Building permits, zoning and land rules in Perkins County, Nebraska
41Index Score / 100 #75 of 93 in Nebraska
Unincorporated Perkins County, Nebraska requires a zoning permit before most buildings or structures are erected, moved, added to or structurally altered1. Nonresidential agricultural buildings under 132 feet high are exempt from that permit requirement, but the exception does not excuse every other applicable rule2. Perkins County has not adopted a county construction code, although state requirements may still apply3.
At a glance
Building permit
A zoning permit is required before most covered building work1
Zoning
Yes; county rules cover unincorporated land outside municipal zoning jurisdictions4
Agricultural buildings
Nonresidential agricultural structures under 132 feet are zoning-permit exempt2
Septic
State rules apply; systems needing site-specific review require a state permit56
RV living
Flood-area placement is restricted; ask the Zoning Administrator about other parcels78
Tiny home
No specific rule was confirmed; ask the county Zoning Administrator8
Owner-builder
Own-property work is exempt from contractor registration, not zoning approval9
Floodplain
County zoning permits are required for development in flood hazard areas10
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Do you need a building permit in Perkins County, Nebraska?
Yes, for most projects covered by county zoning. In unincorporated Perkins County, a zoning permit must be issued before a building or structure is erected, moved, added to or structurally altered1. Nonresidential agricultural buildings under 132 feet high are exempt from that permit requirement, but the exception is not an exemption from every other applicable rule2. Perkins County has not adopted a county building or construction code, though Nebraska's state code may apply where a local code has not been adopted; farm construction has a state-code exception311. The Zoning Administrator may inspect buildings, premises and land uses for zoning compliance, but the county source does not establish routine building-code inspections for every project12. A Certificate of Zoning Compliance, also called an occupancy permit, is required before a newly created, changed, converted, altered or enlarged building or premises is occupied13.
Who issues Perkins County building permits, and how do you reach them?
The Perkins County Zoning Administrator handles county zoning permits and zoning questions8. Perkins County identifies West Central Nebraska Development District as the Zoning Administrator and lists an office at 333 East 2nd Street in Ogallala8. Call (308) 352-8310 or (308) 352-7548, or email perkinscountyzoning@gmail.com8. An application must be filed at least 48 hours before action and include a plot plan plus details about the proposed use, water, sewage, erosion control, soil and permeability; approved work must start within 90 days and finish within 2 years14. The County Board sets a variable fee schedule, posts it with the Zoning Administrator and County Clerk, and requires full payment before acting15. Ask the office for the current amount because we could not confirm the fee schedule.
Does Perkins County have zoning?
Yes. Perkins County zoning covers unincorporated land outside incorporated municipalities and municipal territorial zoning jurisdictions16. The published districts are General Agricultural, Transitional Agricultural, Public Airport Approach and Flood Hazard, so a parcel's district controls the answer17. General Agricultural homes, manufactured homes, modular homes and mobile homes require at least 3 acres, and state septic standards may require more land18. Setbacks vary by zoning district, so give the Zoning Administrator the parcel's legal description and address19. Buildings designed for human habitation in the Transitional Agricultural District are capped at 35 feet unless airport restrictions are tighter20. Accessory dwellings are allowed in the General Agricultural District if the owner notifies local E911 and the fire department, gives proof to the Zoning Administrator, and meets the other district and permit rules21.
How do septic permits work in Perkins County?
Nebraska's Onsite Wastewater Program administers septic requirements in Perkins County, including design standards, professional certification, subdivision review and permits for systems needing site-specific evaluation5. A dwelling or other facility that generates wastewater must use an onsite system or connect to wastewater works; a system over 1,000 gallons per day without soil absorption is regulated as wastewater works22. State permits apply to systems needing site-specific evaluation because of size, non-domestic waste or siting issues, while the exact authorization conditions for ordinary systems were not confirmed6. Septic tanks require periodic inspection and pumping when sludge or scum reaches the state thresholds23. A development proposing onsite wastewater on any lot under 3 acres must undergo state subdivision review before construction24. Only about 30.1% of county soils avoid severe limits for a conventional drain field, so evaluate the site early25.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Perkins County?
In a Perkins County flood-hazard area, an RV must stay fewer than 180 consecutive days, remain fully licensed and ready for highway use, or meet the permit, elevation and anchoring requirements for manufactured homes7. We could not confirm a general rule for full-time RV living or temporary camping on other private land, so ask the Zoning Administrator how the parcel's district treats the proposed use8. We also could not confirm a county rule specifically for tiny-home occupancy or a numeric minimum dwelling floor area. Nebraska may classify a tiny house as a manufactured home, modular unit or recreational vehicle, but state classification does not grant unrestricted occupancy under county zoning26. An accessory dwelling is allowed in the General Agricultural District if the owner completes the required emergency-service notifications and meets the other district and permit rules21. An owner working on personal property is exempt from state contractor registration, not zoning approval27.
Building a home in Perkins County: the steps, in order
Confirm whether the parcel is governed by Perkins County or a municipality's territorial zoning jurisdiction, then identify its zoning district417.
Give the Zoning Administrator the legal description and address, then ask for the applicable use, lot, setback and height rules, current fee and forms19815.
Plan wastewater early; a wastewater-generating facility needs an onsite system or a connection to wastewater works, and the state program can confirm registration and permit requirements22628.
