The Johnson County Planning Department 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 County Planning Department
Office Annex A – Suite A
26 N DeSmet Ave
Buffalo, WY 82834
Phone: (307) 684-1907
Fax: (307) 684-2392
Email: jwaller@nulljohnsoncowy.gov
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
Travis Pearson
Chairman
Term: 1/31/2023 – 1/01/2026
travisdpearson@nullyahoo.com
Layne Qualm
Commission Member
Term: 1/31/2021 – 1/31/2024
qualmlayne@nullgmail.com
Jeremiah Wolski
Commission Member
Term: 1/31/2021 – 1/31/2024
qjeremiwols@nullyahoo.com
Manuel (Manny) D. Rodriguez
Commission Member
Term: 1/31/2022 – 1/31/2025
manuel.d.rodriguez@nullhotmail.com
Julie Baker
Vice-Chair
Term: 1/31/2022 – 1/31/2025
57chickadee@nullgmail.com
Staff
Jim Waller
County Planner & Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Manager
Telephone: (307) 684-1907
Fax: (307) 684-2392
E-mail: jwaller@nulljohnsoncowy.gov
B.S. Geography & Criminal Justice
Member:
- Wyoming Planning Association
- Western Planner Association
- National Association of County Planners
- National Environmental Health Association
Awarded Wyoming Planning Association’s “Planner of the Year” award for 2011
Rules and Regulations/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.