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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Valley County
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.
- Exempt
Note: Agricultural exemption eliminates county permit requirement for qualifying farm structures, but federal and state environmental permits (floodplain, stormwater NOI, septic) remain independently required.
- 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
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01
Confirm property location is in unincorporated Valley County (not within incorporated city or village limits). Contact (308) 728-3575 to verify jurisdiction.
- 02
Determine whether project qualifies for agricultural building exemption (§ 23-114.03). Exempt if structure is agricultural, on 20+ acre farmstead producing $1,000+/year in farm products.
- 03
Verify property location with FEMA Flood Map Service Center (https://msc.fema.gov/) to confirm if property is in Special Flood Hazard Area. If in SFHA, obtain floodplain development permit before zoning permit.
- 04
Contact Planning and Zoning at (308) 728-3575 to confirm current procedures, required forms, and applicable fees.
- 05
Prepare required documents including completed zoning permit application, plot plan/site plan, and construction description.
- 06
Submit application and documents in person to Planning and Zoning Office. Pay permit fee at time of submission.
- 07
For projects disturbing 1+ acre, file NOI with NDEE for Construction Stormwater Permit at least 7 days before grading begins.
- 08
Post zoning permit on job site and begin construction.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (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 sequence: County does not conduct structural inspections. Owners/developers must self-enforce building code standards or engage private inspector.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Valley County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Valley County, NE? ▸
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Valley County, NE? ▸
03 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Valley County, NE? ▸
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Valley County, NE? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Valley County Planning and Zoning before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.