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Zoning Guide

Rawlins Zoning & Land Use Guide

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Key Zoning Facts

Planning Department
City of Rawlins Planning Department(307) 328-4500
Building Code Edition
Locally adopted (IBC/IRC based)
ADUs Allowed
Yes
Primary District
R-1 — Single-Family Residential
Max Height
35 ft

Rawlins Zoning Overview

Rawlins is a town in Carbon County, Wyoming with approximately 8,622 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. Rawlins 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 7,000 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. Rawlins may allow accessory dwelling units under its local zoning ordinance. Contact the Rawlins Planning Department at (307) 328-4500 for current requirements including size limits, setbacks, owner-occupancy rules, and permitting procedures.

Development Process

Development in Rawlins 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 Rawlins, 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) 328-4500 for pre-application guidance

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

Regulatory Layers That Apply in Rawlins

Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.

Federal

State — Wyoming

  • Building Code: No statewide building code (locally adopted)
View Wyoming zoning overview

County — Carbon County

  • Role: County-level property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning

City / Municipal

The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.

Overlay Districts

No overlay districts identified.

Private Restrictions

  • HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
  • Check HOA CC&Rs and deed restrictions for additional requirements.

Primary Zoning Districts

R-1Single-Family Residential
Min Lot
7,000 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
25 ft
Side Setback
5 ft
Rear Setback
20 ft
R-2Multi-Family Residential
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
40 ft
Front Setback
20 ft
Side Setback
10 ft
Rear Setback
20 ft
C-1Commercial
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
45 ft
Front Setback
10 ft
Side Setback
0 ft
Rear Setback
10 ft
IIndustrial
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
50 ft
Front Setback
25 ft
Side Setback
10 ft
Rear Setback
20 ft

ADU Rules in Rawlins

ADUs:Allowed

Permit Costs & Timelines

Permit Costs & Timelines

Specific permit fee schedules for Rawlins are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.

Check Rawlins permit fees →

Official Sources

City of Rawlinsrawlinswy.orgOfficial sourceRawlins Municipal Codelibrary.municode.comOfficial source

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the zoning for my property in Rawlins?
Contact the Rawlins Planning Department at (307) 328-4500 or visit https://www.rawlinswy.org. You can also review the municipal code on Municode for zoning district descriptions and permitted uses.
What building code does Rawlins follow?
Wyoming has no statewide building code. Rawlins adopts its own building codes locally, typically based on the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC). Contact the local building department for specific requirements.
Do I need a permit for home improvements in Rawlins?
Most structural modifications, additions, and changes of use require a building permit. Contact the Rawlins building department at (307) 328-4500 for specific requirements.
Can I build an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) in Rawlins?
Rawlins may allow ADUs. Wyoming has no statewide ADU law. Contact the Planning Department for current requirements including size limits, setbacks, and permitting procedures.