Cass County, NE - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Covers all unincorporated land in Cass County and provides building permit and inspection services under interlocal agreements for the Villages of Avoca, Alvo, Cedar Creek, Elmwood, Greenwood, Murray, Nehawka, South Bend, Union, and Weeping Water. The Cities of Plattsmouth and Louisville maintain their own separate building departments.

Department

Cass County Planning and Zoning Department

Address

13860 12th St., Plattsmouth, NE 68048-1964

Phone

(402) 296-9359

Email

zoning@casscountyne.gov

Website

https://www.casscountyne.gov/county-zoning

Application Process

1. Verify the property is in unincorporated Cass County (not within a city or village corporate limit). Contact the zoning office at (402) 296-9359 or check the county GIS if uncertain about jurisdiction.
2. Determine which permits are needed: building permit, floodplain development permit (if in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area), county road access permit (if new driveway onto a county road), and/or septic permit (if new or modified on-site wastewater system — apply separately to the County Health Department).
3. Download the appropriate application packet from https://www.casscountyne.gov/county-zoning or obtain forms in person at the zoning office.
4. For new residential construction, use the New Residential Building Packet, which consolidates required forms and checklists.
5. Contractors must register with the county before pulling permits; complete and submit the Contractor Registration Application if not already registered.
6. Prepare required documents including completed permit application, site plan, construction plans, and contractor registration documentation.
7. Submit completed application, required documents, and applicable fee to the Cass County Zoning Department at 13860 12th St., Plattsmouth, NE 68048-1964 (in person or by mail).
8. Staff reviews the application. Processing times are not published; contact the office for current turnaround estimates.
9. Once approved, permit is issued. Post the permit on the job site and retain a copy throughout construction.
10. Schedule required inspections at each construction milestone by calling the zoning office at (402) 296-9359.
11. For floodplain projects: Obtain two Elevation Certificates (one pre-construction, one post-completion) completed by a licensed surveyor.
12. Request final inspection upon completion of work. Certificate of Occupancy issued after satisfactory final inspection.

Typical processing time: Not published on county website. Contact (402) 296-9359 for current average review times.

Source: Cass County Planning and Zoning Department

General Requirements

New residential and commercial construction; additions and alterations; accessory structures (garages, pole barns, sheds, decks); demolitions; any development in a FEMA-designated floodplain (floodplain development permit required even if no building permit is otherwise needed).

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application
• Site plan showing lot dimensions, setbacks from all property lines, and location of all proposed structures
• Construction plans (floor plans, elevations, foundation plan)
• Plot plan or survey
• Contractor registration documentation
• Floodplain development permit materials if in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area

Permit validity

Standard Nebraska practice is 180 days from issuance to commence work. Confirm with the zoning office.

Building code

2012 International Building Code (IBC); 2012 International Residential Code (IRC); 2012 International Plumbing Code (IPC); 2012 International Mechanical Code (IMC); 2012 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC); 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC); 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC/NFPA 70 — administered by the Nebraska State Electrical Division, not the county)

Owner-builder

Owner-builder rules are not separately published. Contact the zoning office at (402) 296-9359.

Contractor requirements

Cass County requires contractor registration as a condition of pulling permits. All contractors in Nebraska must also register with the Nebraska Department of Labor (annual $25 fee; registration at dol.nebraska.gov/conreg). Nebraska does not issue a statewide general contractor license.

Fees

Payment note

The county does not publish a fee schedule on its website. Fees must be confirmed by contacting the zoning office directly at (402) 296-9359 or zoning@casscountyne.gov. Based on comparable Nebraska rural counties, building permit fees are typically assessed as a flat fee plus a per-square-foot or valuation-based component.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Cass County Planning and Zoning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (402) 296-9359 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Minimum 24-hour notice required for inspection requests.

Inspection hours

Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00 PM–4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence for residential construction: foundation/footing inspection (before pouring concrete); framing inspection (after framing complete, before insulation or sheathing covers framing); rough-in inspections for plumbing and mechanical (before walls are closed); insulation inspection (where required by IECC); final building inspection (all work complete, ready for occupancy).

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2012 International Building Code (IBC); 2012 International Residential Code (IRC); 2012 International Plumbing Code (IPC); 2012 International Mechanical Code (IMC); 2012 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC); 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC); 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC/NFPA 70 — administered by the Nebraska State Electrical Division, not the county)
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Cass County Planning Commission Meetings and Agendas
• Nebraska State Electrical Division (all electrical permits in Cass County)
• Nebraska State Fire Marshal (commercial building plans)
• Sarpy-Cass Health Department (septic/on-site wastewater)
• Nebraska Department of Labor – Contractor Registration
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center (verify flood zone)
• License lookup guide: Nebraska Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Nebraska Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Nebraska hub: Nebraska Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Cass County Building Permit FAQ

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

New residential and commercial construction; additions and alterations; accessory structures (garages, pole barns, sheds, decks); demolitions; any development in a FEMA-designated floodplain (floodplain development permit required even if no building permit is otherwise needed).

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

1. Verify the property is in unincorporated Cass County (not within a city or village corporate limit). Contact the zoning office at (402) 296-9359 or check the county GIS if uncertain about jurisdiction. 2. Determine which permits are needed: building permit, floodplain development permit (if in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area), county road access permit (if new driveway onto a county road), and/or septic permit (if new or modified on-site wastewater system — apply separately to the County Health Department). 3. Download the appropriate application packet from https://www.casscountyne.gov/county-zoning or obtain forms in person at the zoning office. 4. For new residential construction, use the New Residential Building Packet, which consolidates required forms and checklists. 5. Contractors must register with the county before pulling permits; complete and submit the Contractor Registration Application if not already registered. 6. Prepare required documents including completed permit application, site plan, construction plans, and contractor registration documentation. 7. Submit completed application, required documents, and applicable fee to the Cass County Zoning Department at 13860 12th St., Plattsmouth, NE 68048-1964 (in person or by mail). 8. Staff reviews the application. Processing times are not published; contact the office for current turnaround estimates. 9. Once approved, permit is issued. Post the permit on the job site and retain a copy throughout construction. 10. Schedule required inspections at each construction milestone by calling the zoning office at (402) 296-9359. 11. For floodplain projects: Obtain two Elevation Certificates (one pre-construction, one post-completion) completed by a licensed surveyor. 12. Request final inspection upon completion of work. Certificate of Occupancy issued after satisfactory final inspection.

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

Typical processing time is Not published on county website. Contact (402) 296-9359 for current average review times..

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (402) 296-9359. Minimum 24-hour notice required for inspection requests..