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City Clerk

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1. When does the council meet?

Regular meetings occur at 6:30 pm on the first and third Tuesday of the month. Work sessions at 6:00 pm, are routinely scheduled for the second and fourth Tuesdays. Special meetings are scheduled at the discretion of the council, and may occur at different times and dates, with notification to the newspaper and radio stations, and postings in City Hall and on Channel 11.

2. How can I contact my council member?

Please view our City Council staff directory. If no phone number is listed, please call (307) 721-5220, where your message will be taken and forwarded to the appropriate council member, along with your name and contact information.

3. How can I get an item in front of City Council?

A member of the public may request an item be placed on a future agenda while addressing the City Council during a regular meeting and/or by submitting the request in writing to the City Council through the City Clerk's Office:
406 Ivinson Ave.
P.O. Box C
Laramie, WY 82073
Ph: (307) 721-5220 City Clerk's Office

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City Council

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1. How can I get an item in front of City Council?

A member of the public may request an item be placed on a future agenda while addressing the City Council during a regular meeting and/or by submitting the request in writing to the City Council through the City Clerk's Office:
406 Ivinson Ave.
P.O. Box C
Laramie, WY 82073
Ph: (307) 721-5220 City Clerk's Office

2. How can I contact my council member?

Please view our City Council staff directory. If no phone number is listed, please call (307) 721-5220, where your message will be taken and forwarded to the appropriate council member, along with your name and contact information.

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Environmental Awareness

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1. What is a rain barrel?

A rain barrel is a container that collects and stores rain water instead of letting it runoff into streets, storm drains and streams. The water in the barrels are used to water lawns and gardens, fill swimming pools or wash cars and bikes. Lawn and garden watering make up 40% of water usage. By using rain barrels, citizens can reduce their water consumption and save money while also protecting the environment. The barrels can come in many different shapes, sizes and colors. The typical size is 55 gallons and is made up of a connection to the downspout, a filter to prevent insects from inhabiting the container, a faucet to allow for use and an overflow pipe to drain excess water.

2. What are the benefits of rain barrels?

• Saves money on your water bill


• Saves drinking water


• Reduces pollutants and stormwater runoff into the Laramie River


• Plants prefer the acidity and fewer minerals in rainwater 

3. Where can I purchase a rain barrel in town?

Rain barrels can cost anywhere from $20-$300. Places to purchase rain barrels here in town include:

Murdoch’s keep rain barrels on stock.
3322 Grand Ave.
(307) 721-1733.

Ace Hardware will special order rain barrels for interested customers.
611 Grand Ave, Laramie, WY 82070
(307) 755-0781

4. Can I make my own rain barrel?

Yes! Follow the instructions attached to make your own rain barrel.

Ran Barrel Instruction

5. Are rain barrels legal?

The Wyoming State Engineers office is in charge of water rights in the state. At this time the state does not have a permit process and there is no City of Laramie ordinance preventing the use of rain barrels. Citizens are able to catch storm water for personal use without regulation. 

6. Rain Barrel Tips:

It is best to empty rain barrels every one to two weeks. This allows the barrels to refill during each storm and prevents insects from laying eggs in the water.

Other ways to prevent mosquitoes:

• Use a mesh. DO NOT collect it as standing water


• Clean the barrel regularly


• Check for cracks and leaks


• Add a tablespoon of dish soap after each storm


• Add a mosquito dunk

7. How are other communities handling glass recycling?

Sheridan: glass is recycled. Costs are subsidized with additional general fund tax revenue. 

Casper: Distance to glass markets and the weight of glass make it expensive to recycle. While some bottlers purchase recycled glass, these manufacturers are outside of the state of Wyoming. The cost to ship the glass to market is more than the city would receive for payment. Casper discontinued accepting glass for reuse or a daily cover in the animal disposal area of the landfill. The volume of glass was ineffective at preventing scavenger animals from removing animals from the disposal area. 

Cheyenne, Rock Springs, Rawlins – no glass recycling currently offered. 

Fort Collins, CO - accepts glass at a drop-off location plus requires private haulers to offer recycling services. The glass collected at the drop-off location is taken to Rocky Mountain Bottling Co. Rates vary by private vendor, no municipal services are offered. 

Loveland, CO - accepts glass at 6 drop-off locations and then it is taken to Rocky Mountain Bottling Co. Costs are assessed to rate payers. Nationwide glass recycling is an issue because of the cost to transport and process the glass. The manufacturing companies have to spend more time and energy to sort glass that is contaminated with other garbage. In order to offset those costs, the manufacturing companies do not provide a high rebate for glass. Since the rebate for glass is so low, communities cannot offset the travel costs to transport their glass recycling. It is becoming more economically feasible nationwide for communities to dispose of their glass in the landfill.

8. What are the next steps for glass recycling in Laramie?

As of 8/7/2021 the City of Laramie is accepting glass bottles and jars free of charge at the recycling center located at the Laramie Landfill.  Please remove any caps, lids and corks.  There is no need to separate the glass by color.  Please do not try to recycle glass in the single stream recycling.  If you do put glass in the blue lidded container it will be treated as trash. 

Public meetings have been held to provide information, and gather citizen input. To date rate payer cost increases have been a contentious proposition. Any changes need support from citizens and elected officials to incorporate into the fiscal budget.