Confirm legal road access; a new, relocated or altered driveway connecting to a state highway requires a Nebraska Department of Transportation permit29.
File the application and plot plan at least 48 hours before action, pay the applicable fee, and obtain the zoning permit before covered construction141.
Obtain county approval before flood-hazard development, accommodate zoning-compliance inspection, and secure the Certificate of Zoning Compliance before occupancy101213.
What should you check before buying land in Perkins County?
Start with jurisdiction, zoning district and parcel-specific standards because county zoning stops where an incorporated municipality or its territorial zoning jurisdiction begins4. Use the county's linked zoning and floodplain information, then have the Zoning Administrator confirm the result8. Check the home and wastewater footprints together: General Agricultural homes, manufactured homes, modular homes and mobile homes need at least 3 acres, and septic standards may require more land18. Only about 30.1% of county soils avoid a severe conventional-drain-field limitation, so investigate soils before fixing a home site25. A subdivision wholly or partly in a flood-hazard area receives County Board review and must include regulatory flood-elevation data30. Verify access separately, especially where a driveway would meet a state highway29. Ask the appropriate state water authority about a private well because we could not confirm a Perkins County well-permit rule. The effective property-tax rate is about 1%, and the median annual bill is about $1,5133132.
Watch-outs
The agricultural exception covers only nonresidential agricultural buildings under 132 feet and does not waive every other applicable rule2.
Development in a county flood hazard area remains subject to county flood-hazard regulations, including zoning administration and enforcement10.
Outside the flood-hazard rule, we could not confirm general rules for RV occupancy, temporary camping on private land, tiny homes or private wells; ask the Zoning Administrator and the relevant state water authority before committing to a site plan78.
Written October 4, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.
Perkins County highlighted among the Nebraska counties · colored by Index score
How Perkins County scores
Seclusion79100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1592% ev.
Admin Boringness59100% ev.
Durability39100% ev.
Property Autonomy53100% ev.
Carry Cost7296% ev.
Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →
$226kTypical home
1%Property tax
$2,196Land / acre
19.8"Annual rain
24.2% of yrsSevere drought
19.6 / yr (+15.2)Mid-century 100°F days
25.7 daysMid-century dry spell
1.22" (+5.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.35×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,391Home insurance / yr
0.1% / yrInsurance growth
1.95%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
8,520People within 30 min
179,031People within 2 hr
2,532Radius comparison (15 mi)
3.2People / sq mi
0.1%Federal land
94.1%Land at 15% slope or less
30.1%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Perkins County
Inside a city, town or township here, that government usually sets zoning and may issue its own building permits; the county’s rules above cover land outside them.
Village of Elsie · Grant · Village of Madrid · Village of Venango
Answers from the rulebook for Perkins County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Perkins County rules
Building permitLimited
Erection, movement, addition, or structural alteration of buildings and structures subject to Perkins County zoning regulations.
A zoning permit is required before covered work.
Non-residential agricultural buildings or structures less than 132 feet in height are exempt from the zoning permit requirement.
Confined or intensive animal feeding buildings are treated as agricultural buildings for the zoning-permit exemption, but uses within them remain subject to applicable zoning requirements.
A separate building-code permit requirement was not established.
agricultural-building exemption height: < 132 feet (Non-residential agricultural buildings or structures less than 132 feet in height.)
“No building or other structure shall be erected, moved, added to or structurally altered without a zoning permit therefore, issued by the Zoning Administrator, provided however, that a zoning permit shall not be required for any non-residential agricultural building or structure, less than 132 feet in height.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Buildings and other structures in the county zoning jurisdiction.
“No building or other structure shall be erected, moved, added to or structurally altered without a zoning permit therefore, issued by the Zoning Administrator, provided however, that a zoning permit shall not be required for any non-residential agricultural building or structure, less than 132 feet in height.”
Building code adoptedNot adopted
County building and construction codes for buildings and structures subject to the county zoning permit application.
The statement concerns county-adopted building or other design and construction codes; other state or federal requirements may still apply.
“This Resolution does not in any manner whatsoever include, imply or otherwise create any type or form of building, plumbing, electrical or other code regulating the design and construction of any building or structure within the jurisdiction of this Resolution.”
InspectionsLimited
County zoning-compliance inspections of buildings, structures, premises, and land uses.
The inspection authority is for determining compliance with the zoning resolution, not enforcement of a county building code.
The Zoning Administrator may issue violation notices and order corrective action.
“Conduct inspections of buildings, structures, premises and the uses of land to determine compliance with the terms of this Resolution.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — Compliance inspections of buildings, structures, premises, and land uses for conformity with county zoning regulations.
“Conduct inspections of buildings, structures, premises and the uses of land to determine compliance with the terms of this Resolution.”
Limited — Buildings, structures, premises, and land uses subject to the county zoning resolution.
“Conduct inspections of buildings, structures, premises and the uses of land to determine compliance with the terms of this Resolution. Where violations are determined to exist, the Zoning Administrator shall have the authority to issue letters of violation, stop work orders and any other legal remedy to assure compliance with the requirements of this Resolution.”
Certificate of occupancyLimited
Use or occupancy of buildings or premises newly created, erected, changed, converted, altered, or enlarged under the county zoning resolution.
