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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Fillmore County
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.
- 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)
- Exempt Note: This exemption applies to county building permit requirements only. State-level permits (electrical, wastewater, stormwater) may still apply.
- Exempt 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Permit validity
- Permit validity period varies; confirm current expiration rules with the Zoning Administrator at (402) 759-4982.
- 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.
Application process
Typical processing: 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.
- 01 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.
- 02 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.
- 03 Download the Zoning Permit application form from fillmorecountyne.gov/planning-and-zoning/ or obtain in person at 1320 G Street, Geneva, NE 68361.
- 04 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.
- 05 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.
- 06 The Zoning Administrator reviews the application and issues a permit upon approval. Denied applications include written reasons.
- 07 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).
- 08 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.
Fee schedule
Effective Not publicly specified
Payment method (check, cash, credit card) not specified. Contact Zoning Administrator at (402) 759-4982 or zoning@fillmorecountyne.gov.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective Not publicly specified) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 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 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.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Fillmore County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Fillmore County, NE? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Fillmore County, NE? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Fillmore County, NE? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Fillmore County, NE? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Fillmore County, NE? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Fillmore County, NE? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Fillmore County Planning and Zoning before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.