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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Nemaha County
Required for erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, or conversion of any nonfarm building or structure within a zoned area of unincorporated Nemaha County
Agricultural buildings on farmsteads of 20+ acres producing $1,000+ in farm products per year (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03) — residential buildings, commercial structures, accessory dwellings, and other non-farm buildings on agricultural parcels are NOT exempt
- Exempt Agricultural buildings on farmsteads of 20+ acres producing $1,000+ in farm products per year (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03) — residential buildings, commercial structures, accessory dwellings, and other non-farm buildings on agricultural parcels are NOT exempt
Note: Agricultural exemption applies only in unincorporated county areas; does not apply within incorporated city or village limits
Required documents
- Completed zoning permit application
- Site plan showing property dimensions, proposed building location, distances to property lines and other structures
- Parcel legal description
- Proposed building dimensions
- Setback distances from property lines and right-of-way
- For new onsite wastewater: NDEE Title 124 compliance documentation (percolation test, certified professional design, scaled layout)
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Contact Nemaha County Planning and Zoning office to confirm parcel is within county's zoned jurisdiction
- 02 For parcels within one mile of Auburn, confirm with City of Auburn whether city permit takes precedence
- 03 Submit completed zoning permit application with site plan, legal description, building dimensions, and setback distances
- 04 If new onsite wastewater/septic system required, provide NDEE Title 124 compliance documentation
- 05 If new driveway off county road required, obtain separate county road access/driveway permit from Roads Department
- 06 For projects disturbing one or more acres, file Nebraska NDEE Construction Stormwater Notice of Intent (NER210000) at least 7 days before ground disturbance
- 07 Once zoning permit approved, initiate permitted activity within specified timeframe or permit expires
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Contact Nemaha County Planning and Zoning office to schedule inspections (phone)
Typical sequence: County does not appear to conduct independent structural, framing, mechanical, or plumbing inspections. Electrical inspections performed by NSED District 15. Septic inspections by NDEE-certified professionals. Fire code inspections by Nebraska State Fire Marshal for commercial/public buildings. Zoning compliance verified by County Zoning Administrator.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Nemaha County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Nemaha County, NE? ▸
Required for erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, or conversion of any nonfarm building or structure within a zoned area of unincorporated Nemaha County
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Nemaha County, NE? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Nemaha County, NE, follow these steps: 1. Contact Nemaha County Planning and Zoning office to confirm parcel is within county's zoned jurisdiction 2. For parcels within one mile of Auburn, confirm with City of Auburn whether city permit takes precedence 3. Submit completed zoning permit application with site plan, legal description, building dimensions, and setback distances 4. If new onsite wastewater/septic system required, provide NDEE Title 124 compliance documentation 5. If new driveway off county road required, obtain separate county road access/driveway permit from Roads Department 6. For projects disturbing one or more acres, file Nebraska NDEE Construction Stormwater Notice of Intent (NER210000) at least 7 days before ground disturbance 7. Once zoning permit approved, initiate permitted activity within specified timeframe or permit expires
03 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Nemaha County, NE? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Nemaha County, NE. The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings on farmsteads of 20+ acres producing $1,000+ in farm products per year (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03) — residential buildings, commercial structures, accessory dwellings, and other non-farm buildings on agricultural parcels are NOT exempt. Note: Agricultural exemption applies only in unincorporated county areas; does not apply within incorporated city or village limits When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Nemaha County, NE? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Nemaha County, NE via: Contact Nemaha County Planning and Zoning office to schedule inspections.
last verified April 2026
source Nemaha County Planning and Zoning ↗
entry id permits/nebraska/nemaha/nemaha-county
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Nemaha County Planning and Zoning before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.