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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Burt County
A zoning permit is required prior to construction, reconstruction, alteration, relocation, or expansion of any building or structure in unincorporated Burt County. Also required before any change in use of land or a building or structure.
Agricultural buildings on farmsteads of 20 or more acres producing $1,000 or more of farm products per year (Nebraska Revised Statute § 23-114.03) — exemption is statutory and cannot be waived by the county
- Exempt Agricultural buildings on farmsteads of 20 or more acres producing $1,000 or more of farm products per year (Nebraska Revised Statute § 23-114.03) — exemption is statutory and cannot be waived by the county
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements, setback compliance, or state environmental permits (septic, stormwater, electrical). Confirm all requirements with the Planning and Zoning office before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed Zoning Permit Application (Form R-1)
- Property owner name and address
- Legal description of parcel
- Parcel/APN number
- Project description and proposed use
- Structure dimensions (width, length, height)
- Estimated project cost
- Contractor name and registration information
- Building code
- Burt County has not been confirmed to have adopted a local building code for unincorporated residential construction as of the research date. Under Nebraska law, the state building code (IBC/IRC 2018 with partial 2021 Chapter 13 amendment) applies by default.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors and subcontractors must register annually with the Nebraska Department of Labor (registration fee $25/year; workers' compensation certificate required). See Nebraska Contractor Registration portal at https://dol.nebraska.gov/conreg
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Processing timelines vary. Contact the Planning and Zoning office for current turnaround times.
- 01 Confirm whether your property is in unincorporated Burt County or within an incorporated municipality by contacting the Planning and Zoning office.
- 02 Contact the Planning and Zoning office at (402) 374-2945 or planning@burtcountyne.gov to confirm the zoning district and determine whether your project qualifies for the agricultural building exemption under Nebraska statute.
- 03 Download the Application for Zoning Permit from the county website.
- 04 Complete the application with property owner information, legal description, parcel/APN number, project description, structure dimensions, estimated cost, and contractor registration information.
- 05 For conditional uses (livestock operations, manufactured home parks, certain commercial uses), submit a separate Conditional Use Permit Application.
- 06 Submit the completed application, required attachments, and applicable fee to the Burt County Planning and Zoning office in person or by mail.
- 07 The Zoning Administrator reviews your application. Simple applications are processed administratively; conditional use permits go before the Planning and Zoning Board.
- 08 If approved, receive your permit and post it on the job site before beginning work.
Typical processing time: Processing timelines vary. Contact the Planning and Zoning office for current turnaround times.
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (402) 374-2945 (phone)
- planning@burtcountyne.gov (email)
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Typical sequence: Inspection requirements vary by project type. Contact the Planning and Zoning office for specific inspection protocols.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Burt County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Burt County, NE? ▸
A zoning permit is required prior to construction, reconstruction, alteration, relocation, or expansion of any building or structure in unincorporated Burt County. Also required before any change in use of land or a building or structure.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Burt County, NE? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Burt County, NE, follow these steps: 1. Confirm whether your property is in unincorporated Burt County or within an incorporated municipality by contacting the Planning and Zoning office. 2. Contact the Planning and Zoning office at (402) 374-2945 or planning@burtcountyne.gov to confirm the zoning district and determine whether your project qualifies for the agricultural building exemption under Nebraska statute. 3. Download the Application for Zoning Permit from the county website. 4. Complete the application with property owner information, legal description, parcel/APN number, project description, structure dimensions, estimated cost, and contractor registration information. 5. For conditional uses (livestock operations, manufactured home parks, certain commercial uses), submit a separate Conditional Use Permit Application. 6. Submit the completed application, required attachments, and applicable fee to the Burt County Planning and Zoning office in person or by mail. 7. The Zoning Administrator reviews your application. Simple applications are processed administratively; conditional use permits go before the Planning and Zoning Board. 8. If approved, receive your permit and post it on the job site before beginning work.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Burt County, NE? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Burt County, NE typically run Processing timelines vary. Contact the Planning and Zoning office for current turnaround times.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Burt County, NE? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Burt County, NE. The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings on farmsteads of 20 or more acres producing $1,000 or more of farm products per year (Nebraska Revised Statute § 23-114.03) — exemption is statutory and cannot be waived by the county. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements, setback compliance, or state environmental permits (septic, stormwater, electrical). Confirm all requirements with the Planning and Zoning office before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Burt County, NE? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Burt County, NE via: (402) 374-2945, planning@burtcountyne.gov.
last verified April 2026
source Burt County Planning and Zoning ↗
entry id permits/nebraska/burt/burt-county
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Burt County Planning and Zoning before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.