On this page 5
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Garfield County
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).
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)
- 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.
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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Consult with Garfield County Planning and Zoning Department prior to construction.
- 02 Obtain General Permit Application form from county office or website.
- 03 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).
- 04 Submit application with evidence of compliance with zoning regulations.
- 05 County review and approval process.
- 06 Building inspections conducted during construction phases as required.
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (308) 346-4367 (phone)
Typical sequence: Specific inspection requirements and scheduling determined by county on per-project basis upon permit issuance.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Garfield County permits
01 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).
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Garfield County, NE? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Garfield County, NE, follow these steps: 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.
03 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Garfield County, NE? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Garfield County, NE? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Garfield County, NE via: (308) 346-4367.
last verified April 2026
source Garfield County Planning and Zoning Department ↗
entry id permits/nebraska/garfield/garfield-county
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Garfield County Planning and Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.