Garfield County, NE - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Covers all properties in unincorporated Garfield County. For properties within the City of Burwell, see the city page.

Department

Garfield County Planning and Zoning Department

Address

PO Box 712, Burwell, NE 68823 (or 250 South 8th Avenue, Burwell, NE 68823)

Phone

(308) 346-4367

Email

zoning@garfieldcountyne.gov

Website

https://garfieldcounty.ne.gov/webpages/planning_zoning/planning_zoning.html

Application Process

1. Consult with Garfield County Planning and Zoning Department prior to construction.
2. Obtain General Permit Application form from county office or website.
3. Prepare required documentation including site plans or architectural drawings, property survey or legal description, and documentation of existing and proposed wells, septic tanks, and leach fields (if applicable).
4. Submit application with evidence of compliance with zoning regulations.
5. County review and approval process.
6. Building inspections conducted during construction phases as required.

Source: Garfield County Planning and Zoning Department

General Requirements

All nonfarm buildings and structures in zoned areas require building permits prior to erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, or conversion. Tiny homes are permitted (minimum 120 square feet).

Required Documents

• Completed General Permit Application form
• Site plans or architectural drawings
• Property survey or legal description
• Documentation of existing and proposed wells, septic tanks, and leach fields (if applicable)
• Evidence of compliance with zoning regulations

Building code

Nebraska Building Code 2018 (based on International Building Code 2018). Zoning Regulations per Resolution No. 2022-08 (effective July 6, 2022).

Contractor requirements

Contractors must register with the State of Nebraska under the Contractor Registration Act ($25/year registration required). Workers compensation insurance is required.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Garfield County Planning and Zoning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (308) 346-4367 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Specific inspection requirements and scheduling determined by county on per-project basis upon permit issuance.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Nebraska Building Code 2018 (based on International Building Code 2018). Zoning Regulations per Resolution No. 2022-08 (effective July 6, 2022).
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Nebraska Department of Environment & Energy — Onsite Wastewater Program
• Nebraska State Electrical Division (Contractor Licensing)
• Nebraska Labor Department — Contractor Registration
• Nebraska State Fire Marshal
• License lookup guide: Nebraska Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Nebraska Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Nebraska hub: Nebraska Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Garfield County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Garfield County, NE?

All nonfarm buildings and structures in zoned areas require building permits prior to erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, or conversion. Tiny homes are permitted (minimum 120 square feet).

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Garfield County, NE?

1. Consult with Garfield County Planning and Zoning Department prior to construction. 2. Obtain General Permit Application form from county office or website. 3. Prepare required documentation including site plans or architectural drawings, property survey or legal description, and documentation of existing and proposed wells, septic tanks, and leach fields (if applicable). 4. Submit application with evidence of compliance with zoning regulations. 5. County review and approval process. 6. Building inspections conducted during construction phases as required.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings: Properties 20+ acres with $1,000+ annual farm product value are exempt from residential building code requirements under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03 (but may still require other permits). Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm with Garfield County Planning and Zoning Department before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (308) 346-4367.