Buffalo County, NE - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated areas of Buffalo County, Nebraska. Properties within incorporated cities (Kearney, Gibbon, Ravenna, Shelton, Elm Creek, Pleasanton) are subject to those city/village permitting authorities.

Department

Buffalo County Zoning Administration

Address

1512 Central Avenue, P.O. Box 1270, Kearney, NE 68848

Phone

(308) 236-1998

Website

https://buffalocounty.ne.gov/

Application Process

1. Determine whether your property is within unincorporated Buffalo County (outside city/village limits and outside Kearney's 2-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction).
2. Confirm the zoning district designation for your parcel using the Buffalo County 2022 Zoning Regulations.
3. Download the zoning/building permit application form from https://buffalocounty.ne.gov/ONLINE-FORMS.
4. Prepare site plan showing location of proposed structure, legal description, and parcel ID.
5. Submit application and fee to the Zoning Office at 1512 Central Avenue, Kearney, NE 68848 (in person or by mail).
6. If your project requires a variance, conditional use permit, or rezoning, the matter is referred to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
7. Upon approval, permit is issued. Post permit at the job site and schedule required inspections.

Typical processing time: Processing time varies. Projects requiring Planning and Zoning Commission review take at least 30-60 days due to monthly meeting cycle. Simple residential permits may process more quickly; contact the Zoning Office for specifics.

Source: Buffalo County Zoning Administration

General Requirements

Under Nebraska Revised Statute 23-172, Buffalo County requires a zoning permit for erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, or conversion of any nonfarm building or structure in unincorporated areas. Agricultural buildings on qualifying farmsteads (20+ acres, $1,000+ annual farm products) are exempt under Neb. Rev. Stat. 23-114.03.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Legal description and parcel ID
• Site plan showing location of proposed structure on the lot
• Description of proposed construction
• Additional documentation may be required for special uses or Planning Commission review

Permit validity

Permit validity and expiration terms are not publicly specified. Contact the Zoning Office to confirm permit validity rules and project abandonment policies.

Building code

Buffalo County does not appear to have adopted a standalone county building code independent of state baseline. Under Nebraska law, the default statewide baseline applies (2021 IBC Chapter 13, 2021 IRC Chapter 11, 2018 editions for other chapters). Confirm current code adoption status with the Zoning Office.

Owner-builder

Property owners may generally apply for permits for work on their own property. Confirm specific owner-builder requirements with the Zoning Office.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must be registered with the Nebraska Department of Labor (annual $25 fee). There is no Buffalo County local contractor licensing system identified; however, Kearney (if within city limits or 2-mile ETJ) requires local registration.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Agricultural buildings on qualifying agricultural farmsteads (20+ acres, $1,000+ annual farm products) are exempt from county building permit requirements under Neb. Rev. Stat. 23-114.03

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. All work must still comply with Buffalo County's 2022 Zoning Regulations including setbacks, land use restrictions, and dimensional standards. Confirm edge cases with the Zoning Office before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (308) 236-1998 (phone)
• Zoning Office at 1512 Central Avenue, Kearney, NE 68848 (in-person)

Typical inspection sequence: Typical Nebraska county inspection practice for nonfarm construction includes: foundation inspection, framing inspection, and final inspection. Confirm required inspection stages with the Zoning Office at time of permit issuance.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Buffalo County does not appear to have adopted a standalone county building code independent of state baseline. Under Nebraska law, the default statewide baseline applies (2021 IBC Chapter 13, 2021 IRC Chapter 11, 2018 editions for other chapters). Confirm current code adoption status with the Zoning Office.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Buffalo County Floodplain Management
• Nebraska DWEE Onsite Wastewater Program
• 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

Buffalo County Building Permit FAQ

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

Under Nebraska Revised Statute 23-172, Buffalo County requires a zoning permit for erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, or conversion of any nonfarm building or structure in unincorporated areas. Agricultural buildings on qualifying farmsteads (20+ acres, $1,000+ annual farm products) are exempt under Neb. Rev. Stat. 23-114.03.

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

1. Determine whether your property is within unincorporated Buffalo County (outside city/village limits and outside Kearney's 2-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction). 2. Confirm the zoning district designation for your parcel using the Buffalo County 2022 Zoning Regulations. 3. Download the zoning/building permit application form from https://buffalocounty.ne.gov/ONLINE-FORMS. 4. Prepare site plan showing location of proposed structure, legal description, and parcel ID. 5. Submit application and fee to the Zoning Office at 1512 Central Avenue, Kearney, NE 68848 (in person or by mail). 6. If your project requires a variance, conditional use permit, or rezoning, the matter is referred to the Planning and Zoning Commission. 7. Upon approval, permit is issued. Post permit at the job site and schedule required inspections.

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

Typical processing time is Processing time varies. Projects requiring Planning and Zoning Commission review take at least 30-60 days due to monthly meeting cycle. Simple residential permits may process more quickly; contact the Zoning Office for specifics..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings on qualifying agricultural farmsteads (20+ acres, $1,000+ annual farm products) are exempt from county building permit requirements under Neb. Rev. Stat. 23-114.03. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. All work must still comply with Buffalo County's 2022 Zoning Regulations including setbacks, land use restrictions, and dimensional standards. Confirm edge cases with the Zoning Office before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (308) 236-1998, Zoning Office at 1512 Central Avenue, Kearney, NE 68848.