Aurora, NE - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Aurora is a city of the first class. The city's zoning ordinance applies within Aurora's corporate limits and extends to territory within one mile of the corporate limits (per Nebraska extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 16-901). For parcels near the city boundary, verify jurisdiction with the city before applying. The county zoning administrator separately oversees unincorporated land.

Department

City of Aurora — Public Works Division (Planning and Zoning)

Address

905 13th Street, Aurora, NE 68818

Phone

402-694-6992

Email

publicworks@cityofaurora.org

Website

https://aurorane.gov/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine whether the proposed work is within Aurora city limits or the one-mile extraterritorial zone. If in the extraterritorial zone, contact the city to confirm it is not subject to county zoning instead.
2. Identify the permit type required: zoning/building permit, floodplain development permit, conditional use permit, subdivision, or variance.
3. Download the applicable application form from https://aurorane.gov/applications-and-forms/ or pick up in person at 905 13th Street.
4. Prepare supporting documents: site plan showing lot lines, proposed structure location, setbacks, and access; construction drawings for structural work; contractor information if applicable.
5. Submit the completed application and all supporting documents in person to City Hall (905 13th St.) or contact the Public Works Division at 402-694-6992 / publicworks@cityofaurora.org for submission instructions.
6. Pay applicable permit fees at time of submission.
7. Await review by the Zoning Administrator. Simple/counter permits may be issued same day; projects requiring Planning Commission or Board of Zoning Adjustments review will follow the applicable public hearing cycle.
8. If conditional use or variance is required, attend the public hearing before the Planning Commission or Board of Zoning Adjustments.
9. Upon approval, receive issued permit. Post permit on job site.
10. Schedule required inspections with the city at key construction milestones.
11. Request final inspection upon project completion.

Typical processing time: Not publicly specified. Simple zoning permits are likely counter-issued for straightforward projects; projects requiring public hearings add time based on the Planning Commission meeting schedule. Contact Jeremy Cattau (Zoning Administrator) at 402-694-6992 for current processing times.

Source: City of Aurora — Public Works Division (Planning and Zoning)

General Requirements

A building/zoning permit is required for any person intending to build a new structure, add to an existing structure, or make structural changes to the outside perimeter of an existing building within the city's zoning jurisdiction, regardless of cost. Repairs or maintenance of an existing building or structure where the cost exceeds $1,500 (excluding labor costs) also require a zoning permit. A separate Floodplain Development Permit is required for any construction or development within a Special Flood Hazard Area (Zone A) as delineated on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map. Electrical work requires a separate Nebraska State Electrical Division (NSED) permit; the city does not operate its own electrical inspection program.

Required Documents

• Completed Zoning Application form
• Site plan showing lot lines, setbacks, proposed structure footprint, and driveway/access
• Construction plans or drawings for structural work (complexity varies by project)
• For floodplain development: completed Floodplain Development Application; proof of compliance with Ordinance 1092 (effective August 1, 2019)
• Contractor information if work is not owner-performed

Permit validity

Not publicly specified; confirm with the city at time of issuance. Nebraska adopters of the International Building Code typically apply a 180-day commencement and abandonment rule.

Building code

Aurora follows the Nebraska State Building Code per Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-6406. Under that statute, if a municipality has not adopted a code within two years of the state updating its reference code, the state code applies automatically (with an exemption for farm construction). The state code references the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC). The current state-adopted edition should be verified with the city or the Nebraska State Fire Marshal's office, as state code editions update periodically.

Owner-builder

Nebraska generally allows property owners to perform work on their own residence. Confirm with the city whether trade work (plumbing, electrical) has specific owner restrictions.

Contractor requirements

All contractors (with one or more employees) must register with the Nebraska Department of Labor at $25/year and maintain workers' compensation insurance. The city also requires separate local registration for electricians and plumbers (Electrician Registration and Plumbers License Application are available from the city), in addition to state-level licensing/registration requirements.

