On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Falls City
Permit required for all construction or renovation in Falls City unless specifically exempted
Plumbing or mechanical work strictly under $500
Routine maintenance and cosmetic repairs not affecting structural elements
- Exempt Plumbing or mechanical work strictly under $500
- Exempt Routine maintenance and cosmetic repairs not affecting structural elements
Note: Confirm specific exemptions with Building Inspector at (402) 245-2851
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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 1-5 business days for straightforward residential projects; longer for projects requiring plan review
- 01 Determine permit requirement by contacting Building Inspector at (402) 245-2851
- 02 Obtain building permit application form from City Hall or website
- 03 Complete application and gather supporting documents
- 04 For projects over $25,000 or within fire limits: include two sets of plans and specifications
- 05 For plumbing-only work: submit separate plumbing application (exempt if under $500)
- 06 For electrical work: coordinate with NSED; state inspection also required
- 07 Submit completed application to City Hall by mail, in person, or via email
- 08 Pay permit fee at City Hall (based on project value)
- 09 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
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2023
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Included (required for projects over $25,000 or within fire limits)
02
Permit fee formula
Based on value of work performed
03
Trade permit fee
Same fee schedule applies
In-person at City Hall or by check with mailed/emailed application
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2023) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Contact Building Inspector at (402) 245-2851 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Typical sequence: Contact Building Inspector when project is ready for each required inspection. Required inspection stages listed on permit at issuance.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Falls City permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Falls City, NE? ▸
Permit required for all construction or renovation in Falls City unless specifically exempted
02 How much does a building permit cost in Falls City, NE? ▸
Building permit fees in Falls City, NE are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Based on value of work performed. Plan check fee: Included (required for projects over $25,000 or within fire limits).
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Falls City, NE? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Falls City, NE, follow these steps: 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
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Falls City, NE? ▸
Building permit processing times in Falls City, NE typically run 1-5 business days for straightforward residential projects; longer for projects requiring plan review. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Falls City, NE? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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 When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Falls City, NE? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Falls City, NE via: Contact Building Inspector at (402) 245-2851.
last verified April 2026
source Falls City Building & Planning Department ↗
entry id permits/nebraska/richardson/falls-city
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Falls City Building & Planning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.