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Wyoming, Hot Springs County HVAC Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas

For HVAC permit requirements in Hot Springs County, Wyoming, particularly for properties in unincorporated areas, the following applies:

County-Level Jurisdiction

Hot Springs County handles building permits for properties within its unincorporated areas. Wyoming does not have a statewide mandatory residential building code. Consequently, Hot Springs County has adopted little to no formal residential building code for its unincorporated areas. However, permits may still be required for specific types of work, including electrical, plumbing, and septic systems.

Unincorporated Areas

For projects in unincorporated areas of Hot Springs County, it is crucial to contact the Hot Springs County Commissioners office at (307) 864-3515 to determine if a building permit is necessary for your specific project. If a permit is required, you will need to obtain an application form from the county office, complete it, and submit it along with any required supporting documents and fees to the Hot Springs County Courthouse at 415 Arapahoe Street, Thermopolis, WY 82443.

State-Level Regulations

While Hot Springs County may not have extensive local building codes for unincorporated areas, state regulations still apply. The Wyoming State Electrical Code, enforced by the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services Division of Labor, is applicable statewide. For any electrical work, you must contact this division to obtain the required state electrical permit. The Wyoming State Fire Marshal has jurisdiction over fire safety for commercial and multi-family properties.

Wyoming generally adopts the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC), with modifications for state-specific needs. However, local jurisdictions can adopt their own building codes. There is no statewide energy code in Wyoming; energy codes are adopted at the jurisdictional level.

Specific HVAC Considerations

A mechanical permit is generally required for new HVAC installations, system replacements, and ductwork modifications. Work must comply with the International Mechanical Code (IMC) and equipment manufacturer specifications. A final inspection by the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) is required before system commissioning.

For electrical work related to HVAC systems, the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Division of Labor (Electrical Program) should be contacted. Homeowner exemptions for electrical work on owner-occupied primary residences may apply, but this should be confirmed with the Division of Labor.

Resources to Learn More

Note: The following state-wide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Wyoming, including Hot Springs County.

Wyoming Hvac Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines

State-Level Building Codes and Legislation for HVAC in Wyoming

Wyoming does not have a single, mandatory statewide building code that applies to all construction. Instead, the state adopts specific codes that are primarily enforced at the local jurisdictional level (cities and counties). Under Wyoming Statute § 35-9-106, the Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety (WDFPES) is authorized to establish minimum fire and electrical safety standards for buildings. While the state adopts these standards, local jurisdictions may choose to adopt and enforce them, often with local amendments.

As of June 28, 2024, the State of Wyoming has adopted the 2024 editions of the International Codes (I-Codes). These codes, which govern HVAC, mechanical, and fuel gas installations, include:

The Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety (WDFPES), led by the State Fire Marshal, is the primary agency responsible for adopting these standards. The WDFPES also conducts plan reviews and inspections for specific types of buildings as mandated by Wyoming Statute § 35-9-108, including state-owned or leased buildings, schools, multi-story public buildings, and public buildings over 5,000 square feet. For most other residential and commercial projects, enforcement is handled by local building departments, which are required by state law to adopt or maintain standards that at least meet the statewide standards if they choose to act as a local enforcement authority.

Resources to Learn More

Select a City in Hot Springs County

If your project is located within incorporated city limits, you will likely need to follow municipal ordinances rather than county rules. Select your city below to view local regulations.

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