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

The following work is generally exempt: Structures used for agricultural purposes on a farmstead of 20 acres or more that produces $1,000 or more of farm products per year (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03); Ordinary repairs and maintenance that do not change footprint, use, or structural character. Note: Even if a project is exempt from the county zoning/building permit, the Assessor's information statement (for construction valued at $2,500+) may still be required by state law. NSED electrical permits are required statewide regardless of local exemptions. Confirm edge cases with the Boone County Planning & Zoning office before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (402) 395-2737.

County Building Permits

Boone County, NE - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Boone County, Nebraska. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Nebraska Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Boone County. Properties inside the corporate limits of Albion, Petersburg, St. Edward, Cedar Rapids, Primrose, or other incorporated municipalities are served by their respective city/village offices, not by the county. Note: The City of Albion has a 1-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) that extends beyond city limits into unincorporated county territory; properties within that 1-mile ETJ must obtain an Albion building permit.

Department: Boone County Planning & Zoning
Address: 222 S 4th Street, Albion, NE 68620
Phone: (402) 395-2737
Website: https://boonecountyne.gov/planning-and-zoning/

Online Permit Portal

Open Boone County Planning & Zoning

Platform: In-person and mail • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Determine whether your parcel is in unincorporated Boone County (not within a city/village limit, and not within Albion's 1-mile ETJ). Use the county zoning map or call the Planning & Zoning office at (402) 395-2737.
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. Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov) or the Nebraska Floodplain Interactive Map.
Download the Zoning Permit or Building Permit application from the county forms page or pick up at 222 S 4th Street.
Prepare your site plan showing: (a) all existing structures on the parcel, (b) the proposed new structure with dimensions, (c) the driveway, and (d) distances to all property lines.
If the project requires a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) under the county's zoning regulations, a separate CUP application to the Planning & Zoning Commission is required before the building permit is issued.
Complete the Assessor's Building Permit information statement as required by Neb. Rev. Stat. § 77-1318.01 for construction valued at $2,500 or more. This is coordinated through the County Assessor; confirm current process with the Planning & Zoning office.
Submit the completed application, site plan, and supporting materials in person or by mail to the Boone County Planning & Zoning office at 222 S 4th Street, Albion, NE 68620.
Await review and approval. Contact the office at (402) 395-2737 for current processing time estimates.
Post the approved permit at the job site during construction.

Typical processing time: Contact the Planning & Zoning office at (402) 395-2737 for current processing time estimates.

Source: Boone County Planning & Zoning

General Requirements

A zoning/building permit is required for new structures, additions, and alterations within unincorporated Boone County that are subject to the county's zoning regulations. The agricultural building exemption (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03) exempts structures used for agricultural purposes on farmsteads of 20+ acres producing $1,000+ in farm products per year.

Required Documents

Completed zoning/building permit application
Site plan showing existing structures, proposed structure with dimensions, driveway, and property line setbacks
Floodplain Development Permit application (if in FEMA flood zone)
Conditional Use Permit (if required by zoning district for the proposed use)

Permit validity: Contact the Planning & Zoning office for current validity periods.
Building code: Boone County's unincorporated territory does not appear to have independently adopted a residential building code (IBC/IRC) based on available public information. The zoning regulations govern land use and setbacks. The Nebraska State Fire Marshal has statewide jurisdiction over commercial and public buildings; plan review is required for commercial construction regardless of local code adoption.
Owner-builder: Nebraska has no statewide owner-builder licensing restriction for general construction on one's own property. County zoning/building permit may be pulled by the property owner. Electrical work is subject to Nebraska State Electrical Division (NSED) rules.
Contractor requirements: Nebraska has no statewide general contractor license. Contractors must be registered under the Nebraska Contractor Registration Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 48-2101 to 48-2117): $25/year annual fee, workers' compensation certificate of insurance required (ACORD 25, with Nebraska Department of Labor as certificate holder). Electrical contractors must hold a valid NSED license.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Boone County Planning & Zoning to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(402) 395-2737 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Boone County does not appear to operate a county-level residential building inspection program for unincorporated areas. Confirm with the Planning & Zoning office whether any field inspections are conducted on issued permits.

Additional Resources

Building code: Boone County's unincorporated territory does not appear to have independently adopted a residential building code (IBC/IRC) based on available public information. The zoning regulations govern land use and setbacks. The Nebraska State Fire Marshal has statewide jurisdiction over commercial and public buildings; plan review is required for commercial construction regardless of local code adoption.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Nebraska Contractor Registration Act
Nebraska State Electrical Division (NSED)
NSED Boone County Page
NSED GIS District Map
Nebraska State Fire Marshal
FEMA Flood Map Service Center
Nebraska DWEE -- On-Site Wastewater (Septic)
Nebraska DWEE -- Stormwater Construction NOI
License lookup guide: Nebraska Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Nebraska Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Nebraska hub: Nebraska Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Boone County Planning & Zoning before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boone County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Boone County, NE?: A zoning/building permit is required for new structures, additions, and alterations within unincorporated Boone County that are subject to the county's zoning regulations. The agricultural building exemption (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03) exempts structures used for agricultural purposes on farmsteads of 20+ acres producing $1,000+ in farm products per year.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Boone County, NE?: 1. Determine whether your parcel is in unincorporated Boone County (not within a city/village limit, and not within Albion's 1-mile ETJ). Use the county zoning map or call the Planning & Zoning office at (402) 395-2737. 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. Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov) or the Nebraska Floodplain Interactive Map. 3. Download the Zoning Permit or Building Permit application from the county forms page or pick up at 222 S 4th Street. 4. Prepare your site plan showing: (a) all existing structures on the parcel, (b) the proposed new structure with dimensions, (c) the driveway, and (d) distances to all property lines. 5. If the project requires a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) under the county's zoning regulations, a separate CUP application to the Planning & Zoning Commission is required before the building permit is issued. 6. Complete the Assessor's Building Permit information statement as required by Neb. Rev. Stat. § 77-1318.01 for construction valued at $2,500 or more. This is coordinated through the County Assessor; confirm current process with the Planning & Zoning office. 7. Submit the completed application, site plan, and supporting materials in person or by mail to the Boone County Planning & Zoning office at 222 S 4th Street, Albion, NE 68620. 8. Await review and approval. Contact the office at (402) 395-2737 for current processing time estimates. 9. Post the approved permit at the job site during construction.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Boone County, NE?: Typical processing time is Contact the Planning & Zoning office at (402) 395-2737 for current processing time estimates..
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Boone County, NE?: The following work is generally exempt: Structures used for agricultural purposes on a farmstead of 20 acres or more that produces $1,000 or more of farm products per year (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03); Ordinary repairs and maintenance that do not change footprint, use, or structural character. Note: Even if a project is exempt from the county zoning/building permit, the Assessor's information statement (for construction valued at $2,500+) may still be required by state law. NSED electrical permits are required statewide regardless of local exemptions. Confirm edge cases with the Boone County Planning & Zoning office before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Boone County, NE?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (402) 395-2737.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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