9. What are the environmental impacts of recycling?

Recycling the 260 tons of glass produced in Laramie each year for 40 years would save 25 days of landfill space.The approximate cost of airspace lost over 40 years is $163,000, but disposal costs would be analyzed and subsidized by resident rate payers annually during budget review. On the other hand, recycling and transporting glass to Colorado would emit 15,598 pounds of CO2/yr. Over 40 years the total CO2 emitted would equal 623,920 lbs.

10. Has the city of Laramie explored any glass recycling options?

Recycling: The City of Laramie has partnered with Momentum Recycling in Denver, CO.  Glass bottles and jars can be taken to the recycling center located at the Laramie landfill.  This glass will be used to make “cullet” which can be used for many purposes, including making new bottle and jars. 

The city has explored a program similar to what was previously provided by the ARK. One option is hauling the glass directly to Rocky Mountain Bottle Co. The second option is hauling it to Fort Collins which would reduce transportation costs, but with a lower rebate. The graphic below shows the total cost per year depending on the tonnage of glass transported. The second value is the cost to residents per month for the service.

11. What is a bottle-to-bottle recycling operation?

Glass is a material that can be recycled endlessly without losing purity. Bottle-to-bottle means that when a glass bottle is recycled it is melted down and turned directly back into another bottle. This reduces the need for raw materials and saves energy in the manufacturing process.

12. Why is the city not recycling glass?

 As of 8/7/2021 the City of Laramie is accepting glass bottles and jars free of charge at the recycling center located at the Laramie Landfill.  Please remove any caps, lids and corks.  There is no need to separate the glass by color.  Please do not try to recycle glass in the single stream recycling.  If you do put glass in the blue lidded container it will be treated as trash.

The operation is too pricey. Glass recycling has to be transported to the Rocky Mountain Bottling plant in Colorado because it is the only facility with a bottle-to-bottle operation. The cost to ARK to haul the glass to the Rocky Mountain Bottling Co. was $85/ton. The rebate was roughly $50/ton. ARK was losing $35/ton which equaled about $15,000/year. Rebate rates vary based on demand and other cyclical industry factors, the lower the rebate, the higher the cost to the municipality or business. The City of Laramie’s solid waste and recycling programs operate in a break even enterprise accounting approach, so any additional costs are passed on to resident rate payers.

13. When was glass recycling in Laramie discontinued?

In the past ARK regional services was the primary glass recycling option for Laramie residents. There were multiple drop off locations in city limits for all types of sorted recycling. In November of 2013 they stopped taking glass due to the financial burden. They no longer operate as a recycling center at all, it did not support their resident / employee development model.

14. Should we be concerned with hazardous waste?

Surprisingly, these common products can pose serious threats to the health of people, animals, and the environment. If not properly disposed of, these products may contaminate the soil, surface water, or underlying ground water. Once contaminated, soil and water are difficult and expensive to clean. Some contaminated water may never be clean enough to be used as drinking water. With a limited community water supply - much of it from ground water - Laramie and Albany County residents must take significant precautions to protect our water supply from household wastes and other potential contaminants.

15. What is household hazardous waste?

Most of us generate household hazardous waste everyday. Items as common as cleaning solvents, paint, batteries, automotive oil, and antifreeze can become hazardous waste. If you read the labels of these and other similar items, you will discover that most have special disposal instructions or are not allowed in a landfill. Because these items are potentially hazardous, they cannot be placed in your garbage can or waste container.

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Finance

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1. What is the General Fund?

The General Fund is the primary operating fund of a government. It accounts for all activity, unless required to be accounted for in other funds. City services such as public safety, street maintenance, community services, police, fire, and general government activities are accounted for in the General Fund. .

2. What are the primary General Fund revenue sources?

The majority of services under the General Fund are paid for by sales and use tax revenues (4th and 5th cent) and direct distributions of state shared funding. These revenue sources account for about 50% of General Fund revenue.  Other significant revenue sources include auto and property tax revenue, miscellaneous tax revenue (severance, gas and fuels, and cigarette), mineral royalties, and other inter-governmental revenue, such as grants. The City of Laramie controls very few of its revenue sources. These include charges for services, licenses and permits, franchise fees, and some miscellaneous sources. Combined, these sources account for less than 15% of the City’s revenues. Since the City has so little control over revenue, a conservative approach is taken during budget planning which includes adopting a biennium budget. Biennium planning provides the City with forecasts necessary to take any action required, should revenue estimates not meet expectations.

3. What is the 4th Cent Sales & Use Tax and how is it allocated?

The State of Wyoming levies a 4% sales tax upon all sales, purchases, and leases of tangible property sold or leased by persons engaged in the State. There is also a 4% tax levied upon the privilege of persons to use, store, or consume either purchased or leased tangible personal property. The state allocates the levies for both Sales and Use Tax as follows: •69% of the state’s tax goes to the state general fund, with 31% going back to local governments. •Of the local government share, the state deducts a 1% administrative fee. •Distribution is determined by computing the percentage that net sales and use taxes collected by vendors in each county (including cities and towns) bears to the total net sales collected from the state. •The state pays a flat $40,000 to each county annually. The county receives these monies in equal monthly installments and then the state distributes the remainder to each county in the proportion that the total population of the county bears to the total population of the state. •The city portion is also based on the total population of the city to the total population of the county. (Reference Wyoming Statute: W.S. 39-15-101 through 39-15-111, W.S. 39-16-101 through 39-16-111)

