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

The minimum permit fee is $50.00. Fees are calculated as: $50.00 flat fee plus $3.00 per $1,000 of project value.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings on qualifying farmsteads (20+ acres producing $1,000+/year in farm products) — Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03; Routine agricultural maintenance and repair on exempt structures; Small structures below county-defined thresholds (confirm size limits with Zoning Administrator). Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm whether your project qualifies for an exemption before proceeding by calling the Zoning Administrator at (402) 223-1305.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (402) 223-1305 (Gage County Planning and Zoning).

County Building Permits

Gage County, NE - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Nebraska Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Gage County only. For properties inside incorporated cities (Beatrice, Wymore, Blue Springs) and villages, contact the respective city or village clerk.

Department: Gage County Planning and Zoning
Address: Gage County Courthouse, 612 Grant Street, Beatrice, NE 68310
Phone: (402) 223-1305
Website: https://gagecountyne.gov/webpages/planning_zoning/planning_zoning.html

Application Process

Confirm whether the parcel is within unincorporated Gage County and under county zoning jurisdiction using https://gage.gworks.com/ or by calling (402) 223-1305.
Determine if the project is a permitted use, special use, or requires a zoning map amendment in the applicable zoning district.
For a standard building permit (non-farm structure): complete a building permit application and pay the applicable fees at the courthouse.
For a Special Use Permit, Zoning Regulation Change, or Zoning Map Amendment: submit the application to the Zoning Administrator by the middle of the preceding month to be heard at the next Planning Commission meeting.
For subdivision applications: submit 11 copies of the preliminary plat and supplemental materials at least 10 days before the Planning Commission meeting.
Planning Commission reviews and makes a recommendation; County Board of Supervisors holds final authority on all special use and subdivision approvals.
Obtain any required state agency approvals (NDEE on-site wastewater, NDEE stormwater, NSED electrical, NFIP floodplain).
Post building permit at the job site.

Typical processing time: Contact Gage County Planning and Zoning at (402) 223-1305 for processing time estimates. Permit processing times may vary based on application complexity and seasonal workload.

Source: Gage County Planning and Zoning

General Requirements

A building permit (development permit) is required in unincorporated Gage County for all non-farm structures subject to county zoning. Agricultural buildings on qualifying farmsteads are exempt. No general residential building code is adopted for unincorporated county construction — the county permit is primarily a zoning and development fee instrument, not a structural code permit.

Required Documents

Completed county building permit application
Site plan showing structure location, lot dimensions, setbacks, and access
For subdivision applications: 11 copies of preliminary plat and supplemental materials
Project description with details on structure type and intended use

Permit validity: Permit validity periods are not publicly stated. Contact Gage County Planning and Zoning at (402) 223-1305 to confirm expiration policy and ask about this when obtaining your permit.
Building code: No general residential building code adopted for unincorporated county construction. The Gage County Zoning Regulations govern land use, setbacks, and lot size. Nebraska State Fire Marshal has jurisdiction over commercial and public buildings.
Owner-builder: Owner-builder information is not specifically addressed in publicly available county materials. Since there is no structural building code, the owner-builder issue primarily arises with respect to electrical (NSED) and septic (NDEE) work, both of which require licensed professionals.
Contractor requirements: Nebraska statewide contractor registration required (Nebraska Department of Labor). No mandatory state general contractor license; licensing varies by trade. Check with the appropriate trade licensing board for your specific project type.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $50.00
Permit fee formula: $50.00 flat fee plus $3.00 per $1,000 of project value
Penalty (no permit): 1.5% of assessed property value for unpermitted construction discovered after January 2023. This applies prospectively to zoning violations discovered from that date forward.
Payment note: Fees paid in-person at Gage County Courthouse, 612 Grant Street, Beatrice, NE 68310. Contact (402) 223-1305 for accepted payment methods and to confirm current fee schedule.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Agricultural buildings on qualifying farmsteads (20+ acres producing $1,000+/year in farm products) — Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03
Routine agricultural maintenance and repair on exempt structures
Small structures below county-defined thresholds (confirm size limits with Zoning Administrator)

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm whether your project qualifies for an exemption before proceeding by calling the Zoning Administrator at (402) 223-1305.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(402) 223-1305 (Gage County Planning and Zoning) (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (courthouse hours; closed holidays)

Typical inspection sequence: Unincorporated Gage County does not perform structural building code inspections. However, state agency inspections may apply: NSED electrical, NDEE on-site wastewater/septic, Nebraska State Fire Marshal (commercial buildings), and NDEE stormwater.

Additional Resources

Building code: No general residential building code adopted for unincorporated county construction. The Gage County Zoning Regulations govern land use, setbacks, and lot size. Nebraska State Fire Marshal has jurisdiction over commercial and public buildings.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Nebraska State Electrical Division (NSED) — Electrical Permits & Inspections
Nebraska Department of Energy & Environment (NDEE) — Wastewater & Stormwater
Nebraska State Fire Marshal
FEMA Floodplain Information (check if your property is in a flood zone)
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 Gage County Planning and Zoning before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gage County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Gage County, NE?: A building permit (development permit) is required in unincorporated Gage County for all non-farm structures subject to county zoning. Agricultural buildings on qualifying farmsteads are exempt. No general residential building code is adopted for unincorporated county construction — the county permit is primarily a zoning and development fee instrument, not a structural code permit.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Gage County, NE?: The minimum permit fee is $50.00. Fees are calculated as: $50.00 flat fee plus $3.00 per $1,000 of project value.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Gage County, NE?: 1. Confirm whether the parcel is within unincorporated Gage County and under county zoning jurisdiction using https://gage.gworks.com/ or by calling (402) 223-1305. 2. Determine if the project is a permitted use, special use, or requires a zoning map amendment in the applicable zoning district. 3. For a standard building permit (non-farm structure): complete a building permit application and pay the applicable fees at the courthouse. 4. For a Special Use Permit, Zoning Regulation Change, or Zoning Map Amendment: submit the application to the Zoning Administrator by the middle of the preceding month to be heard at the next Planning Commission meeting. 5. For subdivision applications: submit 11 copies of the preliminary plat and supplemental materials at least 10 days before the Planning Commission meeting. 6. Planning Commission reviews and makes a recommendation; County Board of Supervisors holds final authority on all special use and subdivision approvals. 7. Obtain any required state agency approvals (NDEE on-site wastewater, NDEE stormwater, NSED electrical, NFIP floodplain). 8. Post building permit at the job site.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Gage County, NE?: Typical processing time is Contact Gage County Planning and Zoning at (402) 223-1305 for processing time estimates. Permit processing times may vary based on application complexity and seasonal workload..
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Gage County, NE?: The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings on qualifying farmsteads (20+ acres producing $1,000+/year in farm products) — Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03; Routine agricultural maintenance and repair on exempt structures; Small structures below county-defined thresholds (confirm size limits with Zoning Administrator). Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm whether your project qualifies for an exemption before proceeding by calling the Zoning Administrator at (402) 223-1305.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Gage County, NE?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (402) 223-1305 (Gage County Planning and Zoning).

Need help with your project?

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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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