The required document is a Certificate of Zoning Compliance, also called an occupancy permit.
It must be issued by the Zoning Administrator before use or occupancy.
The certificate must conform to the zoning resolution unless an approved variance, appeal, or conditional use authorizes otherwise.
This is not a general building-code certificate of occupancy.
“CERTIFICATE OF ZONING COMPLIANCE / CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY: A written certificate issued by the zoning administrator, stating that the premises has been inspected after erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration or moving of a building or structure or after a change in the use of land and that the use and premises complies in all respects with the requirements of this Resolution and may be occupied for the use declared.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — Use or occupancy of a building or premises newly created, erected, changed, converted, altered, or enlarged under county zoning jurisdiction.
“It shall be unlawful to use or occupy or permit the use or occupancy of any building or premises or both or part thereof hereafter created, erected, changed, converted or wholly or partly altered or enlarged in its use, including confined and intensive animal feeding uses, until a Certificate of Zoning Compliance shall have been issued therefore by the Zoning Administrator”
Required — A building or premises created, erected, changed, converted, altered, enlarged, used, or occupied in the county zoning jurisdiction.
“It shall be unlawful to use or occupy or permit the use or occupancy of any building or premises or both or part thereof hereafter created, erected, changed, converted or wholly or partly altered or enlarged in its use, including confined and intensive animal feeding uses, until a Certificate of Zoning Compliance shall have been issued therefore by the Zoning Administrator”
County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)
County zoning regulations in unincorporated Perkins County outside incorporated municipalities and their territorial zoning jurisdiction areas.
The regulation excludes land within incorporated municipalities and land within municipal territorial zoning jurisdiction areas.
All uses and structures must conform to the applicable zoning district regulations.
“The provisions of this Resolution shall apply within the boundaries of Perkins County, Nebraska, excluding the land included, now or in the future, in the corporate limits of any incorporated municipality in the County and also excluding any land which may be contained in the territorial zoning jurisdiction area around any incorporated municipality in the County, as defined on the Official Zoning Maps of any such incorporated municipalities.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Present — Perkins County zoning regulations in unincorporated areas outside incorporated municipalities and their territorial zoning jurisdictions.
“The provisions of this Resolution shall apply within the boundaries of Perkins County, Nebraska, excluding the land included, now or in the future, in the corporate limits of any incorporated municipality in the County and also excluding any land which may be contained in the territorial zoning jurisdiction area around any incorporated municipality in the County, as defined on the Official Zoning Maps of any such incorporated municipalities.”
Present (with conditions) — Land within Perkins County outside incorporated municipal limits and municipal territorial zoning jurisdictions.
“The provisions of this Resolution shall apply within the boundaries of Perkins County, Nebraska, excluding the land included, now or in the future, in the corporate limits of any incorporated municipality in the County and also excluding any land which may be contained in the territorial zoning jurisdiction area around any incorporated municipality in the County, as defined on the Official Zoning Maps of any such incorporated municipalities.”
Zoning districtsPublished
County zoning districts outside incorporated municipalities and municipal territorial zoning jurisdictions.
The regulation identifies General Agricultural, Transitional Agricultural, Public Airport Approach, and Flood Hazard districts.
The official zoning map is used for district boundaries; municipal areas are excluded from the county regulation.
“For the purposes of this Resolution, the following zoning districts for Perkins County, Nebraska as named and described in Article 5 of this Resolution are created: AG - G General Agricultural District AG - T Transitional Agricultural District AA Airport / Airstrip Approach District FH Flood Hazard Zoning District”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Published (with conditions) — Perkins County county-zoning jurisdiction.
“For the purposes of this Resolution, the following zoning districts for Perkins County, Nebraska as named and described in Article 5 of this Resolution are created: AG - G General Agricultural District AG - T Transitional Agricultural District AA Airport / Airstrip Approach District FH Flood Hazard Zoning District”
Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)
Single-family dwelling units, manufactured homes, modular homes, and mobile homes in the AG-G General Agricultural District.
A larger lot area may be required by state standards and regulations concerning sizing and location of septic tanks and tile fields or lagoon sewage-disposal systems.
minimum lot area: >= 3 acres (AG-G district dwelling, manufactured home, modular home, or mobile home; state septic standards may require more.)
“The minimum lot area for a single-family dwelling unit, manufactured home, modular home or mobile home shall be three (3) acres, provided that a larger lot area may be required by the standards and regulations of the Nebraska Department of Health and the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality with regard to proper sizing and location of septic tank and tile field or lagoon sewage disposal systems.”
SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)
Structures in Perkins County zoning districts.
The county FAQ directs applicants to provide a legal description and address because setbacks vary by zoning district.
“Setbacks are different for each zoning district. We need to know the legal description and address.”
Building heightSpecified
Buildings in Perkins County zoning districts, including human-habitation buildings in the Transitional Agricultural District and non-residential agricultural buildings.
Non-residential agricultural buildings under 132 feet are exempt from county zoning requirements.
