Housing

HB 2, the Fast Track Permits Act, requires cities, towns, and counties in Wyoming to review residential building permit applications within strict deadlines. Local governments must notify applicants within 15 days if an application is incomplete and must approve or deny complete applications within 30 days (excluding delays for clarification or state/federal approvals). If deadlines are missed, permits are automatically approved as submitted the next day. The bill directly affects homebuilders applying for permits for detached single-family homes, townhouses, or small multi-unit projects under specific size and code limits, and the local governments that process these applications.

This bill changes Wyoming's zoning protest rules to make it easier for neighbors to block certain property changes. It lowers the required vote from city councils to approve zoning changes from three-quarters (3/4) to two-thirds (2/3) when a protest meets specific owner thresholds. To trigger this lower vote requirement, protesters must either own 33%+ of the affected lots or represent 33%+ of adjacent property owners within 300 feet (not counting streets). The change applies to zoning decisions made on or after July 1, 2026. This directly affects property owners near proposed zoning changes who wish to challenge them through the protest process.

This bill amends Wyoming's tax exemption rules for housing projects owned by cities or counties. It requires that such housing property be 100% publicly owned (by a municipality, county, or fully controlled entity) to qualify for tax exemption, excludes profit-making portions from the exemption (while allowing adjustments for public utility costs), and permits cities to instead make payments to maintain low-rent housing. The changes apply to all Wyoming cities, towns, and counties starting January 1, 2026.