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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Pierce County
All non-farm buildings in zoned areas; structures 100 sq. ft. or more require a permit; structures under 100 sq. ft. 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)
- 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
- Exempt Structures under 100 square feet
- Exempt 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
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
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: At least 2 weeks
- 01 Confirm zoning district using pierce.gisworkshop.com or call (402) 329-4600
- 02 Download application form from madisoncountyne.gov/planning-and-zoning/ or pick up at courthouse/Norfolk office
- 03 Complete application with site plan showing property location, setbacks from property lines and roads, and description of intended use
- 04 Submit application with fee (checks payable to Pierce County Treasurer)
- 05 Allow at least 2 weeks for processing; conditional use/variance/rezoning applications require Planning Commission review
- 06 Receive permit before beginning construction
- 07 File permit with Register of Deeds
Typical processing time: At least 2 weeks
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2021-03-08
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$50.00
02
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)
03
Penalty (no permit)
5x standard fee for after-the-fact violations; 10x for plat/lot actions, conditional use permits, variances, map interpretations
Fees paid prior to action by Zoning Administrator, Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, or County Board. Checks payable to Pierce County Treasurer
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2021-03-08) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Contact Madison/Pierce County Joint Planning Department at (402) 329-4600 or jointzoneplan@madisoncountyne.gov (email)
- Inspection hours
- Monday: Pierce Courthouse (Room 6); Tuesday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Norfolk office)
Typical 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
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Pierce County permits
01 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
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Pierce County, NE? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Pierce County, NE are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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).
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Pierce County, NE? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Pierce County, NE, follow these steps: 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
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Pierce County, NE? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Pierce County, NE typically run At least 2 weeks. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Pierce County, NE? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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 When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Pierce County, NE? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Pierce County, NE via: Contact Madison/Pierce County Joint Planning Department at (402) 329-4600 or jointzoneplan@madisoncountyne.gov.
last verified April 2026
source Madison/Pierce County Joint Planning Department ↗
entry id permits/nebraska/pierce/pierce-county
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Madison/Pierce County Joint Planning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.