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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Colfax County
A zoning permit is required for any new residential or non-residential structure, accessory structures above a de minimis threshold, grain bins, livestock feeding operations, developments in Special Flood Hazard Areas, and lot splits in Colfax County unincorporated area.
Agricultural structures on qualifying farmsteads: 20+ acres with $1,000+ annual farm products (Nebraska Revised Statute § 23-114.03)
Routine repairs and maintenance that do not change the use, size, or location of a structure
- Exempt Agricultural structures on qualifying farmsteads: 20+ acres with $1,000+ annual farm products (Nebraska Revised Statute § 23-114.03)
- Exempt Routine repairs and maintenance that do not change the use, size, or location of a structure
Note: Exempt from county zoning permit does not mean exempt from state-level permitting (electrical, septic, stormwater, well registration). Agricultural exemption claims must be verified in writing with the Zoning Administrator before proceeding without a permit.
Required documents
- Completed permit application form
- Site plan showing property lines and proposed structure location
- Legal description of the property
- Property owner information
- Description of proposed work
- Elevation certificate (for floodplain development)
- Building code
- Nebraska state baseline codes apply (2018 IBC/2018 IRC/2018 IECC unless locally amended). Confirm current code edition with the Planning and Zoning office.
- Permit validity
- Contact the Planning and Zoning office for permit validity and expiration terms.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders may apply for permits directly. Confirm any special requirements with the Planning and Zoning office.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors performing work in Colfax County must be registered with the Nebraska Department of Labor (dol.nebraska.gov/conreg, $25/year, workers' compensation insurance required).
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Varies by permit type and complexity; contact office for timeline estimates.
- 01 Contact the Colfax County Planning and Zoning office at (402) 352-8505 to confirm the property's zoning district and whether a zoning permit is required.
- 02 Obtain the appropriate application form from the Planning and Zoning office or the county website. The county issues distinct permit types: Residential Zoning Permit, Non-Residential (Commercial) Zoning Permit, Conditional Use Permit, Grain Bin Permit, Livestock Feeding Operation (LFO) Permit, Floodplain Development Permit Application, and Lot Split application.
- 03 Complete the application and assemble required supporting documents: site plan, legal description, property owner information, and description of proposed work.
- 04 Submit in person or by mail to 411 East 11th Street, Schuyler, NE 68661, Attn: Planning and Zoning.
- 05 Pay applicable fee at the time of submission. Fee schedule is set by the county; contact the office at (402) 352-8505 for current amounts.
- 06 The Zoning Administrator reviews the application for compliance with the Colfax County Zoning Resolution.
- 07 For conditional use permits and certain larger developments, the Planning Commission reviews the application and makes a recommendation to the Board of Commissioners.
- 08 The Board of Commissioners makes final decisions on conditional use permits. Per LB 663 (effective 2023), timelines for commission action on permit applications are now codified in state statute.
- 09 After approval, receive zoning permit. Post permit at job site as directed.
- 10 Note: Colfax County does not conduct building inspections for standard residential or commercial construction outside flood zones. The permit is primarily a zoning/land-use record.
Typical processing time: Varies by permit type and complexity; contact office for timeline estimates.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Colfax County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Not published. Contact (402) 352-8505.
02
Permit fee formula
Not published. Contact (402) 352-8505.
DWEE onsite wastewater registration: $140. NSED electrical permit: varies (electrical.nebraska.gov for current schedule). Nebraska State Fire Marshal commercial plan review: based on project cost (sfm.nebraska.gov for current fees).
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Colfax County Planning and Zoning: (402) 352-8505 (phone)
- 411 East 11th Street, Schuyler, NE 68661 (in-person)
- Scheduling deadline
- Contact office to schedule. Standard office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Time windows
- Contact office for available inspection windows.
Typical sequence: Colfax County does not conduct building inspections for standard residential or commercial construction. County zoning permit is primarily a land-use compliance record. Floodplain development inspection is conducted by the Floodplain Administrator for work in Special Flood Hazard Areas.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Colfax County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Colfax County, NE? ▸
A zoning permit is required for any new residential or non-residential structure, accessory structures above a de minimis threshold, grain bins, livestock feeding operations, developments in Special Flood Hazard Areas, and lot splits in Colfax County unincorporated area.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Colfax County, NE? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Colfax County, NE are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Not published. Contact (402) 352-8505.. Fees are calculated as: Not published. Contact (402) 352-8505..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Colfax County, NE? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Colfax County, NE, follow these steps: 1. Contact the Colfax County Planning and Zoning office at (402) 352-8505 to confirm the property's zoning district and whether a zoning permit is required. 2. Obtain the appropriate application form from the Planning and Zoning office or the county website. The county issues distinct permit types: Residential Zoning Permit, Non-Residential (Commercial) Zoning Permit, Conditional Use Permit, Grain Bin Permit, Livestock Feeding Operation (LFO) Permit, Floodplain Development Permit Application, and Lot Split application. 3. Complete the application and assemble required supporting documents: site plan, legal description, property owner information, and description of proposed work. 4. Submit in person or by mail to 411 East 11th Street, Schuyler, NE 68661, Attn: Planning and Zoning. 5. Pay applicable fee at the time of submission. Fee schedule is set by the county; contact the office at (402) 352-8505 for current amounts. 6. The Zoning Administrator reviews the application for compliance with the Colfax County Zoning Resolution. 7. For conditional use permits and certain larger developments, the Planning Commission reviews the application and makes a recommendation to the Board of Commissioners. 8. The Board of Commissioners makes final decisions on conditional use permits. Per LB 663 (effective 2023), timelines for commission action on permit applications are now codified in state statute. 9. After approval, receive zoning permit. Post permit at job site as directed. 10. Note: Colfax County does not conduct building inspections for standard residential or commercial construction outside flood zones. The permit is primarily a zoning/land-use record.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Colfax County, NE? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Colfax County, NE typically run Varies by permit type and complexity; contact office for timeline estimates.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Colfax County, NE? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Colfax County, NE. The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural structures on qualifying farmsteads: 20+ acres with $1,000+ annual farm products (Nebraska Revised Statute § 23-114.03); Routine repairs and maintenance that do not change the use, size, or location of a structure. Note: Exempt from county zoning permit does not mean exempt from state-level permitting (electrical, septic, stormwater, well registration). Agricultural exemption claims must be verified in writing with the Zoning Administrator before proceeding without a permit. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Colfax County, NE? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Colfax County, NE via: Colfax County Planning and Zoning: (402) 352-8505, 411 East 11th Street, Schuyler, NE 68661. Contact office to schedule. Standard office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM..
last verified April 2026
source Colfax County Planning and Zoning Department ↗
entry id permits/nebraska/colfax/colfax-county
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Colfax County Planning and Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.