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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for St. Paul
A Zoning Permit is required before erecting, constructing, enlarging, moving, or using any building or structure over 25 square feet within the city limits (per Zoning Ordinance No. 953, adopted May 18, 2015, with 2021 revisions). Separate state electrical permits are required for all electrical installations.
- Exempt Structures 25 square feet or less in area
- Exempt Routine maintenance and repairs that do not alter the structure, use, or footprint (confirm with City Office)
Note: Exemption from a city zoning permit does not exempt the project from Nebraska State Electrical Division permit requirements or Nebraska DWEE on-site wastewater requirements where applicable. Contact City Office at (308) 754-4483 to confirm whether a specific project is exempt before commencing work.
- Completed permit application
- Site plan showing lot, structure location, dimensions, and setbacks
- Description of proposed use
- Contractor information as applicable
- Building code
- No residential structural building code adoption confirmed in public sources beyond zoning ordinance framework. Review City Code at https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/stpaulne/latest/stpaul_ne/0-0-0-1 or contact the City Office to confirm any adopted structural codes.
- Permit validity
- Issued permit is valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance. The project must be substantially complete within this period.
- Owner-builder
- Contact City Office at (308) 754-4483 for owner-builder rules and requirements.
- Contractor requirements
- Nebraska Contractor Registration Act registration required for contractors with employees ($25/yr with workers' compensation certificate; dol.nebraska.gov/conreg). Nebraska State Electrical Division licensing required for electrical work. No city-specific contractor registration identified.
Application process
Typical processing: Processing time is tied to City Council meeting schedule. Contact (308) 754-4483 for current timelines and meeting dates.
- 01 Contact the City Office at (308) 754-4483 or cityofstpaulwebsite@gmail.com to confirm whether your project requires a zoning permit or building permit.
- 02 Obtain the permit application from the City Office at 704 6th Street.
- 03 Prepare a site plan showing lot, structure location, dimensions, and setbacks; include a description of proposed use and contractor information as applicable.
- 04 Submit the completed application with required documentation to the City Office.
- 05 City staff reviews the application; the Planning Commission may provide a recommendation.
- 06 The City Council provides final determination on approval or denial.
- 07 If approved, the permit is issued. The project must be completed within one (1) year of permit issuance.
- 08 Schedule any required inspections with the city office. State electrical inspections must be coordinated through the Nebraska State Electrical Division.
Typical processing time: Processing time is tied to City Council meeting schedule. Contact (308) 754-4483 for current timelines and meeting dates.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (308) 754-4483 (phone)
- Nebraska State Electrical Division (electrical work only) (online)
Typical sequence: State electrical inspection required prior to concealment of wiring and again at final. Any locally required structural inspections should be confirmed with the City Office at (308) 754-4483.
Frequently asked
Common questions about St. Paul permits
01 Do I need a building permit in St. Paul, NE? ▸
02 How do I apply for a building permit in St. Paul, NE? ▸
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in St. Paul, NE? ▸
04 What work is exempt from building permits in St. Paul, NE? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in St. Paul, NE? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of St. Paul Planning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.