In the Transitional Agricultural District, buildings designed for human habitation may not exceed 35 feet unless airport-approach restrictions are more restrictive.
non-residential agricultural building exemption threshold: < 132 feet · human-habitation building maximum in Transitional Agricultural District: <= 35 feet (airport approach restrictions may apply)
“No limitation, unless otherwise noted in this Resolution, except that the maximum height for any building designed for human habitation shall be thirty-five (35) feet and, except for any applicable restrictions in airport approach zones as set forth in Section 503 of this Resolution.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Specified — Buildings designed for human habitation in the General Agricultural and Transitional Agricultural Districts.
“No limitation, unless otherwise noted in this Resolution, except that the maximum height for any building designed for human habitation shall be thirty-five (35) feet and, except for any applicable restrictions in airport approach zones as set forth in Section 503 of this Resolution.”
District specific (with conditions) — Buildings and structures within the county's unincorporated-area zoning districts.
“ZONING DISTRICT: One of several sets of zoning regulations designed for a particular class of land uses which established uniform regulations governing the use, building and structure height, area, size and intensity of use of land within unincorporated area of the County.”
Living in an RVLimited
Recreational vehicles placed in identified flood-hazard areas in Perkins County.
In identified flood-hazard areas, an RV must be on site fewer than 180 consecutive days, be fully licensed and ready for highway use, or comply with manufactured-home permit, elevation, and anchoring requirements.
maximum consecutive days: < 180 days (Alternative compliance is available for a fully licensed, highway-ready RV or an RV meeting manufactured-home requirements.)
“Require that recreational vehicles placed on sites within the identified flood hazard areas either (1) be on the site for fewer than One Hundred Eighty (180) consecutive days”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Recreational vehicles placed in identified Perkins County flood-hazard areas.
“Require that recreational vehicles placed on sites within the identified flood hazard areas either (1) be on the site for fewer than One Hundred Eighty (180) consecutive days, (2) be fully licensed and ready for highway use, or (3) meet the permit requirements and the elevation and anchoring requirements for manufactured homes of this Resolution.”
Manufactured homesLimited
Manufactured homes in county zoning districts.
The cited Agricultural-General district provision imposes a three-acre minimum lot area, subject to potentially larger septic-system standards.
Flood-hazard-area manufactured homes must meet anchoring requirements, with additional elevation requirements described in the flood-hazard district.
AG-G single-family/manufactured/modular/mobile home minimum lot area: >= 3 acres (A larger area may be required by applicable state septic-system sizing and location standards.)
“The minimum lot area for a single-family dwelling unit, manufactured home, modular home or mobile home shall be three (3) acres, provided that a larger lot area may be required by the standards and regulations of the Nebraska Department of Health and the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality with regard to proper sizing and location of septic tank and tile field or lagoon sewage disposal systems.”
Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)
Accessory dwelling units in the General Agricultural District.
The property owner must notify the local E911 system and fire department.
Proof of notification must be provided to the Zoning Administrator.
Applicable district, lot-size, setback, zoning-permit, and certificate-of-compliance requirements also apply.
“Accessory Dwelling Units provided the following minimum conditions are met: A. The property owner shall notify the local E911 and fire department regarding the accessory dwelling unit. Proof of such notification shall be provided to the Zoning Administrator.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Accessory dwelling units in the zoning district provision containing the county's accessory-dwelling-unit condition.
“Accessory Dwelling Units provided the following minimum conditions are met: A. The property owner shall notify the local E911 and fire department regarding the accessory dwelling unit. Proof of such notification shall be provided to the Zoning Administrator.”
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
Residential lots and development subject to county zoning regulations.
County zoning distinguishes lots using onsite sewage disposal from lots using semi-public or public sewer collection and treatment systems.
Septic sizing and location requirements may require a larger lot.
New and replacement water and sewage systems in flood hazard areas must minimize infiltration or discharge into floodwaters.
“The minimum lot area for a single-family dwelling unit, manufactured home or mobile home shall be one-half (1/2) acre, provided that a larger lot area may be required by the standards and regulations of the Nebraska Department of Health and the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality with regard to proper sizing and location of septic tank and tile field or lagoon sewage disposal systems indicate that a larger lot is appropriate, and further provided that where a semi-public or public sewer collection and treatment system is provided, the minimum lot size shall be ten thousand (10,000) square feet.”
Agricultural exemptionConditional
Zoning-permit requirement for non-residential agricultural buildings and structures in the county zoning jurisdiction.
Only non-residential agricultural buildings or structures under 132 feet are exempt from the zoning-permit requirement.
Buildings and structures used for confined or intensive animal feeding uses are treated as agricultural for permit purposes, but their uses remain subject to all applicable zoning requirements and restrictions.
height threshold: < 132 feet (Non-residential agricultural buildings or structures.)
“No building or other structure shall be erected, moved, added to or structurally altered without a zoning permit therefore, issued by the Zoning Administrator, provided however, that a zoning permit shall not be required for any non-residential agricultural building or structure, less than 132 feet in height.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Conditional — Non-residential agricultural buildings or structures under 132 feet in height under the county zoning-permit system.
“No building or other structure shall be erected, moved, added to or structurally altered without a zoning permit therefore, issued by the Zoning Administrator, provided however, that a zoning permit shall not be required for any non-residential agricultural building or structure, less than 132 feet in height.”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Proposed subdivisions wholly or partly in a Perkins County flood-hazard area.
The County Board must review plans and make flood-damage-minimization findings.
Subdivision information must include regulatory flood-elevation data.
