How much does a building permit cost in Papillion, NE?

Fees are calculated as: Building Valuation Data (BVD) table used to determine estimated building value for permit fee calculation; BVD value is independent of actual bid amount; example rates: Agricultural/single-family dwellings: 0.84% of building permit valuation; Residential (single-family, townhouse, duplex): 77.9 cents per total square foot; Mobile Home: $1,649 per unit; additions, alterations, and repairs are generally not covered by BVD table and are valued by project scope. Plan check fee: Not separately published; consult Master Fee Schedule.

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

1. Create an account at https://aca.accela.com/papillion/default.aspx. 2. Determine permit type (residential, commercial, accessory use, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire, signs, etc.). 3. Download and review applicable submittal documents from https://www.papillion.org/186/Permit-Application-Forms before beginning online application. 4. Submit the permit application online; upload all required plans and documents. 5. Pay permit fees online; some permit types are automatically issued upon submission; others require plan review. 6. For electrical permits: state of Nebraska electrician license is required; homeowner verification form must be signed at the city office for owner-pull electrical permits. 7. If plan review is required, applicant is notified via Accela portal when approved or if corrections are needed. 8. Permit is issued; permit card must be posted on the job site. 9. Schedule inspections through the Accela portal or by calling the inspections hotline at 402-597-2072. 10. Receive final inspection and certificate of occupancy upon completion.

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

Typical processing time is Not published; contact department at 402-597-2029.

What work is exempt from building permits in Papillion, NE?

The following work is generally exempt: Sheds completely in the backyard that are less than 200 square feet in area, less than 10 feet tall, and detached; Minor repairs and maintenance as defined in IRC Section R105.2 and IBC Section 105.2. Note: Specific exemptions under 'Permits shall not be required for the following' as stated in Ordinance 1740; contact department or review ordinance for full list

How do I schedule a building inspection in Papillion, NE?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Accela portal, 402-597-2072 (inspections hotline). Leave project type, address, and contact information when calling hotline.

City Building Permits

Papillion, NE - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Papillion, 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 Papillion, the Sarpy County seat. Papillion administers both building and fire safety permitting under one department.

Department: Building and Fire Safety Department
Address: 122 E Third Street, Papillion, NE 68046
Phone: 402-597-2029 (office); 402-597-2072 (inspections hotline)
Website: https://www.papillion.org/182/Building-Department

Online Permit Portal

Open Accela Citizen Access Portal

Platform: Accela Citizen Access (ACA) • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Alternative Accela URL

Application Process

Create an account at https://aca.accela.com/papillion/default.aspx.
Determine permit type (residential, commercial, accessory use, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire, signs, etc.).
Download and review applicable submittal documents from https://www.papillion.org/186/Permit-Application-Forms before beginning online application.
Submit the permit application online; upload all required plans and documents.
Pay permit fees online; some permit types are automatically issued upon submission; others require plan review.
For electrical permits: state of Nebraska electrician license is required; homeowner verification form must be signed at the city office for owner-pull electrical permits.
If plan review is required, applicant is notified via Accela portal when approved or if corrections are needed.
Permit is issued; permit card must be posted on the job site.
Schedule inspections through the Accela portal or by calling the inspections hotline at 402-597-2072.
Receive final inspection and certificate of occupancy upon completion.

Typical processing time: Not published; contact department at 402-597-2029

Source: Building and Fire Safety Department

General Requirements

New single-family residences; commercial/multifamily construction; residential additions and remodels; basement finishes; accessory structures (fences, sheds, decks, detached garages, re-roofing, pools, driveways/patios); electrical; mechanical; plumbing; fire sprinkler and alarm systems; signs; street/curb cuts; storage tanks; change of occupancy

Required Documents

Completed online application
Site/plot plan
Construction drawings
Energy code certification (Nebraska Energy Code Certification form)
Specific checklists per permit type (deck brochure, detached garage/shed submittal, egress window handout, etc.)
For commercial: Minimum Standards for Site and Building Plans and Civil Site Plan Guidance
Emergency business contact form

Permit validity: Not separately published; contact department
Building code: 2018 International Residential Code (IRC); 2018 International Building Code (IBC); 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC); 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC); 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC); 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC); 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC); 2018 International Fire Code (IFC); 2018 International Code Council Performance Code (ICCPC); 2018 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC, effective 5/17/2023); 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC, effective 8/1/2024); NFPA 1 and NFPA 101 Life Safety Code (2012 editions, per state delegation effective 3/3/2021)
Owner-builder: Homeowners may pull electrical permits but must sign a Homeowner Verification Form in person at the city office; State of Nebraska electrician license is required for contractor electrical permits
Contractor requirements: Electrical contractors: State of Nebraska license required; other trades: confirm with department at 402-597-2029

