Greeley County, NE - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Greeley County, except within the one-mile extra-territorial jurisdiction of the incorporated villages (Greeley, Spalding, Scotia, Wolbach).

Department

Greeley County Planning and Zoning Department

Address

PO Box 21, Greeley, NE 68842

Phone

308-428-9924

Email

zoning@greeleycountyne.gov

Website

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

Application Process

1. Contact the Greeley County Planning and Zoning office by phone (308-428-9924) or email (zoning@greeleycountyne.gov) to obtain permit application forms and requirements.
2. Complete the building permit application with all required information and documentation.
3. Submit the completed application in person at the Greeley County Courthouse or by mail to the Planning and Zoning office.
4. The County Zoning Administrator or building inspector will review the application for compliance with county zoning regulations.
5. Pay applicable permit fees (contact office for current fee schedule).
6. Obtain the issued permit before commencing construction work.
7. Schedule inspections as required during construction (contact county office for inspection procedures and timelines).

Typical processing time: Processing timelines vary; contact the county office for estimated timeframes for your specific project.

Source: Greeley County Planning and Zoning Department

General Requirements

Building permits are required for all construction in unincorporated areas of Greeley County, subject to exemptions listed below. County zoning regulations (adopted 1999, updated 2025) define permit triggers, permitted uses by zoning district, setback requirements, and other development standards.

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application
• Site plan showing property layout and proposed construction
• Construction plans and specifications
• Proof of property ownership or authorization
• Description of project scope and estimated valuation

Permit validity

Contact the Greeley County Planning and Zoning office for current permit validity periods and expiration rules.

Building code

Greeley County does not appear to have adopted a local building code; Nebraska state building code applies by default unless the county has formally adopted a local code. Confirm current building code authority with the Planning and Zoning office.

Owner-builder

Owner-builders may apply directly; confirm any required disclosures or qualifications with the county office.

Contractor requirements

Nebraska has no statewide mandatory general contractor license requirement. Verify any local contractor registration or bonding requirements with Greeley County.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Buildings utilized for agricultural purposes on a farmstead of 20 acres or more producing $1,000 or more of farm products annually (per Nebraska Revised Statute § 23-114.03)
• Non-residential farm buildings that are consistent with the county's comprehensive development plan and zoning regulations

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Agricultural exemptions apply only to qualifying farm operations. Confirm whether your property and project qualify before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 308-428-9924 (phone)
• zoning@greeleycountyne.gov (email)

Scheduling deadline

Contact the county office to confirm inspection scheduling timelines and procedures.

Inspection hours

Contact the Greeley County Planning and Zoning office for office hours.

Time windows

Inspection windows and availability vary; confirm with the county office.

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections are conducted by the County Zoning Administrator or building inspector as appointed by the Greeley County Board. Specific inspection procedures, sequence, and timelines should be confirmed directly with the county office.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Greeley County does not appear to have adopted a local building code; Nebraska state building code applies by default unless the county has formally adopted a local code. Confirm current building code authority with the Planning and Zoning office.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Nebraska Legislature — Building Code Authority
• Nebraska State Fire Marshal
• Nebraska DHHS/DWEE — Septic and Wastewater
• Nebraska NDEE — Stormwater Management
• Nebraska Department of Labor — Contractor Registration
• License lookup guide: Nebraska Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Nebraska Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Nebraska hub: Nebraska Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Greeley County Building Permit FAQ

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

Building permits are required for all construction in unincorporated areas of Greeley County, subject to exemptions listed below. County zoning regulations (adopted 1999, updated 2025) define permit triggers, permitted uses by zoning district, setback requirements, and other development standards.

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

1. Contact the Greeley County Planning and Zoning office by phone (308-428-9924) or email (zoning@greeleycountyne.gov) to obtain permit application forms and requirements. 2. Complete the building permit application with all required information and documentation. 3. Submit the completed application in person at the Greeley County Courthouse or by mail to the Planning and Zoning office. 4. The County Zoning Administrator or building inspector will review the application for compliance with county zoning regulations. 5. Pay applicable permit fees (contact office for current fee schedule). 6. Obtain the issued permit before commencing construction work. 7. Schedule inspections as required during construction (contact county office for inspection procedures and timelines).

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Greeley County, NE?

Typical processing time is Processing timelines vary; contact the county office for estimated timeframes for your specific project..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Buildings utilized for agricultural purposes on a farmstead of 20 acres or more producing $1,000 or more of farm products annually (per Nebraska Revised Statute § 23-114.03); Non-residential farm buildings that are consistent with the county's comprehensive development plan and zoning regulations. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Agricultural exemptions apply only to qualifying farm operations. Confirm whether your property and project qualify before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 308-428-9924, zoning@greeleycountyne.gov. Contact the county office to confirm inspection scheduling timelines and procedures..