ADU Rules in Jackson, Wyoming

No Wyoming Statewide ADU Law

Wyoming has no statewide ADU preemption law. ADU rules in Jackson and Teton County are set locally. Critically, there are two separate jurisdictions:

1. Town of Jackson: Governed by the Town's Land Development Regulations (LDR) and Code of Ordinances
2. Teton County (unincorporated): Governed by Teton County's Land Development Regulations, which are administered jointly by the Jackson/Teton County Planning Department under the Jackson/Teton County Comprehensive Plan

Always confirm which jurisdiction applies to your specific parcel before proceeding.

Jackson's Workforce Housing Crisis and ADU Policy

Jackson Hole is a geographic valley (not just a town name) encompassing the Town of Jackson and surrounding unincorporated Teton County. Grand Teton National Park borders the valley to the north and east; Bridger-Teton National Forest surrounds much of the remainder. The Snake River runs the length of the valley floor.

Because approximately 97% of land in Teton County is federally owned (national park, national forest, wildlife refuges), private land is extraordinarily scarce. Combined with intense demand from wealthy buyers — including second-home and investment property purchasers from across the country and internationally — median home prices in Teton County have been among the highest in the United States for decades. Workforce employees who work in tourism, hospitality, healthcare, and public services are effectively priced out of the housing market without subsidized or deed-restricted options.

The Town of Jackson has responded by actively promoting ADUs (variously called accessory apartments, employee housing units, or secondary dwelling units) as a workforce housing tool. The town's planning documents explicitly recognize that ADU production is essential to maintaining a functional year-round community.

ADU Standards in the Town of Jackson

Within Jackson town limits, accessory dwelling units may be permitted in residential and some mixed-use zones. Key considerations include:

• Zone eligibility: ADUs are allowed in certain residential zones; verify your parcel's specific zone with the planning department
• Unit size: Size limits apply; small to moderately sized ADUs (often 500–800 sq ft) are most commonly approved for residential zones
• Deed restrictions: The Town may require that ADUs serving as employee housing units carry deed restrictions limiting occupancy to local employees or capping rents; verify current requirements
• Design standards: ADUs must be architecturally compatible with the primary structure; the town maintains design guidelines in some areas
• Setbacks and height: Standard residential setback and height requirements apply; detached ADUs at the rear of lots are a common configuration
• Parking: One off-street parking space per ADU is typically required

Teton County Land Development Regulations

Properties outside Jackson town limits in unincorporated Teton County are subject to Teton County's LDR, which are administered jointly with the Town. Teton County's rules are notably more restrictive due to:

• Environmental sensitivity: Proximity to Grand Teton NP and Yellowstone requires careful management of development density, lighting, and landscaping
• Wildlife corridors: Identified elk, bison, bear, and pronghorn migration corridors cross developed areas; structures within or adjacent to corridors face additional review
• Wetlands and riparian areas: Extensive wetlands and Snake River tributaries throughout the valley require floodplain and wetland buffer compliance
• Conservation easements: Many private parcels carry conservation easements held by the Jackson Hole Land Trust, Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation, or other organizations; these restrict development independently of zoning

Snake River Floodplain

The Snake River and its tributaries are subject to FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas. Properties in flood zones require:

• Floodplain development permits from the Town or County floodplain administrator
• Finished floor elevations at or above the Base Flood Elevation plus required freeboard
• Flood-resistant construction materials and methods for below-BFE components
• Elevation certificates for insurance purposes

Wildlife Overlay Considerations

Jackson Hole is one of the most ecologically significant temperate valleys in North America. Elk migrations between summer and winter ranges, bison movement, grizzly and black bear habitat, and pronghorn antelope corridors all intersect with developed areas. The Town of Jackson and Teton County maintain wildlife-related development standards including lighting restrictions (dark-sky compliance), fencing limitations, and setbacks from identified corridors. ADU construction that adds impervious surface or lighting may trigger wildlife overlay review.

Conservation Easements and the Jackson Hole Land Trust

Many private parcels in Teton County carry conservation easements that permanently restrict development beyond what zoning alone would require. Before planning any ADU, check the county assessor's records and title report carefully for recorded conservation easements. These are private contractual restrictions that run with the land and may prohibit ADUs entirely on encumbered parcels.

Climate and Building Considerations

Jackson sits at approximately 6,200 feet elevation. Winters are severe, with significant snowfall and temperatures regularly below 0°F. Frost depths of 4–5 feet require deep foundations. Heavy snow loads — the valley receives 50+ inches of snow in town, with far more at higher elevations — govern roof structural design. All ADU construction must comply with Wyoming's adopted building code and Town of Jackson amendments.

Permit Process

1. Confirm parcel jurisdiction (Town of Jackson vs. Teton County)
2. Meet with Planning & Building Department staff for a pre-application conference
3. Confirm zone eligibility, applicable deed restriction requirements, and wildlife overlay status
4. Submit a development application including site plan, architectural drawings, and any required environmental documentation
5. Obtain building permit following planning approval; schedule inspections

Contact

Jackson/Teton County Planning Department 150 East Pearl Avenue, Jackson, WY 83001 Phone: (307) 733-3959 Website: jacksonwy.gov / tetoncountywy.gov

Disclaimer: Zoning and land use regulations in Jackson and Teton County change frequently and involve multiple overlapping jurisdictions (Town, County, federal land management agencies). Always verify current ADU rules directly with the Jackson/Teton County Planning Department and consult with a local land use attorney before purchasing property or beginning construction. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or planning advice.