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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Howard County
Howard County requires a zoning permit prior to the erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, or conversion of any nonfarm building or structure in a zoned area of unincorporated Howard County. A Conditional Use Permit is separately required for conditional uses identified in the Zoning Regulations.
- Exempt Buildings used for agricultural purposes on a farmstead of 20+ acres producing $1,000+/year in farm products (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03)
- Exempt Work that does not involve the erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, or conversion of a structure (confirm with Planning and Zoning)
Note: Exempt from zoning permit does not exempt a project from state-level requirements including Nebraska State Electrical Division inspections, Nebraska DWEE on-site wastewater permits, or NDEE stormwater NOI for disturbances of 1+ acres. Contact the Planning and Zoning Administrator at (308) 754-9121 to confirm whether a specific project requires a permit before commencing work.
- Completed Zoning Permit Application
- Site plan showing parcel boundaries, proposed structure location, dimensions, and setbacks from property lines and road rights-of-way
- Legal description of property
- Building code
- Howard County does not enforce a residential structural building code. The county enforces zoning regulations (Howard County Planning and Zoning Regulation, Updated February 2016) for land-use compliance. Nebraska State Fire Marshal has jurisdiction over commercial and public buildings statewide.
- Permit validity
- Contact Planning and Zoning at (308) 754-9121 for permit expiration rules.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders are subject to zoning permit requirements but are not subject to county building inspector structural review. Nebraska State Electrical Division licensing and inspection requirements apply to all electrical work regardless of builder type.
- Contractor requirements
- No county-level contractor registration required. Nebraska State Electrical Division licensing is required for electrical work. Nebraska Contractor Registration Act ($25/yr with workers' compensation certificate) applies to contractors with employees statewide.
Application process
Typical processing: Contact the Planning and Zoning office at (308) 754-9121 for processing time estimates.
- 01 Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Howard County, not within any incorporated municipality's corporate limits.
- 02 Download and review the 'Before You Build' guidance document to understand what triggers a permit.
- 03 Download the Zoning Permit Application PDF or obtain it in person at the Planning and Zoning office.
- 04 Consult the setbacks reference sheet and the 2016 Zoning Regulations to verify your proposed structure complies with setback and use requirements.
- 05 Complete the application and include a site plan showing the parcel, location of proposed structure, dimensions, and distances from property lines and road rights-of-way.
- 06 Submit the completed application in person at 612 Indian Street, Suite 2, St. Paul, NE 68873 and pay applicable fees.
- 07 The Zoning Administrator reviews the application for compliance with zoning regulations.
- 08 Permit is issued upon approval. Post the permit on-site and commence construction.
Typical processing time: Contact the Planning and Zoning office at (308) 754-9121 for processing time estimates.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
Typical sequence: Howard County does not offer structural building inspections. State electrical inspections are coordinated through the Nebraska State Electrical Division. For electrical work: submit an inspection request through the NSED online system before concealing any wiring; a final electrical inspection is also required.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Howard County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Howard County, NE? ▸
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Howard County, NE? ▸
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Howard County, NE? ▸
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Howard County, NE? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Howard County, NE? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Howard County Planning and Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.