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§ NE Hayes County
County building permits

Unincorporated Hayes County

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hayes County, Nebraska. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Last verified
April 2026
On this page 5
§ 01

Permit authority

Hayes County Planning & Zoning Department

Street address
P.O. Box 370, 505 Troth Street, Hayes Center, NE 69032
Coverage
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.
§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Hayes County

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.

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)
  • 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.

Required documents
  • Completed Application for Land Use Permit
  • Project plans and specifications
  • Site plan
  • Proof of property ownership or authorization
Building code
Nebraska Energy Code applies where adopted. Zoning Regulations current as of 2011.
Permit validity
Permit must be used within 180 days of issuance or becomes void.
Contractor requirements
No state general contractor license requirement in Nebraska. Contractor registration is optional but workers compensation insurance is required.

Source: Hayes County Planning & Zoning Department ↗

§ 03

Application process

Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final

  1. 01
    Contact the Planning & Zoning office to determine if your property is within a zoned area.
  2. 02
    Complete the Application for Land Use Permit form (available on county website or by contacting the office).
  3. 03
    Submit the application to the Planning & Zoning Administrator.
  4. 04
    County performs site review to determine compliance with zoning regulations and verify no utility line conflicts.
  5. 05
    Upon approval, permit is issued and construction may begin.
  6. 06
    Building inspections conducted as required (minimum four inspections for new construction).

Source: Hayes County Planning & Zoning Department ↗

§ 04

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule
  • (308) 286-3413 (phone)
  • clerk@hayescounty.ne.gov (email)

Typical 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.

Source: Hayes County Planning & Zoning Department ↗

§ 05

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated Hayes County permits

01 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.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hayes County, NE?
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hayes County, NE, follow these steps: 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).
03 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Hayes County, NE?
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Hayes County, NE?
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Hayes County, NE via: (308) 286-3413, clerk@hayescounty.ne.gov.
last verified April 2026 source Hayes County Planning & Zoning Department ↗ entry id permits/nebraska/hayes/hayes-county

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Hayes County Planning & Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.