City Building Permits

Gretna, NE - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Gretna, 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 Gretna. Gretna is a fast-growing community in the southwestern part of Sarpy County; growth-corridor and site plan review are common.

Department
Building and Zoning Department
Address
204 N McKenna Avenue, Gretna, NE 68028
Phone
402-332-3336 ext. 1209 (permits and inspections)

Online Permit Portal

Platform: MyGovernmentOnline (MGO) • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Confirm the project is within Gretna city limits (call 402-332-3336 ext. 1209 if unsure).
  2. Download the applicable permit application form from the city website.
  3. Prepare required documents: completed application, site/plot plan, construction drawings, contractor information.
  4. Submit the application in person at City Hall, 204 N McKenna Avenue, during office hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM).
  5. Pay permit fee by check, cash, or credit card at time of submission.
  6. Department reviews plans; processing time depends on project complexity.
  7. Permit is issued upon approval; post permit card on site.
  8. Schedule required inspections by calling 402-332-3336, ext. 1209 with at least 24 hours notice.
  9. Receive final inspection upon completion of work.

Typical processing time: Not published; contact department

Source: Building and Zoning Department

General Requirements

New construction; additions; structural alterations and wall modifications; decks, patios, porches, and enclosures; electrical work and new wiring; plumbing and septic systems; fences; concrete work; pools and hot tubs exceeding 36 inches in depth; roof repairs involving structural changes; any construction that physically changes or adds structures to property or is regulated by local codes

Required Documents

  • Completed permit application (available at city website)
  • Site/plot plan showing property lines, setbacks, and structure locations
  • Construction drawings
  • Contractor names and license information
Permit validity
Permits expire in 180 days without substantial construction progress, or 1 year if construction is incomplete; renewal available at original permit cost
Building code
2025 current adopted codes (contact department for specific code versions); Gretna Zoning Code 2020 also in effect
Owner-builder
Not separately published; contact department
Contractor requirements
Not separately published; contact department at 402-332-3336

Fees

Plan check fee
Not separately published; contact department
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based fee schedule for residential and commercial
Reinspection fee
$80 per reinspection for reinspections beyond two
Payment note
Check, cash, or credit card accepted in person at City Hall; no online payment for permit applications identified

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Re-shingling (like-for-like, no structural change)
  • Painting (interior and exterior)
  • Landscaping
  • Play structures / playground equipment
  • Replacing fixtures with identical replacements
  • Installing units with identical power sources (like-for-like replacements)

Important: Other minor modifications not involving structural changes or regulated systems

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • 402-332-3336 ext. 1209 (phone)
Scheduling deadline
Allow at least 24 hours notice; do not rely on voicemail per department guidance
Inspection hours
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Temporary pole (if needed); footing/foundation; rough plumbing; framing; final completion

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Building and Zoning Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gretna Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Gretna, NE?
New construction; additions; structural alterations and wall modifications; decks, patios, porches, and enclosures; electrical work and new wiring; plumbing and septic systems; fences; concrete work; pools and hot tubs exceeding 36 inches in depth; roof repairs involving structural changes; any construction that physically changes or adds structures to property or is regulated by local codes
How much does a building permit cost in Gretna, NE?
Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based fee schedule for residential and commercial. Plan check fee: Not separately published; contact department.
How do I apply for a building permit in Gretna, NE?
1. Confirm the project is within Gretna city limits (call 402-332-3336 ext. 1209 if unsure). 2. Download the applicable permit application form from the city website. 3. Prepare required documents: completed application, site/plot plan, construction drawings, contractor information. 4. Submit the application in person at City Hall, 204 N McKenna Avenue, during office hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM). 5. Pay permit fee by check, cash, or credit card at time of submission. 6. Department reviews plans; processing time depends on project complexity. 7. Permit is issued upon approval; post permit card on site. 8. Schedule required inspections by calling 402-332-3336, ext. 1209 with at least 24 hours notice. 9. Receive final inspection upon completion of work.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Gretna, NE?
Typical processing time is Not published; contact department.
What work is exempt from building permits in Gretna, NE?
The following work is generally exempt: Re-shingling (like-for-like, no structural change); Painting (interior and exterior); Landscaping; Play structures / playground equipment; Replacing fixtures with identical replacements; Installing units with identical power sources (like-for-like replacements). Note: Other minor modifications not involving structural changes or regulated systems
How do I schedule a building inspection in Gretna, NE?
Inspections can be scheduled via: 402-332-3336 ext. 1209. Allow at least 24 hours notice; do not rely on voicemail per department guidance.

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Important: 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.

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