4. What is the 5th Cent Sales & Use Tax (local option) and how is it allocated?

The 5th Cent Tax is levied upon retail sales as well as use and consumption of tangible personal property, upon admissions and services, and upon sales and storage. By statute this tax must be imposed at a rate in increments of one-half percent (.5%), not to exceed a rate of two (2%) percent. This tax must be renewed by voters every four years. Albany County voters renewed the 1% General Purpose Excise Tax in 2010, and then again in 2014. The Department of Revenue collects and disperses the monies, keeping 1% for an administration fee and distributing 99% to the City. (Reference Wyoming Statute: W.S. 39-15-203)

5. We have a 6th cent specific purpose tax (1% SPT local option) in Albany County. Why don’t I see it in General Fund revenue sources? How is this tax being managed?

The City is required to account for specific purpose tax collections and expenditures in a separate capital fund (the SPT Fund) because these dollars are restricted for capital purposes. These purposes are approved by voters and include planning, design, construction, and improvements to the City’s water infrastructure, wastewater infrastructure, streets, solid waste disposal facilities, and maintenance of specific well head properties. They also include the protection of vulnerable properties noted in the Casper Aquifer protection plan. Albany County voters approved $42 million in specific purpose tax projects in 2010, and the 1% tax remains in place until the non-bonded projects are fully funded and debt payments (made from tax collections) fully pay off the bonded debt. The City’s portion of these projects totals $22,550,550.  The City bonded 95% of its projects, and the assets received from the sale of these bonds are held by a trustee who distributes funds to vendors at the request of the City. (Reference Wyoming Statute: W.S. 39-15-204)

6. How much debt can the City carry?

The City is subject to debt margin limits related to general obligation bonds. These limits are based upon the City’s assessed value. The limits on the general obligation bonds related to general projects are 4% of the City’s total assessed value. For wastewater projects financed by general obligation bonds, the debt limit is 8% of the City’s total assessed value. Per Wyoming Statute, there is no debt limit for water projects financed by the general obligation bonds. Other types of debt the City carries includes funding of loans at the State level for such programs as the Business Ready loans, Water Development Commission, and State Land and Investment Board. The City is authorized to do lease purchase options on equipment and other leasing needs. The Specific Purpose tax projects debt are being paid through the Specific Purpose Tax of 1% monthly collections. 

7. What are the current types of general fund debt and the terms associated with the debt?

As of 6/30/17, the General Fund is carrying a low amount of debt, all in the form on capital leases on equipment.  There are various capital leases totaling $1.08M with terms ranging from 3 years to 15 years and interest rates ranging from 0% to 4.25%. 

8. What is an Enterprise Fund?

Enterprise funds are used to account for goods and services for which user fees and charges are paid in exchange transactions, similar to a private business. The City of Laramie provides water, wastewater, and solid waste services that are accounted for in enterprise funds. The focus in these funds is the determination of operating income, changes in net position, financial position, and cash flows.  The resources of Enterprise Funds do not support governmental funds, like the General Fund, except to provide for shared administrative services.  

9. What types of enterprise fund debt are held by the City and what are the terms associated with that debt?

•The water fund has state loans with terms ranging from 15 years to 30 years and interest rates ranging from 2.5% to 4.0%. •The water fund has refunding water bonds and water bonds with terms of 15 years to 30 years with interest rates ranging from .91% to 4.50%. •The wastewater fund has state loans with terms ranging from 15 years to 20 years, all with the interest rate of 2.5%. •The solid waste fund has leases with terms ranging from 3 years to 7 years and interest rates ranging from 1.54% to 1.84%. The total debt obligation in the Enterprise funds at fiscal year-end 2017 was $9.71M. The Water fund had $6.72M in obligations, the Wastewater Fund had $2.39M in obligations, and the Solid Waste fund had capital lease obligations totaling $0.60M.

10. What determines how much the City can spend?

The budget that the City Council adopts is the City’s legal spending authority. The budget is adopted within 24 hours of the required budget hearing, which is held for the public between the 2nd and 3rd Tuesday in June. Revenues are budgeted by source. Expenditures are budgeted by department and classification or, in the case of capital budgets, for specific items or projects. The legal level of spending control is at the department level for operating expenditures and at the item or project level for capital expenditures. Budgets may be amended by the City Council through a public hearing process as defined by state statute and City management can transfer appropriations between line items or departments. A transfer does not result in a net budget increase.

11. What is the City’s Bond Rating?

The City earned an AA rating on its general obligation bonds and an AA rating on its refunding water bonds from Standard & Poor’s. Per the agency’s rating definitions, an obligation rated 'AA' differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong. An ‘A’ rating has a strong capacity to meet financial commitments, but is somewhat susceptible to adverse economic conditions and changes in circumstances. The ratings rank from a ‘D’ to ‘AAA’, with ‘AAA’ being the highest rating. The plus (+) sign is used to show relative standing within the major rating category.

