Buffalo Zoning Overview

Buffalo is a town in Johnson County, Wyoming with approximately 4,585 residents. The town manages land use and development through its local zoning ordinance, which divides the municipality into districts regulating permitted uses, building heights, lot sizes, setbacks, and density. (NOT VERIFIED — confirm with local planning department)

Note that Wyoming has no statewide building code. Buffalo adopts and enforces its own building codes locally, typically based on the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC).

Primary Zoning Districts

The R-1 (Single-Family Residential) district requires a minimum lot size of 7,500 sq ft with a 35 ft height limit and setbacks of 25 ft (front), 5 ft (side), and 20 ft (rear). The R-2 (Multi-Family Residential) district allows varying lot sizes with a 40 ft height limit and setbacks of 20 ft (front), 10 ft (side), and 20 ft (rear). Commercial activity is served by the C-1 (Commercial) district. Industrial uses are accommodated by the I (Industrial) district.

ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Rules

Wyoming does not have a statewide ADU mandate. Buffalo may allow accessory dwelling units under its local zoning ordinance. Contact the Buffalo Planning Department at (307) 684-5566 for current requirements including size limits, setbacks, owner-occupancy rules, and permitting procedures.

Development Process

Development in Buffalo generally requires obtaining the appropriate permits from the town's planning and building departments. The process typically involves:

1. Zoning Verification — Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district
2. Site Plan Review — For commercial and multi-family projects, submit a site plan for review
3. Building Permit — Apply for a building permit with construction documents
4. Inspections — Schedule required inspections during construction
5. Certificate of Occupancy — Obtain final approval before occupying the structure

For projects that do not conform to existing zoning, property owners may need to seek a variance, special exception, or rezoning through the local board of zoning appeals or planning commission.

Key Considerations

Before starting any development project in Buffalo, property owners should:

• Verify the zoning classification of their property
• Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements for their specific district
• Check for any overlay districts or special regulations
• Determine if the property is in a flood zone using FEMA's flood map service
• Confirm whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply
• Contact the Planning Department at (307) 684-5566 for pre-application guidance

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Buffalo and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the City of Buffalo or the municipal code before making development decisions.