How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Chase County, NE?

The minimum permit fee is Contact Planning and Zoning. Fees are calculated as: Varies by project type and valuation; contact Planning and Zoning for current fee schedule.. Plan check fee: Contact Planning and Zoning.

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

Typical processing time is Varies; contact Planning and Zoning office for estimated timeline..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Chase County, NE?

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings on farmsteads of 20+ acres producing $1,000+ in farm products annually (subject to zoning compliance). Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm with Chase County Planning and Zoning before proceeding with any project.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (308) 882-7520. Contact Planning and Zoning to schedule inspections..

County Building Permits

Chase County, NE - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Chase County, Nebraska. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Nebraska Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Chase County, Nebraska, except where incorporated cities or villages have exercised jurisdiction.

Department: Chase County Planning and Zoning
Address: PO Box 1299, Imperial, NE 69033
Phone: (308) 882-7520
Email: jbeard@chasecountyne.gov
Website: https://chasecounty.nebraska.gov/about/chase-county-planning-and-zoning

Application Process

Contact Chase County Planning and Zoning to determine if your project requires a building permit.
Obtain the permit application form from the Planning and Zoning office (available in person or by phone).
Complete the application with project details, site plans, and construction drawings.
Submit the completed application to Chase County Planning and Zoning with all required supporting documentation.
Pay applicable permit fee (fee schedule available by contacting the Planning and Zoning office).
Receive permit approval from the Zoning Administrator.
Schedule inspections at required stages of construction (foundation, framing, MEP before cover, final).
Pass final inspection and receive occupancy clearance.

Typical processing time: Varies; contact Planning and Zoning office for estimated timeline.

Source: Chase County Planning and Zoning

General Requirements

A building permit is required for new construction, additions, and most structural modifications in unincorporated Chase County.

Required Documents

Completed permit application form
Site plan showing property location and boundaries
Construction plans and building drawings
Proof of property ownership or authorization
Description of project scope and estimated value

Permit validity: Contact Planning and Zoning for permit validity period and expiration requirements.
Building code: 2018 editions of the International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), and related codes as adopted by Chase County.
Owner-builder: Owner-builders performing their own work should confirm licensing and code compliance requirements with Planning and Zoning.
Contractor requirements: Licensed electrical contractors must be licensed by the Nebraska State Electrical Division (NSED). General contractor licensing is not state-mandated in Nebraska but may be required by county or local regulation.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Contact Planning and Zoning
Plan check fee: Contact Planning and Zoning
Permit fee formula: Varies by project type and valuation; contact Planning and Zoning for current fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

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

Inspections

How to Schedule

(308) 882-7520 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Contact Planning and Zoning to schedule inspections.
Inspection hours: Office hours: contact for current availability.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical inspection sequence: foundation/footing, framing, mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) before cover, and final inspection.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2018 editions of the International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), and related codes as adopted by Chase County.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Nebraska State Electrical Division (NSED) — Electrical Contractor Licensing
NDEE Construction Stormwater Permit (projects affecting 1+ acre)
DWEE On-Site Wastewater Program (septic systems)
Nebraska Building Code Standards
Chase County Official Website
License lookup guide: Nebraska Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Nebraska Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Nebraska hub: Nebraska Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Chase County Planning and Zoning before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chase County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Chase County, NE?: A building permit is required for new construction, additions, and most structural modifications in unincorporated Chase County.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Chase County, NE?: The minimum permit fee is Contact Planning and Zoning. Fees are calculated as: Varies by project type and valuation; contact Planning and Zoning for current fee schedule.. Plan check fee: Contact Planning and Zoning.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Chase County, NE?: 1. Contact Chase County Planning and Zoning to determine if your project requires a building permit. 2. Obtain the permit application form from the Planning and Zoning office (available in person or by phone). 3. Complete the application with project details, site plans, and construction drawings. 4. Submit the completed application to Chase County Planning and Zoning with all required supporting documentation. 5. Pay applicable permit fee (fee schedule available by contacting the Planning and Zoning office). 6. Receive permit approval from the Zoning Administrator. 7. Schedule inspections at required stages of construction (foundation, framing, MEP before cover, final). 8. Pass final inspection and receive occupancy clearance.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Chase County, NE?: Typical processing time is Varies; contact Planning and Zoning office for estimated timeline..
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Chase County, NE?: The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings on farmsteads of 20+ acres producing $1,000+ in farm products annually (subject to zoning compliance). Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm with Chase County Planning and Zoning before proceeding with any project.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Chase County, NE?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (308) 882-7520. Contact Planning and Zoning to schedule inspections..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Chase County can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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