A Resident's Guide to Cheyenne's Local Ordinances

Cheyenne, Wyoming may not be the biggest city in the state, but it has its own set of local rules that residents need to follow. With 74 tracked ordinances across 20 categories, there is more here than you might expect.

Public Health Rules

Syringe Disposal: Cheyenne has no mandatory sharps disposal ordinance for residents, but CLCHD recommends rigid puncture-proof containers, and improperly discarded syringes in trash or parks can trigger nuisance and litter enforcement..

Also covered: Healthy Food Retail (permissive), Calorie Labeling (permissive), Food Handler Certification (moderate). See the full public health rules guide for Cheyenne for details.

Cannabis Regulations

Dispensary Zoning: Cannabis dispensaries are illegal anywhere in Cheyenne because Wyoming has not legalized recreational or medical marijuana under Wyo. Stat.

Also covered: Cannabis Delivery Rules (strict), Home Cultivation (strict). See the full cannabis regulations guide for Cheyenne for details.

Tobacco & Vaping

Tobacco Age Restrictions: Wyo. Stat.

Also covered: Vape Retail Rules (moderate), Flavored Tobacco Bans (permissive). See the full tobacco & vaping guide for Cheyenne for details.

Single-Use Items

Plastic Bag Rules: Cheyenne does not regulate plastic carryout bags, and Wyoming has neither preempted nor banned local bag rules at the state level, so retailers are free to provide plastic, paper, or reusable bags without local fees..

Also covered: Polystyrene Foam Rules (permissive). See the full single-use items guide for Cheyenne for details.

Water Use Rules

Leak Reporting Duty: BOPU customers can report water main breaks, hydrant leaks, or service line losses 24/7. Customers may request a one-time bill adjustment for hidden leaks once repaired, supporting High Plains water conservation goals..

Also covered: Lawn Watering Restrictions (moderate), Turf Replacement Rebates (permissive). See the full water use rules guide for Cheyenne for details.

Environmental Rules

Stormwater Management: Cheyenne operates an MS4 stormwater program under EPA Phase II. Construction sites disturbing one acre or more need stormwater permits, and illicit discharges to storm drains feeding Crow Creek are prohibited..

Also covered: Erosion Control (moderate), Flood Zones (moderate), Climate Emergency Mobilization (permissive). See the full environmental rules guide for Cheyenne for details.

Zoning Overlays & Bonuses

Specific Plans Overview: The 2017 Unified Development Code governs Cheyenne zoning. Districts span low-density residential, mixed-use downtown, commercial corridors, industrial near Union Pacific, and overlay zones reflecting the F.E.

Also covered: Density Bonus Law (permissive), Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) (permissive). See the full zoning overlays & bonuses guide for Cheyenne for details.

Mobility & Curb Rules

Bike Lane Rules: Cheyenne maintains designated bike lanes on selected arterials plus the Greater Cheyenne Greenway shared-use trail network. Cyclists must follow Wyoming traffic law and yield to pedestrians on multi-use paths..

Also covered: Shared E-Scooter Rules (permissive). See the full mobility & curb rules guide for Cheyenne for details.

Tree Protection

Tree Removal Permits: Cheyenne Tree Code Title 12 Section 2.4 regulates trees in the public right-of-way and parks. Removal, planting, or major pruning of street trees requires city approval through the Urban Forestry program..

Also covered: Parkway Planting (permissive). See the full tree protection guide for Cheyenne for details.

Business Licensing & Operations

Adult Entertainment: Cheyenne regulates adult-oriented businesses through Title 3 business regulation provisions, requiring special licensing, distance buffers from schools and churches, and operational rules limiting hours and conduct on premises..

Also covered: Massage Establishments (moderate), Tobacco Retail License (moderate), Secondhand Dealers (moderate). See the full business licensing & operations guide for Cheyenne for details.

Public Conduct

Public Marijuana Use: Wyoming has not legalized recreational or medical marijuana, making any possession or use illegal statewide under Wyo. Stat.

Also covered: Public Alcohol Use (moderate), Aggressive Panhandling (moderate), Skateboarding Rules (moderate). See the full public conduct guide for Cheyenne for details.

Hotels & Lodging

Transient Occupancy Tax: Cheyenne charges a 4 percent city lodging tax on stays under 30 days plus the 4 percent Wyoming state lodging tax, totaling about 8 percent on hotel and short-term rental bookings, with no general sales tax addition..

Also covered: Hotel Worker Retention (permissive). See the full hotels & lodging guide for Cheyenne for details.

Employment Preemption

Minimum Wage Preemption: Wyoming sets minimum wage at the federal floor of seven dollars twenty-five cents per hour under Wyo. Stat.

Also covered: Paid Leave Preemption (permissive). See the full employment preemption guide for Cheyenne for details.

Immigration Policy

Sanctuary Policy Preemption: Cheyenne is not a sanctuary city, and Wyoming HB 0030 considered in 2025 would prohibit sanctuary policies statewide, requiring local cooperation with federal immigration authorities including Cheyenne Police and Laramie County Sheriff..

Animal Ordinances

Exotic Pets: Cheyenne Title 4 prohibits keeping most wild and exotic animals such as big cats, venomous reptiles, primates, and bears within city limits, with limited exceptions for licensed educational facilities..

Also covered: Chickens & Livestock (moderate), Breed Restrictions (moderate), Dog Leash Laws (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for Cheyenne for details.

Fire Regulations

Fireworks: Cheyenne prohibits the discharge of consumer fireworks within city limits year-round, including around Independence Day and Cheyenne Frontier Days, with enforcement by Cheyenne Police and Cheyenne Fire Rescue..

Also covered: Outdoor Burning (moderate), Fire Pit Rules (moderate), Propane Storage (moderate). See the full fire regulations guide for Cheyenne for details.

Building Safety

Lead Paint: Cheyenne homes built before 1978 often contain lead-based paint. Federal EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting rules apply, while Wyoming and Cheyenne add disclosure obligations and contractor licensing..

Also covered: Fire Sprinkler Requirements (moderate), Pest Control (moderate), Elevator Maintenance (moderate). See the full building safety guide for Cheyenne for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Permit Requirements: Cheyenne regulates short-term rentals through the Unified Development Code Section 5, requiring zoning compliance and a city business license before listing a dwelling on platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo within city limits..

Also covered: Noise Rules (moderate), Taxes & Fees (moderate), Insurance Requirements (permissive). See the full short-term rentals guide for Cheyenne for details.

Rental Property Rules

Just Cause Eviction: Cheyenne and Wyoming do not require just cause for residential eviction at end of lease. Landlords may decline to renew for any non-discriminatory reason, with statutory notice periods for non-renewal and grounds-based mid-lease termination..

Also covered: Rent Control (permissive), Source-of-Income Discrimination (permissive), Rental Registration (permissive). See the full rental property rules guide for Cheyenne for details.

Homelessness & Encampment Rules

Sit-Lie Rules: Cheyenne enforces general public-conduct ordinances under Title 9 prohibiting obstruction of sidewalks and public ways. Officers may direct individuals to move when blocking pedestrian traffic, especially in the downtown core near Capitol Square..

Also covered: Encampment Sanitation (moderate). See the full homelessness & encampment rules guide for Cheyenne for details.

What to Do With This Information

This overview covers the big picture, but the details matter. Each ordinance page for Cheyenne includes the full text, violation penalties, and frequently asked questions. Use those pages when you need specifics.