Antelope County, NE - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Issues zoning and building permits for all unincorporated areas of Antelope County. Properties within the corporate limits of Neligh, Elgin, Orchard, Clearwater, Oakdale, or other incorporated municipalities are served by their respective city/village offices.

Department

Antelope County Zoning, 911 & Floodplain Office

Address

501 Main Street, Neligh, NE 68756

Phone

(402) 887-4248

Email

Zoning@AntelopeCounty.Ne.Gov

Website

https://antelopecounty.nebraska.gov/zoning

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine whether your parcel is in unincorporated Antelope County (not within a city/village limit). Use the Beacon GIS database or call the zoning office.
2. Determine whether your project falls within a FEMA-mapped floodplain. If so, a separate Floodplain Development Permit is required in addition to the Zoning Building Permit.
3. Download the Zoning Building Permit application from the county website or pick up at 501 Main Street.
4. Prepare your site plan: the site plan must include an aerial photo, drawing, map, or survey showing all existing structures on the parcel, the proposed new structure with dimensions, the driveway, and approximate distances to all property lines.
5. If the parcel is less than 3 acres, include the location of the septic system on the site plan and have a Nebraska DWEE-certified septic professional sign the site plan box.
6. Complete the Assessor's Building Permit simultaneously (required separately). Both permits must be completed together.
7. Submit the completed application, site plan, and any supplemental materials to the Zoning Office in person or by mail. Make fees payable to the Antelope County Treasurer.
8. Await approval. Processing time is approximately two weeks per county guidance.
9. Once approved, a copy is mailed to you. You may begin construction upon receipt of approval.
10. Post the permit at the job site during construction.

Typical processing time: Approximately two weeks

Source: Antelope County Zoning, 911 & Floodplain Office

General Requirements

A Zoning Building Permit is required for new structures, additions, and alterations within unincorporated Antelope County. Note: agricultural buildings on farmsteads of 20+ acres producing $1,000+ in farm products per year may be exempt under Nebraska law.

Required Documents

• Completed Zoning Building Permit application
• Site plan (aerial photo, drawing, map, or survey) showing all existing structures, proposed structure with dimensions, driveway, and distances to property lines
• For parcels under 3 acres: septic system location on site plan with DWEE-certified professional signature
• Completed Assessor's Building Permit (filed with County Assessor, required for any building valued at $2,500 or more)
• Floodplain Development Permit application (if in floodplain)
• Conditional Use Permit (if required by zoning district for the proposed use)

Permit validity

Two years from date of issuance

Building code

Antelope County does not appear to have independently adopted a residential building code. The zoning regulations govern land use and setbacks. The Nebraska State Fire Marshal has statewide jurisdiction over commercial and public buildings; their plan review is required for commercial construction regardless of local code adoption.

Owner-builder

Nebraska has no statewide owner-builder licensing restriction. County zoning permit can be pulled by the property owner. Electrical work is subject to Nebraska State Electrical Division (NSED) rules.

Contractor requirements

Nebraska has no general contractor license. Contractors must be registered under the Nebraska Contractor Registration Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-2101): $25/year annual fee, workers' compensation certificate of insurance required (ACORD 25, with Nebraska Department of Labor as certificate holder). Specialty trades: electrical contractors must hold a license from NSED; plumbing and mechanical contractors should verify local requirements.

Fees

Payment note

Fees are made payable to the Antelope County Treasurer. Method of payment (check, cash) to be confirmed with the Zoning Office.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Agricultural buildings on farmsteads of 20+ acres producing $1,000+ of farm products per year (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03). County board has discretion over whether residential buildings on such farmsteads are also subject to county zoning permit requirements.
• Demolition (separate Demolition Permit available from Zoning Office)
• Minor repairs and maintenance that do not change the footprint, use, or structural character of a building

Important: Even if a project is exempt from the county Zoning Building Permit, the Assessor's Building Permit (for construction valued at $2,500+) may still be required by state law. Additionally, NSED electrical permits are required statewide regardless of local exemptions.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (402) 887-4248 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday–Thursday, 8:00 AM–3:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Antelope County does not appear to operate a county building inspection program for residential construction in the unincorporated area (no county building official identified). The county zoning permit process does not describe a mandatory mid-construction or framing inspection program based on available public information. Electrical inspections fall under Nebraska State Electrical Division (NSED) jurisdiction.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Antelope County does not appear to have independently adopted a residential building code. The zoning regulations govern land use and setbacks. The Nebraska State Fire Marshal has statewide jurisdiction over commercial and public buildings; their plan review is required for commercial construction regardless of local code adoption.
• Antelope County Assessor (Assessor's Building Permit)
• Nebraska State Electrical Division (NSED) — Homeowner Permits
• Nebraska State Fire Marshal (Commercial & Public Buildings)
• Nebraska DWEE — On-Site Wastewater (Septic)
• Nebraska One Stop License Portal (Septic Permit)
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center
• Nebraska Floodplain Management (DWEE)
• License lookup guide: Nebraska Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Nebraska Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Nebraska hub: Nebraska Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Antelope County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Antelope County, NE?

A Zoning Building Permit is required for new structures, additions, and alterations within unincorporated Antelope County. Note: agricultural buildings on farmsteads of 20+ acres producing $1,000+ in farm products per year may be exempt under Nebraska law.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Antelope County, NE?

1. Determine whether your parcel is in unincorporated Antelope County (not within a city/village limit). Use the Beacon GIS database or call the zoning office. 2. Determine whether your project falls within a FEMA-mapped floodplain. If so, a separate Floodplain Development Permit is required in addition to the Zoning Building Permit. 3. Download the Zoning Building Permit application from the county website or pick up at 501 Main Street. 4. Prepare your site plan: the site plan must include an aerial photo, drawing, map, or survey showing all existing structures on the parcel, the proposed new structure with dimensions, the driveway, and approximate distances to all property lines. 5. If the parcel is less than 3 acres, include the location of the septic system on the site plan and have a Nebraska DWEE-certified septic professional sign the site plan box. 6. Complete the Assessor's Building Permit simultaneously (required separately). Both permits must be completed together. 7. Submit the completed application, site plan, and any supplemental materials to the Zoning Office in person or by mail. Make fees payable to the Antelope County Treasurer. 8. Await approval. Processing time is approximately two weeks per county guidance. 9. Once approved, a copy is mailed to you. You may begin construction upon receipt of approval. 10. Post the permit at the job site during construction.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Antelope County, NE?

Typical processing time is Approximately two weeks.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Antelope County, NE?

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings on farmsteads of 20+ acres producing $1,000+ of farm products per year (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03). County board has discretion over whether residential buildings on such farmsteads are also subject to county zoning permit requirements.; Demolition (separate Demolition Permit available from Zoning Office); Minor repairs and maintenance that do not change the footprint, use, or structural character of a building. Note: Even if a project is exempt from the county Zoning Building Permit, the Assessor's Building Permit (for construction valued at $2,500+) may still be required by state law. Additionally, NSED electrical permits are required statewide regardless of local exemptions.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Antelope County, NE?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (402) 887-4248.