Dixon County, NE - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated areas of Dixon County. For properties within incorporated cities or villages (Ponca, Wakefield, Allen, Concord, Dixon, Emerson, Martinsburg, Maskell, Newcastle, Waterbury), contact the respective city/village office.

Department

Dixon County Board of Commissioners / County Clerk

Address

302 W. 3rd Street, Ponca, NE 68770

Phone

(402) 755-5602

Website

https://dixoncountyne.gov

Application Process

1. Confirm parcel zoning district via dixon.gworks.com or by calling the County Clerk at (402) 755-5602.
2. Identify whether the proposed structure qualifies for the agricultural exemption (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03) — structures on qualifying farmsteads (20+ acres, $1,000+ annual farm product value) are exempt from county building permit requirements.
3. Obtain the building permit application form in person at the County Courthouse, 302 W. 3rd Street, Ponca, NE 68770, or by calling (402) 755-5602.
4. Complete and submit the permit application with a site plan or sketch showing the proposed structure location, setbacks from property lines and roads, and a description of intended use.
5. The County Clerk's office processes routine administrative permits; complex applications (variances, conditional use permits) are referred to the County Board for review at their monthly meeting (2nd Tuesday of each month).
6. Pay applicable permit fees at the time of application.
7. Obtain the permit from the County Clerk's office before construction begins.

Typical processing time: Routine permits may be processed within one business week. Complex applications requiring County Board review are decided at the 2nd Tuesday monthly board meeting.

Source: Dixon County Board of Commissioners / County Clerk

General Requirements

A zoning/building permit is required for all non-farm buildings in zoned areas of unincorporated Dixon County. Residential construction in unincorporated areas is not subject to IBC/IRC structural plan review or county code inspections. Commercial and public structures anywhere in unincorporated Dixon County are subject to Nebraska State Fire Marshal plan review and inspection.

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application
• Site plan or sketch showing proposed structure location, setbacks, and property lines
• Description of intended use
• Proof of property ownership or authorization from owner

Permit validity

Permits must be received before construction begins. Contact the County Clerk at (402) 755-5602 for permit expiration and validity rules.

Building code

Dixon County unincorporated areas do not enforce a comprehensive structural building code (2018 IBC/2018 IRC). Zoning and land-use compliance only. Commercial and public structures are subject to Nebraska State Fire Marshal review.

Owner-builder

Owner-builders are permitted to construct on their own property within Dixon County unincorporated areas, subject to zoning and setback compliance.

Contractor requirements

All contractors performing work on real property in Nebraska must register annually with the Nebraska Department of Labor ($25 fee) and provide proof of workers' compensation insurance. Self-employed sole proprietors paying less than $3,000/year in labor may qualify for exemption. Penalties: up to $500 (first violation), up to $5,000 (subsequent violations).

Fees

Permit fee formula

Contact County Clerk at (402) 755-5602 for current fee schedule.

Penalty (no permit)

Contact County Clerk for penalty fee structure for building without a permit.

Payment note

Fees are paid at the time of application in person at the County Courthouse.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Buildings on qualifying farmsteads (20+ acres with $1,000+ annual farm product value) are exempt from county building permit requirements under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03. This exemption is central to Dixon County practice given the county's agricultural character.
• Farm structures are excluded from the Nebraska State Building Code.

Important: The agricultural exemption applies only to structures on qualifying farmsteads. Clients converting former agricultural buildings to residential or commercial use, or clients on smaller non-qualifying parcels, should not assume the exemption applies. Confirm exemption eligibility with the County Clerk before proceeding. Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and land-use requirements — setbacks, use classification, and lot standards remain applicable.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• County Clerk at (402) 755-5602 (phone)
• County Courthouse, 302 W. 3rd Street, Ponca, NE 68770 (in-person)

Scheduling deadline

Contact the County Clerk's office during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM).

Inspection hours

Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Dixon County's zoning permit process does not include a structural inspection regime. The county may conduct site visits to verify zoning compliance but does not perform foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical inspections on residential construction. Commercial and public structures are subject to Nebraska State Fire Marshal plan review and final inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Dixon County unincorporated areas do not enforce a comprehensive structural building code (2018 IBC/2018 IRC). Zoning and land-use compliance only. Commercial and public structures are subject to Nebraska State Fire Marshal review.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Nebraska State Fire Marshal — Commercial/Public Construction
• Nebraska State Electrical Division (NSED District 1)
• Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy — Onsite Wastewater
• Nebraska Department of Labor — Contractor Registration
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center (Floodplain Verification)
• Nebraska DWEE Floodplain Interactive Map
• License lookup guide: Nebraska Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Nebraska Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Nebraska hub: Nebraska Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Dixon County Building Permit FAQ

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

A zoning/building permit is required for all non-farm buildings in zoned areas of unincorporated Dixon County. Residential construction in unincorporated areas is not subject to IBC/IRC structural plan review or county code inspections. Commercial and public structures anywhere in unincorporated Dixon County are subject to Nebraska State Fire Marshal plan review and inspection.

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

Fees are calculated as: Contact County Clerk at (402) 755-5602 for current fee schedule..

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

1. Confirm parcel zoning district via dixon.gworks.com or by calling the County Clerk at (402) 755-5602. 2. Identify whether the proposed structure qualifies for the agricultural exemption (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03) — structures on qualifying farmsteads (20+ acres, $1,000+ annual farm product value) are exempt from county building permit requirements. 3. Obtain the building permit application form in person at the County Courthouse, 302 W. 3rd Street, Ponca, NE 68770, or by calling (402) 755-5602. 4. Complete and submit the permit application with a site plan or sketch showing the proposed structure location, setbacks from property lines and roads, and a description of intended use. 5. The County Clerk's office processes routine administrative permits; complex applications (variances, conditional use permits) are referred to the County Board for review at their monthly meeting (2nd Tuesday of each month). 6. Pay applicable permit fees at the time of application. 7. Obtain the permit from the County Clerk's office before construction begins.

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

Typical processing time is Routine permits may be processed within one business week. Complex applications requiring County Board review are decided at the 2nd Tuesday monthly board meeting..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Buildings on qualifying farmsteads (20+ acres with $1,000+ annual farm product value) are exempt from county building permit requirements under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03. This exemption is central to Dixon County practice given the county's agricultural character.; Farm structures are excluded from the Nebraska State Building Code.. Note: The agricultural exemption applies only to structures on qualifying farmsteads. Clients converting former agricultural buildings to residential or commercial use, or clients on smaller non-qualifying parcels, should not assume the exemption applies. Confirm exemption eligibility with the County Clerk before proceeding. Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and land-use requirements — setbacks, use classification, and lot standards remain applicable.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: County Clerk at (402) 755-5602, County Courthouse, 302 W. 3rd Street, Ponca, NE 68770. Contact the County Clerk's office during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM)..