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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Cedar County
A zoning permit is required for all non-agricultural buildings in unincorporated Cedar County before construction begins. Agricultural structures on qualifying farmsteads (20+ acres, $1,000+ annual farm product value) are exempt under § 23-114.03.
Agricultural structures on qualifying farmsteads (20+ acres, $1,000+ annual farm product value) per Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03
Farm construction exempt from Nebraska State Building Code per § 71-6403
- Exempt Agricultural structures on qualifying farmsteads (20+ acres, $1,000+ annual farm product value) per Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03
- Exempt Farm construction exempt from Nebraska State Building Code per § 71-6403
Note: Agricultural exemptions are conditional and apply only to qualifying farmsteads. Zoning compliance (setbacks, land use) may still apply. Structures converted from agricultural to residential or commercial use do not qualify for the exemption.
Required documents
- Completed Zoning Application
- Site plan or sketch showing structure location
- Setback dimensions from property lines and roads
- Description of intended use
- Property legal description or assessor's parcel number
- Building code
- Cedar County unincorporated areas do NOT administer a comprehensive structural building code (IBC/IRC) for residential construction. The county regulates zoning compliance (setbacks, land use, dimensional standards) only. Residential structures are not subject to structural plan review or county-level inspections.
- Permit validity
- Permits are valid during the construction period. Confirm current validity requirements with the Zoning Administrator at (402) 254-7411.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors performing work on real property in Nebraska must register with the Nebraska Department of Labor annually ($25 fee) and provide proof of workers' compensation insurance.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 2–4 weeks for routine permits, potentially longer if County Board approval is required.
- 01 Confirm the property's zoning district via gWorks (cedar.gworks.com) or by calling the County Clerk at (402) 254-7411.
- 02 Determine if the proposed structure qualifies for the agricultural exemption under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03.
- 03 Download the Zoning Application form from cedarcountyne.gov or pick up in person at the courthouse.
- 04 Complete the application and submit with a site plan showing proposed structure location, setbacks from property lines and roads, and description of intended use.
- 05 The Zoning Administrator presents the application to the Cedar County Board, which meets monthly. Routine residential and agricultural permits may be approved administratively.
- 06 Pay the applicable permit fee at the time of application.
- 07 Receive the zoning/building permit before construction begins.
- 08 Verify compliance with all statewide requirements (State Fire Marshal for commercial, NDEE septic registration, electrical inspections, etc.).
Typical processing time: 2–4 weeks for routine permits, potentially longer if County Board approval is required.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Cedar County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Not applicable; no structural plan review conducted.
02
Permit fee formula
Contact the Zoning Administrator for current fee schedule. Fees are set by the Cedar County Board and may be amended by resolution.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Cedar County Courthouse, 101 S. Broadway Ave., Hartington (in-person)
- (402) 254-7411 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Contact the County Clerk during business hours.
- Inspection hours
- Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Typical sequence: Cedar County does not conduct structural inspections on residential construction in unincorporated areas. Site inspections may be conducted to verify zoning compliance (setbacks, land use). Commercial and public structures are subject to Nebraska State Fire Marshal plan review and inspection.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Cedar County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Cedar County, NE? ▸
A zoning permit is required for all non-agricultural buildings in unincorporated Cedar County before construction begins. Agricultural structures on qualifying farmsteads (20+ acres, $1,000+ annual farm product value) are exempt under § 23-114.03.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Cedar County, NE? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Cedar County, NE are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Contact the Zoning Administrator for current fee schedule. Fees are set by the Cedar County Board and may be amended by resolution.. Plan check fee: Not applicable; no structural plan review conducted..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Cedar County, NE? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Cedar County, NE, follow these steps: 1. Confirm the property's zoning district via gWorks (cedar.gworks.com) or by calling the County Clerk at (402) 254-7411. 2. Determine if the proposed structure qualifies for the agricultural exemption under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03. 3. Download the Zoning Application form from cedarcountyne.gov or pick up in person at the courthouse. 4. Complete the application and submit with a site plan showing proposed structure location, setbacks from property lines and roads, and description of intended use. 5. The Zoning Administrator presents the application to the Cedar County Board, which meets monthly. Routine residential and agricultural permits may be approved administratively. 6. Pay the applicable permit fee at the time of application. 7. Receive the zoning/building permit before construction begins. 8. Verify compliance with all statewide requirements (State Fire Marshal for commercial, NDEE septic registration, electrical inspections, etc.).
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Cedar County, NE? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Cedar County, NE typically run 2–4 weeks for routine permits, potentially longer if County Board approval is required.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Cedar County, NE? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Cedar County, NE. The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural structures on qualifying farmsteads (20+ acres, $1,000+ annual farm product value) per Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03; Farm construction exempt from Nebraska State Building Code per § 71-6403. Note: Agricultural exemptions are conditional and apply only to qualifying farmsteads. Zoning compliance (setbacks, land use) may still apply. Structures converted from agricultural to residential or commercial use do not qualify for the exemption. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Cedar County, NE? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Cedar County, NE via: Cedar County Courthouse, 101 S. Broadway Ave., Hartington, (402) 254-7411. Contact the County Clerk during business hours..
last verified April 2026
source Cedar County Zoning Administration ↗
entry id permits/nebraska/cedar/cedar-county
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Cedar County Zoning Administration before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.