Wyoming proposal would offer low-cost state land for homes

The state would offer ten-acre lots from approved state land for one dollar per acre. Lots would come from surplus state land suitable for single-family homes. School and trust lands, public-use lands, parks, and other protected lands are excluded. Buyers would also pay actual recording and closing costs. The state would need local land-use approvals and must follow local zoning rules. The bill would take effect July 1, 2026.

Buyers would have to build and live in a single-family home on each lot. The rules would bind buyers and later owners. Each lot could have one detached home, customary accessory structures, and farm or recreational uses tied to living there. Buyers must be U.S. citizens who have lived in Wyoming for at least 12 months before applying. No person could acquire more than 25 acres through the program, and businesses could not buy or hold lots. The deed would bar commercial use, multiple homes, and extra rental units, but owners could rent out the single-family home. Violations could lead to the lot returning to the state after notice and a chance to fix the problem. The 20-year period would start at closing. The five-year residence period would start when the buyer first moves in.

The state would set aside $250,000 for a study and possible early program work. The money would come from the general fund and go to the Office of State Lands and Investments. The money could pay for a study of program administration and enforcement, including activities such as surveying to identify lots and clusters. The funds could not be used for other purposes. Unspent and unobligated money would return to the state. The funding period would begin when the act takes effect and end June 30, 2028.