12. What is Depreciation? How does the City manage it?

Depreciation is a non-cash expense that reduces the value of an asset as a result of wear and tear, age, or obsolescence and recognizes the expense for an asset over its useful life (rather than all at once when the asset is purchased). Most assets are depreciable because they lose their value over time and must be replaced. Land and related items are not depreciable. The City recognizes depreciation in all funds in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for Government Wide statements required for the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). However, the City is also statutorily required to recognize depreciation in its utility rate structure (§15-7-407) so that income generated by rates is sufficient to fund future replacements. In the Financial Outlook Report the depreciation is stated as a “memo” only number and is not included in the report of actual expenditures. This allows the reader to compare how much the City is funding in capital and equipment related to the depreciated number.

13. What are Fund Balance and Net Position?

Fund balance and net position are measures of financial position. The sum of these accounts is a residual value, meaning it represents the difference between the assets and liabilities on an entity’s balance sheet. Fund balance is the term used for governmental funds, while net position is used when referring to Enterprise Fund net position. In technical terms, fund balance is the term used in external governmental financial reporting for statements prepared on the modified accrual basis of accounting and the current financial resources measurement focus. Net position is the term used in external governmental financial reporting for statements prepared on the accrual basis of accounting and the economic resources measurement focus. The value of net position does not represent a cash value – net position is driven by the associated assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. For example, Government Wide and Enterprise Fund statements for the City of Laramie are prepared using accrual accounting and an economic resources measurement focus. These conventions require recognition of assets at historical cost on the balance sheet. The value of a street at $1 million on the balance sheet increases both the value of total assets and net assets, assuming no offsetting debt. It is unlikely that the City would sell a street (e.g. convert the asset to cash) but the City’s net position is driven up by the recognition of this asset. Financial statement users should be careful to interpret net position as a function of the value of all the assets and liabilities on the balance sheet – not just those that are readily convertible to cash. The value of fund balance comes closer to representing a governmental entity’s “true” residual value because the focus is on currently available resources. For external reporting, only governmental funds are reported this way. For purposes of this financial outlook, Enterprise funds have also been prepared using this approach so that users can see net position in terms of currently available resources and be able to better assess the resources at the City’s disposal.

14. What do the different components of fund balance mean?

The components of fund balance represent different uses of available resources and are categorized by the level of the restriction. In the CAFR, these categories are presented for governmental fund basis statements, but not for enterprise fund statements. The classifications of net resources are defined as follows: •Nonspendable: Cannot be spent due to form or because they must be maintained in tact •Restricted: Externally enforceable limitations exist for the use of these resources •Committed: Self imposed limitations exist that were enacted at the highest level of decision making •Assigned: Limitations exist that result from internally assigning resources for an intended use •Unassigned: Remaining resources after all other categories are accounted for

15. What is a Modified Balance Sheet?

In preparing the financial outlook for years 2013-2016, all statements are presented using the current financial resources measurement focus for internal reporting purposes. The aim of this approach is to report current inflows, outflows, and balances of expendable financial resources. The balance sheets for the Enterprise Funds have been modified to this measurement focus from that required for CAFR reporting, but the General Fund and Recreation Center amounts are presented the same as the CAFR fund statements. The modified balance sheet also presents the same breakout for Net Position in Enterprise Funds that is required for governmental fund basis reporting on the CAFR. The categories represent net assets or fund balance to be used in some way by the City at that point in time.

Starting in FY 2017, the Financial Outlook presents the Statement of Net Position as displayed in the CAFR.  Currently available resources are then highlighted to illustrate how the City assesses its resource levels.

16. What are the Days of Operation Reserves?

An operating reserve is the amount available to stabilize a government’s finances by providing a cushion against future unexpected cash flow shortages, expenses, or losses. It is similar to an individual having a rainy day savings account. The City’s reserve policy strives to have 3-6 months of the annual budget in unassigned fund balance or net assets. Days of Operation Reserve is presented for each fund in the financial outlook. The calculation shows how many months the City could survive, based on the current annualized budget, if all of its fund balance (net assets) commitments were realized. For example, as of fiscal year end 2017, the General Fund has 5.1 months of operation in reserves. If all the commitments on fund balance materialized today, the City could survive for 5.1 months on its unassigned reserves.

17. What are the Recreation Center’s primary revenue sources?

The Recreation Center’s revenues are derived from memberships and user fees, grants, merchandise sales, interest from the recreation endowment, and from donations and recreation mill levy monies. The majority of revenue comes from charges for services and intergovernmental revenues.  Charges for services include memberships and user fees and merchandise sales. Intergovernmental revenues include the recreation mill and grants. Occasionally transfers are needed from the General Fund to cover a revenue shortfall, but the transfer amount is not included in the percent of Cost Recovery calculation.

18. What is the percent of Cost Recovery for the Recreation Center?

Cost Recovery is a measure that quantifies the amount of expenses covered by revenues. In FY 2017, the Recreation Center’s revenue covered 79% of its expenses.

