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1. When is a permit required?

A building permit is required for any construction which physically changes or adds structures to your property or for work regulated by local codes or ordinances. This list is not intended to be inclusive. Please call the office 402-332-3336, ext 1209 or ext 1213 to verify if you need a permit, or if you have questions.

• New home or commercial building construction
• Construction or placement of any detached building
• Room additions, alterations, removing, or adding a wall
• Garage or shed additions
• Basement finish, remodeling a kitchen or bathroom. An electrical permit is required for the installation of all new electrical wiring, lighting fixtures, receptacles, change electrical panel, replacing electrical wiring runs or adding electric service to a garage or shed
• Fences
• Sprinkler system
• Construction or addition to a deck, patio or porch, patio cover or enclosing a deck
• Installation of doors or windows which require a new opening or enlarging the existing opening
• Concrete projects of replacing or enlarging a driveway or patio
• Hot tubs or swimming pools, above or below ground, deeper than 36” and require a pump or filtering system
• Repairs to structural components or any building damaged by fire, wind or collision
• Moving or demolishing a building or structure

2. How do I apply for a permit?

Our office is located  at 204 North McKenna Avenue (the old downtown business district).

At Highway 6 / 31 and Angus Streeet, turn west and go approximately three to four blocks to the stop sign. At the stop sign turn north to the end of the block and we are located on the corner of Wallace and McKenna. Our office is downstairs.

Permit applications may be obtained at our office Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Permits may be paid for by check, cash or credit cards, in person only.

3. How do I schedule an inspection?

To schedule an inspection, please call the office 402-332-3336; ext. 1209. You may reach the Building Inspector, Aaron at ext. 1213, for questions. The Building Department hours are Monday - Friday, between 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Please allow a 24-hour notice when scheduling an inspection. Inspections are scheduled for a.m. or p.m.; however, we will schedule a specific inspection time for footings, foundations, water taps and sewers. We do not recommend leaving a message for setting up an inspection. If you leave a message for an inspection, please do not assume it is set up unless we confirm with you. A re-inspection fee of $80 per inspection will be charged in excess of two. For commercial projects you will also need to contact the State Fire Marshall’s Office at 402-471-2027.

4. When does a permit expire?

A building permit shall expire within 180 days if a substantial beginning has not been made in the construction of the use applied for and within one year if not completed.

If the project is not complete within the one-year period, a renewal may be granted for an additional year at a charge of the original building permit cost.

5. Why obtain a building permit?

• A building permit is required by law and safety is the primary reason for requiring permits. City inspectors check to make sure construction meet the minimum standards for safety and health purposes, as well as for the protection of your family and property, your neighbors and buyers of your property.
• Most projects begin with a plan review before a permit is issued. A large majority of potential problems are discovered at this stage and resolved before the project even begins. This saves unnecessary construction delays, time and money as opposed to discovering the errors in the field after materials are delivered and / or installed.
• During the construction of your project, a building inspector will perform periodic inspections to verify the work is properly completed and meets code requirements. The inspector may also be able to provide suggestions or recommendations since they have experienced similar situations in the past.

6. When is a permit not required?

• Play structure or swing set
• Planting of trees or landscape projects, including small decorative fence, arbor or small pond
• Retaining wall not over 4’ in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall
• Painting or wallpaper or similar interior decorating
• House siding
• Roofing projects that do not involve rafters or installation or replacement of more than one sheet of decking. (such as re-shingling). Note: Ice shield must be installed
• Replacing existing electrical fixtures, outlets or switches
• Replace kitchen or bath cabinets, countertops, sinks (that do not involve moving the plumbing) or floor covering
• Windows, doors or garage door that fit the existing opening
• Replacing a water heater, furnace or air conditioning unit, as long as the unit keeps the same power source.

7. When are inspections required?

• Temporary Pole – Temporary pole set for electric service
• Footings – When footings are formed, rebar installed and ready to pour
• Plumbing / Ground Work – Open trench with underground plumbing lines installed ready to be covered
• Sewer / Water - Open trench sewer/water lines connected, ready to cover
• Septic (If applicable) – System completely installed (tank and laterals), ready to cover
• Rough-In Framing – When all framing, mechanical, electrical wiring, plumbing lines, and venting is complete, prior to insulation and covering walls. Preconnect for electrical will also be inspected and approved at this time
• Final – Project is complete and ready for occupancy. Must be inspected prior to occupancy.