Planning Commission

Saratoga Transportation Alternatives Master Plan

The Town of Saratoga is developing the Saratoga Transportation Alternatives Master Plan, a town-wide Transportation Alternatives Master Plan aimed at providing conceptual plans for the development of trails, sidewalks and pathways that will improve the connectivity between parks, natural areas, hot springs, schools, downtown, the library, hospital, and grocery store, as well as a plan to bring current pedestrian infrastructure into ADA compliance.

The project team hosted it’s first community meeting on September 13th to kick-off the project. After carefully listening to the community's input, the team held a second community meeting on January 17th, 2024 where the team presented draft concepts for transportation projects and you shared your thoughts. Please join us for the Master Plan's 3rd Public Engagement Meeting on Monday, May 6th from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM at the Great Hall of the The Platte Valley Community Center (210 W Elm Ave, Saratoga, WY 82331). At the third meeting the project team will present refined project concepts, cost & funding estimates, and a maintenance plan. Mark your calendars, spread the word, and come join us for another evening of collaboration!

For up-to-date information and engagement opportunities about the Saratoga Transportation Alternatives Master Plan, please visit the project website: SaratogaMoves.com

Building, Excavating and Planning Forms

The Town of Saratoga regulates construction, land development and excavation within its municipal boundaries. In accordance with the Saratoga Town Code a permit is required for the majority of alterations to structures and land within the Town. These include but are not limited to:

• Subdivisions of land
• Design standard variances
• Land Uses
• Zone Map and Amendments
• Fence Construction
• Building Alterations 
• Special Use Applications
• Excavating and Filling 

All forms are available on the Forms Page. The goal of these programs is to better insure the public health and safety of the community as changes are made over time. If you have any questions about the forms below please contact Zoning Officer Emery Penner at Town Hall at 307-326-8335. 

Affordable Housing

The Planning Commission is aware of the need for more affordable housing options in our community. As we continue to research solutions for our community, we want to share one resource from the USDA Rural Development office.

• Rural Home Loans - The USDA has a direct loan program that helps low- and very-low income applicants to buy decent, safe, and sanitary housing in eligible rural areas by providing payment assistance to increase their applicant's repayment ability. Payment assistance is a type of subsidy that reduces the mortgage payment for a short time. The amount of assistance is determined by the adjusted family income. For more information, visit the USDA Rural Home Loans Website.
• Single Family Home Loan Guarantees - This program helps approved lenders make 100 percent-financed, no-money-down mortgage loans to eligible low- and moderate-income applicants. Backed by USDA Rural Development, the 90 percent loan note guarantee encourages lender participation by helping them minimize risk. With a Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan, applicants can buy an existing home (including the cost of rehabilitating, improving, or relocating the dwelling) or they can build new. The home must be used as their primary residence and must be modest, decent, safe, and sanitary. This program is not restricted to first-time buyers. For more information, visit the USDA page.
• Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants - This home repair program provides loans to very-low income homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their homes, or provides grants to elderly, very-low income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards. Loans are available up to $40,000 and grants are available up to $10,000. Loans and grants can be combined. For more information, visit the USDA Housing Repair page. 

2016 Comprehensive Master Plan for the Town of Saratoga

This Comprehensive Master Plan describes the Town of Saratoga's vision for the long-term future of the community. It provides guidance for community decision-making, and establishes goals and strategies to achieve the community's vision. It also provides a blueprint for how and where development should occur in the Town of Saratoga.

The Master Plan is also important for other local residents who will gain a sense of the direction of future community development, as well as the potential opportunities associated with being part of the Saratoga community. The Master Plan identifies community issues and priorities that were obtained from community leaders and community residents during 2015-2016. Recommendations are presented in the Master Plan that address lifestyle considerations of local residents. Such recommendations include the future type and location of commercial services, community and public facilities, vehicular and pedestrian circulation, and recreational opportunities.

The final document can be viewed online HERE.

Saratoga Planning Commission Statement of Purpose

The purpose of the Saratoga Planning Commission is to promote the health, safety and general welfare of the community and county and foster the most appropriate development of land within these jurisdictions. The Saratoga Planning Commission shall, in accordance with the public interest, oversee the development of and updates to area comprehensive plans. The Commission shall submit recommendation to the Town Council, on the adoption of ordinances and codes established to enact the development policies of the comprehensive plan, and rule on matters pertaining to the enforcement of said adopted codes and ordinances, specifically the zoning and subdivisions ordinances. 

The Planning Commission shall be composed of 7 members. Application for appointment shall be made to the Town Clerk for review by the Mayor. Members are appointed for five year terms. Each term expires on December 31st of the last year of the term of office.