19. What is the Enterprise Fund Shared Services Transfer?

The City recognizes the net effect of the revenue due to its Enterprise Funds for water, sewer, and solid waste services used by the City general services and the expenses incurred centrally to support enterprise operations. Examples of administrative expenses charged to utility and solid waste operations include utility billing services and a proportionate share of accounting and payroll services, human resources services, and management services. In addition, the General Fund pays for services provided by Enterprise such as Water, Sewer and garbage collection at all related buildings and parks. The “net effect” of the revenue and expense activities is recognized as an exchange transaction or Fund transfer between the City’s General Fund and its Enterprise Funds (Water & Wastewater and Solid Waste). In FY 2014-15, the City began billing for utility services (garbage collection, water, etc.) used in its buildings. In the past, these charges were accounted for as part of the net fund transfer and reduced the total amount due to the General Fund from the Enterprise Funds. As compared to prior years, the net fund transfer appears significantly higher starting in FY 2015.  However, the transfer is higher because the service use credits are now being accounted for independently, but the net effect to the Enterprise Funds is the same.

20. How does the City plan its budget for Enterprise Funds?

In consultation with the Public Works Director, Utility and Solid Waste managers develop operational and capital budgets required to meet their needs. These needs are then vetted with the City Manager before being presented to the Council as the recommended budget. Through detailed budget analysis including an update of the 10-year financial plan by staff and rate design by consultants, revenue requirements are determined and a rate increase proposed to Council to support the recommended budget. The Council reviews the anticipated revenues and expenditures for the funds along with the rate increase. Through the process of three ordinance readings at Council meetings, plus a public hearing, new rates are implemented as necessary to properly maintain the integrity of the water, wastewater, and solid waste infrastructure.

21. Are the revenues in the Enterprise fund only user fees?

As you can see on the Financial Outlook, user fees are the primary revenue source for the Enterprise funds. The other primary source is intergovernmental revenue, which consists primarily of grants and is used to pay for specific capital improvements. The City has been quite successful in its pursuit of grants, which has the direct impact of lessening the revenue requirement carried by user rates.  These amounts are not available for operating budgets, but they do provide much needed capital improvement resources.

22. How does the Financial Outlook Report differ from the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)?

The financial outlook is an internal report prepared by management to enhance financial understanding and disclosure whereas the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) is prepared to be in compliance with external financial reporting standards promulgated by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board.

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Fire

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1. How can I get help with my Child Car seat?

Contact the Laramie Fire Department at 307-721-5332 to schedule an appointment. Appointments are scheduled every Tuesday and Saturday afternoons.

2. Is it okay to have a fire pit or recreational fire in my backyard?

A recreational fire burning materials other than rubbish is allowed, provided there is no fire ban in place. Recreational fires shall be constantly attended by a responsible person until the fire is extinguished.

For more information, see the following link:

Open Burn Fire Requirements

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Human Resources

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1. When will I hear back about my application?

You will be contacted by email upon receipt of your application. If the job you were applying for had a close date, you will normally hear from us two or three weeks after that date if you have been accepted for an interview. If the job is open until filled, you will normally hear from the hiring manager within two weeks of the day we receive the application. If you have not been offered an interview, you will be notified by email.

2. I applied with the City of Laramie at a previous time. May I reuse my prior application?

No. All applicants are required to fill out a new application for each position. You may submit a copy of the previous application, however we require an original signature with the current date. Also, the "Position Applying for" line at the beginning of the application will need to be updated with the current position of interest.

3. Where can I find other jobs in the Laramie area?

We recommend using the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services website, www.wyomingatwork.com. They can also be contacted directly at (307) 742-2153.
Wyoming Workforce

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Main

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1. Where can I find the Unified Development Code?

The Unified development code can be found on the city website under the planning department page.
Unified Development Code

2. Where can I find City Code?

Current city ordinances are maintained online with Municode.  The most recent Ordinances passed, but not updated on Municode can be found on the City Clerk page.

Laramie Municipal Code

3. Where can I find City Council agendas, minutes or recordings?

All City Council agendas, minutes and recordings can be found in our new agenda center on the City website.

4. How do I contact a city department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

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Parks & Recreation

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1. How do I rent a park shelter or a room at the Recreation Center?

You can find information about shelter reservations by stopping by the Recreation Center to fill out your forms and make payments, or you can visit on the following page, which includes reservation forms you can download. Rent a Shelter / Park Facility

2. What types of recreation memberships are available?

We offer multipasses (20 visits), six month memberships, and annual memberships for households, adults, seniors, youth, and children. Fees & Memberships

3. How do I find the schedules for the pools and the gym?

Schedules for both are listed under the following section. Recreation Center

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Planning

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1. Where can I find zoning information?

The City zoning map is online on our Zoning Information Page

2. What can I do in my zone district?

Zoning information is online on our Zoning Information Page

3. How do I determine which zoning district my property is in?

You can determine your zone district through the City’s interactive map. Under the layer list which can be found on the left side of the page or by clicking the green button at the bottom of the page, there is a Zoning layer tab under Informational layers. Click this tab and then use the search bar in the top left corner or zoom into the map to locate the property.

4. Where can I find information on the Future Land Use Plan?

The Future Land Use Plan Map can be found online on our Zoning Information Page

5. How can I find a copy of my subdivision plat?

Many of Laramie’s subdivision plats can be found in the City’s interactive map.  By selecting the Lots/Subdivisions/Plats layer of the interactive map and clicking on the property, plat information will be displayed.  An attachment in a .jpg format of the plat will also be available.  If no attachment is present, the City does not have any record of the property being platted. The Albany County Clerk’s office also has these records for inspection.

