The Park County planning department has prepared answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the new Development Standards and Regulations process, which is currently in the final stages.

DOES PARK COUNTY INCLUDE THE CITIES OF CODY AND POWELL AND THE TOWNS OF MEETEETSE AND FRANNIE?

Geographically, yes — the municipalities are within Park County. However, in terms of regulation, Park County only has authority in the unincorporated area of the county, which does not include any of the municipalities. Park County’s rules do not apply to properties within municipalities, and rules of the municipalities do not apply to properties in the unincorporated area.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN

THE LAND USE PLAN AND THE DSR?

The Land Use Plan is a non-regulatory policy document that provides long-term guidance for how land within Park County should be used and developed. It outlines general goals and strategies for future growth. In Wyoming, all counties and municipalities are required by law (W.S. § 9-8-301) to have a land use plan. Park County adopted its first land use plan in 1978, with amendments in 1998 and 2024. Land use plans guide the development of zoning regulation and should be reviewed every five to 10 years.

The DSR is a regulatory tool that implements the land use plan by regulating the use, density, and form of development on individual parcels of land. The zoning portion of the DSR divides land into districts (e.g., agricultural, residential, commercial, or industrial) and establishes the rules for what can be built in each district, including minimum lot sizes, maximum building heights, and permitted uses. Unlike the Land Use Plan, the DSR has the force of law and is enforceable through permitting and compliance mechanisms.

DOES THE COUNTY CURRENTLY HAVE ZONING AND SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS?

Yes. The county has had platting and subdivision policy since 1962 and zoning regulations since 1968. These regulations have been amended more than a dozen times over the years. The current subdivision and zoning regulations are within the 2015 DSR.

IS THE COUNTY REQUIRED TO ADOPT ZONING?

While counties are required to adopt a land use plan, zoning regulation is an optional tool to implement the land use plan and mitigate the impacts of growth and development. W.S. § 18-5-201 authorizes the county to regulate the location and use of buildings and structures and condition of use or occupancy of lands for residence, recreation, agriculture, industry, commerce, public use, and other purposes in the unincorporated area of the county. Further, when the county opted to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program, administration and enforcement of development within flood zones became a requirement.

Visit engageparkcounty.com for more information.