Lincoln Nebraska Homeowner Building Permit Guide

Lincoln homeowners should check building permits before decks, sheds, basement finishes, tall fences, garages, wall changes, additions, trade work, demolition, and floodplain projects.

Permit takeaway

Lincoln says homeowner projects such as decks, sheds, basement finishing, fences taller than seven feet, garages, and wall changes are examples of work that may require a building permit.

Zoning and placement

The permit process checks Lincoln Residential Code and Zoning Ordinance requirements, and site plans are required for new buildings, additions, decks, and sheds.

Building and trade review

Sheds 120 square feet or less still require a permit in Lincoln but only need a site plan for permit drawings, while most other projects require full construction drawings.

Call before applying when

Call before applying if the project includes a deck, shed, basement finish, fence over seven feet, garage, wall removal, wall addition, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, demolition, or floodplain work.

Documents to prepare

• Building permit application
• Site plan
• Construction drawings when required
• Trade permit information
• Flood plain permit when applicable

Inspection planning

• Prepare site plan
• Submit application and plans
• Identify trade permits
• Calculate improvement value
• Schedule inspections through completion

Official sources

• Lincoln Homeowner Building Permits
• Lincoln Residential Building
• Lincoln Permit Applications

This guide is a planning summary. Always verify the current requirements with the local office before starting work.