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Welcome to Rock Springs...a diverse city richly steeped in western history and coal mining. Outlaw gangs who roamed the West often passed through Rock Springs or used it as a destination. As a young man, outlaw “Butch” Cassidy worked in Rock Springs as a butcher…acquiring the name “Butch”. We are also known as the City of “56 Nationalities” as people emigrated to Rock Springs in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s to work in the Union Pacific coal mines. We have a reputation of being a very friendly, helpful, and welcoming community……our people are the fabric of our city. Come visit us…you may enjoy yourself so much that you will want to stay!
Mayor's Office
On behalf of the City Council, Department Heads, staff, and I, welcome to the City of Rock Springs. Since Archibald and Duncan Blair opened our first coal mine in 1868, our community has been one of producers. In 1888, the year the Wyoming Territorial Assembly first requested Congress admit Wyoming into our Union, Rock Springs became the sixth incorporated city in the Wyoming Territory. We have grown from those early days to become the fifth largest city in Wyoming.
Flowing out of the rocks near the Overland Trail swing station – our namesake, the “rock spring,” was disrupted by mining early on. Those mining operations formed the foundation our town stands on today and were essential to the success of the Union Pacific Railroad in uniting the coasts of our Nation. It’s no exaggeration to claim that without the hard-working citizens of Rock Springs, the Transcontinental Railroad and the Union Pacific itself would not have succeeded.
The economic opportunity presented by our mines and agriculture created a community of immigrants, earning us our title of “Rock Springs: Home of 56 Nationalities, Host to All.” For the past 100 years, we have been celebrating that rich cultural heritage through a festival now known as International Days – a multiday celebration and sharing of the cultures who, together, create our vibrant community. The grit, opportunity, and innovation present in our early days continues today through both the descendants of those original immigrants and by new families who see our remarkable community and make it their home.
Rock Springs is proud to be the home of Western Wyoming Community College (ranked 7th best in our Nation and home to an exceptional wrestling program), the Sweetwater County Events Complex (hosting Wyoming’s Big Show, Horse Racing, Auto Racing, BMX Racing, RV shows, Rodeos, and the National High School Finals Rodeo events), nationally ranked bike trails, a vibrant historic downtown (including the Broadway Theater and Community Fine Arts Center, which bring us a wide range of cultural events), a Junior Hockey team (the Prospectors), a strong Chamber of Commerce, and many others. We have an active and engaged school district with broad opportunities for students. We are served by two hospitals to meet the needs of our residents and the surrounding communities. If you enjoy hiking, biking, camping, fishing, hunting, boating, snow machining, or riding ATVs, we have vast open spaces where all those pursuits are minutes away. From the Flaming Gorge Reservoir (with a surface area of over 65 square miles) to the Killpecker Sand Dunes (one of the largest active sand dune regions in the world), our varied and beautiful landscape has something for every taste.
While we are rightfully proud of our history, our resources, and our people, we stay true to the spirit of grit and innovation that our original residents used to build our community. We are a high-energy community rooted in the past and focused on remaining a thriving business and industry hub. We continue to support industrial businesses related to coal, trona, oil, natural gas, wind and solar energy, and carbon capture, as well as agriculture, tourism, and service businesses. We are focused on progress, innovation, and growth to continue adding to the storied history of success and community we have in Rock Springs.
Our location on the intersection of Interstate 80 and US Highway 191 along with our rail and air access makes us an ideal location for industry, manufacturing, commodity extraction, and technology sectors. We are poised for significant growth and invite you to be a part of our hometown today, and for generations to come. Together we will continue to build and support a community everyone can be proud to call home.
The City of Rock Springs, our staff, Department Heads, the City Council, and I are committed to serving the public and promoting development at the highest possible level. We strive to ensure public safety, quality of life, business growth, and healthy neighborhoods are the norm. The City of Rock Springs is proud to serve and support everyone, whether you are a visitor, a new resident, or in your sixth generation of calling Rock Springs home.
