CASPER, Wyoming — After weeks of discussion, the Casper City Council approved a comprehensive overhaul of the city’s building and construction regulations on Tuesday. The ordinance adopts the 2024 International Building Code and the 2024 International Fire Code, updates administrative rules and sets a new permit‑fee schedule based on fiscal year 2025 revenue.
Key changes to licensing and education
Chief Building Official Justin Scott explained that the updates aim to remove outdated language, correct grammatical errors and align local enforcement with evolving state and national guidelines. Among the core changes are new licensing classifications for specialized sub‑trades such as concrete, framing, drywall and insulation. The ordinance also introduces a mandatory four‑hour annual continuing‑education requirement for all licensed contractors.
Under the new framework, subcontractors working directly under a licensed general contractor are not required to obtain independent licenses unless they operate as separate business entities.
Revised permit‑fee schedule
The revised fee structure ties permit, plan‑review, inspection and contractor‑licensing fees to Casper’s highest‑grossing permit‑fee year (FY25). Fees start at $60 for projects valued up to $500 and increase incrementally to $1,090 for valuations up to $100,000. Projects exceeding $100,000 are charged $1,090 for the first $100,000 plus $5.60 for each additional $1,000 of valuation.
Public reaction
Former Mayor and Natrona County Commissioner Steve Freel, representing the Central Wyoming Board of Realtors, voiced concerns about the clarity of the continuing‑education requirements and questioned the need for separate subcontractor licenses. Freel also highlighted an equity gap, noting that owners of single‑family rental properties who do not occupy the homes must hire licensed general contractors for major work.
General contractor Alicia Bell supported the trade‑specific licensing, saying Casper previously lacked formal categories for specialized trades, leaving experienced workers without a credentialing pathway. She warned that unpermitted or poorly executed work on rental properties can create safety hazards for neighboring homes.
Council vote
Councilor Pat Sweeney proposed an amendment to adopt only the 2026 National Electrical Code and delay the remaining chapters, but the amendment failed. Councilors Gena Jensen and Michael McIntosh joined Sweeney in the dissent, while the rest of the council voted in favor. Councilor Amber Pollock defended the changes, noting that city staff will establish specific administrative criteria and approved course lists for continuing education before renewal deadlines take effect.
The ordinance passed 6‑3, with Sweeney, Jensen and McIntosh casting the dissenting votes.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
