Fremont, NE - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Covers Fremont city limits and extends into a 2-mile extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction. All construction within the 2-mile zone requires a Fremont permit and contractor registration.

Department

Building Permits and Inspections Department

Address

400 E Military Ave, 2nd Floor, Fremont, NE 68025

Phone

(402) 727-2636

Email

building@fremontne.gov

Website

https://www.fremontne.gov/20/Building-Permits-Inspections

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine whether a permit is required for your project.
2. Download or obtain the applicable permit application from the city website or department.
3. Complete the application with work description, property information, intended use, project valuation, and signature.
4. Prepare construction documents (plans) as required under IBC Section 107 for projects subject to plan review.
5. Submit the completed application and documents via the Click2Gov portal or in-person at 400 E Military Ave, 2nd Floor.
6. Pay the permit fee at the time of application (based on total project valuation: materials plus labor imputation).
7. Plans are reviewed for code compliance. Contact the department for processing time estimates.
8. Permit is issued upon approval of plans and payment of fees.
9. Post the permit at the job site in a visible location.
10. Schedule required inspections at key stages (footing, foundation, rough framing, insulation, finals).
11. Final inspection is completed; certificate of occupancy is issued for new construction or occupancy changes.

Typical processing time: Not published; contact (402) 727-2636 for estimates

Source: Building Permits and Inspections Department

General Requirements

All construction, alteration, or repair of buildings within Fremont city limits or the 2-mile extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction requires a permit. Fences, sheds, and signs require permits regardless of cost. Roof and siding replacement, gutter replacement, flue vent cap installation, basement waterproofing, and water or fire damage repair all require permits.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application form
• Construction documents (site plan, floor plan, elevations, structural details as applicable)
• Project valuation statement
• Contractor registration proof (if a contractor is performing the work)

Permit validity

Standard Nebraska practice: 180 days from issuance with extensions available on request. Contact the department for the current rule.

Building code

2018 International Building Code (with local amendments), 2018 International Residential Code, 2023 National Electrical Code, 2018 Uniform Mechanical Code, 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code, 2018 International Fuel Gas Code, 2018 International Fire Code, 2018 International Existing Building Code, 2018 International Property Maintenance Code, 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (Ordinances 5456, 5579, and 5730)

Owner-builder

Property owners performing their own work must still obtain permits. Permit fee is calculated the same way (materials plus imputed labor at half the material cost).

Contractor requirements

All contractors performing work for hire must register with the City per Resolution 2019-049. General contractor registration fee: $60. Electrical, mechanical, and plumbing master contractors: $85 registration fee ($40 renewal), $1,000,000 liability insurance minimum, evidence of passed examination. Journeyman/tradesman: $40. Apprentice: $30. Registration at Building Permits and Inspections office.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based. Total project cost = materials cost + (materials cost × 0.50) for labor imputation. Permit fee rate applied per fee schedule table.

Payment note

Payment accepted in person at the Building Permits and Inspections office (400 E Military Ave, 2nd Floor). Online payment may be available through the Click2Gov portal. Contact (402) 727-2636 for specific fee amounts.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Painting
• Wallpapering
• Carpeting
• Tiling (interior finish surfaces)
• Freestanding decks under 200 sq ft and under 30 inches in height
• Sidewalks not located in the City right-of-way

Important: Fences, sheds, and signs are NOT exempt and require permits. Contact the department to confirm edge cases.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Inspection hotline (phone)
• building@fremontne.gov (email)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Standard sequence: (1) footing before concrete pour; (2) foundation and basement walls before backfill; (3) rough framing/rough-in for plumbing, electrical, mechanical before covering; (4) insulation; (5) final inspection when all work is complete.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 International Building Code (with local amendments), 2018 International Residential Code, 2023 National Electrical Code, 2018 Uniform Mechanical Code, 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code, 2018 International Fuel Gas Code, 2018 International Fire Code, 2018 International Existing Building Code, 2018 International Property Maintenance Code, 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (Ordinances 5456, 5579, and 5730)
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Building Codes page
• Contractor Registration and Examination
• Contractor Licensing
• Interactive Zoning Map
• Unified Development Code
• License lookup guide: Nebraska Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Nebraska Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Nebraska hub: Nebraska Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Fremont, NE?

All construction, alteration, or repair of buildings within Fremont city limits or the 2-mile extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction requires a permit. Fences, sheds, and signs require permits regardless of cost. Roof and siding replacement, gutter replacement, flue vent cap installation, basement waterproofing, and water or fire damage repair all require permits.

How much does a building permit cost in Fremont, NE?

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based. Total project cost = materials cost + (materials cost × 0.50) for labor imputation. Permit fee rate applied per fee schedule table..

How do I apply for a building permit in Fremont, NE?

1. Determine whether a permit is required for your project. 2. Download or obtain the applicable permit application from the city website or department. 3. Complete the application with work description, property information, intended use, project valuation, and signature. 4. Prepare construction documents (plans) as required under IBC Section 107 for projects subject to plan review. 5. Submit the completed application and documents via the Click2Gov portal or in-person at 400 E Military Ave, 2nd Floor. 6. Pay the permit fee at the time of application (based on total project valuation: materials plus labor imputation). 7. Plans are reviewed for code compliance. Contact the department for processing time estimates. 8. Permit is issued upon approval of plans and payment of fees. 9. Post the permit at the job site in a visible location. 10. Schedule required inspections at key stages (footing, foundation, rough framing, insulation, finals). 11. Final inspection is completed; certificate of occupancy is issued for new construction or occupancy changes.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Fremont, NE?

Typical processing time is Not published; contact (402) 727-2636 for estimates.

What work is exempt from building permits in Fremont, NE?

The following work is generally exempt: Painting; Wallpapering; Carpeting; Tiling (interior finish surfaces); Freestanding decks under 200 sq ft and under 30 inches in height; Sidewalks not located in the City right-of-way. Note: Fences, sheds, and signs are NOT exempt and require permits. Contact the department to confirm edge cases.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Fremont, NE?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Inspection hotline, building@fremontne.gov.

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