Frequently Asked Questions
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 Building permits are required before you start any construction work and are the responsibility of the property owner, but may be applied for by a contractor or other representative. Permit costs are quadrupled if you start a project without a permit.
- Why do I need a Permit?
- Do I apply for a permit with Omaha or another agency such as Douglas County or Valley?
- Where is the City of Omaha building permit office?
- How long will it take to get a building permit?
- How much do building permits cost?
- What type of work requires a building permit?
- What do I need to submit to get a building permit?
- What is a site plan and where do I get one?
- Do I need a Certificate of Occupancy?
- Do you issue a Certificate of Occupancy for Homes?
- Gallery of useful information for common residential projects
- How do I check the status of a Permit Online?
- How do I find my contractor ID number?
- Who is the Inspector in my Area?
- Do I need a Peddler Permit?
- How Do I apply for a Permit Online?
Why do I need a permit?
A permit is a way of providing reasonable controls for the design, construction, use, occupancy, and maintenance of buildings, their facilities, and various components. The permit document shows that a building project is being constructed under processes for insuring code compliance and public safety.
Where do I get a building permit?
Building permits are issued and applied for at the Omaha Civic Center (1819 Farnam Street) in Room 1110, the Eleventh Floor. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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How long will it take to get a building permit?
Building permits that do not require plan review will be issued at the time of application. Building permits that do require plan review will typically be issued in two to three weeks but could take longer during peak times of the year depending on the workload. Please plan ahead and submit your application in advance to allow time for plan review.
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How much do building permits cost?
The minimum fee is $41 for up to $2,000 in value for labor and material. Your own labor and used materials must be assigned a reasonable value. New homes, room additions, and garage cost are figured on a square foot basis using tables developed by the Planning Department. For a complete listing of fees visit our Fees section.Â
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What type of work requires a building permit?
Building Permits are required for:
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* Anything Structural |
* Nonstructural repairs over $500Â |
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* Room Additions |
* New Dwellings |
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* Roofing or Siding |
* Decks (New and Replacements)Â |
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* Fences (New and Replacements)Â |
* Basement Finish |
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* Garages |
* Antennas or Towers |
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*Sheds over 75 Square Feet |
* Window Replacements  |
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* Retaining Walls over 6’ High  |
* Front yard Parking |
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* Fireplaces and Wood Stoves (manufacturer’s installation instructions required) |
Building Permits are not required for:
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* Nonstructural repairs under $500 |
* Carpet or Flooring |
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* Painting or Wallpaper |
* Cabinets and Countertops |
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* Playhouses and Dog Houses  |
* Swing Sets and Play Equipment |
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* New Concrete Under 200 Square Feet |
* Retaining Walls Under 6’ High  |
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What do I need to submit to get a building permit?
Permits for Nonstructural repairs over $500, Roofing or Siding, Basement Finish, and Window Replacements can be obtained with just an application and permit fee while others will require additional information and drawings.
Attention:Â Applicants submitting plans for a building permit are required to provide three full sets at time of application.
A site plan only is required for:
* FencesÂ
* Sheds under 150 Square Feet
* Driveways and Pavin
A site plan and structural drawings are required for:
* Sheds and Garages over 150 Square Feet
* Decks
* Retaining Walls over 6’ High (requires an engineer’s design, seal, and signature)
A site plan, structural drawings, floor plans, and elevation drawings are required for:
* Room and Garage additions
* New Dwellings (must include survey certificate)
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Do I need a Certificate of Occupancy?
A Certificate of Occupancy is needed if :
- You are opening a new business in an existing building and the previous business had a different use. (Ex. A building was a restaurant now you are using it for a car lot)
- You are opening a new business in a new building that has had no existing use.     Â
The fee for the first certificate of occupancy for a new building shall be $125.00.
The fee for existing buildings or subsequent bays (interior subdivisions) or common areas of new buildings or for a change of occupancy (change of use or purpose) shall be $125.00.
The fee for each temporary certificate of occupancy for all or part of a new or existing building shall be $125.00 with a maximum time limit of 90 days.
The fee for a copy of a certificate of occupancy shall be $15.00.
Pre-occupancy fee: The fee for occupancy without a certificate of occupancy, when allowed, shall be $515.00 in addition to the regular certificate of occupancy fee, with a maximum time limit of 30 days.
A reinspection fee for a certificate of occupancy inspection, where the project was not ready or required additional work, shall be charged $50.00 per inspector per inspection.
Certificate of occupancy fees shall be paid at the time of application. No inspection will occur without the fee being paid.
When calling to set up a Certificate of Occupancy please make sure that you have all of the following available or completed:
- Address
- Contact information of onsite contact
- Description of area to be used (ex. whole building, suite number, first floor)
- Business completely finished and ready to occupy with all inspections from other permits completed and approved.
- Time and date you want Certificate of Occupancy inspections performed. (must provide at least 4 days notice for scheduling of inspections due to all parties involved)
- You will be contacted by phone or mail when your Certificate of Occupancy is complete. Please visit www.omahapermits.com to follow the status of your inspections.
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Do you issue a Certificate of Occupancy for homes?
We do not issue a Certificate of Occupancy for a home, but we can provide a power letter that verifies completion of applicable inspections and permits.
Cost for letter is $30 dollars
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What is a site plan and where do I get one?
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A site plan is a drawing of your entire property and should include:
- lot dimensions
- existing and proposed improvements
- the distance from those improvements to your property boundaries
If you have recently purchased or built your property an actual survey with improvement locations will usually accompany your mortgage and purchase information. You may also obtain useful lot information by visiting the Douglas Omaha GIS website.  |
Example of acceptable site plan for a residential project.
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Gallery of useful information for common residential projects
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How do I check the status of a permit Online?
                    Watch How To Video
 How Do I find my Contractor ID Number?
                   How do I find my contractor ID number?
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 How do I apply for a Permit Online?
                 How to Apply for a permit Online.pdf
Do I need a Peddler Permit?
Please contact Permits and Inspections at 402-444-5360 or visit the following link to view the section of the Omaha Municode referring to Peddler Permits 19-89
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Frequently Asked Questions
