Thomas County, NE - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated areas of Thomas County

Department

Thomas County Planning and Zoning / County Assessor's Office

Address

503 Main Street, Thedford, NE 69166

Phone

(308) 645-2261

Website

https://thomascountyne.gov/

Application Process

1. Contact Thomas County Planning and Zoning or Assessor's Office at (308) 645-2261
2. Obtain building permit application form from county office
3. Submit application with required documentation in person at 503 Main Street, Thedford, NE 69166
4. Pay fees prior to permit issuance
5. Receive permit valid for 180 days; construction must commence within this period

General Requirements

Required prior to erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, or conversion of any nonfarm building or structure within Thomas County zoned areas

Required Documents

• Legal description of land
• Nature of use or occupancy
• Principal dimensions of structure
• Estimated cost of construction
• Names of owner and contractor
• Site plans/blueprints as required

Permit validity

180 days from issuance; construction must commence within this period

Building code

Thomas County has not officially adopted a residential building code; Nebraska State Building Code (based on International Residential Code 2018, excluding sections R313 and chapters 25-33) applies by default

Contractor requirements

Licensed electrical contractors required for electrical work; must obtain permit through Nebraska State Electrical Division online system

Fees

Permit fee formula

Based on estimated construction value, type of structure/use, and zoning classification

Penalty (no permit)

Double fees (2x standard fee) if application filed after construction has commenced

Payment note

Payment required prior to permit issuance

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Agricultural buildings on farmsteads of 20+ acres producing $1,000+ in farm products per year are exempt from county building permit requirements (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03)

Important: This is a significant exemption for Thomas County given the area's agricultural character

Inspections

How to Schedule

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Typical inspection sequence: Building inspector required to inspect prior construction work as requested. Typical inspection points include foundation, framing, mechanical/electrical/plumbing, and final occupancy. New buildings and additions/alterations typically require minimum of 4 inspections.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Thomas County has not officially adopted a residential building code; Nebraska State Building Code (based on International Residential Code 2018, excluding sections R313 and chapters 25-33) applies by default
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Nebraska State Fire Marshal
• NDEE Stormwater/Wastewater Program
• Nebraska State Electrical Division
• USDA Forest Service — Nebraska National Forests (Bessey Ranger District)
• Nebraska Building Code (UpCodes)
• License lookup guide: Nebraska Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Nebraska Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Nebraska hub: Nebraska Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Thomas County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Thomas County, NE?

Required prior to erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, or conversion of any nonfarm building or structure within Thomas County zoned areas

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Thomas County, NE?

Fees are calculated as: Based on estimated construction value, type of structure/use, and zoning classification.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Thomas County, NE?

1. Contact Thomas County Planning and Zoning or Assessor's Office at (308) 645-2261 2. Obtain building permit application form from county office 3. Submit application with required documentation in person at 503 Main Street, Thedford, NE 69166 4. Pay fees prior to permit issuance 5. Receive permit valid for 180 days; construction must commence within this period

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Thomas County, NE?

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings on farmsteads of 20+ acres producing $1,000+ in farm products per year are exempt from county building permit requirements (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114.03). Note: This is a significant exemption for Thomas County given the area's agricultural character

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Thomas County, NE?

Inspections can be scheduled via: .