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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Dodge County
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.
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)
- 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.
Required documents
- Completed building permit application
- Site or plot plan showing property dimensions and building placement
- Description of construction work
- Estimated valuation
- 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.
- Permit validity
- Not published online; contact the department at (402) 727-2724
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not published; contact (402) 727-2724
- 01 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).
- 02 Obtain the residential building permit application form from the department or the county website.
- 03 Complete the application with property description, owner information, description of proposed work, and estimated project value.
- 04 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).
- 05 Pay permit fee at time of submission.
- 06 Permit is reviewed and issued by the Zoning Administrator.
- 07 Post permit on the job site.
- 08 Schedule required inspections with the department.
- 09 Final inspection upon project completion.
Typical processing time: Not published; contact (402) 727-2724
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (402) 727-2724 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (regular courthouse hours)
Typical sequence: Not published in detail; standard Nebraska practice typically includes footing, framing/rough-in, and final inspections. Contact the department for current requirements.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Dodge County permits
01 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.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Dodge County, NE? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Dodge County, NE, follow these steps: 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.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Dodge County, NE? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Dodge County, NE typically run Not published; contact (402) 727-2724. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Dodge County, NE? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Dodge County, NE? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Dodge County, NE via: (402) 727-2724.
last verified April 2026
source Zoning/Building Inspection Department ↗
entry id permits/nebraska/dodge/dodge-county
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Zoning/Building Inspection Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.