6. How can I learn more about the Laramie Comprehensive Plan?

Find information online on the Comprehensive Plan Home Page

7. Where can I find information on Planning-related Plans like the Aquifer Protection Plan and Housing Study?

Visit the "Plans" page for adopted plans and plans presently under development at Studies, Plans and Other Information Page

8. What is the Casper Aquifer Overlay Zone and what does it mean to me?

The Casper Aquifer is the source of over half of the City’s municipal water supply.  Due to its critical function, the City is dedicated to protecting the quality and quantity of these water reserves.  In order to achieve these goals, the City has created an Aquifer Protection Overlay Zone which adds supplemental restrictions to zoning areas.  These restrictions can be viewed in section 15.08.040.A of the Laramie Municipal Code. Generally, this zone restricts some uses and requires a “Site Specific Investigation” for most development in the zone.

9. What is the Gateway Overlay District and what does it mean to me?

The Gateway Overlay is intended to enhance the image of Laramie by increasing the visual appearance of development as viewed from important routes entering the City.  As such additional development standards are enforced in addition to standard zoning regulations, such as extra landscaping, larger setbacks and higher quality building material single-family residential structures are not affected by the gateway Overlay Zone.  Regulation can be found in section 15.08.040.D of the Laramie Municipal Code.

10. How many people can live in a dwelling unit?

In RR, LR, R1, R2 and R2M zone district no more than 3 unrelated individuals may live together. In all other districts no more than 4 unrelated individuals may live together. Individuals are considered related by blood or marriage. Examples of related individuals include a husband and wife and a father and son.

11. Do I need special permission to demolish a historic structure in Laramie?

Contact the City of Laramie Planning Office at 307-721-5207 regarding demolition of historic buildings. Certain proposals may require a 6-month waiting period to see if the property can be saved prior to demolition.

12. What development review fees apply to my project?

Fees vary depending on the size and scope of each individual project. General information about development review fees are available online in our Planning Applications and Fees Page

13. What are the building setbacks on my property?

Setback requirement can be found in section 15.12.010.B of the Laramie Municipal Code. Setbacks are determined by the zoning district your property resides in. Using Tables 15.12.-2 and 15.12-3, one can use their zoning districts (left most column) and dimensional references (top row) to determine whether a building’s setbacks are code compliant. Setbacks are determined on an individual building bases and must follow setback and dimensional requirements regardless of building’s principal or auxiliary status.

It is also important to note that corner lots, double-frontage properties, and some overlay districts have additional setback guidelines.  Double-frontage and Corner lots requirements can be found in section 15.12.010.B.1.e and 15.12.010.B.1.f of the municipal code.  Overlay Zone setback requirements are outlined in table 15.12-5 of section 15.12.000.

14. Am I allowed to have an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on my property?

Depending on property zoning, lot dimensions, and one’s ability to adhere to setback requirements and other development requirements determines one’s ability to construct ADUs on a property.  This information can be found in the Table of Dimensional Standards in section 15.12.000 of the Laramie Municipal Code.

15. What type of fence/wall can I have on my property?

Fencing and wall requirements can be found in section 15.14.100 of the Laramie Municipal Code.  Fencing materials are regulated in accordance with property zoning, overlay districts and street frontage. For single-family, duplexes and townhomes, fences may not be higher than 4’ in the front yard, and 6’ in rear and side yard area per 15.14.100.B. Any fence is over 7’ on a property requires a building permit. For additional information refer to Informational Bulletin #22.

16. Can I have a shipping/storage container on my property?

As per section 15.10.030.E of Laramie’s Unified Development Code, placement on property is regulated in accordance with zoning area restrictions.

17. Where can I find information on mobile vending?

Information on mobile vending can be found in section 5.82 of Laramie’s Municipal Code. Permitting requirements can be found at https://app.mygov.us/lr/citizen/request_license_1.php?citiesID=847&modulesID=2&license_typesID=61

18. Where can I find information on business signage?

Signage regulation can be found in section 15.14.120 of the Laramie’s Municipal Code.  All sign plans must be submitted to the City of Laramie’s Building Administration Department in order to determine design compliance.

19. Are backyard chickens permitted in Laramie?

Provided the provisions in section 6.06.030 of Laramie’s Municipal Code are followed, backyard chickens are permitted within city limits.  Additional information regarding all animals within city limits are located in chapter 6.06 of Laramie’s Municipal Code.

20. Where can I find additional information regarding municipal code enforcement issues?

The City’s code enforcement division is responsible for investigating and enforcing ordinances pertaining to offensive growth, trash, junk, and snow removal on private property.  More information regarding such issues can be found on the Code Enforcement Division’s section of the City’s web page.

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Police Department

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1. How do I go about claiming my property?

     

     The best and most efficient way to claim your property from the Laramie Police Department is to start by contacting the Evidence Custodian at 307-721-3546 to schedule an appointment.  Many of the items that are placed in our Evidence/Property Storage Facility take time to get ready for pick-up.  By scheduling an appointment, you can be sure that your items will be ready for pick-up when you arrive.

     To claim property, you must have a valid, photo ID with you when you arrive.  If someone other than the owner of the property is going to pick up the property, a NOTARIZED LETTER from the owner must be presented at the time of the pick-up.

Property that is identified as EVIDENCE cannot be released without proper authorization.

