County Building Permits
Kimball County, NE - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Kimball County, Nebraska. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All unincorporated areas of Kimball County not within the zoning jurisdiction of any municipality (City of Kimball, Village of Bushnell, Village of Dix).
- Department
- Kimball County Planning & Zoning Department
- Address
- 114 East 3rd Street, Kimball, NE 69145
- Phone
- (308) 235-2235
- kcpz71@actcom.net
Application Process
- Contact the Zoning Administrator at (308) 235-2235 to determine applicable zoning district and requirements for your property.
- Complete the appropriate application form (available in person at the Planning & Zoning Department).
- Prepare site plans showing proposed erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, use, or change of use.
- Submit application and plans to the Kimball County Planning & Zoning Department at 114 East 3rd Street.
- Ensure plans fully conform to Kimball County Zoning and Subdivision Regulations (adopted October 5, 2010) and include sanitation, plumbing, and sewage disposal provisions.
- Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners review and act on your application.
- Receive approval/denial and zoning compliance certification.
General Requirements
A zoning/planning permit is required for all buildings, structures, or land erection, construction, reconstruction, enlargement, moving, or structural alteration in unincorporated Kimball County.
Required Documents
- Completed permit application
- Site plans showing building footprint, setbacks, and property boundaries
- Plans addressing sanitation, plumbing, and sewage disposal provisions
- Proof of ownership or authorization to develop
- Building code
- No county-wide building code adopted; authority limited to zoning and planning compliance.
- Contractor requirements
- No state-issued general contractor license required in Nebraska; contractors must hold Nebraska Contractor Registration ($25/year, requires workers compensation insurance).
Fees
- Permit fee formula
- Fees established by Kimball County Board of Commissioners; specific schedule not publicly available.
- Payment note
- Contact the Zoning Administrator at (308) 235-2235 for current fee schedule and payment information.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Kimball County Planning & Zoning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Zoning Administrator: (308) 235-2235 (phone)
Typical inspection sequence: Zoning compliance inspections conducted by Zoning Administrator. Structural inspection limited to code compliance review if plans are submitted.
Additional Resources
- Building code: No county-wide building code adopted; authority limited to zoning and planning compliance.
- Nebraska State Fire Marshal
- Nebraska Onsite Wastewater (Septic) Permit Portal
- Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy
- Nebraska State Electrical Division
- 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 Kimball County Planning & Zoning Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kimball County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Kimball County, NE?
- A zoning/planning permit is required for all buildings, structures, or land erection, construction, reconstruction, enlargement, moving, or structural alteration in unincorporated Kimball County.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Kimball County, NE?
- Fees are calculated as: Fees established by Kimball County Board of Commissioners; specific schedule not publicly available..
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Kimball County, NE?
- 1. Contact the Zoning Administrator at (308) 235-2235 to determine applicable zoning district and requirements for your property. 2. Complete the appropriate application form (available in person at the Planning & Zoning Department). 3. Prepare site plans showing proposed erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, use, or change of use. 4. Submit application and plans to the Kimball County Planning & Zoning Department at 114 East 3rd Street. 5. Ensure plans fully conform to Kimball County Zoning and Subdivision Regulations (adopted October 5, 2010) and include sanitation, plumbing, and sewage disposal provisions. 6. Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners review and act on your application. 7. Receive approval/denial and zoning compliance certification.
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Kimball County, NE?
- The following work is generally exempt: Farm buildings and structures on 20+ acres producing $1,000+ in farm products annually (may be exempt from zoning/permitting requirements under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03). Note: Agricultural exemptions require verification with the Zoning Administrator. Some work may still require zoning compliance review. Confirm applicability before proceeding.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Kimball County, NE?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: Zoning Administrator: (308) 235-2235.
Need help with your project?
Navigating permits in Kimball County (Unincorporated) can be complicated.
Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.
Learn how Jaspector works