“The Perkins County Board of Commissioners shall review the plans of any proposed subdivision of land where all or a portion of such land is located in a flood hazard area and shall make findings of fact that: A. All proposed developments are consistent with the need to minimize flood damage. B. Subdivision information include regulatory flood elevation data.”
Building in a floodplainRequired
Floodplain development, substantial improvements, new construction, and other development in the county Flood Hazard District.
A zoning permit is required before initiating floodplain development or substantial improvement.
Within flood hazard areas, permits are required for all new construction, substantial improvements, and other developments, including placement of agricultural buildings or manufactured homes.
Applications must identify the development, location, intended use or occupancy, plans and specifications, and applicable elevation information.
“No person, firm or corporation shall initiate any floodplain development or substantial improvement or cause the same to be done without first obtaining a zoning permit for development as defined in this Resolution. A. Within flood hazard areas, zoning permits are required for all new construction, substantial improvements and other developments, including the placement of any Agricultural building or manufactured home.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Development in Perkins County flood-hazard areas.
“Pursuant to Sections 31-1001 to 31-1022 R.R.S. 1943, the Board of Commissioners of Perkins County, Nebraska are assigned the responsibility to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations to protect the public health, safety and general welfare and the Board of Commissioners of Perkins County do hereby adopt, as part of the zoning regulations for Perkins County, Nebraska, the following regulations:”
Permit feesVariable (with conditions)
Fees for zoning permits, certificates of zoning compliance, appeals, rezoning, conditional uses, variances, and related administration.
The County Board of Commissioners establishes the fee schedule.
The schedule must be posted in the offices of the Zoning Administrator and County Clerk.
The Board may alter or amend the schedule from time to time.
No action is taken on an application or permit until all applicable fees are paid in full.
“The County Board of Commissioners shall establish a schedule of fees for building permits, Certificates of Zoning Compliance, appeals, rezoning applications, conditional use applications and variance applications and other matters pertaining to the effective administration of this Resolution.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Variable (with conditions) — Fees for county zoning permits, zoning-compliance certificates, appeals, rezoning, conditional-use, and variance applications.
“The schedule of fees shall be posted in the office of the Zoning Administrator and County Clerk at all times. Said schedule of fees may be altered or amended from time to time by action of the Board of Commissioners.”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
County zoning permit applications.
Applications must use county-prescribed forms and include a plot plan showing lot dimensions, parking, water supply, sewage disposal, and other pertinent information.
The application must include applicant information and proposed/existing uses, occupancy units, water, sewage, erosion control, soil, and permeability information.
The zoning permit application must be filed at least 48 hours before action by the Zoning Administrator.
Approved activity must begin within 90 days and be completed within two years.
minimum filing lead time: >= 48 hours · start deadline after approval: <= 90 days · completion deadline after approval: <= 2 years
“Application for a zoning permit must be filed at least 48 hours prior to action an permit by Zoning Administrator. 2. Activity proposed in any approved zoning permit must be initiated within 90 days of the date of approval of such permit and completed within 2 years.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Published (with conditions) — County zoning-permit applications.
“All applications for a zoning permit shall be made on forms prescribed for such application by the Board of Commissioners and shall have incorporated into said forms a place for drawing of a plot plan showing the actual dimensions and shape of the lot to be built upon, the sizes and locations of all existing and proposed parking areas, water supply and sewage disposal facility locations, and such other information as may be pertinent to said application.”
Nebraska rules that apply here
Owner-builder exemptionAvailable
A person performing work or having work performed on the person's own property under Nebraska's Contractor Registration Act.
The exemption means the person is not a contractor for purposes of the Contractor Registration Act.
The exemption applies to work on the person's own property.
The statute separately states that a person earning less than five thousand dollars annually for construction services is also not a contractor for purposes of the Act.
The exemption does not exempt a contractor from withholding requirements under the Nebraska Revenue Act of 1967.
This is a contractor-registration exemption and does not establish exemption from applicable building permits, inspections, building codes, electrical requirements, or other local or state approvals.
annual construction-services earnings threshold: < 5000 USD (Separate statutory basis for not being a contractor under the Act; the own-property exemption has no stated dollar threshold.)
“Any person who performs work or has work performed on his or her own property or any person who earns less than five thousand dollars annually for construction services is not a contractor for purposes of the Contractor Registration Act.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Conditional — A person performing construction work, or having construction work performed, on the person's own property in Nebraska, including Perkins County.
“person who performs work or has work performed on his or her own property [...] is not a contractor for purposes of the Contractor Registration Act.”
Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified
Manufactured homes regulated by a Nebraska city of the primary class within its corporate limits or extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction.
The city may impose the 900-square-foot minimum; the statute does not make that minimum mandatory in every city.
The manufactured home must bear an appropriate seal showing compliance with the Uniform Standard Code for Manufactured Homes and Recreational Vehicles, the Nebraska Uniform Standards for Modular Housing Units Act, or United States Department of Housing and Urban Development standards.
The city may also require the same foundation-system, permanent-utility-connection, setback, and minimum-square-footage standards applicable to a site-built single-family dwelling on the same lot.
The city may not require additional standards unless uniformly applied to all single-family dwellings in the zoning district.
