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

The minimum permit fee is Contact Zoning Administrator. Fees are calculated as: Fees are listed in the Fillmore County Zoning Regulations (2013), Section 11.5. Specific amounts were not confirmed online; contact the Zoning Administrator for current fee schedule..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Non-residential farm buildings on farmsteads of 20 or more acres producing $1,000 or more per year in agricultural products (Nebraska Statute § 23-114.03); Note: This exemption applies to county building permit requirements only. State-level permits (electrical, wastewater, stormwater) may still apply.; Waste handling facilities associated with farm buildings are NOT exempt even if the primary farm building is exempt.. Note: The agricultural building exemption applies only to the county zoning permit. NDEE on-site wastewater permits, Nebraska State Electrical Division (NSED) electrical permits, and stormwater notices of intent may still be required. Confirm all applicable state and local requirements with the Zoning Administrator before commencing work.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Fillmore County Zoning Administrator (402) 759-4982, zoning@fillmorecountyne.gov. Not publicly specified; contact Zoning Administrator for scheduling details..

County Building Permits

Fillmore County, NE - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Nebraska Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Fillmore County Planning and Zoning governs zoning regulations and building permits for all unincorporated land within Fillmore County. The county does NOT handle zoning within the corporate limits of Geneva or other incorporated villages; contact those municipalities directly.

Department: Fillmore County Planning and Zoning
Address: Fillmore County East Building (Old Medical Clinic), 1320 G Street, Geneva, NE 68361
Phone: (402) 759-4982
Email: zoning@fillmorecountyne.gov
Website: https://fillmorecountyne.gov/planning-and-zoning/

Online Permit Portal

Open Fillmore County Planning and Zoning

Platform: County website direct access • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Determine whether the parcel is within unincorporated Fillmore County. Contact the Zoning Administrator at (402) 759-4982 if the property is near a municipal boundary.
Check whether the structure qualifies as an exempt farm building under Nebraska Statute § 23-114.03 (20+ acres, $1,000+/year farm products). Confirm with the Zoning Administrator if applicable.
Download the Zoning Permit application form from fillmorecountyne.gov/planning-and-zoning/ or obtain in person at 1320 G Street, Geneva, NE 68361.
Complete the application with required information: applicant name and address, property legal description, description of proposed construction, plot plan with lot dimensions and structure locations, water supply and sewage disposal information.
Submit completed application and supporting documents in person or by mail with applicable fee to Fillmore County East Building, 1320 G Street, Geneva, NE 68361.
The Zoning Administrator reviews the application and issues a permit upon approval. Denied applications include written reasons.
If a variance, conditional use, or rezoning is needed, apply to the Fillmore County Board of Adjustment or Planning Commission. The Planning Commission meets the 3rd Monday of each month (3rd Tuesday in January and February).
Post the permit at the job site before commencing work. Work must begin within the permit validity period.

Typical processing time: Straightforward permits are typically issued within a few business days. Conditional use, variance, and rezoning applications require Planning Commission or Board of Supervisors action, typically adding 30-60 days depending on meeting schedule.

Source: Fillmore County Planning and Zoning

General Requirements

A Zoning Permit is required for any building, structure, or land use established, erected, constructed, reconstructed, enlarged, moved, or structurally altered in unincorporated Fillmore County, unless a statutory exemption applies. Exempt: non-residential farm buildings on qualifying farms (20+ acres, $1,000+/year farm products) per Nebraska Statute § 23-114.03, though waste handling facilities associated with farm buildings are not exempt.

Required Documents

Completed Zoning Permit application form
Plot plan showing lot dimensions, existing and proposed structures, distances to property lines
Description of proposed land use and construction scope
Water supply and sewage disposal information (septic/on-site wastewater details)
Wastewater/septic compliance documentation if applicable (NDEE Title 124)
Floodplain compliance documentation if the parcel is within a Special Flood Hazard Area

Permit validity: Permit validity period varies; confirm current expiration rules with the Zoning Administrator at (402) 759-4982.
Building code: Fillmore County does not enforce a county-level building code (structural, life safety, mechanical) in unincorporated areas. The county's zoning regulations govern land use, setbacks, and district regulations only. Agricultural building exemption applies per Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03.
Owner-builder: Owner-builders must comply with all zoning and land-use regulations. Nebraska Contractor Registration Act applies to contractors with one or more employees.
Contractor requirements: All contractors with one or more employees must register with the Nebraska Department of Labor ($25/year) and carry workers' compensation insurance. Registration: https://dol.nebraska.gov/conreg. No county-level contractor licensing.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Contact Zoning Administrator
Permit fee formula: Fees are listed in the Fillmore County Zoning Regulations (2013), Section 11.5. Specific amounts were not confirmed online; contact the Zoning Administrator for current fee schedule.
Payment note: Payment method (check, cash, credit card) not specified. Contact Zoning Administrator at (402) 759-4982 or zoning@fillmorecountyne.gov.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Not publicly specified).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Non-residential farm buildings on farmsteads of 20 or more acres producing $1,000 or more per year in agricultural products (Nebraska Statute § 23-114.03)
Note: This exemption applies to county building permit requirements only. State-level permits (electrical, wastewater, stormwater) may still apply.
Waste handling facilities associated with farm buildings are NOT exempt even if the primary farm building is exempt.

