Auburn, NE - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City of Auburn and one-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) for zoning and certain building/electrical/plumbing ordinance enforcement

Department

City of Auburn Building Permits

Address

1101 J Street, Auburn, NE 68305

Phone

(402) 274-3420

Website

https://auburn.ne.gov

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Download Building Permit and Procedure Form from Permits & Forms page or pick up at City Hall
2. Complete form with property address, legal description, owner and contractor information, project description, and estimated project valuation
3. Prepare site plan showing property dimensions, proposed building location, distances to property lines and other structures (four copies required)
4. If project meets grading criteria, obtain grading permit prior to or concurrent with building permit application
5. Submit completed application, site plan (4 copies), and required construction documents to City Hall
6. Pay applicable permit fee at time of application or as invoiced
7. Allow standard processing time for zoning and building code compliance review
8. Obtain issued permit before beginning construction
9. Post permit card visibly at job site
10. Schedule required inspections through City Hall (402-274-3420)

Source: City of Auburn Building Permits

General Requirements

Required for new construction, additions, alterations, and repairs to residential structures, commercial buildings, accessory structures, and sign installation

Required Documents

• Completed Building Permit and Procedure Form
• Site plan (four copies) showing property dimensions, proposed building location, setback distances
• Project description
• Construction documents as applicable to project scope
• For grading projects: grading permit

Permit validity

Typically permits expire if no inspection is passed within 180 days of issuance or within period set by local ordinance; confirm with City Hall

Building code

2018 International Building Code (IBC) and 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) adopted by reference under Ordinance No. 2-22 amending Section 150.30; 2018 National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54) also adopted. Confirm currently effective edition with City Hall.

Owner-builder

Owner-builders may apply for permits for their own residence; confirm any required disclosure forms with City Hall

Contractor requirements

Nebraska does not have a general contractor license. Contractors must register annually with Nebraska Department of Labor ($25/year, workers' compensation required). Electrical work requires NSED license. Plumbing work requires Nebraska State Plumbing Division license. Confirm any city-specific business license requirements with City Hall.

Fees

Permit fee formula

International Code Council (ICC) construction valuation table incorporated into fee schedule (Chapter 150, Section 150.17); updated annually on January 1. For alterations and structures not covered by ICC table: fair market value of labor and materials.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2022).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Auburn Building Permits to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

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Typical inspection sequence: Typical residential inspection sequence: footing/foundation, rough framing, rough electrical/mechanical/plumbing, insulation, wallboard, final inspection. Confirm current sequence with City Hall.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 International Building Code (IBC) and 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) adopted by reference under Ordinance No. 2-22 amending Section 150.30; 2018 National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54) also adopted. Confirm currently effective edition with City Hall.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Auburn Code of Ordinances (American Legal)
• Building Permit and Procedure Form (PDF)
• Nebraska State Electrical Division (NSED) District 15
• Auburn Community Redevelopment Authority (CRA)
• Nebraska State Fire Marshal
• License lookup guide: Nebraska Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Nebraska Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Nebraska hub: Nebraska Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Auburn Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Auburn, NE?

Required for new construction, additions, alterations, and repairs to residential structures, commercial buildings, accessory structures, and sign installation

How much does a building permit cost in Auburn, NE?

Fees are calculated as: International Code Council (ICC) construction valuation table incorporated into fee schedule (Chapter 150, Section 150.17); updated annually on January 1. For alterations and structures not covered by ICC table: fair market value of labor and materials..

How do I apply for a building permit in Auburn, NE?

1. Download Building Permit and Procedure Form from Permits & Forms page or pick up at City Hall 2. Complete form with property address, legal description, owner and contractor information, project description, and estimated project valuation 3. Prepare site plan showing property dimensions, proposed building location, distances to property lines and other structures (four copies required) 4. If project meets grading criteria, obtain grading permit prior to or concurrent with building permit application 5. Submit completed application, site plan (4 copies), and required construction documents to City Hall 6. Pay applicable permit fee at time of application or as invoiced 7. Allow standard processing time for zoning and building code compliance review 8. Obtain issued permit before beginning construction 9. Post permit card visibly at job site 10. Schedule required inspections through City Hall (402-274-3420)

How do I schedule a building inspection in Auburn, NE?

Inspections can be scheduled via: .

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