City of Central City

For new construction (residential and commercial); additions and expansions to existing structures; accessory structures (garages, sheds); decks, porches, fences; structural alterations and basement finishing; mechanical, HVAC, and plumbing work; any construction in the floodway or flood fringe district

Building code

Building permit requirements established by Ordinance 879 (January 2006); amended by Ordinance 1054 (December 2020) and Ordinance 1084 (July 2022) regarding building permit fees. Comprehensive Code of Ordinances enacted by Ordinance 1090 (September 2022). 2012 International Property Maintenance Code adopted by Ordinance 993 (August 2016) and amended by Ordinance 1014 (October 2017). Building construction standards implementing Ordinance 767 (May 1998) and Ordinance 840 (July 2004); specific IBC/IRC edition adoption should be confirmed with City Hall. 2018 IECC applies statewide. Data gap: specific IBC/IRC edition currently adopted could not be confirmed from available online sources; confirm with City Hall at (308) 946-3806

Owner-builder

Property owners performing work on their own property are exempt from Nebraska Contractor Registration Act if work is valued at more than $5,000/year; confirm exemption status

Contractor requirements

All contractors working under a Central City permit must be registered with the Nebraska Department of Labor under the Contractor Registration Act. Registration fee: $25/year. Contractors with employees must provide Workers' Compensation Certificate of Insurance (ACORD 25). Contact: (402) 471-2239 or dol.nebraska.gov/conreg

1. 01
   Confirm the property is within Central City limits or the one-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction. Contact City Hall at (308) 946-3806 or use Merrick County GIS at merrick.gworks.com
2. 02
   Contact City Hall to request the current building permit application form and fee schedule
3. 03
   Complete the permit application. Prepare supporting documents based on project type: site plan showing property dimensions, setbacks, and proposed work; construction drawings (for structural work, new construction, or additions); description of proposed use
4. 04
   Submit application and supporting documents to City Hall in person. Pay applicable fees at time of submission
5. 05
   The Building Inspector reviews the application. For straightforward residential projects, review times are generally short given the city's scale
6. 06
   Upon approval, permit is issued. Post permit conspicuously on the job site
7. 07
   Schedule required inspections by calling City Hall at (308) 946-3806
8. 08
   Pass all required interim and final inspections
9. 09
   For new construction, receive Certificate of Occupancy upon final sign-off

Typical processing time: Generally short for straightforward residential projects; contact City Hall for current processing timelines

Source: City of Central City - Building Inspector's Office / City Hall ↗

In person at City Hall, 1702 31st Street, Central City, NE 68826

• Call City Hall at (308) 946-3806 to schedule inspections with appropriate advance notice (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Typical sequence: Typical residential inspection sequence: (1) Footing/foundation inspection (before concrete pour); (2) Framing and rough-in inspection (before work is covered); (3) Plumbing rough-in (if applicable, before covering); (4) Insulation and energy inspection (where applicable); (5) Final inspection; (6) Certificate of Occupancy (new construction)