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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Harlan County
A building permit (Zoning Application) is required before any building or structure is erected, moved, added to, or structurally altered in unincorporated Harlan County.
- Exempt Agricultural buildings on 20+ acres with $1,000+ annual farm product production (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03)
Note: Agricultural exemption has specific requirements. Confirm eligibility with the County Zoning Administrator before proceeding. Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements.
- Completed Zoning Application form
- Plot plan with specific dimensional and property line information
- Location and ground area of all present and proposed structures
- Bulk of all additions and/or site improvements
- Actual dimensions of proposed structure
- Property lines and building lines of proposed structure
- Building code
- County adopts the Nebraska Energy Code; building standards are based on the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) and 2018 International Building Code (IBC).
- Permit validity
- Permit validity period not published online; contact County Clerk's office for specific details.
Application process
Typical processing: Processing timeline varies; contact the County Clerk's office for current estimates.
- 01 Contact the Harlan County Clerk's office at (308) 928-2173 or the County Zoning Administrator to obtain a Zoning Application form.
- 02 Complete the Zoning Application form with all required information.
- 03 Prepare a plot plan showing location and ground area of all present and proposed structures, bulk of all additions and/or site improvements, actual dimensions, and property lines and building lines of the proposed structure.
- 04 Submit the completed application and plot plan to the Harlan County Clerk's office in person.
- 05 The Zoning Administrator reviews the application for compliance with county zoning regulations.
- 06 If the proposed construction complies with zoning regulations, the building permit will be issued.
- 07 County building inspector performs inspections during construction and a final inspection prior to occupancy.
Typical processing time: Processing timeline varies; contact the County Clerk's office for current estimates.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (308) 928-2173 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Contact Harlan County Clerk's office for inspection scheduling procedures.
- Inspection hours
- Contact county offices for business hours.
Typical sequence: County building inspector performs compliance inspections during construction and a final inspection prior to occupancy to verify code compliance and adherence to approved plans.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Harlan County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Harlan County, NE? ▸
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Harlan County, NE? ▸
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Harlan County, NE? ▸
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Harlan County, NE? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Harlan County, NE? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Harlan County Planning and Zoning Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.