Fees

Payment note

Payment in person at City Hall; online bill pay available (credit card processing fees apply).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Aurora — Public Works Division (Planning and Zoning) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Public Works Division (402-694-6992) (phone)
• publicworks@cityofaurora.org (email)

Scheduling deadline

Contact the Public Works Division to schedule inspections. No online scheduling portal identified.

Inspection hours

Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence (general IBC/IRC framework — confirm specifics with city): footing/foundation inspection (before pouring concrete), framing inspection (after framing is complete and before covering walls), mechanical/plumbing/electrical rough-in (before walls are closed; electrical coordinated separately with NSED inspector), final inspection (all work complete; Certificate of Occupancy or Compliance issued). Floodplain inspections are conducted or coordinated by the Floodplain Manager (Jeremy Cattau) for work in Special Flood Hazard Areas per Ordinance 1092.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Aurora follows the Nebraska State Building Code per Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-6406. Under that statute, if a municipality has not adopted a code within two years of the state updating its reference code, the state code applies automatically (with an exemption for farm construction). The state code references the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC). The current state-adopted edition should be verified with the city or the Nebraska State Fire Marshal's office, as state code editions update periodically.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Nebraska Contractor Registration
• Nebraska State Electrical Division (NSED) — Permits & Inspections
• Nebraska State Electrical Division — E-Permits Online
• Nebraska DWEE — On-Site Wastewater Program
• Nebraska State Fire Marshal (Commercial/Public Buildings)
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center
• Aurora Floodplain Management
• License lookup guide: Nebraska Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Nebraska Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Nebraska hub: Nebraska Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Aurora, NE?

A building/zoning permit is required for any person intending to build a new structure, add to an existing structure, or make structural changes to the outside perimeter of an existing building within the city's zoning jurisdiction, regardless of cost. Repairs or maintenance of an existing building or structure where the cost exceeds $1,500 (excluding labor costs) also require a zoning permit. A separate Floodplain Development Permit is required for any construction or development within a Special Flood Hazard Area (Zone A) as delineated on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map. Electrical work requires a separate Nebraska State Electrical Division (NSED) permit; the city does not operate its own electrical inspection program.

How do I apply for a building permit in Aurora, NE?

1. Determine whether the proposed work is within Aurora city limits or the one-mile extraterritorial zone. If in the extraterritorial zone, contact the city to confirm it is not subject to county zoning instead. 2. Identify the permit type required: zoning/building permit, floodplain development permit, conditional use permit, subdivision, or variance. 3. Download the applicable application form from https://aurorane.gov/applications-and-forms/ or pick up in person at 905 13th Street. 4. Prepare supporting documents: site plan showing lot lines, proposed structure location, setbacks, and access; construction drawings for structural work; contractor information if applicable. 5. Submit the completed application and all supporting documents in person to City Hall (905 13th St.) or contact the Public Works Division at 402-694-6992 / publicworks@cityofaurora.org for submission instructions. 6. Pay applicable permit fees at time of submission. 7. Await review by the Zoning Administrator. Simple/counter permits may be issued same day; projects requiring Planning Commission or Board of Zoning Adjustments review will follow the applicable public hearing cycle. 8. If conditional use or variance is required, attend the public hearing before the Planning Commission or Board of Zoning Adjustments. 9. Upon approval, receive issued permit. Post permit on job site. 10. Schedule required inspections with the city at key construction milestones. 11. Request final inspection upon project completion.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Aurora, NE?

Typical processing time is Not publicly specified. Simple zoning permits are likely counter-issued for straightforward projects; projects requiring public hearings add time based on the Planning Commission meeting schedule. Contact Jeremy Cattau (Zoning Administrator) at 402-694-6992 for current processing times..

How do I schedule a building inspection in Aurora, NE?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Public Works Division (402-694-6992), publicworks@cityofaurora.org. Contact the Public Works Division to schedule inspections. No online scheduling portal identified..