Warmest regards,
Max Mickelson, Mayor
Animal Control
The Animal Shelter is home to Animal Control, a division of the police department. We respond to most animal calls within the city limits. We deal with problems such as barking dogs, animals at large, animal bites, and wild animals. If you have a problem with any animal, whether yours, your neighbor's, or a wild animal that is where it shouldn't be or is doing something you wish it weren't, call us. If we can't help, we know who can or how you may be able to fix it yourself. Call us if you suspect there is an animal in danger, but especially if there is a dangerous animal. Please do not approach a dangerous or wild animal.
Looking for a Pet?
Visit our
Adopt-a-Pet page or our
Shelter Manager site to find the dog or cat that will make that next great addition to your family.
Lost Dog or Cat?
If you've lost your pet, call the animal shelter at (307) 352-1455. We keep track of lost dogs and cats so we can get them back home. We also track reports of at-large animals and sometimes this can help you find your pet.
Interested in Volunteering?
We are always in need of volunteers! On-going volunteer activities include: exercising and socializing animals, grooming and training, and cleaning. Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age. For more information please see our
Volunteer Agreement.
Pet Licenses & Fees
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Dogs: $80
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Cats: $20
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Kittens: $40
We now accept credit/debit cards.
Boards & Commissions
Rock Springs participates in and supports many boards and commissions for the safety, growth, and health of our citizens.
Cemetery
The Rock Springs Cemetery is more than 100 years old and has been an important city function since the city was founded in 1889. It meant so much to the people of Rock Springs, that in 1924 they worked as volunteers for months moving all the unregistered graves to the cemetery.
In the 1980's the cemetery was completely surveyed and re-landscaped. This great effort to beautify the cemetery began ongoing city maintenance, and improvement. Security lighting was installed to prevent vandalism and improve safety for those who visit after dark. A tertiary effluent water irrigation system was built in all but the old Paul Wataha section to help conserve water while maintaining a lush green landscape in the middle of its desert surroundings.
There are three sections in the cemetery:
Within these sections there are a number of blocks that have mostly been named after mayors of Rock Springs. The meditation area south of the main parking lot contains a map and a directory which alphabetically lists individuals buried within the cemetery. At the end of the print-out, it references which block the individual is buried in. The listing is not totally complete, but the intent is to aid those attempting to locate loved ones and friends.
We also offer an online directory of burials-
Burial Search
Headstones
The maximum size for bases or foundations placed upon single lots within the cemetery shall be twenty-four inches by thirty-six inches (24" x 36"). The maximum size for bases or foundations placed upon double lots within the cemetery shall be twenty-four by sixty-eight (24" x 68").
Monuments -Upright stone
Markers- Flat stone
All marker and/or monument foundations shall be placed flush with the ground level and shall extend at least four inches beyond the perimeter of the sides of the marker or monument. All markers and/or monuments shall be centered at the head of the lots and shall be placed so as to allow at least six inches of open space between the outside edge of the base or foundation and the exterior boundaries of the lot. Single markers and/or monuments which are to be placed upon double lots may be centered across the common boundary line of said lots.
There shall be no height restrictions upon monuments placed within the cemetery except as follows:
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Mayor Oblock and Mayor West Blocks of the Paul J. Wataha Section:
No monument shall be allowed. Markers may extend no more than eight inches (8") in height above their foundations.
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Mayor Anderson Block of the Mountain View Section:
No monuments shall be allowed. Markers may extend no more than twenty-four inches (24") in height above their foundations.
Vaults
Protective vaults shall be placed around all caskets placed within the City Cemetery. Vaults shall be constructed of such materials and in such manner as is directed by the Cemetery Sexton. Acceptable materials shall include but not be limited to concrete, steel, and fiberglass.
For a list of burials in Rock Springs Municipal Cemetery, please go to "Useful Links" tab at bottom of page.
For Further Information Contact:
City Clerk
Rock Springs City Hall
212 D Street
Rock Springs, WY 82901
Phone: (307) 352-1500
Fax: (307) 352-1516
City Attorney
The City Attorney provides advice to the Mayor, Council and Department Heads, legal representation of the City, ordinance preparation and prosecution of municipal court cases.
