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Permits and Inspections - Permit and Code Info
(402) 444-5350
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Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ's for Permits and Inspections can be found here.
Q: What is the zoning of my property?
Q: How do I apply for a Site Plan Review?
Q: How do I schedule a pre-Application meeting?
Q: Is my property in the floodplain?
Q: Do I need a permit to put up/replace a fence?
Q: What are the rules for residential fences?
Q: Do I need a permit for a shed?
Q: How big of a garage can I build?
Q: Do I need a permit for a home occupation?
Q: Do I need a permit for a Day Care?
Q: How can I get an address for my property?
Q: How do I request a Zoning Confirmation letter?
Q: What is the zoning of my property?
A: You can find the zoning of your property by contacting the Planner’s Help Desk, 444-3426 or by using the DCGIS website.
Q: What are my setbacks?
A: Once the zoning for your property has been determined you can find your setbacks by using the Site Development Regulation table.
Q: How do I apply for a Site Plan Review?
A: A site plan review is completed as part of the building permit review process, or it can be done prior to applying for a building permit. The application fee for site plan review is $108.00. The applicant should submit an application and three (3) copies of a site plan drawn to scale. The procedures and applications can be found here. The Zoning Application should be used.
Q: How do I schedule a pre-Application meeting?
A: A pre-application meeting is not always needed. The Planner’s Help Desk, 444-3426 can help you determine if one is necessary. If so, a pre-application meeting can be set up by calling Linda Frink at 444-6681.
Q: Is my property in the floodplain?
A: You can check to see if you’re your property is in a flood zone by checking the zoning at the DCGIS website and turning on the zoning layer under in the layer list by clicking on the earth icon.
Q: Where do I find floodplain information relating to floodplain development permits, FEMA, and local flood hazards?
A: All floodplain information can be found on the Floodplain page, a link can also be found on the Planning Department's home page.
Q: Do I need a permit to put up/replace a fence?
A: Yes, you can contact the Permits and Inspections counter at 444-5350 for information on how to apply.
Q: What are the rules for residential fences?
A: A printable fence pamphlet is located on this website.You can get permit information at the Permits and Inspections counter or by calling 444-5350. The maximum height allowed for a fence within a required front yard or street yard setback is four (4) feet. The maximum height in the rear or side yard is six (6) feet. You can find your setbacks in Site Development Regulation table.
On corner lots, a fence built along the street side yard at the required setback may have a maximum height of six (6) feet. A fence built within a required front yard of a double frontage lot may be a maximum of six (6) feet in height and may exceed fifty(50) percent closed construction if the lot fronts a minor or major arterial street, expressway or freeway, and if the frontage does not provide primary access to the property.
No solid fence or screening may be installed within a triangle formed at the corner of two (2) intersecting streets and a line connecting points thirty (30) feet on each leg from corner of the lot.
The fabric or finished surfaces of all fences must face toward the adjoining property or street frontage. To insure safety and visibility, any fence built on residential property within the required front or street side yards must have at least fifty (50) percent of the surface area open and unobstructed.
Q: Do I need a permit for a shed?
A: Yes, you will need a permit for a shed that is larger than 75 square feet. You can contact the Permits and Inspections counter at 444-5350 for information on how to apply
Q: How big of a garage can I build?
A: There is not a maximum size of garage/shed that you can build. However, each zoning district has a limit to the amount of building and impervious coverage on a lot. The maximum amount of building and impervious coverage can be found on the Site Development Regulation table.
An attached garage or a detached garage over 750 square feet must follow the setbacks of the appropriate zoning district.
When located in a residential zoning district (DR-R8) detached private and community garages may be located a minimum of three (3) feet from the interior side or rear lot line if set back 60 feet or more from the front lot line. In the DR through R5 districts the total floor area of an accessory building located totally or partially outside of the build-able area shall not exceed 750 square feet.
Q: Do I need a permit for a home occupation?
A: No, as long as it is an accessory occupational use conducted entirely within a dwelling unit by it's inhabitants, which is clearly incidental to the residential use and does not change the residential character of the site. A home occupation must be entirely within the dwelling unit, not in a garage or out building. Employees are limited to residents of the home.
A printable Home Occupation pamphlet can be found on this website. The City of Omaha does not have a permit process for Home Occupations, however it is addressed under Chapter 55.
Q: Do I need a permit for a Day Care?
A: A printable Day Care pamphlet can be found on the website. There are two types of day care services. Limited day care allows care of up to eight (8) individuals. General day care allows care for more than eight (8) individuals. Day care services can be for children or adults, but it is restricted to day time. In certain zoning district Special Use Permit approval may be required. You can find out if a Special Use Permit is required by contacting the Planner's Help Desk or by reading a summary of zoning information related to day cares.
Limited day care facilities, operated as a home occupation, cannot have employees other than residents of the home. Limited and General day cares located in a home, not not operated as a home occupation may have employees.
Any daycare center must comply with regulations for fire safety, storm shelter, handicapped accessibility, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and building codes of the City of Omaha.
Q: How do I get an address for my property?
A: An address for your property can be obtained by contacting the Drafting Department at 402-444-5190.
Q: How do I request a Zoning Confirmation letter?
A: A Zoning Confirmation letter can be acquired from the Planning Department through written request. There is a $54 fee. To request a Zoning letter please read the following information here.