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Planning Commission adopts exemption raising residential permit threshold to 400 sq ft
Summary
The commission adopted an amendment to 2024 IRC Section R105.2 to exempt one‑story detached residential accessory structures up to 400 square feet from building permit requirements; Justin Arnold presented the change and commissioners approved it following discussion that it excludes commercial buildings.
The Laramie County Planning Commission voted to adopt an amendment to 2024 International Residential Code Section R105.2 to exempt certain residential accessory structures from building permits if the floor area does not exceed 400 square feet. Justin Arnold of Laramie County Planning and Development presented the amendment on behalf of Chief Building Official Dan Peters.
Arnold said the county has issued building permits since adopting the international building codes in 2003 and established its own building division in 2008. Citing delegated authority under Wyoming statute 35-9-121, staff proposed changing the current residential exemption from 200 square feet to 400 square feet after public feedback during an August 20 open house. Arnold said the recommended change would exempt shipping containers, smaller sheds and smaller carports from permit requirements but that the amendment incorporated pre-engineered foundation and anchoring standards for conex structures.
When the chair asked whether a commercial storage-unit project composed of many small units would be exempt, Arnold clarified the amendment applies to residential accessory structures only and does not change commercial permitting thresholds; he noted commercial code triggers permitting at a different (commercial) threshold. Arnold also reminded the commission that adoption, amendment or repeal of regulations must follow Wyoming State statute 16-3-103 rulemaking procedures and that a 45-day notice and public-input period had been provided.
After a public comment period with no speakers, a committee member moved to adopt the R105.2 exemption as presented; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call.
The amendment changes the county’s residential permit threshold and is intended to reduce permitting requirements for small accessory structures in unincorporated Laramie County while retaining anchoring and foundation standards for conex-style structures. The commission said staff will continue to monitor implementation and could revisit the rule if needed.
