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

Typical processing time is Not published; contact (402) 727-2724.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings on a farmstead of 20+ acres that produces $1,000 or more of farm products per year (Nebraska Revised Statute 23-114.03). Note: The county board may determine separately whether residential structures on qualifying farmsteads are also exempt. Work types not requiring permits are not published online; contact (402) 727-2724 for a complete list.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (402) 727-2724.

County Building Permits

Dodge County, NE - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Nebraska Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers all unincorporated areas of Dodge County outside city and village limits and outside Fremont's 2-mile extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction. Agricultural buildings on farmsteads of 20+ acres producing $1,000+ in farm products annually are exempt under Nebraska Revised Statute 23-114.03.

Department: Zoning/Building Inspection Department
Address: 435 N Park Ave, Suite 204, Fremont, NE 68025 (Dodge County Courthouse)
Phone: (402) 727-2724
Website: https://dodgecounty.nebraska.gov/zoning-department

Application Process

Contact the Zoning/Building Inspection Department at (402) 727-2724 to confirm whether your project and location require a county permit (vs. Fremont extraterritorial jurisdiction or a municipality).
Obtain the residential building permit application form from the department or the county website.
Complete the application with property description, owner information, description of proposed work, and estimated project value.
Submit completed application in person at the Dodge County Courthouse, 435 N Park Ave, Suite 204, during regular hours (8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday).
Pay permit fee at time of submission.
Permit is reviewed and issued by the Zoning Administrator.
Post permit on the job site.
Schedule required inspections with the department.
Final inspection upon project completion.

Typical processing time: Not published; contact (402) 727-2724

Source: Zoning/Building Inspection Department

General Requirements

A permit is required prior to the erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, or conversion of any nonfarm building or structure within a zoned area of Dodge County (per Nebraska Revised Statute 23-114.04). Lot splits and conditional use changes also require county review.

Required Documents

Completed building permit application
Site or plot plan showing property dimensions and building placement
Description of construction work
Estimated valuation

Permit validity: Not published online; contact the department at (402) 727-2724
Building code: Dodge County has not published its adopted building code edition online. Contact (402) 727-2724 for the current adopted code. Note: Nebraska counties are not mandated to adopt the statewide building code; many rely primarily on zoning regulations and permit-issuance rather than full code enforcement.
Owner-builder: Not specified on the public website; contact the department.
Contractor requirements: Nebraska does not have a statewide general contractor license. Contractors performing electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work must be registered with the Nebraska Department of Labor. Contact the county department for any local registration requirements.

Fees

Payment note: Payment in person at the Dodge County Courthouse during courthouse hours (8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday). Contact (402) 727-2724 for current fees.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Zoning/Building Inspection Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(402) 727-2724 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (regular courthouse hours)

Typical inspection sequence: Not published in detail; standard Nebraska practice typically includes footing, framing/rough-in, and final inspections. Contact the department for current requirements.

Additional Resources

Building code: Dodge County has not published its adopted building code edition online. Contact (402) 727-2724 for the current adopted code. Note: Nebraska counties are not mandated to adopt the statewide building code; many rely primarily on zoning regulations and permit-issuance rather than full code enforcement.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Official Zoning Map (PDF)
Nebraska Revised Statute 23-114.03 (Agricultural Exemption)
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 Zoning/Building Inspection Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dodge County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Dodge County, NE?: A permit is required prior to the erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, or conversion of any nonfarm building or structure within a zoned area of Dodge County (per Nebraska Revised Statute 23-114.04). Lot splits and conditional use changes also require county review.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Dodge County, NE?: 1. Contact the Zoning/Building Inspection Department at (402) 727-2724 to confirm whether your project and location require a county permit (vs. Fremont extraterritorial jurisdiction or a municipality). 2. Obtain the residential building permit application form from the department or the county website. 3. Complete the application with property description, owner information, description of proposed work, and estimated project value. 4. Submit completed application in person at the Dodge County Courthouse, 435 N Park Ave, Suite 204, during regular hours (8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday). 5. Pay permit fee at time of submission. 6. Permit is reviewed and issued by the Zoning Administrator. 7. Post permit on the job site. 8. Schedule required inspections with the department. 9. Final inspection upon project completion.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Dodge County, NE?: Typical processing time is Not published; contact (402) 727-2724.
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Dodge County, NE?: The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings on a farmstead of 20+ acres that produces $1,000 or more of farm products per year (Nebraska Revised Statute 23-114.03). Note: The county board may determine separately whether residential structures on qualifying farmsteads are also exempt. Work types not requiring permits are not published online; contact (402) 727-2724 for a complete list.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Dodge County, NE?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (402) 727-2724.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Dodge County (Unincorporated Area) 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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