City Building Permits

Ralston, NE - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Nebraska Douglas County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated limits of the City of Ralston. Ralston is an independent second-class city within Douglas County and administers its own building permit program separately from Omaha and Douglas County.

Department
City of Ralston Building and Safety Division
Address
5500 S. 77th Street, Ralston, NE 68127 (City Hall)
Phone
(402) 331-6677, Ext. 1310
Website
https://www.cityofralston.com/city-hall/pages/permits-licenses

Online Permit Portal

Open SmartGov Community

Platform: SmartGov Community • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Determine whether the project requires a permit under Ralston's adopted codes.
  2. For paper application, contact Building Director at dfreshman@cityofralston.com or visit City Hall.
  3. For online application, register or log in at https://ci-ralston-ne.smartgovcommunity.com/.
  4. Complete application with project description, site information, and contractor details.
  5. Upload or submit required drawings and documentation.
  6. Application reviewed by City of Ralston Building and Safety Division.
  7. Receive notification of approval or request for additional information.
  8. Pay required fees.
  9. Permit issued; post on job site.
  10. Schedule required inspections through the portal or by contacting the Building Director.
  11. Pass all required inspections; final approval issued.

Typical processing time: Not published. Contact (402) 331-6677 Ext. 1310 for current timeline.

Source: City of Ralston Building and Safety Division

General Requirements

Required for most construction projects including new buildings, additions, structural alterations, electrical work, plumbing, mechanical, and other regulated work per adopted codes.

Required Documents

  • Completed permit application
  • Construction plans and drawings
  • Site plan
  • Contractor licensing information
  • Plumbing license application available through portal for licensed plumbers
Permit validity
Work must begin within 180 days of issuance and be substantially completed within two years. Work cannot be abandoned for six months during construction.
Building code
2018 International Building Code (IBC); 2018 International Residential Code (IRC); 2021 Ralston Plumbing Code; 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC); 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC); 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC); 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code; 2018 International Property Maintenance Code
Owner-builder
Not specifically published. Contact Building Director for owner-builder guidance.
Contractor requirements
Contractors must hold appropriate licenses. Ralston follows adopted codes including contractor licensing provisions. Contact Building Director at (402) 331-6677 Ext. 1310 for specific requirements.

Fees

Payment note
Online payments available through SmartGov portal.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Ralston Building and Safety Division to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours
Contact Building Director for inspection scheduling windows.

Typical inspection sequence: Standard IBC/IRC sequence -- foundation, framing, rough-in (electrical, plumbing, mechanical), insulation, final.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Ralston Building and Safety Division before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ralston Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Ralston, NE?
Required for most construction projects including new buildings, additions, structural alterations, electrical work, plumbing, mechanical, and other regulated work per adopted codes.
How do I apply for a building permit in Ralston, NE?
1. Determine whether the project requires a permit under Ralston's adopted codes. 2. For paper application, contact Building Director at dfreshman@cityofralston.com or visit City Hall. 3. For online application, register or log in at https://ci-ralston-ne.smartgovcommunity.com/. 4. Complete application with project description, site information, and contractor details. 5. Upload or submit required drawings and documentation. 6. Application reviewed by City of Ralston Building and Safety Division. 7. Receive notification of approval or request for additional information. 8. Pay required fees. 9. Permit issued; post on job site. 10. Schedule required inspections through the portal or by contacting the Building Director. 11. Pass all required inspections; final approval issued.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Ralston, NE?
Typical processing time is Not published. Contact (402) 331-6677 Ext. 1310 for current timeline..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Ralston, NE?
Inspections can be scheduled via: SmartGov portal, (402) 331-6677, Ext. 1310.

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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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