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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Tekamah
A building permit is required for all new construction, additions, alterations, and changes of use within the incorporated City of Tekamah. Separate fence permits are required for fence installation. Chicken permits are required for keeping chickens on residential property. Conditional Use Permits are required for uses not permitted by right in the applicable zoning district.
Note: Contact the Zoning/Building Administrator at (402) 870-1498 or tekzoning@tekamah.net to confirm whether your project requires a permit before proceeding.
- Completed permit application (Building, Fence, or Conditional Use)
- Site plan or sketch showing structure location on the lot
- Description of work and project scope
- Contractor information (name and registration)
- Building code
- Tekamah's municipal code (Chapter TEK 9 BLDGS) governs building work within city limits. Nebraska state baseline is IBC/IRC 2018. Confirm whether Tekamah has adopted the state codes by ordinance by contacting the Zoning/Building Administrator.
- Permit validity
- Permit is void if work does not start within 30 days of issuance. Permit is void if work is not completed within 180 days of issuance.
- Owner-builder
- Property owners may self-permit. Confirm owner-builder provisions with the Zoning/Building Administrator.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must be registered under the Nebraska Contractor Registration Act. Registration fee $25/year; workers' compensation certificate required. See https://dol.nebraska.gov/conreg
Application process
Typical processing: Planning Commission review applications (first Thursday of each month) must be submitted by noon on Monday prior. Administrative permits may be faster. Contact the Zoning/Building Administrator for current timelines.
- 01 Contact the Zoning/Building Administrator at (402) 870-1498 or tekzoning@tekamah.net to discuss your project scope and confirm permit requirements.
- 02 Download the appropriate permit application (Building, Fence, or Conditional Use) from the city website.
- 03 Complete the application with property information, project description, structure details, contractor name and registration, and any required plans or sketches.
- 04 If your project requires Planning Commission review, submit your application by noon on Monday of the week of the Planning Commission meeting (first Thursday of each month). Administrative permits may be processed faster.
- 05 Submit your completed application to City Hall at 1126 S. 13th Street in person or by mail.
- 06 After approval, pay applicable fees and post the signed permit on the job site.
- 07 Work may NOT begin until you have a signed copy of the permit in your possession.
- 08 Schedule required inspections before concealing any work (foundation, framing, final).
Typical processing time: Planning Commission review applications (first Thursday of each month) must be submitted by noon on Monday prior. Administrative permits may be faster. Contact the Zoning/Building Administrator for current timelines.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (402) 870-1498 (phone)
- tekzoning@tekamah.net (email)
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Typical sequence: Required inspections include foundation, framing, and final. Inspection required before any work is concealed. Certificate of Occupancy issued upon successful final inspection.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Tekamah permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Tekamah, NE? ▸
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Tekamah, NE? ▸
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in Tekamah, NE? ▸
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in Tekamah, NE? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Tekamah — Zoning/Building Administrator before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.