     Firearms require a criminal history check prior to release.  When you call the Evidence Custodian to schedule your appointment, you may be asked to provide additional information, such as: case number, name, date of birth and any other pertinent information requested by the Evidence Custodian.  Release of firearms will be delayed and/or denied without this information.

     Contact the Evidence Custodian for the Laramie Police Department at (307) 721-3546. With the various kinds of property and the various rules associated with the property, the Evidence Custodian can give you the best information as to the particular property that you are trying to get back.

     Appointment times may vary, but the following days and times are when appointments will be scheduled:

Monday – Thursday between 8:00am and 4:00pm

2. How do I sign up for a ride-along in an officer’s patrol car?

Riders must be 18 years of age or have a special permission and waiver from the Office of the Chief of Police. This requires a minimal check of your background and a signing of a waiver of liability. This is dependent on shift manning and limited slots are available so please be aware that you may not get the time you request. You must come to the Police Department (620 Plaza Court) Monday through Friday, between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm to pick up the necessary forms.

3. I turned in a bike I found. If it isn't claimed, can I have it?

Once property is in Police Department custody we have to have a court order to dispose of the property in some manner. With found property all reasonable efforts are tried in an attempt to return the property to the correct owner. We then have to list the property and get a disposal order from the judge. A person can claim property and we can list it on the judicial destruction order to have it turned over to the finder. This may take up to a year depending on when the last destruction order was done.

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Streets & Drainage Financing FAQs

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1. I was told that the City promised to pave the streets in west Laramie as part of the annexation agreement in 1969. Why hasn’t the City followed through on that promise?

In 1967, property owners living just west of the Laramie city limits submitted a petition for annexation which was subsequently approved by the Governing Body. The Ordinance annexed sixty-four (64) blocks of a one-hundred and twenty (120) block rural subdivision that was originally platted in 1886. From 1886 – 1967, the rural subdivision had developed according to County government standards with homes in the area utilizing septic tanks and water wells ranging from fourteen (14) feet to some fifty-six (56) feet in depth. Court records indicate that “by early summer of 1966 the health hazard created by the foregoing situation had become rather critical” causing area residents to petition for annexation in order to secure connections to the municipal water and sanitary sewer systems. Following annexation, the City extended municipal water and sanitary sewer systems to residents.

The decision of the Wyoming Supreme Court affirming the annexation action provides a fairly concise history of the annexation proceedings. No agreement or court record has been found to substantiate that the City agreed as part of the annexation to convert gravel streets to paved surfaces or to install storm drainage infrastructure.

For more information, go to: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1170002/in-re-west-laramie/

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Utility Billing

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1. How is Sewer Residential determined?

The Sewer Residential (SR) charge on your City of Laramie utility bill is based on the winter quarter's average water consumption. The winter quarter's average includes January, February, and March's meter readings (the winter quarter is used as the average for this fee calculation to ensure that summer watering is not a factor when determining sewer residential). The SR charge is fixed for a 1-year term beginning with September's billing. Once all the figures are determined the average is then multiplied by the current residential sewer fee (as an exception, any location that has a winter average of zero defaults to 3 units). 

Anyone wishing to dispute their updated Sewer Residential charge can do so by filling out a Sewer Residential Request for Re-Evaluation form, or by visiting the Utility Billing Office at 406 Ivinson Avenue. 

2. Why is my bill different than my neighbor's bill?

There are many factors that can vary between billing accounts. 

1. Water and sewer base fees are determined by the size of meter servicing the location; most single unit residences have either a 3/4" or 1" meter.
2. The number of kitchen units at a residential location influences how solid waste charges are billed. You will be billed for one set of solid waste charges (collection, disposal, recycling) per kitchen unit. 
3. Consumption patterns vary greatly from household to household. Water consumption for a single adult will be significantly different than water consumption for a family of five. For residential water accounts, sewer consumption (sewer residential) is based on actual water usage at that location during the winter quarter. See our Sewer Residential (SR) Fact Sheet for further information.

3. My City of Laramie utility bill is high. What do I do?

If you receive a City of Laramie utility bill that seems higher than normal please refer to the following guidelines prior to contacting the City of Laramie Utility Billing Department: 

1. The water consumption portion of your bill is for the previous month; i.e. September's bill charges you for August's water consumption. Most locations see an increase in their overall water consumption during warmer months due to landscaping, watering, gardening, and other outdoor activities. 
2. Rate changes generally take effect in January. For residential accounts, sewer residential is updated every September to reflect the winter quarter average for that location. Please reference the City of Laramie Municipal Services Rate Sheet for further information. 
3. The total amount due might include previous outstanding balances which might have gone unpaid.
4. Remember that single unit residential accounts bill water consumption at a tiered rate; the cost per unit increases as water consumption increases. Please reference the City of Laramie Municipal Services Rate Sheet for further information. 

If the above mentioned guidelines do not answer your questions or concerns, please contact the City of Laramie Utility Billing Department to assess your individual account situation. 

4. I just sold a home, how do I disconnect my municipal services?

In order to terminate your City of Laramie municipal services account, a Disconnect Form must be completed and returned to the Utility Billing Department (Please email the completed form here). You may also call (307) 721-5222 or (307) 721-5324 to verbally terminate services, or visit City Hall, 406 Ivinson Avenue (Window Hours: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm) to manually fill out the Disconnect Form. 

