Unincorporated Thomas County

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

• 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

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

Permit validity

180 days from issuance; construction must commence within this period

Contractor requirements

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

1. 01
   Contact Thomas County Planning and Zoning or Assessor's Office at (308) 645-2261
2. 02
   Obtain building permit application form from county office
3. 03
   Submit application with required documentation in person at 503 Main Street, Thedford, NE 69166
4. 04
   Pay fees prior to permit issuance
5. 05
   Receive permit valid for 180 days; construction must commence within this period

Payment required prior to permit issuance

• Contact building inspector as work progresses (phone)

Typical 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.