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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Keith County
A permit is required for construction of new structures, additions, substantial alterations, and placement of manufactured or modular homes in unincorporated Keith County within a zoned area.
Agricultural buildings on qualifying parcels (20 or more acres, owner earning $1,000 or more annually from farm products) are exempt from county zoning and permit requirements under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03
- Exempt Agricultural buildings on qualifying parcels (20 or more acres, owner earning $1,000 or more annually from farm products) are exempt from county zoning and permit requirements under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03
Note: Contact the Keith County Planning and Zoning office to confirm the scope of any exemption in relation to the county's 2021 adopted IBC/IRC. Confirm whether the agricultural exemption applies to your specific project.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Site/plot plan showing parcel boundaries, structure setbacks, and placement
- Construction drawings and plans consistent with 2018 IBC/IRC
- Energy code compliance documentation
- Applicant and property owner information
- For commercial projects: approved NSFM plan review letter
- Building code
- 2018 International Building Code (IBC 2018) and 2018 International Residential Code (IRC 2018) adopted by Keith County Board resolution on September 22, 2021. Certain IRC sections were not adopted, including residential automatic fire sprinkler systems and specific electrical and plumbing provisions that fall under state or other local authority. Nebraska statewide energy code (2018 IECC / ASHRAE 90.1-2016) applies county-wide.
- Permit validity
- Contact the Planning and Zoning Department for current validity periods.
- Owner-builder
- Contact the Planning and Zoning office to confirm requirements for owner-builder projects.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must be registered with the Nebraska Department of Labor ($25 annual fee). No statewide general contractor license is required in Nebraska.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Contact the office for current estimates. Conditional Use Permits (for projects not conforming to base zoning) typically add 4–8 weeks.
- 01 Contact the Keith County Planning and Zoning Department at (308) 284-3556 to determine whether a permit is required for your specific project type and property location.
- 02 Confirm the zoning district of the parcel using the county GIS mapping tool at keith.gworks.com.
- 03 If the property is in or near a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, contact the Floodplain Management office at (308) 284-4726 before beginning any other permit process.
- 04 Obtain and complete the applicable permit application from the Planning and Zoning office.
- 05 Prepare required documents: completed application, site/plot plan showing parcel boundaries and structure setbacks, construction drawings and plans consistent with 2018 IBC/IRC as adopted, and energy code compliance documentation.
- 06 For commercial/public buildings, obtain Nebraska State Fire Marshal plan review approval before the county building permit can be issued.
- 07 Submit application and all required documents in person at 511 North Spruce Street, Ogallala, or by mail/email as directed by the office.
- 08 Pay applicable permit fees at time of submission.
- 09 Await review and permit issuance; contact the office for current turnaround time estimates.
- 10 Post permit card at job site and schedule required inspections during construction.
- 11 Obtain final inspection and certificate of occupancy upon project completion.
Typical processing time: Contact the office for current estimates. Conditional Use Permits (for projects not conforming to base zoning) typically add 4–8 weeks.
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (308) 284-3556 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Contact the Planning and Zoning Department to schedule inspections. Provide advance notice consistent with the inspector's availability in a rural jurisdiction.
- Inspection hours
- Contact the office for current business hours.
- Time windows
- Contact the office for available inspection windows.
Typical sequence: Typical sequence for residential new construction: site plan review (pre-permit), footing/foundation inspection, framing rough-in inspection, insulation/energy code compliance inspection, final inspection and certificate of occupancy. Electrical inspections are conducted separately by the Nebraska State Electrical Division District 17 inspector.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Keith County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Keith County, NE? ▸
A permit is required for construction of new structures, additions, substantial alterations, and placement of manufactured or modular homes in unincorporated Keith County within a zoned area.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Keith County, NE? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Keith County, NE, follow these steps: 1. Contact the Keith County Planning and Zoning Department at (308) 284-3556 to determine whether a permit is required for your specific project type and property location. 2. Confirm the zoning district of the parcel using the county GIS mapping tool at keith.gworks.com. 3. If the property is in or near a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, contact the Floodplain Management office at (308) 284-4726 before beginning any other permit process. 4. Obtain and complete the applicable permit application from the Planning and Zoning office. 5. Prepare required documents: completed application, site/plot plan showing parcel boundaries and structure setbacks, construction drawings and plans consistent with 2018 IBC/IRC as adopted, and energy code compliance documentation. 6. For commercial/public buildings, obtain Nebraska State Fire Marshal plan review approval before the county building permit can be issued. 7. Submit application and all required documents in person at 511 North Spruce Street, Ogallala, or by mail/email as directed by the office. 8. Pay applicable permit fees at time of submission. 9. Await review and permit issuance; contact the office for current turnaround time estimates. 10. Post permit card at job site and schedule required inspections during construction. 11. Obtain final inspection and certificate of occupancy upon project completion.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Keith County, NE? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Keith County, NE typically run Contact the office for current estimates. Conditional Use Permits (for projects not conforming to base zoning) typically add 4–8 weeks.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Keith County, NE? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Keith County, NE. The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings on qualifying parcels (20 or more acres, owner earning $1,000 or more annually from farm products) are exempt from county zoning and permit requirements under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03. Note: Contact the Keith County Planning and Zoning office to confirm the scope of any exemption in relation to the county's 2021 adopted IBC/IRC. Confirm whether the agricultural exemption applies to your specific project. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Keith County, NE? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Keith County, NE via: (308) 284-3556. Contact the Planning and Zoning Department to schedule inspections. Provide advance notice consistent with the inspector's availability in a rural jurisdiction..
last verified April 2026
source Keith County Planning and Zoning Department ↗
entry id permits/nebraska/keith/keith-county
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Keith County Planning and Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.