County Building Permits
Hayes County, NE - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hayes County, Nebraska. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All properties in unincorporated areas of Hayes County. Properties within the incorporated villages of Hayes Center and Hamlet are governed by their respective village authorities.
- Department
- Hayes County Planning & Zoning Department
- Address
- P.O. Box 370, 505 Troth Street, Hayes Center, NE 69032
- Phone
- (308) 286-3413
- clerk@hayescounty.ne.gov
Application Process
- Contact the Planning & Zoning office to determine if your property is within a zoned area.
- Complete the Application for Land Use Permit form (available on county website or by contacting the office).
- Submit the application to the Planning & Zoning Administrator.
- County performs site review to determine compliance with zoning regulations and verify no utility line conflicts.
- Upon approval, permit is issued and construction may begin.
- Building inspections conducted as required (minimum four inspections for new construction).
General Requirements
A Land Use Permit is required for nonfarm buildings in zoned areas of unincorporated Hayes County. Compliance with zoning regulations and the county Comprehensive Plan is mandatory.
Required Documents
- Completed Application for Land Use Permit
- Project plans and specifications
- Site plan
- Proof of property ownership or authorization
- Permit validity
- Permit must be used within 180 days of issuance or becomes void.
- Building code
- Nebraska Energy Code applies where adopted. Zoning Regulations current as of 2011.
- Contractor requirements
- No state general contractor license requirement in Nebraska. Contractor registration is optional but workers compensation insurance is required.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Agricultural buildings on farmsteads of 20+ acres producing $1,000+ of farm products annually (exempt from county building permit requirements per Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03)
Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Agricultural exemptions apply only to buildings utilized for agricultural purposes. Confirm with the Planning & Zoning office before proceeding.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- (308) 286-3413 (phone)
- clerk@hayescounty.ne.gov (email)
Typical inspection sequence: Standard inspection requirements include: (1) Footings, drain tile systems, foundation, and basement walls; (2) All plumbing, building drain, building sewer, and rough-in work; (3) Framing prior to drywall, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work; (4) Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy before occupancy.
Additional Resources
- Building code: Nebraska Energy Code applies where adopted. Zoning Regulations current as of 2011.
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Nebraska State Fire Marshal
- Nebraska DHHS/DWEE (Septic & On-site Wastewater)
- Nebraska State Electrical Division
- Nebraska Contractor Registration
- License lookup guide: Nebraska Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Nebraska Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Nebraska hub: Nebraska Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Hayes County Planning & Zoning Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hayes County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Hayes County, NE?
- A Land Use Permit is required for nonfarm buildings in zoned areas of unincorporated Hayes County. Compliance with zoning regulations and the county Comprehensive Plan is mandatory.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hayes County, NE?
- 1. Contact the Planning & Zoning office to determine if your property is within a zoned area. 2. Complete the Application for Land Use Permit form (available on county website or by contacting the office). 3. Submit the application to the Planning & Zoning Administrator. 4. County performs site review to determine compliance with zoning regulations and verify no utility line conflicts. 5. Upon approval, permit is issued and construction may begin. 6. Building inspections conducted as required (minimum four inspections for new construction).
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Hayes County, NE?
- The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings on farmsteads of 20+ acres producing $1,000+ of farm products annually (exempt from county building permit requirements per Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03). Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Agricultural exemptions apply only to buildings utilized for agricultural purposes. Confirm with the Planning & Zoning office before proceeding.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Hayes County, NE?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: (308) 286-3413, clerk@hayescounty.ne.gov.
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