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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Madison County
All non-farm buildings in zoned areas require a zoning permit prior to construction
Farm structures on qualifying farmsteads (20+ acres, $1,000+ annual farm product value)
County governmental entities (County, School Board, Parks and Recreation Authority, Fire Department, County Fair) are exempt from permit fees
- Exempt Farm structures on qualifying farmsteads (20+ acres, $1,000+ annual farm product value)
- Exempt County governmental entities (County, School Board, Parks and Recreation Authority, Fire Department, County Fair) are exempt from permit fees
Note: Agricultural exemption applies only to qualifying farmsteads; not available in incorporated cities
Required documents
- Completed application form
- Legal description of property
- Site plan or sketch showing proposed structure location
- Setback information from property lines and roads
- Intended use documentation
- Building code
- No structural building code; zoning permits only confirm land use compliance (setbacks, lot standards, use classification)
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must register with Nebraska Department of Labor
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: At least two weeks
- 01 Contact Planning Department to confirm zoning district and land use classification
- 02 Obtain and complete appropriate zoning permit application form
- 03 Submit in person or by mail with required documentation (legal description, site plan, setback information)
- 04 Allow at least two weeks for processing (may require Planning Commission review for conditional uses, variances, rezonings)
- 05 Pay fees at time of application
- 06 Receive permit before construction begins
- 07 File permit with Register of Deeds
Typical processing time: At least two weeks
§ 04
Fee schedule
Madison County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$100.00 (residential new construction/remodel)
02
Penalty (no permit)
5x the applicable permit fee for building without permit
Fees paid at time of application to Madison County
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Contact Planning Department at 402-370-3577 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday: Pierce County Courthouse; Tuesday–Friday 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Typical sequence: Planning Department may conduct site inspections to verify zoning compliance (setbacks, land use, structure location) but does not routinely perform foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical inspections on residential construction
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Madison County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Madison County, NE? ▸
All non-farm buildings in zoned areas require a zoning permit prior to construction
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Madison County, NE? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Madison County, NE are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $100.00 (residential new construction/remodel).
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Madison County, NE? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Madison County, NE, follow these steps: 1. Contact Planning Department to confirm zoning district and land use classification 2. Obtain and complete appropriate zoning permit application form 3. Submit in person or by mail with required documentation (legal description, site plan, setback information) 4. Allow at least two weeks for processing (may require Planning Commission review for conditional uses, variances, rezonings) 5. Pay fees at time of application 6. Receive permit before construction begins 7. File permit with Register of Deeds
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Madison County, NE? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Madison County, NE typically run At least two weeks. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Madison County, NE? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Madison County, NE. The following work is generally exempt: Farm structures on qualifying farmsteads (20+ acres, $1,000+ annual farm product value); County governmental entities (County, School Board, Parks and Recreation Authority, Fire Department, County Fair) are exempt from permit fees. Note: Agricultural exemption applies only to qualifying farmsteads; not available in incorporated cities When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Madison County, NE? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Madison County, NE via: Contact Planning Department at 402-370-3577.
last verified April 2026
source Madison/Pierce County Joint Planning Department ↗
entry id permits/nebraska/madison/madison-county
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Madison/Pierce County Joint Planning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.