Valid restrictive covenants of record are not superseded.
minimum floor area: >= 900 square feet (manufactured homes subject to city standards) · minimum exterior width: >= 18 feet (manufactured homes subject to city standards)
“(i) The home shall have no less than nine hundred square feet of floor area;”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Specified — Manufactured homes regulated under Nebraska county zoning authority.
“The county board may also require that manufactured homes meet the following standards: (i) The home shall have no less than nine hundred square feet of floor area;”
Camping on your landLimited
Temporary camping on state or county public highways, roadside areas, parks, and other property acquired for highway or roadside park purposes in Nebraska.
Camping is unlawful except at places designated as campsites by the Department of Transportation, the county, or another governmental entity owning or controlling the property.
The statute excludes certain lands transferred or leased to the Game and Parks Commission and other lands controlled by the Game and Parks Commission or a natural resources district, which are governed under separate statutes.
Camping includes temporary lodging out of doors in a sleeping bag, tent, trailer, station wagon, pickup camper, camper-bus, or other vehicle.
Violation is a Class V misdemeanor and may require reimbursement for campsite damage.
penalty: Class V misdemeanor
“It shall be unlawful to camp on any state or county public highway, roadside area, park, [...] except at such places as are designated campsites”
Tiny homesLimited
Tiny houses produced or sold in Nebraska and classified as manufactured homes, modular housing units, or recreational vehicles, including park model recreational vehicles.
The Nebraska Public Service Commission states that tiny houses can be built as either a manufactured home, modular housing unit, or recreational vehicle.
For a park model recreational vehicle under current Nebraska law, the unit must be designed and marketed as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use; must not be permanently affixed to real property for use as a permanent dwelling; must be built on a single chassis mounted on wheels; must have a gross trailer area not exceeding 400 square feet in the setup mode; and must be certified by the manufacturer as complying with ANSI A119.5, 2025 edition.
LB1147 enacted the 400-square-foot park-model limit and specified the 2020 ANSI A119.5 edition; its emergency clause states that the act takes effect when passed and approved according to law.
State classification or construction compliance does not establish unrestricted land-use occupancy. County zoning resolutions may regulate the location, size, and uses of structures including house trailers and automobile trailers, and may regulate uses of buildings and land in unincorporated areas.
County zoning powers do not apply within incorporated cities or villages, or areas where a city or village has been granted and is exercising zoning jurisdiction. Local zoning, building, utility, health, and other requirements may therefore impose additional conditions.
park model gross trailer area: <= 400 square feet (Measured in the setup mode.) · park model chassis: single chassis mounted on wheels · park model permanent-affixation: false (The unit must not be permanently affixed to real property for use as a permanent dwelling.)
“(16) Park model recreational vehicle means a vehicular unit which meets the following criteria: (a) Is designed and marketed as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use; (b) Is not permanently affixed to real property for use as a permanent dwelling; (c) Is built on a single chassis mounted on wheels with a gross trailer area not exceeding four hundred square feet in the set up mode; and (d) Is certified by the manufacturer as complying with the ANSI A119.5 Park Model Recreational Vehicle Standard of the American National Standards Institute, 2025 edition;”
Who permits septicState (with conditions)
Nebraska onsite wastewater treatment systems, including systems in Perkins County.
Title 124 has a permit path when a permit application is required.
Additional local requirements may be separate and different from Title 124 requirements.
“The Nebraska Onsite Wastewater Program administers regulations meant to protect surface water and groundwater as well as public health and welfare through the use of standardized design requirements, the certification of onsite professionals, the review of plans for subdivision development and the permitting of systems that because of large size, handling of non-domestic wastes, or siting issues require a site specific evaluation.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
State — Onsite wastewater treatment systems in Perkins County, including septic tanks, holding tanks, small lagoons, and other decentralized systems.
“The Nebraska Onsite Wastewater Program administers regulations meant to protect surface water and groundwater as well as public health and welfare through the use of standardized design requirements, the certification of onsite professionals, the review of plans for subdivision development and the permitting of systems that because of large size, handling of non-domestic wastes, or siting issues require a site specific evaluation.”
Mixed (with conditions) — Onsite wastewater treatment systems statewide in Nebraska, including septic systems, holding tanks, lagoons, mound systems, and other decentralized systems.
“Any local requirements (city, county) are separate from and in addition to the requirements found in Title 124 that apply statewide.”
Septic permitLimited
Onsite wastewater systems statewide where system size, non-domestic waste handling, or siting issues require a site-specific evaluation and permitting; ordinary systems also remain subject to applicable Title 124 compliance and registration rules.
The official program page identifies permitting for systems requiring site-specific evaluation because of large size, handling of non-domestic wastes, or siting issues.
A system constructed, reconstructed, altered, modified, or otherwise changed must be registered with the Department.
Local city or county requirements may apply separately.
“Most onsite wastewater systems in Nebraska are constructed under “Authorization by Rule” which does not require a construction permit [...] However, some systems will require a permit”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Limited — Onsite wastewater systems in Perkins County.
“The Nebraska Onsite Wastewater Program administers regulations meant to protect surface water and groundwater as well as public health and welfare through the use of standardized design requirements, the certification of onsite professionals, the review of plans for subdivision development and the permitting of systems that because of large size, handling of non-domestic wastes, or siting issues require a site specific evaluation.”