Resources:
Civic Center
Welcome to the
Rock Springs
Civic Center!
We have partnered with Berry Dunn to improve Parks and Rec as a community partner. We need your input! Please use this LINK to give your input on how we can improve!
The 2024 Winter & Spring Activity Guide is out now! It is jam-packed with terrific recreational opportunities in our community. Click the link below for more details!
Golf Simulator reservations are available all week long; call soon to schedule your tee time. In the meantime, click here for fees, rules, & FAQ's.
Winter Hours
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Monday - Thursday |
6 am - 9 pm |
Friday |
6 am - 6 pm |
Saturday & Sunday
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10 am - 5 pm
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Pool Hours
Click here for a quick link to our weekly activities.
Employment
Welcome to the Employment section of our website - where you can find information about employment opportunities within the City of Rock Springs. Please click on the Current Job Openings Link to see all jobs available in the City.
The City of Rock Springs has a strong commitment to nondiscrimination employment practices. The City employs, retains, promotes, terminates and otherwise treats all employees and job applicants on the basis of job-related qualifications and competence. All employment practices are applied without regard to any individual's sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military service status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
Full-Time Positions
City Planner
Irrigation Specialist
Police Officer
Part-Time Positions
Lifeguard
Golf Course Mechanic Helper
Engineering & Operations
The Engineering Department provides maintenance of streets, sidewalks and alleys, cemetery maintenance and information and water system maintenance.
For information on mine subsidence and abandoned mine lands, please explore the following links:
Family Recreation Center
3900 Sweetwater Drive
We have partnered with Berry Dunn to improve Parks and Rec as a community partner. We need your input! Please use this LINK to give your input on how we can improve!
RSFRC Hours
Winter hours are here to help you hibernate through the snow.
Monday - Thursday
5:00 am - 9:00 pm
Friday
5:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Sunday
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Fee Schedule
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Daily Fees
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Memberships
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Monthly
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6-Month
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Annual
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*Child 6 & under
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Free
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--
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--
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--
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*Youth 7-18
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4.00
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27.00
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145.00
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265.00
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*Student
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4.00
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27.00
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145.00
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265.00
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*Adult
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7.00
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54.00
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265.00
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480.00
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Family
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---------
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90.00
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450.00
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780.00
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Senior 62-74 yrs
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2.50
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16.00
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75.00
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135.00
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Pioneer Senior
75-79 yrs
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1.25 |
8.00 |
36.00 |
65.00
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Pioneer Senior
80 + yrs
|
Free |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Senior Family
62-74 yrs
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---------
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24.00
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120.00
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220.00
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Pioneer Family
75-79 yrs
|
--------- |
12.00 |
60.00 |
110.00 |
Pioneer Family
80 + yrs
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Free |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Couples Husband / wife Parent / Youth
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---------
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72.00
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385.00
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630.00
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10 Punch Pass |
50 Punch Pass |
Youth |
40.00 |
1/day |
150.00 |
1/day |
Student |
40.00 |
1/day |
1/day |
Adult |
70.00 |
1/day |
2/day |
Senior |
25.00 |
1/day |
----------------- |
1/day |
Pioneer Senior |
12.50 |
1/day |
1/day |
**Locker Rental
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6 Months
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12 Months
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RSFRC
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1/4 Locker
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40.00
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60.00
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1/2 Locker
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60.00 |
100.00 |
We take cash, Visa, Master Card and personal checks.
A Child is anyone six years old or under, a Youth is anyone 7 to 18 years of age, a Student is anyone who presents proof of being registered as a full-time college student & is under 24 years of age and supported by a parent. An Adult is anyone 19 to 61 years of age, a Senior is anyone who is 62-74 years of age, a Pioneer Senior is 75+ years of age. Pioneer Seniors 80 + are Free.
All children six years old and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times!
