On this page 5
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Franklin County
Franklin County exercises zoning authority over unincorporated areas but does not operate a comprehensive structural building code enforcement program. Zoning permits are required for land-use and zoning compliance. No county building inspector reviews framing, structural engineering, or code compliance for residential construction in unincorporated areas — the Nebraska state building code (2018 IBC/IRC) applies by default where not locally enforced.
Structures used for agricultural purposes on farmsteads of 20+ acres producing $1,000+ in farm products per year (under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03) are exempt from county permit requirements. Documentation of acreage and farm production required to support the exemption.
- Exempt Structures used for agricultural purposes on farmsteads of 20+ acres producing $1,000+ in farm products per year (under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03) are exempt from county permit requirements. Documentation of acreage and farm production required to support the exemption.
Note: Exempt from county zoning permit does not mean exempt from road setback requirements. Agricultural structures must still meet road setback thresholds. Confirm all applicable requirements with the Franklin County Planning and Zoning Department before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed Zoning Permit application
- Site plan showing structure location and dimensions
- Setbacks from property lines and road rights-of-way
- Parcel legal description
- Building code
- Nebraska state building code: 2018 International Building Code (IBC) and 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), per Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-6403. Nebraska Energy Code: 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) mandatory statewide. Agricultural Building Exemption (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03): Structures used for agricultural purposes on farmsteads of 20+ acres producing $1,000+ in farm products per year are exempt from county permit requirements.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors and subcontractors with Nebraska employees must register annually with the Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL) — registration is distinct from a state general contractor license, which does not exist in Nebraska. Cost: $25/year; workers' compensation certificate required. Website: https://dol.nebraska.gov/conreg
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Contact the Planning and Zoning Department for current timelines.
- 01 Contact the Franklin County Planning and Zoning Department at (308) 425-3710 to verify the zoning district classification for your parcel and confirm the proposed use is permitted.
- 02 Obtain the Zoning Permit application from the Planning and Zoning Department or county website.
- 03 Prepare required documents: completed application, site plan showing structure location and dimensions, setbacks from property lines and road rights-of-way, and the parcel's legal description.
- 04 Submit the completed application with the applicable fee to the Planning and Zoning Department at the courthouse.
- 05 The Zoning Administrator reviews the application for compliance with Franklin County Zoning Regulations.
- 06 For conditional uses, a Conditional Use Permit application is required, processed through the Franklin County Planning Commission with a public hearing.
- 07 For variances, an application to the Board of Zoning Adjustment is required.
- 08 If construction disturbs one or more acres, obtain an NDEE Construction Stormwater General Permit (Notice of Intent) before breaking ground.
- 09 For onsite wastewater/septic systems, coordinate with NDEE or the county for applicable requirements.
- 10 Obtain Nebraska State Electrical Division (NSED) electrical permit for any electrical work.
- 11 For commercial or public-assembly projects, submit plans to the Nebraska State Fire Marshal for fire/life safety review.
Typical processing time: Contact the Planning and Zoning Department for current timelines.
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Franklin County Planning and Zoning Department (in-person)
- (308) 425-3710 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Typical sequence: Franklin County does not operate a comprehensive building inspection program for structural code compliance in unincorporated areas. Zoning verification and conditional use compliance are the primary review focuses.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Franklin County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Franklin County, NE? ▸
Franklin County exercises zoning authority over unincorporated areas but does not operate a comprehensive structural building code enforcement program. Zoning permits are required for land-use and zoning compliance. No county building inspector reviews framing, structural engineering, or code compliance for residential construction in unincorporated areas — the Nebraska state building code (2018 IBC/IRC) applies by default where not locally enforced.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Franklin County, NE? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Franklin County, NE, follow these steps: 1. Contact the Franklin County Planning and Zoning Department at (308) 425-3710 to verify the zoning district classification for your parcel and confirm the proposed use is permitted. 2. Obtain the Zoning Permit application from the Planning and Zoning Department or county website. 3. Prepare required documents: completed application, site plan showing structure location and dimensions, setbacks from property lines and road rights-of-way, and the parcel's legal description. 4. Submit the completed application with the applicable fee to the Planning and Zoning Department at the courthouse. 5. The Zoning Administrator reviews the application for compliance with Franklin County Zoning Regulations. 6. For conditional uses, a Conditional Use Permit application is required, processed through the Franklin County Planning Commission with a public hearing. 7. For variances, an application to the Board of Zoning Adjustment is required. 8. If construction disturbs one or more acres, obtain an NDEE Construction Stormwater General Permit (Notice of Intent) before breaking ground. 9. For onsite wastewater/septic systems, coordinate with NDEE or the county for applicable requirements. 10. Obtain Nebraska State Electrical Division (NSED) electrical permit for any electrical work. 11. For commercial or public-assembly projects, submit plans to the Nebraska State Fire Marshal for fire/life safety review.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Franklin County, NE? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Franklin County, NE typically run Contact the Planning and Zoning Department for current timelines.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Franklin County, NE? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Franklin County, NE. The following work is generally exempt: Structures used for agricultural purposes on farmsteads of 20+ acres producing $1,000+ in farm products per year (under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03) are exempt from county permit requirements. Documentation of acreage and farm production required to support the exemption.. Note: Exempt from county zoning permit does not mean exempt from road setback requirements. Agricultural structures must still meet road setback thresholds. Confirm all applicable requirements with the Franklin County Planning and Zoning Department before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Franklin County, NE? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Franklin County, NE via: Franklin County Planning and Zoning Department, (308) 425-3710.
last verified April 2026
source Franklin County Planning and Zoning Department ↗
entry id permits/nebraska/franklin/franklin-county
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Franklin County Planning and Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.