Limited — Nebraska onsite wastewater treatment systems for which a Title 124 permit application is required, including systems in Perkins County.
“When a permit application is required, Title 124 requires a construction permit prior to any onsite system construction and an operating permit prior to wastewater discharge to or any use of the onsite system.”
Septic inspectionRequired
Septic tanks in Perkins County subject to Nebraska Title 124 maintenance requirements.
Inspection is periodic.
The septic tank must be inspected and septage removed when sludge is less than 12 inches below the outlet baffle or scum is less than 3 inches above the outlet baffle.
sludge clearance threshold: < 12 inches (Below the bottom of the outlet baffle.) · scum clearance threshold: < 3 inches (Above the bottom of the outlet baffle.)
“The owner of a septic tank will have a Master or Journeyman Pumper, a professional engineer, or a registered environmental health specialist periodically inspect the septic tank”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Inspection of private onsite wastewater treatment systems statewide in Nebraska.
“A private onsite wastewater treatment system shall not be [...] inspected [...] unless the [...] inspection [...] is carried out or supervised by either a certified professional”
Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)
Off-grid wastewater sanitation using an onsite wastewater treatment system, including septic systems, holding tanks, lagoons, or mound systems, statewide in Nebraska.
The onsite system must comply with Title 124.
Only a properly certified professional may inspect, repair, pump, or install an onsite septic system.
The wastewater directed to the onsite system is limited to domestic wastewater.
Any local city or county requirements apply separately.
“households depend on septic systems [...] for wastewater treatment. [...] the Nebraska Department [...] regulates these systems through Title 124”
Well permitLimited
Construction or modification of water wells in Nebraska groundwater management areas, on land owned or controlled by the person constructing the well.
Before commencing construction, the applicant must apply to the district in which the well will be located, using district forms.
No permit is required for test holes or dewatering wells intended for use for ninety days or less.
No permit is required for a single water well designed and constructed to pump fifty gallons per minute or less.
A district may exempt replacement water wells by rule and regulation.
A district may require a permit for a well designed and constructed to pump fifty gallons per minute or less when it is commingled, combined, clustered, or joined with another well or water source, excluding a water source used to water range livestock; combined wells are treated as one well and their combined capacity is used as the rated capacity.
In groundwater management areas where regulations have been imposed to control declining groundwater levels, a district may require permits for each well or categories of wells designed and constructed to pump fifty gallons per minute or less, except water sources required for human needs relating to health, fire control, or sanitation and water sources used to water range livestock.
The district must review the application and issue or deny the permit within thirty days after filing.
The application requires a fifty-dollar filing fee payable to the district.
The application must include the applicant's name and post-office address, proposed use, intended location, size, type and description, estimated depth if known, estimated capacity in gallons per minute, irrigation acreage and legal description if applicable, non-irrigation use description if applicable, replacement-well registration number if applicable, and other information required by the district.
A person who failed to obtain a required permit must apply for a late permit, accompanied by a two-hundred-fifty-dollar fee and the same information required for an ordinary application.
A person must apply before modifying a well that was previously exempt into one for which a permit would otherwise be required.
pump capacity threshold: <= 50 gallons per minute (Single wells at or below this threshold are exempt unless a district rule requires a permit under the statutory exceptions.) · ordinary application filing fee: 50 USD (Payable to the district.) · late permit application fee: 250 USD (Applies when a required permit was not obtained.) · district decision deadline: 30 days (Measured after the application is filed.) · dewatering intended-use period: <= 90 days (Test holes and dewatering wells intended for use for ninety days or less do not require a permit.)
“shall, before commencing construction, apply with the district in which the water well will be located for a permit on forms provided by the district”
Driveway accessRequired
New, relocated, or altered private driveways and commercial approach roads connecting to State Highway rights of way.
No permits will be issued for driveways or approach roads to private property where the Department has acquired all or portions of the rights of access.
Applications must use the Department-furnished form.
Hard-surfaced driveway and approach-road applications go to the Department of Roads; unsurfaced driveway applications go to the proper District Engineer's office.
The driveway or approach road must comply with permit conditions and must not alter highway drainage or side ditches.
A certified check is required as a guarantee; its amount is determined after application and based on the extent of proposed work.
“Any person desiring to construct a new driveway or approach road or any person desiring to relocate or alter an existing driveway or approach road shall apply for a permit to do so.”
Short-term rentalsLimited
Short-term lodging operations in Nebraska, including hotels, tourist homes, private homes rented in whole or in part, campgrounds, and RV pads or hookups.
A separate lodging tax permit is required for each hotel.
The permit is issued only after examination and approval.
The permit is not assignable and is valid only for the named operator, location, and transaction of business.
The permit must be conspicuously displayed.
Operating without a permit or after suspension is a misdemeanor; conviction may result in a fine up to $500 per day.
The cited state rule addresses lodging-tax permitting and does not establish statewide zoning approval for short-term rentals.
maximum fine for operation without permit after conviction: <= 500 USD per day
“Every person engaged in the business of operating a hotel in this state where the public may, for a consideration, obtain sleeping accommodations, must file an application with the Nebraska Department of Revenue for a Nebraska lodging tax permit.”
county zoning authorityGeneral
Nebraska county boards adopting zoning resolutions for county territory outside incorporated cities and villages and outside areas where a city or village has been granted or ceded zoning jurisdiction and is exercising that jurisdiction.