Fees

Plan check fee: Not separately published; consult Master Fee Schedule
Permit fee formula: Building Valuation Data (BVD) table used to determine estimated building value for permit fee calculation; BVD value is independent of actual bid amount; example rates: Agricultural/single-family dwellings: 0.84% of building permit valuation; Residential (single-family, townhouse, duplex): 77.9 cents per total square foot; Mobile Home: $1,649 per unit; additions, alterations, and repairs are generally not covered by BVD table and are valued by project scope
Reinspection fee: Not separately published; consult Master Fee Schedule
Payment note: Online payment through Accela portal; in-person payment at City Hall

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Sheds completely in the backyard that are less than 200 square feet in area, less than 10 feet tall, and detached
Minor repairs and maintenance as defined in IRC Section R105.2 and IBC Section 105.2

Important: Specific exemptions under 'Permits shall not be required for the following' as stated in Ordinance 1740; contact department or review ordinance for full list

Inspections

How to Schedule

Accela portal (online)
402-597-2072 (inspections hotline) (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Leave project type, address, and contact information when calling hotline
Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, standard business hours

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation (after trenches excavated); frame inspection (after roof and framing in place and before insulation/covering); final inspection (after construction complete and ready for occupancy); trade-specific inspections for electrical, plumbing, mechanical as required

Additional Resources

Building code: 2018 International Residential Code (IRC); 2018 International Building Code (IBC); 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC); 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC); 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC); 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC); 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC); 2018 International Fire Code (IFC); 2018 International Code Council Performance Code (ICCPC); 2018 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC, effective 5/17/2023); 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC, effective 8/1/2024); NFPA 1 and NFPA 101 Life Safety Code (2012 editions, per state delegation effective 3/3/2021)
Zoning information: View zoning info
Online Permits Portal
Current Building Codes
Permit Applications and Forms
Board of Adjustment
Planning Commission
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 Fire Safety Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Papillion Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Papillion, NE?: New single-family residences; commercial/multifamily construction; residential additions and remodels; basement finishes; accessory structures (fences, sheds, decks, detached garages, re-roofing, pools, driveways/patios); electrical; mechanical; plumbing; fire sprinkler and alarm systems; signs; street/curb cuts; storage tanks; change of occupancy
How much does a building permit cost in Papillion, NE?: Fees are calculated as: Building Valuation Data (BVD) table used to determine estimated building value for permit fee calculation; BVD value is independent of actual bid amount; example rates: Agricultural/single-family dwellings: 0.84% of building permit valuation; Residential (single-family, townhouse, duplex): 77.9 cents per total square foot; Mobile Home: $1,649 per unit; additions, alterations, and repairs are generally not covered by BVD table and are valued by project scope. Plan check fee: Not separately published; consult Master Fee Schedule.
How do I apply for a building permit in Papillion, NE?: 1. Create an account at https://aca.accela.com/papillion/default.aspx. 2. Determine permit type (residential, commercial, accessory use, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire, signs, etc.). 3. Download and review applicable submittal documents from https://www.papillion.org/186/Permit-Application-Forms before beginning online application. 4. Submit the permit application online; upload all required plans and documents. 5. Pay permit fees online; some permit types are automatically issued upon submission; others require plan review. 6. For electrical permits: state of Nebraska electrician license is required; homeowner verification form must be signed at the city office for owner-pull electrical permits. 7. If plan review is required, applicant is notified via Accela portal when approved or if corrections are needed. 8. Permit is issued; permit card must be posted on the job site. 9. Schedule inspections through the Accela portal or by calling the inspections hotline at 402-597-2072. 10. Receive final inspection and certificate of occupancy upon completion.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Papillion, NE?: Typical processing time is Not published; contact department at 402-597-2029.
What work is exempt from building permits in Papillion, NE?: The following work is generally exempt: Sheds completely in the backyard that are less than 200 square feet in area, less than 10 feet tall, and detached; Minor repairs and maintenance as defined in IRC Section R105.2 and IBC Section 105.2. Note: Specific exemptions under 'Permits shall not be required for the following' as stated in Ordinance 1740; contact department or review ordinance for full list
How do I schedule a building inspection in Papillion, NE?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Accela portal, 402-597-2072 (inspections hotline). Leave project type, address, and contact information when calling hotline.

Need help with your project?

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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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