Milford, NE - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Corporate limits of the City of Milford AND one-mile extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction (ETJ) surrounding the city. As a city of the second class, Milford's ETJ extends one mile from corporate limits under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 17-1001.

Department

City of Milford -- City Clerk / Planning and Zoning

Address

402 1st Street, Milford, NE 68405

Phone

402-761-3247

Email

cityofmilford@milfordne.gov

Website

https://milfordne.gov/comprehensive-plan/

Application Process

1. Determine whether the property is within Milford city limits or the one-mile ETJ.
2. Contact the City Clerk at 402-761-3247 or cityofmilford@milfordne.gov to discuss the project and permit requirements.
3. For new businesses or commercial development, contact the Planning and Economic Development function early to determine zoning and building code requirements. A Certificate of Use is required before utilities are placed in a new business's name.
4. Obtain the building permit application form from the City Clerk's office.
5. Complete the application and submit with required plans and fees to the City Clerk.
6. Await plan review. The City Clerk or designated official reviews for zoning compliance and code conformance under the 2012 IBC.
7. Upon approval, receive permit and begin construction.
8. Schedule required inspections at construction milestones (contact city for inspection contact and scheduling process).
9. Receive final inspection approval and Certificate of Occupancy upon completion.

Typical processing time: Not published. Contact 402-761-3247 for current timeline.

Source: City of Milford -- City Clerk / Planning and Zoning

General Requirements

It is unlawful to commence excavation for construction of any building, or any accessory building, or to commence moving or altering any building (including accessory buildings), until the Building Inspector has issued a building permit. This requirement applies within city limits and the one-mile ETJ.

Required Documents

• Dimensioned sketch or scale plan showing the shape, size, height, and location of all buildings to be erected, altered, or moved
• Existing buildings on the lot
• Existing and intended use of all such buildings
• Any additional information requested by the Building Inspector to confirm ordinance compliance

Permit validity

A building or zoning permit becomes void 12 months from the date of issuance unless substantial progress has been made.

Building code

International Building Code (IBC) 2012 Edition. Section R313 (Residential Fire Sprinkler Mandate) has been omitted by Ordinance No. 918.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must be registered under the Nebraska Contractor Registration Act with the Nebraska Department of Labor. Registration fee: $25/year. Contractors must provide proof of workers' compensation insurance or a verified statement of exemption.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Fees are adopted by city ordinance and listed in the city's fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Standard Nebraska agricultural building exemption applies for farm buildings on qualifying parcels in the ETJ rural fringe area

Important: Fire sprinkler exemption: The city has omitted IRC/IBC Section R313 (residential fire sprinkler mandate) by Ordinance No. 918. Single-family and two-family residential construction does not require automatic fire sprinklers under Milford's adopted code.

Inspections

How to Schedule

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Typical inspection sequence: Certificate of Occupancy process: Within three days after notification that a building or premises is ready for occupancy, it is the Building Inspector's duty to make a final inspection and issue a Certificate of Occupancy if the building and proposed use conform to the zoning ordinance. If certification is refused, the refusal must be stated in writing with cause.

Additional Resources

• Building code: International Building Code (IBC) 2012 Edition. Section R313 (Residential Fire Sprinkler Mandate) has been omitted by Ordinance No. 918.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Nebraska State Electrical Division
• License lookup guide: Nebraska Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Nebraska Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Nebraska hub: Nebraska Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Milford Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Milford, NE?

It is unlawful to commence excavation for construction of any building, or any accessory building, or to commence moving or altering any building (including accessory buildings), until the Building Inspector has issued a building permit. This requirement applies within city limits and the one-mile ETJ.

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

Fees are calculated as: Fees are adopted by city ordinance and listed in the city's fee schedule..

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

1. Determine whether the property is within Milford city limits or the one-mile ETJ. 2. Contact the City Clerk at 402-761-3247 or cityofmilford@milfordne.gov to discuss the project and permit requirements. 3. For new businesses or commercial development, contact the Planning and Economic Development function early to determine zoning and building code requirements. A Certificate of Use is required before utilities are placed in a new business's name. 4. Obtain the building permit application form from the City Clerk's office. 5. Complete the application and submit with required plans and fees to the City Clerk. 6. Await plan review. The City Clerk or designated official reviews for zoning compliance and code conformance under the 2012 IBC. 7. Upon approval, receive permit and begin construction. 8. Schedule required inspections at construction milestones (contact city for inspection contact and scheduling process). 9. Receive final inspection approval and Certificate of Occupancy upon completion.

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

Typical processing time is Not published. Contact 402-761-3247 for current timeline..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Standard Nebraska agricultural building exemption applies for farm buildings on qualifying parcels in the ETJ rural fringe area. Note: Fire sprinkler exemption: The city has omitted IRC/IBC Section R313 (residential fire sprinkler mandate) by Ordinance No. 918. Single-family and two-family residential construction does not require automatic fire sprinklers under Milford's adopted code.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: .

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