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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Curtis
A building permit is required for new construction and major alterations within the City of Curtis.
- Exempt Farm buildings on farmsteads of 20+ acres producing $1,000+ annual farm products are exempt from building permits (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03)
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm exemption status with the City of Curtis before proceeding.
- Completed building permit application (notarized)
- Proof of ownership (tax notice, deed, or homestead exemption)
- Owner-Builder Affidavit (if owner performing work) OR signed contract with contractor
- Proof of contractor's State License and Liability Insurance
- Three copies of site plan (drawn to scale)
- Three complete sets of signed and sealed construction drawings with foundation, floor plan, cross-sections
- Energy Form 600A, B, or C and load calculations for HVAC systems
- Septic tank approval from Environmental Health Department (if not on central sewer)
- Notice of Commencement (recorded and posted before first inspection)
- Building code
- City of Curtis adopts local building code per Nebraska Revised Statutes § 19-922; specific code version not publicly listed online.
- Permit validity
- Permit becomes invalid if construction work does not start within 180 days of issuance or if more than 6 months elapse between inspections.
- Owner-builder
- Property owners may perform work on their own property by submitting an Owner-Builder Affidavit in lieu of contractor license and insurance proof.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must be licensed by the State and provide proof of liability insurance naming the City of Curtis as certificate holder. Nebraska requires contractor registration with the Department of Labor ($25 annual fee).
Application process
Typical processing: Not specified online; contact Curtis City offices for typical processing timeframe.
- 01 Complete the City of Curtis building permit application form.
- 02 Prepare and sign three complete sets of construction drawings including foundation sheet, floor plan, and cross-sections.
- 03 Gather required documentation: proof of ownership (tax notice, deed, or homestead exemption), owner-builder affidavit (if applicable), or signed contract with contractor.
- 04 Provide proof of contractor's State License and Liability Insurance if a licensed contractor is performing work.
- 05 Prepare three copies of site plan drawn to scale.
- 06 Obtain septic system approval from the Environmental Health Department if not on central sewer.
- 07 Have application notarized by all applicable parties.
- 08 Submit all documentation with required fees to the City of Curtis building department.
- 09 Notice of Commencement must be recorded and posted on job site before first inspection.
Typical processing time: Not specified online; contact Curtis City offices for typical processing timeframe.
Fee schedule
Curtis building permit fees
Contact city offices for accepted payment methods and processing information.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Contact City of Curtis building department or Frontier County Planning at 308-367-8641 (phone)
- Visit city offices or county courthouse (in-person)
- Scheduling deadline
- 24-hour advance notice required for all inspections.
- Inspection hours
- Contact city offices for inspection scheduling hours.
- Time windows
- Not specified; contact city for available inspection time windows.
Typical sequence: Required inspections include: (1) Footings/Foundation — footings, drain tile, foundation, basement walls before backfilling; (2) Plumbing Rough-In — all plumbing, building drains, sewers, rough-in systems; (3) Framing/Mechanical/Electrical — framing before covering, fire-stopping, electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems in place; (4) Final Inspection — before occupancy.
Remote inspections not confirmed for City of Curtis. Confirm with city offices.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Curtis permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Curtis, NE? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Curtis, NE? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Curtis, NE? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Curtis, NE? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Curtis, NE? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Curtis, NE? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Curtis Planning/Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.