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City of Lincoln

 
City of Lincoln
Building & Safety Department

 
CONSTRUCTION PERMITS

Why are permits Required?
Safety is the primary reason for requiring permits. City Inspectors check to make sure construction and installations are proper for the protection of your family and property, your neighbors, and buyers of your property.

What types of projects do not require permit?

Painting wallpapering, tilling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work do not require permits. Shingling and residing also do not require permits as long as structural elements such as sheeting and rafters are not involved/altered.

What about fences?

Putting up a fence does not require a permit as long as the following conditions are complied with:
  • The maximum height allowed is 6'-4".
  • You are required to find your lot stakes before you begin work. (you may hire surveyor for this if needed.)
  • The fence must be erected on YOUR property.
  • Before digging you must notify the digger's hotline at 1-800-331-5666 for buried cable locations.
  • If the fence is to be erected on a corner lot adjacent to an intersection or along a driveway, you must get prior approval from the Traffic Engineering Division. (Call 441-7455 for specific requirements.)

What type of projects require construction permit?

In general, all construction, alteration and repair of buildings in the City of Lincoln and Lancaster County require construction permits. Details are contained in other parts of this brochure, but some examples of projects requiring permits are

alterations HVAC
basement finishes public sidewalks
decks plumbing
demolitions room additions
electric duplexes/switches sheds (regardless of size)
fireplaces/wood stoves solar collectors
garages water heaters
general remodeling yard sprinkler systems

Where do I get permit?

To obtain permits contact the Building & Safety Department. We are located on the second floor, Room 203, of the County/City Building at 555 South 10th Street. If you're having a contractor do the work they may obtain the necessary permits for you.

If so, it is advised that you check with the contractor before any work has been done to make sure the required permits have been obtained.

Permits for outdoor construction

For outdoor construction of additions and/or separate structures such as garages, decks, deck covers, sheds and pools applicants must first:

  1. locate your property line stakes (you may hire a surveyor to provide this service if needed.)
  2. Produce a site plan showing the existing buildings, proposed construction, property lines and all related measurements. (See figure 1)
  3. Bring all of this information to the Building and Safety Department for permit approval.

Figure 1

Notes: Where this symbol appears, please indicate the measurements for your project. Specific minimums will depend upon zoning district and individual lot.

Permits for additions and general remodeling

This includes, but is not limited to, the addition of new rooms and finishing of attics and basements, etc. Applicants first must:

  1. Produce a floor plan showing the addition with respect to the existing door, window, room measurements, location of electrical. Switches/duplexes/fixtures, plumbing fixtures, as well as indicating the room use (i.e. bedroom, bathroom, etc.)

  2. Produce an elevation plan.

  3. Produce a wall section showing and labeling the respective materials and sizing being used.

  4. Bring all of this information to the Building and Safety Department for permit approval.

Fireplaces and Wood stoves

  1. Write down the manufacture's name and the model number of the unit being used. (UL listing number)
  2. Keep the manufacture's brochure.
  3. Note the type of chimney that will be used.
  4. Make a sketch showing the location of the unit in the room and its measurements from the neighboring walls.

  5. You may need to provide other sketches. Ask the Building and Safety Department for separate brochures on fireplaces and wood stoves.
  6. Bring all of this information to the Building and Safety Department for permit approval.

For more information
on construction permits, contact

CITY OF LINCOLN
Building and Safety Department
BUILDING SERVICES DIVISION
441-7882

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