County Building Permits
Merrick County, NE - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Merrick County, Nebraska. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Nebraska Updated March 2026
Permit Authority
Unincorporated Merrick County; also administers zoning for Villages of Chapman, Palmer, and Silver Creek through the Joint Planning Commission
- Department
- Merrick County Planning and Zoning
- Address
- 1510 18th Street, Central City, NE 68826
- Phone
- (402) 604-0226
Application Process
- Contact Merrick County Planning and Zoning at (402) 604-0226 to schedule an appointment (walk-ins not accepted)
- Determine applicable zoning district using county zoning map (available via Merrick County GIS or Planning and Zoning office)
- Complete the Zoning Permit Application (download from Applications and Fees page or pick up at courthouse lockbox)
- Prepare supporting documents: site plan showing property dimensions, setbacks, proposed structure location, and road access; description of proposed use; contractor information
- Submit application, supporting documents, and applicable fee via lockbox, by appointment, or by mail
- Zoning Administrator reviews for compliance with Merrick County Zoning Resolution (2016)
- Permit is issued or denied with written explanation
- For floodplain development: obtain Floodplain Development Permit application; submit with site plan, elevation documentation, and project description; elevation certificate by licensed land surveyor or engineer required for new residential construction and substantial improvements in SFHA
- Floodplain Administrator reviews and issues or denies permit; final inspection required before closeout
Typical processing time: Not published; contact Hillary Betka at (402) 604-0226 for current processing timelines
General Requirements
For any new construction, addition, accessory structure, change of use, or development within unincorporated Merrick County. Specific triggers and thresholds confirmed with Planning and Zoning office at (402) 604-0226.
Required Documents
- Zoning Permit Application
- Site plan showing property dimensions, setbacks, and proposed structure location
- Description of proposed use
- Contractor information
- For floodplain work: elevation certificate by licensed land surveyor or engineer (new residential construction and substantial improvements in SFHA)
- Building code
- Merrick County has not adopted a separate building construction code independent of zoning. State-default building code provisions under NRS 71-6406 may apply; confirm with Planning and Zoning office
- 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 with contractor registration requirements
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors and subcontractors performing work valued at more than $5,000 in a calendar year must register with Nebraska Department of Labor. Registration fee: $25/year. Contractors with employees must provide Workers' Compensation Certificate of Insurance (ACORD 25) listing Nebraska Department of Labor as certificate holder. Contact: (402) 471-2239 or dol.nebraska.gov/conreg
Fees
- Permit fee formula
- Not published online
- Payment note
- Contact Hillary Betka at (402) 604-0226 for current fee schedule (available at Planning and Zoning office)
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- [object Object]
Important: The agricultural exemption is frequently over-claimed. In a zoned county like Merrick, the zoning administrator retains authority to investigate whether claimed farm uses are genuine. Non-agricultural construction on nominally agricultural land without a permit can result in enforcement action.
Inspections
How to Schedule
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- Time windows
- Office hours by appointment only (Planning and Zoning); Courthouse hours Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Typical inspection sequence: Merrick County does not operate a general county building inspection program. No county building inspector conducts residential framing, footing, or rough-in inspections for construction in the unincorporated area.
Additional Resources
- Building code: Merrick County has not adopted a separate building construction code independent of zoning. State-default building code provisions under NRS 71-6406 may apply; confirm with Planning and Zoning office
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Nebraska State Electrical Division (NSED)
- NSED Online Permits and Inspection Scheduling
- Nebraska DWEE Onsite Wastewater Program
- Nebraska One Stop Permit Portal (Septic)
- Nebraska State Fire Marshal - Plans Division
- Nebraska Department of Labor - Contractor Registration
- Nebraska DWEE Interactive Floodplain Map
- Nebraska Legislature (Statutes)
- 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 Merrick County Planning and Zoning before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Merrick County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Merrick County, NE?
- For any new construction, addition, accessory structure, change of use, or development within unincorporated Merrick County. Specific triggers and thresholds confirmed with Planning and Zoning office at (402) 604-0226.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Merrick County, NE?
- Fees are calculated as: Not published online.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Merrick County, NE?
- 1. Contact Merrick County Planning and Zoning at (402) 604-0226 to schedule an appointment (walk-ins not accepted) 2. Determine applicable zoning district using county zoning map (available via Merrick County GIS or Planning and Zoning office) 3. Complete the Zoning Permit Application (download from Applications and Fees page or pick up at courthouse lockbox) 4. Prepare supporting documents: site plan showing property dimensions, setbacks, proposed structure location, and road access; description of proposed use; contractor information 5. Submit application, supporting documents, and applicable fee via lockbox, by appointment, or by mail 6. Zoning Administrator reviews for compliance with Merrick County Zoning Resolution (2016) 7. Permit is issued or denied with written explanation 8. For floodplain development: obtain Floodplain Development Permit application; submit with site plan, elevation documentation, and project description; elevation certificate by licensed land surveyor or engineer required for new residential construction and substantial improvements in SFHA 9. Floodplain Administrator reviews and issues or denies permit; final inspection required before closeout
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Merrick County, NE?
- Typical processing time is Not published; contact Hillary Betka at (402) 604-0226 for current processing timelines.
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Merrick County, NE?
- The following work is generally exempt: [object Object]. Note: The agricultural exemption is frequently over-claimed. In a zoned county like Merrick, the zoning administrator retains authority to investigate whether claimed farm uses are genuine. Non-agricultural construction on nominally agricultural land without a permit can result in enforcement action.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Merrick County, NE?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: , , , .
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This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.