homeowners.
Just because an area permits ADUs does not mean that they allow park model tiny homes to be used as ADUs, too. In most cases in Wyoming, as long as the park model is skirted and ADUs are permitted in the area, then Park Model Tiny Homes can be used as an ADU. It’s always a good idea to check in with your local building or zoning department to ensure that your park-model tiny home can be used as an ADU.
Do You Need A Permit For Tiny Homes in Wyoming?
It depends! Every city, town, and county in Wyoming has its own rules and regulations. In general, tiny homes on wheels do not usually require a permit; however, they should be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Otherwise, building permit requirements to construct or place a tiny home differ by area. In locations without a building or zoning code, it is unlikely that building permits will be strictly required. In counties and regions with building codes, permits are typically required. Be sure to check in with your local government’s office to determine the building laws and permit requirements.
Are There Any Tiny Home Communities in Wyoming?
Yes! There are a number of tiny home communities throughout Wyoming. Tiny homes are abundant in the state due to the lack of building regulations in many areas and the numerous parks and tourist destinations. Staying at or visiting one of these communities is a great way to try out tiny living in Wyoming before making a total commitment to it.
Ready to jump in all the way? Living in tiny home communities provides residents with a number of amenities and support systems that would be more difficult to access otherwise. Plus, tiny home communities are usually more affordable than urban living, and they are certainly more eco-friendly. Check out this sampling of the tiny home communities in Wyoming.
Etna Shire, 17,18 Shire Ln, Etna, WY: Created with the goal of supporting a sustainable and eco-friendly way of living, the Etna Shire is a small house community located south of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Rent or own a tiny home at the Etna Shire and enjoy community features like a community center, yoga studio, salon, and proximity to hiking and skiing trails.
Fireside Resort, 2780 N Moose Wilson Road, Wilson, WY: Try out tiny home living at Jackson Hole’s Fireside Resort. These tiny homes are conveniently located to Jackson Hole and the Teton Wilderness. With proximity to whitewater rafting, hiking trails, and Yellowstone National Park, there is much to explore here!
Fireside Buffalo Valley, 17800 HWY 287, Moran, WY: Fireside Buffalo Valley is an RV and Tiny Home park with full utility hookups, picnic table and fire ring spots, onsite convenience store, gas station, and bar. It’s located just five miles east of Grand Teton National Park, as well as a short drive to Yellowstone National Park, Jackson, Wyoming, and DuBois, Wyoming.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wyoming Tiny House Laws
How Much Does it Cost to Build a Tiny House in Wyoming?
The average cost of a tiny home in Wyoming is usually between $30,000 and $100,000. However, factors like location, size, and selected amenities can influence the final price, potentially making it higher or lower. To get an accurate sense of the market, consider exploring tiny homes for sale in your area of Wyoming. Current tiny home prices in Wyoming can reflect approximately what you might expect to pay.
Building a tiny home from scratch is often a more cost-effective option, giving you greater control over the budget and design. For a detailed pricing breakdown of our park model tiny homes, look at this article, which highlights the costs of one of our park model homes. Or, contact Zook Cabins today to request a free quote on your dream tiny home!
Is There a Minimum Size My Tiny Home Must Be in Wyoming?
Regulations vary so much throughout Wyoming, as the state has no statewide building code. In most cases, tiny homes should have at least 220 sq ft of living space and a minimum ceiling height of 6ft 8in. Habitable rooms should be no smaller than 70 sq ft; if a loft is included in the tiny home, the loft should be no smaller than 35 sq ft. However, some areas without building codes or permit restrictions may be more lenient. As always, check your location’s building code to find out your specific requirements.
How Much Land Do You Need for A Tiny Home in Wyoming?
Land requirements in Wyoming vary by county, city, and zoned district. In most places in Wyoming, there is no minimum land requirement for building a tiny home. However, typically, only a fraction of an acre at minimum is required. Generally, a quarter to half an acre is recommended for the comfortable placement of a tiny home, as this allows plenty of room for utilities, setbacks, and outdoor living space. Because Wyoming does not have a comprehensive statewide building code for tiny homes, building tiny homes is easier because restrictions like land requirements largely do not exist.
What Counties in Wyoming Have No Building Codes?
There are several counties in Wyoming that do not have county-wide building codes. This does not mean that every area in the county is not regulated by building codes but that, at the county level, building codes have not yet been adopted. Counties in Wyoming without county-wide building codes include Albany, Big Horn, Converse, Crook, Fremont, Goshen, Hot Springs, and Weston. As always, check with your local city or town’s zoning and building office to ensure your construction project is legal in your area.
Can A Park Model Tiny Homes Have Multiple Bedrooms and Bathrooms?
Absolutely! Park model tiny homes come in a variety of styles and floorplans and thus can feature multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. Our park model homes are packed with premium features tailored to your preferences. Features include an RVIA Seal, durable Pella Impervia series fiberglass windows, custom birch cabinetry, complete electrical, plumbing, and insulation systems, luxury flooring, and much much more.
Our floor plans include extra bedrooms and additional porch and living area space if needed; we have options that make it possible. Explore our current park model designs and discover how they can meet your needs.
For inspiration, check out this article on how to maximize the features of your Zook Cabins park model home!
Are Park Model Tiny Homes A Good Investment?
Absolutely! Park model tiny homes can be an excellent investment in Wyoming. These homes offer a cost-effective and high-return investment. Many owners utilize park models as short-term rental properties or Airbnbs as a way to generate additional income.
In Wyoming, the state’s relaxed building and zoning regulations in rural areas further enhance the flexibility of using park model homes for personal or rental purposes. However, it’s essential to review local regulations in your specific area to ensure compliance with laws governing tiny homes and short-term rentals.
If you’re considering a park model home, we’re here to help you explore your options. Many of our customers have turned their park models into profitable rental businesses. Want to learn more? See how Bobby Lee and Andrew converted 11 Zook Cabins Park Models into their perfect RV rental camp. If you’re interested in one of our park models as an investment rental property, fill out this pro forma to learn more.