Planning & Zoning - Johnson County, Wy (2024)

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The Johnson County PlanningDepartment is responsible for day-to-day operation of all planning-related activities. The Planning Department’s staff responsibilities include the review of all development, subdivision, lot division, boundary adjustments and other land development plans submitted, and makes recommendations to the Johnson County Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners. All plans are reviewed by staff for compliance with Wyoming Statutes, County Regulations and the Johnson County Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The staff also serves as advisors to the Johnson County Planning and Zoning Commission.

The Planning Department also prepares, maintains, modifies and administers various county regulations and other documents related to planning and zoning, performs work on special projects assigned by the Board of County Commissioners and answers all visitor, mail, telephone and email inquires.

Johnson CountyPlanning Department
Office Annex A – Suite A
26 N DeSmet Ave
Buffalo, WY 82834
Phone: (307) 684-1907
Fax: (307) 684-2392

The appointment of a Planning & Zoning Commission by the Board of County Commissioners is authorized by Wyoming Statute 18-5-202. Commission members are appointed for three year terms. Citizens interested in serving on the Johnson County Planning & Zoning Commission should send a letter of interest and two letters of recommendation to the Board of Johnson County Commissioners, 76 N. Main Street, Buffalo, WY 82834

Staff

Jim Waller
County Planner & Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Manager

Telephone: (307) 684-1907
Fax: (307) 684-2392

RulesandRegulations/FAQ’s

PLANNING RULES & REGULATIONS
ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Johnson County, Wyoming does have officially adopted Subdivision Regulations (see our Planning & Zoning Documents page to view and/or download the regulations, or contact the Johnson County Planning Department for a printed copy).
Johnson County, Wyoming does NOT currently have official adopted Zoning Regulations or Building Codes. There are NO current Zoning or Building Permit requirements. The Johnson County Planning & Zoning Commission held public hearings on the draft Zoning Regulations. The hearings were on December 4, 2013 in Buffalo, WY and on December 5, 2013 in Kaycee, WY. The draft regulations were certified to the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners on March 11, 2014. Presently, the board has no schedule for adoption.
Johnson County is under a delegation agreement with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality to issue septic system permits for small wastewater systems. Contact the Johnson County Planner for information on getting a septic system permit. Septic system information can be found on the Septic System Permitting page.
There is a State Engineer’s Office well permit required for new domestic and other wells. Application forms are available on the Wyoming State Engineer’s Office website at http://seo.state.wy.us/.
Most subdivisions in Johnson County and some undeveloped lands are covered by recorded civil covenants. Builders, potential lot buyers and other pertinent businesses and individuals should check for the existence of civil covenants prior to engaging in any activity that might violate conditions of the covenants. The Johnson County Government does not enforce civil covenants and has no legal standing to do so.

Links

I am Jim Waller, the County Planner and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Manager at the Johnson County Planning Department. With a Bachelor's degree in Geography & Criminal Justice, I have dedicated years of my professional life to the field of planning, zoning, and geographical information systems. As a member of esteemed organizations such as the Wyoming Planning Association, Western Planner Association, National Association of County Planners, and the National Environmental Health Association, my commitment to staying at the forefront of industry knowledge is unwavering.

I take pride in being awarded the Wyoming Planning Association's "Planner of the Year" in 2011, a testament to my dedication and expertise in the planning domain. I am well-versed in the intricacies of Wyoming Statutes, County Regulations, and the Johnson County Comprehensive Land Use Plan, ensuring that all development plans align with the established standards.

Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article:

Johnson County Planning Department's Responsibilities:
- Day-to-day operation of planning-related activities.
- Review of development, subdivision, lot division, and boundary adjustments.
- Recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners.
- Compliance review with Wyoming Statutes, County Regulations, and the Johnson County Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
Planning Department's Functions:
- Preparation, maintenance, modification, and administration of county regulations related to planning and zoning.
- Handling special projects assigned by the Board of County Commissioners.
- Providing advisory services to the Johnson County Planning and Zoning Commission.
- Addressing visitor, mail, telephone, and email inquiries.
Planning & Zoning Commission:
- Commission members appointed for three-year terms.
- Citizens interested in serving can apply by sending a letter of interest and two letters of recommendation to the Board of Johnson County Commissioners.
Commission Members and Terms:
- Travis Pearson (Chairman)
- Layne Qualm (Commission Member)
- Jeremiah Wolski (Commission Member)
- Manuel (Manny) D. Rodriguez (Commission Member)
- Julie Baker (Vice-Chair)
Contact Information:
- Planning Department Office Annex A – Suite A, 26 N DeSmet Ave, Buffalo, WY 82834
- Phone: (307) 684-1907, Fax: (307) 684-2392
County Planner and GIS Manager - Jim Waller:
- Bachelor's degree in Geography & Criminal Justice.
- Member of key planning associations.
- Awarded Wyoming Planning Association's "Planner of the Year" in 2011.
Rules and Regulations:
- Officially adopted Subdivision Regulations in place.
- No officially adopted Zoning Regulations or Building Codes at present.
- Delegation agreement with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality for septic system permits.
Important Links:
- Wyoming Planning Association (WYOPASS)
- American Planning Association
- Western Planner Resources
- Smart Growth Online

These details provide a comprehensive overview of the Johnson County Planning Department's structure, functions, and the expertise behind its operations.