Important: The agricultural building exemption applies only to the county zoning permit. NDEE on-site wastewater permits, Nebraska State Electrical Division (NSED) electrical permits, and stormwater notices of intent may still be required. Confirm all applicable state and local requirements with the Zoning Administrator before commencing work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Fillmore County Zoning Administrator (402) 759-4982 (phone)
zoning@fillmorecountyne.gov (email)

Scheduling deadline: Not publicly specified; contact Zoning Administrator for scheduling details.
Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (closed 12:00-1:00 PM for lunch); closed weekends and holidays
Time windows: During business hours; contact Zoning Administrator for scheduling.

Typical inspection sequence: Fillmore County does not operate a structural building code inspection program for unincorporated areas. The Zoning Administrator may inspect buildings and structures to determine compliance with zoning regulations. Electrical work falls under Nebraska State Electrical Division (NSED) jurisdiction.

Inspections are performed in-person by the Zoning Administrator for zoning compliance verification.

Additional Resources

Building code: Fillmore County does not enforce a county-level building code (structural, life safety, mechanical) in unincorporated areas. The county's zoning regulations govern land use, setbacks, and district regulations only. Agricultural building exemption applies per Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Nebraska State Electrical Division (NSED)
NSED GIS Mapping (identify inspection jurisdiction by address)
Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) - On-Site Wastewater
FEMA Flood Map Service Center
Nebraska DNR Floodplain Interactive Maps
Nebraska Contractor Registration Act
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 Fillmore County Planning and Zoning before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fillmore County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Fillmore County, NE?: A Zoning Permit is required for any building, structure, or land use established, erected, constructed, reconstructed, enlarged, moved, or structurally altered in unincorporated Fillmore County, unless a statutory exemption applies. Exempt: non-residential farm buildings on qualifying farms (20+ acres, $1,000+/year farm products) per Nebraska Statute § 23-114.03, though waste handling facilities associated with farm buildings are not exempt.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Fillmore County, NE?: The minimum permit fee is Contact Zoning Administrator. Fees are calculated as: Fees are listed in the Fillmore County Zoning Regulations (2013), Section 11.5. Specific amounts were not confirmed online; contact the Zoning Administrator for current fee schedule..
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Fillmore County, NE?: 1. Determine whether the parcel is within unincorporated Fillmore County. Contact the Zoning Administrator at (402) 759-4982 if the property is near a municipal boundary. 2. Check whether the structure qualifies as an exempt farm building under Nebraska Statute § 23-114.03 (20+ acres, $1,000+/year farm products). Confirm with the Zoning Administrator if applicable. 3. Download the Zoning Permit application form from fillmorecountyne.gov/planning-and-zoning/ or obtain in person at 1320 G Street, Geneva, NE 68361. 4. Complete the application with required information: applicant name and address, property legal description, description of proposed construction, plot plan with lot dimensions and structure locations, water supply and sewage disposal information. 5. Submit completed application and supporting documents in person or by mail with applicable fee to Fillmore County East Building, 1320 G Street, Geneva, NE 68361. 6. The Zoning Administrator reviews the application and issues a permit upon approval. Denied applications include written reasons. 7. If a variance, conditional use, or rezoning is needed, apply to the Fillmore County Board of Adjustment or Planning Commission. The Planning Commission meets the 3rd Monday of each month (3rd Tuesday in January and February). 8. Post the permit at the job site before commencing work. Work must begin within the permit validity period.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Fillmore County, NE?: Typical processing time is Straightforward permits are typically issued within a few business days. Conditional use, variance, and rezoning applications require Planning Commission or Board of Supervisors action, typically adding 30-60 days depending on meeting schedule..
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Fillmore County, NE?: The following work is generally exempt: Non-residential farm buildings on farmsteads of 20 or more acres producing $1,000 or more per year in agricultural products (Nebraska Statute § 23-114.03); Note: This exemption applies to county building permit requirements only. State-level permits (electrical, wastewater, stormwater) may still apply.; Waste handling facilities associated with farm buildings are NOT exempt even if the primary farm building is exempt.. Note: The agricultural building exemption applies only to the county zoning permit. NDEE on-site wastewater permits, Nebraska State Electrical Division (NSED) electrical permits, and stormwater notices of intent may still be required. Confirm all applicable state and local requirements with the Zoning Administrator before commencing work.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Fillmore County, NE?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Fillmore County Zoning Administrator (402) 759-4982, zoning@fillmorecountyne.gov. Not publicly specified; contact Zoning Administrator for scheduling details..

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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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