City Building Permits
Bellevue, NE - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Bellevue, Nebraska. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Nebraska Sarpy County Updated March 2026
Permit Authority
Covers all properties within the corporate limits of the City of Bellevue and its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) in Sarpy County. Bellevue is the largest city in Sarpy County and borders Offutt Air Force Base.
- Department
- Permits and Inspections Office
- Address
- 1510 Wall Street, Bellevue, NE 68005
- Phone
- 402-293-3014
- permit@bellevue.net
Online Permit Portal
Platform: CityReporter • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only
Application Process
- Confirm the property is within Bellevue's jurisdiction (contact department at 402-293-3014 if unsure).
- Prepare required documents: site plan, construction drawings, contractor information.
- Create an account at the CityReporter portal.
- Submit the permit application online and upload supporting documents.
- Planning Department reviews application for zoning and design standard compliance; both residential and commercial applications are reviewed.
- Building review conducted concurrently or sequentially.
- Pay permit fees online upon approval.
- Permit is issued; post permit card on site.
- Schedule required inspections through the portal or by calling 402-293-3014.
- Receive final inspection and occupancy clearance.
Typical processing time: Not published; contact department
Source: Permits and Inspections Office
General Requirements
New construction; additions; alterations; remodels; electrical work; plumbing; mechanical; demolition; signs; swimming pools; decks; fences; re-roofing; structural changes; any work regulated by adopted codes
Required Documents
- Permit application
- Site/plot plan
- Construction drawings
- Contractor license information
- Energy code certification for new construction
- Permit validity
- Not separately published on department page; contact department for current validity period
- Building code
- 2018 International Building Code (IBC); 2018 International Residential Code (IRC); 2018 International Existing Building Code; 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) (enforcement began January 1, 2025); other I-Codes at 2018 edition. Note: Some sources indicate the city may have updated to 2021 IBC/IRC; confirm with department.
- Owner-builder
- Not separately published; electrical work requires a licensed electrician or homeowner verification form
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must be licensed for their trade; electrical work requires a State of Nebraska electrician license; permit fees are based on fair market value of work
Fees
- Plan check fee
- Included in fee ordinance; not separately published online
- Permit fee formula
- Mixed—some permits are flat rate, some are deposits; building, electrical, and some mechanical permit fees are based on fair market value of the work
- Reinspection fee
- Not separately published; contact department at 402-293-3014
- Payment note
- Online payment through CityReporter portal; in-person payment at 1510 Wall Street
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Emergency repairs posing immediate risk to life and safety
- Replacement of nonstructural siding on IRC structures (except stucco and brick/stone veneer more than 4 feet above grade)
- In-kind window replacement with no structural member alteration
- Flag and light poles on private property 20 feet or less in height (electrical work for poles is still subject to permit)
Important: Other exemptions as listed in adopted building code Section R105.2/105.2; confirm complete list with department
Inspections
How to Schedule
- CityReporter portal (online)
- 402-293-3014 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Typical inspection sequence: Foundation; rough-in framing; rough-in plumbing/electrical/mechanical; insulation; final; occupancy
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2018 International Building Code (IBC); 2018 International Residential Code (IRC); 2018 International Existing Building Code; 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) (enforcement began January 1, 2025); other I-Codes at 2018 edition. Note: Some sources indicate the city may have updated to 2021 IBC/IRC; confirm with department.
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Code Enforcement
- Bellevue Municipal Code
- License lookup guide: Nebraska Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Nebraska Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Nebraska hub: Nebraska Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Permits and Inspections Office before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bellevue Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Bellevue, NE?
- New construction; additions; alterations; remodels; electrical work; plumbing; mechanical; demolition; signs; swimming pools; decks; fences; re-roofing; structural changes; any work regulated by adopted codes
- How much does a building permit cost in Bellevue, NE?
- Fees are calculated as: Mixed—some permits are flat rate, some are deposits; building, electrical, and some mechanical permit fees are based on fair market value of the work. Plan check fee: Included in fee ordinance; not separately published online.
- How do I apply for a building permit in Bellevue, NE?
- 1. Confirm the property is within Bellevue's jurisdiction (contact department at 402-293-3014 if unsure). 2. Prepare required documents: site plan, construction drawings, contractor information. 3. Create an account at the CityReporter portal. 4. Submit the permit application online and upload supporting documents. 5. Planning Department reviews application for zoning and design standard compliance; both residential and commercial applications are reviewed. 6. Building review conducted concurrently or sequentially. 7. Pay permit fees online upon approval. 8. Permit is issued; post permit card on site. 9. Schedule required inspections through the portal or by calling 402-293-3014. 10. Receive final inspection and occupancy clearance.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in Bellevue, NE?
- Typical processing time is Not published; contact department.
- What work is exempt from building permits in Bellevue, NE?
- The following work is generally exempt: Emergency repairs posing immediate risk to life and safety; Replacement of nonstructural siding on IRC structures (except stucco and brick/stone veneer more than 4 feet above grade); In-kind window replacement with no structural member alteration; Flag and light poles on private property 20 feet or less in height (electrical work for poles is still subject to permit). Note: Other exemptions as listed in adopted building code Section R105.2/105.2; confirm complete list with department
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Bellevue, NE?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: CityReporter portal, 402-293-3014.
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This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.
Other cities in Sarpy County
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