• In order to get an accurate final meter read on the final date of responsibility, please notify the City of Laramie at least two days prior to your scheduled closing date. 
• For additional details see our Buying or Selling Checklist. 

5. I want my tenants to put the utility account in their name. How do I/they do this?

Per our Notice for Rules Concerning Billing Records Owner, tenants are not allowed to setup municipal services in their name at residential locations. Property owners may elect to have their tenant(s) receive a duplicate copy of the bill each month by filling out our Third-Party Notification Form and returning it to the Utility Billing Department (Please email the completed form here). Agreements between owners and tenants constitute a civil agreement of which the City of Laramie is not a part. Ultimately, property owners are responsible for balances due. 

6. How do I obtain information regarding my utility account?

• Phone Numbers: (307) 721-5222 or (307) 721-5324
• Email: municipalservicesbilling@cityoflaramie.org 
• In Person:
  City Hall (Monday - Friday, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm)
  406 E Ivinson
  Laramie, WY 82070
• Online Account Access:
  www.cityoflaramie.org/c2g
  Register your account and gain access to billing, consumption, and payment history, as well as easily make payments.

7. How do I contact the Utility Billing office?

• Phone Numbers: (307) 721-5222 or (307) 721-5324
• Mailing Address:
  City of Laramie
  P.O. Box C
  Laramie, WY 82073
• Location:
  406 E. Ivinson Ave.
  Laramie, WY 82070
• Email

8. I just purchased a house, how do I get municipal services billing into my name?

In order to switch the City of Laramie utility/municipal services into your name you will need to fill out a Connection Request Application Form (Connect Form) and return it to the Utility Billing Department (Please email the completed form here). Connect forms can also be obtained at the City of Laramie at City Hall 406 Ivinson Avenue. 

• Per our Notice for Rules Concerning Billing Records Owner, tenants are not allowed to setup municipal services in their name at residential locations. Property owners may elect to have their tenant(s) receive a duplicate copy of the bill each month by filling out our Third-Party Notification Form and returning it to the Utility Billing Department (Please email the completed form here). Agreements between owners and tenants constitute a civil agreement of which the City of Laramie is not a part. Ultimately, property owners are responsible for balances due. 
• For additional details see our Buying of Selling Checklist. 

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Water & Utilities

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1. What is Lead?

Lead is a naturally occurring metal that is harmful if inhaled or ingested. Lead can be found in naturally occurring places like soil and water, but can also be found in manmade things like paint and pipes.

2. What are the risks of Lead Exposure?

Lead exposure can be very harmful to people's health, especially children's health. Lead exposure can cause an increase in blood pressure in adults, and learning deficits and slowed physical and mental development in children. The greatest risk of lead poisoning is for children and pregnant women.

3. Are there some structures that have an increased risk of having lead service lines or plumbing?

Buildings and homes that would have an increased risk of lead service lines or plumbing would have been built before 1986 and the 1986 amendment to the Safe Drinking Water Act. Homes and buildings built in Laramie since 1986 would not have been built with lead piping.

4. How can I tell if my homes or business has lead plumbing?

The City of Laramie is currently inspecting city service lines and water meters in residences for lead plumbing. So far, the City has found no evidence of lead contamination in city service lines or at the meter. For business and home plumbing not directly connected to the service meter, the best option would be to hire a plumber to perform an inspection.

5. Does Laramie have lead water service lines?

Laramie does not have any lead service lines. Furthermore, under guidelines provided by the EPA, the City of Laramie is surveying all service lines and residential water meters to make sure there is no lead contamination. As of October 2023, the City has found none and has inspected 2/3s of Laramie homes.

6. Will I be notified if my service line is suspected to have lead?

Yes. As the City of Laramie moves forward with its inspections of all residential water service lines and meters, should any lead be found in a residence's water, the resident will be notified at once and the City will take proper steps to resolve the issue. 

7. What has Laramie done to help reduce resident's exposure to Lead?

The City of Laramie has not installed any lead piping since 1986 when an amendment to the Safe Water Drinking Act was passed in 1986. Laramie also monitors its water systems constantly and is currently undergoing a survey (requested nationally by the EPA) to take an inventory of any residential lead service lines in Laramie. So far, the inspection team has surveyed about 2/3s of Laramie residences and has found no instance of lead contamination.

8. What can I do to reduce or eliminate lead from my drinking water?

The City of Laramie is only responsible for water from city service lines to a utility meter. The City is not responsible for the variety of plumbing equipment inside a home or business. However, there are some steps that you can take to reduce your risk: 

1. Flush your tap water by letting the water run for several minutes if it has been sitting in your pipes for several hours, such as first thing in the morning or upon returning from work.

2. Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, or preparing baby formula.

3. Remove and clean faucet screens or aerators.

4. Use a filter certified to remove lead.

5. When replacing plumbing components or faucets, make sure the products have been tested and certified to “lead-free” standards.

9. How can I get my water tested for lead?

The City has been testing for the presence of lead in residential water for over a year as of October 2023. Currently, the survey team has inspected 2/3s of Laramie residences and has found no presence of lead. By October 2024, all Laramie residences will have been inspected for lead contamination. If you would like an EPA certified to run additional testing on your water, the EPA offers a list of certified water testing labs in Wyoming.

10. Where can I find additional information about lead and drinking water?

Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline 800-426-4791 or the EPA’s website.