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.
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)
- jeremya@cityofgretna.com
Online Permit Portal
Platform: MyGovernmentOnline (MGO) • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Confirm the project is within Gretna city limits (call 402-332-3336 ext. 1209 if unsure).
- Download the applicable permit application form from the city website.
- Prepare required documents: completed application, site/plot plan, construction drawings, contractor information.
- Submit the application in person at City Hall, 204 N McKenna Avenue, during office hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM).
- Pay permit fee by check, cash, or credit card at time of submission.
- Department reviews plans; processing time depends on project complexity.
- Permit is issued upon approval; post permit card on site.
- Schedule required inspections by calling 402-332-3336, ext. 1209 with at least 24 hours notice.
- 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
- Building code: 2025 current adopted codes (contact department for specific code versions); Gretna Zoning Code 2020 also in effect
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- FAQ
- Gretna Comprehensive Plan 2040
- 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 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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