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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Cass County
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).
Note: Specific exemptions should be confirmed with the Cass County Zoning Department at (402) 296-9359. Agricultural buildings may be exempt from certain requirements under Nebraska Revised Statute 23-114; confirm this with the zoning office if applicable.
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
- 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)
- Permit validity
- Standard Nebraska practice is 180 days from issuance to commence work. Confirm with the zoning office.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not published on county website. Contact (402) 296-9359 for current average review times.
- 01 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.
- 02 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).
- 03 Download the appropriate application packet from https://www.casscountyne.gov/county-zoning or obtain forms in person at the zoning office.
- 04 For new residential construction, use the New Residential Building Packet, which consolidates required forms and checklists.
- 05 Contractors must register with the county before pulling permits; complete and submit the Contractor Registration Application if not already registered.
- 06 Prepare required documents including completed permit application, site plan, construction plans, and contractor registration documentation.
- 07 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).
- 08 Staff reviews the application. Processing times are not published; contact the office for current turnaround estimates.
- 09 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.
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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).
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Cass County permits
01 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).
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Cass County, NE? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Cass County, NE, follow these steps: 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.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Cass County, NE? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Cass County, NE typically run Not published on county website. Contact (402) 296-9359 for current average review times.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Cass County, NE? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Cass County, NE via: (402) 296-9359. Minimum 24-hour notice required for inspection requests..
last verified April 2026
source Cass County Planning and Zoning Department ↗
entry id permits/nebraska/cass/cass-county
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Cass County Planning and Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.