Unincorporated Merrick County

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.

• Exempt

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.

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

1. 01
   Contact Merrick County Planning and Zoning at (402) 604-0226 to schedule an appointment (walk-ins not accepted)
2. 02
   Determine applicable zoning district using county zoning map (available via Merrick County GIS or Planning and Zoning office)
3. 03
   Complete the Zoning Permit Application (download from Applications and Fees page or pick up at courthouse lockbox)
4. 04
   Prepare supporting documents: site plan showing property dimensions, setbacks, proposed structure location, and road access; description of proposed use; contractor information
5. 05
   Submit application, supporting documents, and applicable fee via lockbox, by appointment, or by mail
6. 06
   Zoning Administrator reviews for compliance with Merrick County Zoning Resolution (2016)
7. 07
   Permit is issued or denied with written explanation
8. 08
   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. 09
   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

Source: Merrick County Planning and Zoning ↗

Contact Hillary Betka at (402) 604-0226 for current fee schedule (available at Planning and Zoning office)

• Zoning compliance inspection: The Zoning Administrator may conduct a site visit to verify compliance with the approved zoning permit (setbacks, structure placement, use) (phone)
• Floodplain inspection: The Merrick County Planning and Zoning office (serving as Floodplain Administrator) conducts a final inspection before a floodplain development permit is closed out (phone)
• Electrical inspections: Scheduled directly with NSED inspector Kent Helgoth, (402) 440-5740, Kent.Helgoth@Nebraska.gov (email)
• Septic system inspection: Conducted by the DWEE-certified installer as part of the registration process. Contact DWEE at (402) 471-8697 (phone)

Time windows

Office hours by appointment only (Planning and Zoning); Courthouse hours Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Typical 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.