Blaine County, NE - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Covers unincorporated Blaine County only. The county has not adopted zoning regulations; the state building code applies by default.

Department

Blaine County Board of Supervisors

Address

145 Lincoln Avenue, Brewster, NE 68821-9700

Phone

(308) 547-2222

Application Process

1. Contact the Blaine County Clerk's office at (308) 547-2222 to inquire about building permit requirements and procedures for your specific project.
2. Clarify whether a building permit is required—due to the lack of adopted zoning and minimal infrastructure, requirements vary by project type.
3. No standardized county building permit form is publicly available; the county clerk will provide guidance on a case-by-case basis.
4. Submit the application in person or by mail to the Blaine County offices at the courthouse address.
5. Work with county staff to schedule any required inspections.

Typical processing time: Not documented; contact the county directly for timelines.

General Requirements

Building permit requirements in unincorporated Blaine County are not formally codified due to the absence of adopted zoning and a county building code. Contact the county clerk to determine whether a permit is required for your project.

Permit validity

Not documented; contact the county for specific rules.

Building code

State building code applies by default: 2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 International Existing Building Code (except § 809), and 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code per Nebraska Revised Statute § 71-6403.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Blaine County Board of Supervisors to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (308) 547-2222 (phone)

Inspection hours

M–F 8:00 AM–4:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: No formal inspection program is documented. If a permit is issued, the county will advise applicants on required inspections on a case-by-case basis.

Additional Resources

• Building code: State building code applies by default: 2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 International Existing Building Code (except § 809), and 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code per Nebraska Revised Statute § 71-6403.
• Nebraska Department of Environment & Energy (DWEE) — Onsite Wastewater (Septic) Permits
• DWEE Onsite Wastewater Permit Portal
• DWEE — Construction Stormwater Permits (1+ acre projects)
• Nebraska State Electrical Division (NSED) — Contractor Licensing
• Nebraska State Fire Marshal
• Nebraska Department of Labor — Contractor Registration
• License lookup guide: Nebraska Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Nebraska Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Nebraska hub: Nebraska Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Blaine County Building Permit FAQ

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

Building permit requirements in unincorporated Blaine County are not formally codified due to the absence of adopted zoning and a county building code. Contact the county clerk to determine whether a permit is required for your project.

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

1. Contact the Blaine County Clerk's office at (308) 547-2222 to inquire about building permit requirements and procedures for your specific project. 2. Clarify whether a building permit is required—due to the lack of adopted zoning and minimal infrastructure, requirements vary by project type. 3. No standardized county building permit form is publicly available; the county clerk will provide guidance on a case-by-case basis. 4. Submit the application in person or by mail to the Blaine County offices at the courthouse address. 5. Work with county staff to schedule any required inspections.

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

Typical processing time is Not documented; contact the county directly for timelines..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Buildings utilized for agricultural purposes on farmsteeds of 20+ acres that produce $1,000+ in farm products annually are exempt from county building permits per Nebraska Revised Statute § 23-114.03.. Note: Even work exempt from a building permit may be subject to other state or county requirements (e.g., septic registration, stormwater permits, electrical contractor licensing). Contact the county to confirm whether your project requires a permit or any other permits or registrations.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (308) 547-2222.