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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Sarpy County
New dwellings; commercial buildings, additions, or alterations; accessory structures including decks, fences, detached garages, pole barns, re-roofs, sheds, siding, and swimming pools; finished basements and interior remodeling (painting and flooring are excluded); grading that disturbs more than 1 acre; any activity in FEMA-designated floodplain zones; special permitted uses not allowed as a principal use
Structures 79 square feet or smaller (per code Section 105.2 / R105.2)
Fences not over 6 feet in height
Interior painting and flooring in existing residential structures
Minor repairs that do not involve structural changes, new wiring, or plumbing alterations
- Exempt Structures 79 square feet or smaller (per code Section 105.2 / R105.2)
- Exempt Fences not over 6 feet in height
- Exempt Interior painting and flooring in existing residential structures
- Exempt Minor repairs that do not involve structural changes, new wiring, or plumbing alterations
Note: The county's FAQ lists accessory structures (decks, fences, sheds, etc.) as requiring permits, so thresholds apply; confirm specific work type with department at 402-593-1555
Required documents
- Completed online application
- Site/plot plan showing property lines, structure locations, and setbacks
- Construction plans and specifications
- For floodplain work: FEMA Elevation Certificate (2023 edition) and Flood Plain Development Permit Application
- For grading: Permix reference number from omahapermix.com
- Building code
- 2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2009 ANSI A117.1 Accessibility Standard (all adopted effective June 4, 2024 per Resolution 2024-150); 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) adopted effective August 1, 2024 per Resolution 2024-210
- Permit validity
- Permits are valid for 1 year from the date issued; construction must begin within the first 6 months
- Owner-builder
- Not separately published; contact department
- Contractor requirements
- Not separately published on county site; contact department at planning@sarpy.gov
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not published; contact department at 402-593-1555
- 01 Use the county jurisdiction finder map to confirm the property is in unincorporated Sarpy County.
- 02 Gather required documents (see General Requirements below).
- 03 For grading permits, submit technical exhibits to omahapermix.com and obtain a Permix reference number.
- 04 For floodplain development permits, complete the FEMA Elevation Certificate (2023 edition) and the Flood Plain Development Permit Application forms before proceeding.
- 05 Create or log in to a SmartGov account at co-sarpy-ne.smartgovcommunity.com.
- 06 Submit the application online, upload supporting documents, and pay fees through the portal.
- 07 Department reviews plans; applicant is notified via portal and email.
- 08 Permit is issued once review is complete; permit card must be posted on site.
- 09 Request required inspections through the SmartGov portal at each construction stage.
- 10 Receive final inspection and certificate of occupancy upon completion.
Typical processing time: Not published; contact department at 402-593-1555
§ 04
Fee schedule
Sarpy County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Not separately published; included in Master Fee Schedule
02
Permit fee formula
Fees calculated based on project scope; consult Master Fee Schedule for specific formulas
03
Reinspection fee
Not separately published; contact department
Online payment available through SmartGov portal; in-person payment at department office
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- SmartGov portal (online)
- 402-593-1555 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM
Typical sequence: Footing/foundation inspection; framing inspection; rough-in inspections (plumbing, electrical, mechanical); insulation; final inspection
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Sarpy County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Sarpy County, NE? ▸
New dwellings; commercial buildings, additions, or alterations; accessory structures including decks, fences, detached garages, pole barns, re-roofs, sheds, siding, and swimming pools; finished basements and interior remodeling (painting and flooring are excluded); grading that disturbs more than 1 acre; any activity in FEMA-designated floodplain zones; special permitted uses not allowed as a principal use
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Sarpy County, NE? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Sarpy County, NE are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Fees calculated based on project scope; consult Master Fee Schedule for specific formulas. Plan check fee: Not separately published; included in Master Fee Schedule.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Sarpy County, NE? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Sarpy County, NE, follow these steps: 1. Use the county jurisdiction finder map to confirm the property is in unincorporated Sarpy County. 2. Gather required documents (see General Requirements below). 3. For grading permits, submit technical exhibits to omahapermix.com and obtain a Permix reference number. 4. For floodplain development permits, complete the FEMA Elevation Certificate (2023 edition) and the Flood Plain Development Permit Application forms before proceeding. 5. Create or log in to a SmartGov account at co-sarpy-ne.smartgovcommunity.com. 6. Submit the application online, upload supporting documents, and pay fees through the portal. 7. Department reviews plans; applicant is notified via portal and email. 8. Permit is issued once review is complete; permit card must be posted on site. 9. Request required inspections through the SmartGov portal at each construction stage. 10. Receive final inspection and certificate of occupancy upon completion.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Sarpy County, NE? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Sarpy County, NE typically run Not published; contact department at 402-593-1555. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Sarpy County, NE? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Sarpy County, NE. The following work is generally exempt: Structures 79 square feet or smaller (per code Section 105.2 / R105.2); Fences not over 6 feet in height; Interior painting and flooring in existing residential structures; Minor repairs that do not involve structural changes, new wiring, or plumbing alterations. Note: The county's FAQ lists accessory structures (decks, fences, sheds, etc.) as requiring permits, so thresholds apply; confirm specific work type with department at 402-593-1555 When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Sarpy County, NE? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Sarpy County, NE via: SmartGov portal, 402-593-1555.
last verified April 2026
source Sarpy County Planning and Building Department ↗
entry id permits/nebraska/sarpy/sarpy-city
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Sarpy County Planning and Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.