Valley County, NE - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Issues zoning and land use permits for unincorporated Valley County territory. Does not issue permits within incorporated city or village limits.

Department

Valley County Planning and Zoning

Address

Valley County Courthouse, 125 S. 15th Street, Ord, NE 68862

Phone

(308) 728-3575

Website

https://valleycountyne.gov/webpages/planning_zoning/planning_zoning.html

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

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Source: Valley County Planning and Zoning

General Requirements

County zoning permits required for nonfarm buildings and structures under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114 in zoned areas. Typical categories: new dwellings (single-family, manufactured/modular), accessory structures, commercial/industrial uses, feedlots, towers, signs, home-based businesses. Confirm complete current list with Planning and Zoning.

Required Documents

• Completed Zoning Permit Application (obtain from Planning and Zoning Office)
• Plot plan/site plan showing property lines, existing structures, proposed structure location, setback distances
• Description of proposed construction (use, dimensions, materials)
• OWTS compliance documentation (for dwellings with on-site septic)
• Floodplain compliance documentation (if parcel within or adjacent to SFHA)

Owner-builder

Property owners may construct their own single-family residences. All electrical work requires either licensed electrical contractor or owner-occupant homeowner permit through Nebraska State Electrical Division (NSED).

Contractor requirements

Nebraska Contractor Registration Act requires all contractors and subcontractors with one or more employees to register annually with Nebraska Department of Labor ($25/year). Workers' Compensation Certificate of Insurance required. Sole proprietors with no employees paying others less than $3,000/year are exempt. See: https://dol.nebraska.gov/conreg

Fees

Payment note

Likely cash or check in person. Confirm accepted payment methods before visiting.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

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Important: Agricultural exemption eliminates county permit requirement for qualifying farm structures, but federal and state environmental permits (floodplain, stormwater NOI, septic) remain independently required.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (Nebraska State Electrical Division (NSED) District 10. All electrical work must be permitted and inspected by state inspector before energizing.)
• (Valley County does NOT operate a building inspection program for residential structures in unincorporated territory.)
• (Nebraska State Fire Marshal (NSFM) plan review and inspection required for all commercial construction regardless of county size.)

Typical inspection sequence: County does not conduct structural inspections. Owners/developers must self-enforce building code standards or engage private inspector.

Additional Resources

• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center
• Nebraska Floodplain Interactive Map
• Nebraska DNR Floodplain Management
• NDEE Construction Stormwater NOI
• NDEE Onsite Wastewater (Septic) Program
• Nebraska NSED - Electrical Permits
• Nebraska State Fire Marshal
• Nebraska Contractor Registration Act
• License lookup guide: Nebraska Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Nebraska Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Nebraska hub: Nebraska Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Valley County Building Permit FAQ

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

County zoning permits required for nonfarm buildings and structures under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 23-114 in zoned areas. Typical categories: new dwellings (single-family, manufactured/modular), accessory structures, commercial/industrial uses, feedlots, towers, signs, home-based businesses. Confirm complete current list with Planning and Zoning.

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

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

The following work is generally exempt: [object Object]. Note: Agricultural exemption eliminates county permit requirement for qualifying farm structures, but federal and state environmental permits (floodplain, stormwater NOI, septic) remain independently required.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Nebraska State Electrical Division (NSED) District 10. All electrical work must be permitted and inspected by state inspector before energizing., Valley County does NOT operate a building inspection program for residential structures in unincorporated territory., Nebraska State Fire Marshal (NSFM) plan review and inspection required for all commercial construction regardless of county size..