Pierce County, NE - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Zoning permits for unincorporated Pierce County; no structural building code for residential construction

Department

Madison/Pierce County Joint Planning Department

Address

111 W. Court St., Room 6, Pierce, NE 68767 (Mondays); 1112 Bonita Dr., Norfolk, NE 68701 (Tue-Fri)

Phone

(402) 329-4600 (Pierce); (402) 370-3577 (Norfolk)

Email

jointzoneplan@madisoncountyne.gov

Website

https://madisoncountyne.gov/planning-and-zoning/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm zoning district using pierce.gisworkshop.com or call (402) 329-4600
2. Download application form from madisoncountyne.gov/planning-and-zoning/ or pick up at courthouse/Norfolk office
3. Complete application with site plan showing property location, setbacks from property lines and roads, and description of intended use
4. Submit application with fee (checks payable to Pierce County Treasurer)
5. Allow at least 2 weeks for processing; conditional use/variance/rezoning applications require Planning Commission review
6. Receive permit before beginning construction
7. File permit with Register of Deeds

Typical processing time: At least 2 weeks

Source: Madison/Pierce County Joint Planning Department

General Requirements

All non-farm buildings in zoned areas; structures 100 sq. ft. or more require a permit; structures under 100 sq. ft. exempt

Required Documents

• Completed zoning permit application
• Site plan or sketch showing proposed structure location
• Setback distances from property lines and roads
• Description of intended use
• For lot splits/subdivisions: certified list of property owners within 300 feet (agricultural lot splits); preliminary or final plat

Building code

No - Pierce County has not adopted a structural building code for residential construction in unincorporated areas. Zoning permits only. Commercial and public structures subject to Nebraska State Fire Marshal review

Owner-builder

Agricultural exemption applies to buildings on a farmstead of 20+ acres producing $1,000+/year in farm products; these buildings still require base $50 zoning permit fee

Contractor requirements

All contractors doing business in Nebraska must register with Nebraska DOL annually ($25/yr) and maintain current workers' compensation certificate. State Electrical Division (NSED) District 7 licenses electrical contractors; state Fire Marshal reviews commercial/public structures

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$50.00

Permit fee formula

$50 base + variable rates: $0.02-$0.20/sq. ft. depending on structure type (agricultural accessory $0.02/sq. ft.; residential/commercial $0.20/sq. ft.; wind energy $1,000/tower; solar $0.20/acre minimum $300)

Penalty (no permit)

5x standard fee for after-the-fact violations; 10x for plat/lot actions, conditional use permits, variances, map interpretations

Payment note

Fees paid prior to action by Zoning Administrator, Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, or County Board. Checks payable to Pierce County Treasurer

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2021-03-08).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Agricultural buildings on 20+ acre farmstead producing $1,000+/year in farm products (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03) — though base $50 zoning permit still required
• Structures under 100 square feet
• Temporary buildings (annual permit: $50)

Important: Exemption applies to unincorporated Pierce County only, not to incorporated municipalities. All commercial and public structures subject to State Fire Marshal review

Inspections

How to Schedule

• ()

Inspection hours

Monday: Pierce Courthouse (Room 6); Tuesday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Norfolk office)

Typical inspection sequence: Zoning compliance inspections only; no structural, framing, or mechanical inspections for residential construction. Commercial and public structures require separate Nebraska State Fire Marshal inspections

Additional Resources

• Building code: No - Pierce County has not adopted a structural building code for residential construction in unincorporated areas. Zoning permits only. Commercial and public structures subject to Nebraska State Fire Marshal review
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Pierce County Clerk (building permit reporting)
• Pierce County Assessor (property improvements $2,500+)
• Nebraska State Fire Marshal (commercial/public structures)
• Nebraska State Electrical Division District 7
• NDEE Onsite Wastewater (Title 124 septic registration)
• Nebraska DOL Contractor Registration
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center (floodplain determination)
• License lookup guide: Nebraska Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Nebraska Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Nebraska hub: Nebraska Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Pierce County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Pierce County, NE?

All non-farm buildings in zoned areas; structures 100 sq. ft. or more require a permit; structures under 100 sq. ft. exempt

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Pierce County, NE?

The minimum permit fee is $50.00. Fees are calculated as: $50 base + variable rates: $0.02-$0.20/sq. ft. depending on structure type (agricultural accessory $0.02/sq. ft.; residential/commercial $0.20/sq. ft.; wind energy $1,000/tower; solar $0.20/acre minimum $300).

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Pierce County, NE?

1. Confirm zoning district using pierce.gisworkshop.com or call (402) 329-4600 2. Download application form from madisoncountyne.gov/planning-and-zoning/ or pick up at courthouse/Norfolk office 3. Complete application with site plan showing property location, setbacks from property lines and roads, and description of intended use 4. Submit application with fee (checks payable to Pierce County Treasurer) 5. Allow at least 2 weeks for processing; conditional use/variance/rezoning applications require Planning Commission review 6. Receive permit before beginning construction 7. File permit with Register of Deeds

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Pierce County, NE?

Typical processing time is At least 2 weeks.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Pierce County, NE?

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings on 20+ acre farmstead producing $1,000+/year in farm products (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03) — though base $50 zoning permit still required; Structures under 100 square feet; Temporary buildings (annual permit: $50). Note: Exemption applies to unincorporated Pierce County only, not to incorporated municipalities. All commercial and public structures subject to State Fire Marshal review

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Pierce County, NE?

Inspections can be scheduled via: .