**Lockers are free for daily visits, but must be rented if left locked overnight. Please bring your own lock!
Finance & Administration
The department includes, but is not limited to, the following functions and sub-departments;
- Budget
- Payroll
- Records
- Licenses
- Purchasing
- Public Housing
- IT Support
We also help to oversee the Office of the City Clerk and City Treasurer, financial administration of Public Utilities, the Library Board, and Airport Board.
Fire Department
Mission Statement of the Rock Springs Fire Department
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The Rock Springs Fire Department is a public service organization established to provide emergency and non-emergency assistance to the community for the protection of lives, health, environment, and property through education, prevention, mitigation, and control.
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The Rock Springs Fire Department was created and authorized on August 4, 1904 by Rock Springs City Ordinance. Over the past 100 years the operations and makeup of the Rock Springs Fire Department has changed immensely. The levels and types of services the department delivers are based on local needs as well as state and national trends. Over the years, several changes and paradigm shifts have been made to increase the level of service provided to the citizens of Rock Springs. Today 35 personnel, working three 24-hour shifts, responding from three stations.
Emergency response is only a small part of the duties that the Rock Springs Fire Department performs. However, being prepared for that emergency response is a large part of why the department exists. Emergency response includes: fire suppression; wildland - urban interface fire suppression; emergency medical first response; hazardous materials response; vehicle extrication; non-permit and permit required confined space rescue; high and low angle rope rescue; and animal rescue.
Prevention and readiness activities make up the balance of the Rock Springs Fire Department's services. The members of the Rock Springs Fire Department respond to any inquiry or request for help to the citizens of Rock Springs with a "can do" approach.
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Municipal Court
The Rock Springs Municipal Court is presided over by Judge George Scott Nelson. The Municipal Court processes misdemeanor criminal violations of the ordinances for the City of Rock Springs as well as some State Statutes that have been adopted by the City. The maximum penalty for any one offense is a fine not to exceed $750.00 and or imprisonment not to exceed six months.
The Municipal Court office is open 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Arraignments are scheduled at 9:00 am. Other hearings are scheduled throughout the week.
When appearing in Court it is important to:
Be on time
Check in at the Court Office
Turn off cell phones
Dress appropriately
Be respectful when addressing the Judge
No hats or gum allowed in the court room
Museum
Built in 1894, the Rock Springs Historical Museum offers a unique look back at the history of Rock Springs starting with the building itself. Constructed of native sandstone the structure housed city hall, the police station and jail, the fire station, a judge’s chambers, court room, and municipal offices for nearly a century.
A matter of pride for the young coal town, the city hall was paid for entirely from revenues collected from issuing liquor licenses in town. The building originally cost $28,200 and featured electric lighting and steam heating from the start. It remains the only example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture in southwest Wyoming. In the early 1980's a new city hall building was constructed and the original building was closed.
The building sat empty for some time until the Rock Springs Centennial Celebration in 1988. Through the hard work and dedication of a group of volunteers, the "Centennial Museum" opened on June 4, 1988 after only a few months of planning and designing. Artifacts were loaned and donated by local residents and the volunteers created many exhibits to show what it was like to live here "in the old days".
Because of the success of the Centennial Museum, plans were made to make the Rock Springs Historical Museum a permanent part of the city. In 1991-1992, with funds from the Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Program, the building underwent a 1.7 million dollar restoration to bring it back to its original 1890's condition.
Today, the Rock Springs Historical Museum features both permanent and rotating exhibits that showcase the industries and people that helped build Rock Springs and the surrounding area. Artifacts, photographs and interpretative displays relating to the history of the building itself, coal mining, the Union Pacific Railroad, famous outlaws Butch Cassidy and Calamity Jane, and the 56 Nationalities that make up the heritage of Rock Springs are all on display. The museum also offers a research library, group or individual tours, a book and gift shop, and a penny pincher to create a token to remember your visit.
The Rock Springs Historical Museum is free and accessible to people of all ages and abilities. We are open year round from 10 am to 5 pm, closed Sunday and major holidays.
Photograph courtesy of Emilio Sanchez 2019.
Parks & Recreation
A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR...