The county board may adopt a zoning resolution having the force and effect of law.
The zoning resolution may regulate buildings, structures, lot coverage, setbacks, yards, population density, building uses, and land uses for agriculture, forestry, recreation, residence, industry, and trade in the unincorporated area of the county.
The powers may not be exercised within incorporated cities or villages or within an unincorporated area over which a city or village has been granted or ceded zoning jurisdiction and is exercising it.
A city or village zoning ordinance or amendment controlling an unincorporated area supersedes the county resolution or regulation.
If a zoning resolution or regulation affects the Niobrara scenic river corridor, the Niobrara Council must act as provided in section 72-2010.
A county board may not prohibit a qualifying manufactured home solely because it is manufactured, but may impose the listed installation and design standards and may not impose additional standards unless uniformly applied to all single-family dwellings in the zoning district.
Special districts or zones may be established in areas subject to seasonal or periodic flooding.
“to adopt a zoning resolution, which shall have the force and effect of law;”
county building authorityGeneral
Nebraska counties adopting, administering, enforcing, and requiring permits under local building or construction codes for buildings, including residential construction, in unincorporated areas.
A county may enact, administer, or enforce a local building or construction code only if it adopts the state building code or adopts a building or construction code that conforms generally with the state building code.
A local code may include special or differing standards only within the statutory conformity rules, including standards addressing construction costs, safety, durability, efficiency, best practices, or special local conditions.
A local code must be regularly updated; generally, the most recently enacted state building code or a conforming code must be adopted within two years after an update to the state building code.
If a county does not adopt a code as authorized within two years after an update to the state building code, the state building code applies in the county, except that it does not apply to construction on a farm or for farm purposes.
A county may adopt administrative amendments concerning enforcement organization, staff qualifications, plan examination, inspections, appeals, permits, and fees, and may publish those amendments separately from the code.
Under section 23-172, county-adopted codes and the building-permit or occupancy-permit requirements imposed by those codes or sections 23-114.04 and 23-114.05 apply throughout the county except within incorporated cities or villages and except within an unincorporated area where a city or village has been granted zoning jurisdiction and is exercising that jurisdiction.
Under section 23-114.04, permits are required before erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, or conversion of a nonfarm building or structure within a zoned area; a permit may be withheld when the proposed purpose conflicts with applicable district zoning regulations.
Section 23-114.04 permits reasonable county permit-fee schedules and requires written plans, including sanitation, plumbing, and sewage-disposal information, that fully conform to zoning regulations before permits issue.
Section 23-172 states that nothing in that section creates an obligation for the county to inspect plumbing work to determine compliance with the plumbing code.
“Any county, city, or village may enact, administer, or enforce a local building or construction code if or as long as such county, city, or village:
(i) Adopts the state building code; or
(ii) Adopts a building or construction code that conforms generally with the state building code.”
Set by your township or city, not the county
In Nebraska, zoning is adopted by each township or city, so Perkins County has no county-wide answer on these. Find your township or city in the list of places on this page, or call its clerk or zoning administrator.
Lot coverage
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.
Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning rules across Perkins County, including incorporated municipalities and county jurisdiction.
Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.
Water rights & wells in Perkins County
Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from Nebraska’s water agency.
Over-appropriated / declining
The aquifer here is over-appropriated and declining. A domestic well is usually still permit-exempt, but long-term supply is a genuine risk.
Household wellExempt — no permit or water right
Domestic/household wells are exempt from NRD construction permits and generally from basin well moratoriums (domestic is a preferred use), so a newcomer can still drill a household well even in over-appropriated basins — it must be registered with the state.
Limit: Wells ≤50 gpm (household/stock) need no NRD construction permit; all new wells must be registered with NeDNR
Republican River Basin (fully appropriated, Compact-managed)majority of county
Moratorium on new surface appropriations and NRD prohibition on developing new groundwater-irrigated acres for interstate Compact compliance. Domestic wells exempt.
Hybrid state (appropriation + riparian). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the Nebraska state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.
Living off-grid in Perkins County, Nebraska
Is Perkins County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Perkins County scores 41/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: sparse surroundings — about 8,520 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (19.8″/yr rainfall) and elevated current hazard exposure.
Do you need a building permit in Perkins County, Nebraska?
Perkins County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones), and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE/DWEE) - Onsite Wastewater Program. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Perkins County?
Living in an RV on your own land in Perkins County is limited to specific cases: Recreational vehicles placed in identified flood-hazard areas in Perkins County. In identified flood-hazard areas, an RV must be on site fewer than 180 consecutive days, be fully licensed and ready for highway use, or comply with manufactured-home permit, elevation, and anchoring requirements. A tiny home is limited to specific cases. Confirm with the county before relying on it.
How much does land cost in Perkins County, Nebraska?
Land in Perkins County runs about $2,196 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Perkins County?
Perkins County gets about 19.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 24.2% of years. On water rights, Perkins County lies in the Republican River Basin (fully appropriated, Compact-managed) — Moratorium on new surface appropriations and NRD prohibition on developing new groundwater-irrigated acres for interstate Compact compliance. Domestic wells exempt..
How remote is Perkins County?
A representative private-land location has about 8,520 people within a 30-minute drive and 179,031 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.
