How Cheyenne Handles Environmental Rules: A Practical Guide
Cheyenne maintains 89 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with environmental rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Cheyenne falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Flood Zones
New homes and additions in Cheyenne's mapped flood hazard areas need a development permit and must sit at least one foot above the base flood elevation.
Key details: Governing chapter: City Code Ch. 13.24. Elevation requirement: 1 ft above base flood elevation. Administrator: City engineer. Max penalty: $750 fine / 6 months jail. FIRM basis: Laramie County flood study, 2007.
Building or altering a structure in a flood hazard area without a permit or below the required elevation is a misdemeanor: up to a $750 fine, up to six months in jail, or both, per violation, plus case costs.
Flood Elevation Requirements
Cheyenne requires new and substantially improved structures in mapped flood hazard areas to sit at least one foot above the base flood elevation, verified by a licensed engineer, architect, or surveyor.
Key details: Freeboard required: 1 foot above BFE. Administered by: City Engineer (floodplain administrator). Applies to: New construction & substantial improvements. Certification needed: PE, architect, or land surveyor. Max penalty: $750 fine / 6 months jail.
Building below the required elevation without a permit is a misdemeanor: up to a $750 fine or six months in jail per violation, plus case costs, and the city can pursue other remedies to stop or correct the work.
Stormwater Management
Cheyenne bans dumping anything but rain into the storm drain system, and the city engineer enforces it under the Urban Stormwater Quality Management ordinance.
Key details: Enforcing office: City engineer. Max fine per violation: $10,000. Governing law: Ch. 13.28, adopted 2022. Permit tie-in: WYPDES construction/industrial permits required.
Ignoring a city engineer notice to eliminate an illegal discharge, illicit connection, or stormwater pollution source draws a fine up to $10,000 per Section 13.28.140/13.28.220.
Compared to other cities, Cheyenne takes a harder line on stormwater management. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Erosion Control
Any construction project in Cheyenne covered by a WYPDES construction stormwater permit must comply with that permit's erosion and sediment control terms, and the city engineer can demand proof of compliance before issuing site plans or building permits.
Key details: Governing chapter: 13.28 Urban Stormwater Quality Management. Trigger threshold: 1+ acre land disturbance (or phased plan). Enforcement tool: Proof of WYPDES permit compliance required. Penalty: Up to $750 fine or 6 months jail. Enforcing office: City engineer / stormwater management office.
Violating this stormwater chapter is a misdemeanor under Section 1.24.010, fined up to $750 plus court costs or six months in jail, with each day a separate offense; violations can also be abated as a public nuisance.
The Bottom Line
Cheyenne's environmental rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Cheyenne is broadly strict or permissive.
This guide is based on Cheyenne's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.