Welcome to the crisp, cool mornings and warm afternoons of fall in western Wyoming! Residents still have a couple of months to enjoy our beautiful city parks & golf course and the many outdoor activities our department provides. On behalf of the staff in Parks & Rec, I welcome you outdoors to our recreational opportunities before the snow flies! And once the snowflakes arrive, shift gears and come indoors to all the Civic Center and the Family Rec Center have to offer!
As a department, our goal is to provide the community with a very diverse list of quality recreational opportunities while making you feel welcome each and every time you visit our programs & facilities. If you would like a tour of one or both of our indoor facilities, please stop in at the front desk and just ask! Speaking of tours, click here to check out this video which showcases what our department has to offer!
As a department, we strive to diversify your recreational options and welcome ideas on how we can improve the myriad of opportunities in our community. We also kindly ask you to help us watch over the facilities we manage.
Please come out and enjoy all we have to offer ~ as it’s our wish to give the community the very best! Again, let us know if we can be of any assistance to you in your recreational needs. Rock Springs is a great place to work and play....so come out and play!
Dave Lansang – Director of Parks and Recreation
To look at bid requests for Parks and Recreation click here: Bid Packet Form
To request a donation from the Parks and Recreation Department click here: Donation Request Form
To offer a donation or service project to the Parks and Recreation Department click here: Donation Offer Form
Planning & Zoning
Welcome to the Department of Planning & Zoning at the City of Rock Springs!
This department handles both current and long-range planning activities for the City of Rock Springs in order to ensure that all future development is consistent with the City's Master Plan and vision for the future. In addition to providing day to day support for the public, this Department's main responsibilities including the following:
- Coordinate the implementation of the City's Master Plan with the City Council and Department Heads.
- Administer the City's Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances in collaboration with the Planning & Zoning Commission and Board of Adjustment.
- Manage the utility review process for commercial and industrial developments.
- Provide floodplain administration.
- Oversee business licensing and home occupation permitting.
- Issue residential zoning permits (sheds, fences, driveways, etc.)
- Handle zoning code enforcement cases.
Planning staff are ready to assist you through our processes. While staff ensures development is consistent with the Ordinances and policies of the City, providing exemplary customer service and assistance is also of utmost importance to us. We hope that information contained on this website will further help to assist you with your development project.
Planning Office hours are 8am-12:30pm and 1:30pm-5pm daily (excluding holidays). For more complex development projects, you may wish to consider making an appointment to ensure adequate review time. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at (307) 352-1540 or City_Planner@rswy.net.
We look forward to working with you!
Police Department
Welcome to our Department
The Rock Springs Police Department is an agency comprised of 46 sworn Patrol Officers, 3 Animal Control Officers, 2 Parking and Nuisance Officers, 1 Community Service Officers and 9 support services personnel. Our officers participate in a variety of specialized programs including:
- Detectives
- Canine Unit
- Tactical Response Team
- Critical Accident Team
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Bicycle Patrol
- School Resource Officers
For the most current updates, please follow us on Facebook - Rock Springs Police Department
Rock Springs Housing Authority
Public Services (Building Dept.)
Use our online database to search for registered contractors and building permits - Public Database
Permits, Plan Review, Inspections (including Fire Inspections)
Master Plan, Business Applications, Development Applications, Board of Adjustment, Planning & Zoning Commision, Floodplain Information, Fence & Shed Permitting
Fleet Maintenance and Repairs
- Water Reclamation Facility
Wastewater Collection & Treatment System, Industrial Pretreatment & Permitting, Reclaim Water, Repairs, Maintenance & Upgrades
- News &
Notices - Events
- Useful
Links - Services
- Water Quality Report 2024
- We Need Your Input!
We have partnered with Berry Dunn to improve Parks and Rec as a community partner. We need your input! Please use this LINK to give your input on how we can improve!
- City Trash Pick Up
CITY CLEAN UP WEEK - MAY 6 to 10, 2024
City crews can pick-up rubbish, old appliances, furniture, tree limbs, yard waste, etc.