Falls City, NE - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

First-class city (pop. ~4,000). Jurisdiction within corporate limits. Zoning Ordinance (Ord. 2014-108) and Subdivision Regulations (2020) may extend into 1-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).

Department

Falls City Building & Planning Department

Address

Falls City City Hall, 2307 Barada Street, Falls City, NE 68355

Phone

(402) 245-2851

Email

permits@fallscityne.us

Website

https://www.fallscitynebraska.org/municipal-services/building-and-planning

Application Process

1. Determine permit requirement by contacting Building Inspector at (402) 245-2851
2. Obtain building permit application form from City Hall or website
3. Complete application and gather supporting documents
4. For projects over $25,000 or within fire limits: include two sets of plans and specifications
5. For plumbing-only work: submit separate plumbing application (exempt if under $500)
6. For electrical work: coordinate with NSED; state inspection also required
7. Submit completed application to City Hall by mail, in person, or via email
8. Pay permit fee at City Hall (based on project value)
9. If in FEMA SFHA: obtain Floodplain Development Permit before building permit
10. Post permit at job site
11. Contact Building Inspector to schedule inspections at required stages

Typical processing time: 1-5 business days for straightforward residential projects; longer for projects requiring plan review

Source: Falls City Building & Planning Department

General Requirements

Permit required for all construction or renovation in Falls City unless specifically exempted

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application
• For projects over $25,000 or within fire limits: two sets of plans and specifications
• Plat or site plan showing structure location, setbacks, and property boundaries
• For plumbing permits: separate plumbing application

Building code

International Building Code (IBC), 2012 Edition; International Residential Code (IRC) for One and Two Family Dwellings, 2012 Edition; Article 6 Electrical Code (municipal); Plumbing Code (municipal). Note: 2012 editions adopted; 2018 or 2021 editions not publicly confirmed.

Owner-builder

Not explicitly restricted for residential construction. All electrical work must be NSED-licensed or homeowner exception available for owner-occupied single-family dwellings. Plumbing requires licensed plumber.

Contractor requirements

Nebraska DOL contractor registration ($25/year, workers comp required). NSED contractor license for electrical. Nebraska Plumbing Authority license for plumbing.

Fees

Plan check fee

Included (required for projects over $25,000 or within fire limits)

Permit fee formula

Based on value of work performed

Trade permit fee

Same fee schedule applies

Payment note

In-person at City Hall or by check with mailed/emailed application

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2023).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Plumbing or mechanical work strictly under $500
• Routine maintenance and cosmetic repairs not affecting structural elements

Important: Confirm specific exemptions with Building Inspector at (402) 245-2851

Inspections

How to Schedule

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Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Contact Building Inspector when project is ready for each required inspection. Required inspection stages listed on permit at issuance.

Additional Resources

• Building code: International Building Code (IBC), 2012 Edition; International Residential Code (IRC) for One and Two Family Dwellings, 2012 Edition; Article 6 Electrical Code (municipal); Plumbing Code (municipal). Note: 2012 editions adopted; 2018 or 2021 editions not publicly confirmed.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Falls City City Codes
• Building Codes and Ordinances
• NSED Electrical Inspector (Todd Flick, District 15)
• Floodplain Development (Big Nemaha River)
• License lookup guide: Nebraska Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Nebraska Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Nebraska hub: Nebraska Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Falls City Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Falls City, NE?

Permit required for all construction or renovation in Falls City unless specifically exempted

How much does a building permit cost in Falls City, NE?

Fees are calculated as: Based on value of work performed. Plan check fee: Included (required for projects over $25,000 or within fire limits).

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

1. Determine permit requirement by contacting Building Inspector at (402) 245-2851 2. Obtain building permit application form from City Hall or website 3. Complete application and gather supporting documents 4. For projects over $25,000 or within fire limits: include two sets of plans and specifications 5. For plumbing-only work: submit separate plumbing application (exempt if under $500) 6. For electrical work: coordinate with NSED; state inspection also required 7. Submit completed application to City Hall by mail, in person, or via email 8. Pay permit fee at City Hall (based on project value) 9. If in FEMA SFHA: obtain Floodplain Development Permit before building permit 10. Post permit at job site 11. Contact Building Inspector to schedule inspections at required stages

How long does it take to get a building permit in Falls City, NE?

Typical processing time is 1-5 business days for straightforward residential projects; longer for projects requiring plan review.

What work is exempt from building permits in Falls City, NE?

The following work is generally exempt: Plumbing or mechanical work strictly under $500; Routine maintenance and cosmetic repairs not affecting structural elements. Note: Confirm specific exemptions with Building Inspector at (402) 245-2851

How do I schedule a building inspection in Falls City, NE?

Inspections can be scheduled via: .

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