Bolthole Index

Greeley County, Nebraska

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Greeley County, Nebraska

40Index Score / 100
#81 of 93 in Nebraska

Unincorporated Greeley County, Nebraska requires a zoning/building permit for construction through the county Planning and Zoning office.1 County zoning applies to rural and unincorporated land outside village jurisdiction, while Nebraska's onsite wastewater program handles septic requirements.23

At a glance

Building permit
Required for construction in unincorporated areas through county Planning and Zoning1
Zoning
County zoning applies outside villages and their extraterritorial jurisdiction2
Application plans
Bring two identical plan sets, including the plot, footing, wall, roof and floor plans4
Septic
Nebraska administers the onsite wastewater rules; some systems need a site-specific permit35
Owner-builder
Own-property work is exempt from contractor registration, not from county permits61
RV living
Not confirmed for private land; ask Planning and Zoning before occupying an RV27
Tiny home
No county-specific occupancy or minimum-size answer was confirmed; ask Planning and Zoning27
Floodplain development
A permit is required for development in a floodplain; county Planning and Zoning publishes the local form87

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Greeley County Planning and Zoning

Planning, zoning, building-permit forms, parcel-specific zoning questions and the county floodplain-development form

(308) 428-9924

[email protected]

PO Box 21 Greeley, NE 68842

Online permits →

Building permits

Greeley County Building Permit Information

Published requirements for a Greeley County building-permit application

Online permits →

Septic permits

Nebraska DWEE Onsite Wastewater Program

State onsite wastewater requirements, registration, professional certification and site-specific permits

(402) 471-4285

[email protected]

245 Fallbrook Blvd. Suite 100 Lincoln, NE 68521

Online permits →

Roads & driveways

Greeley County Highway Department

County roads, bridges and signs; ask the department whether a county-road access approval applies

(308) 455-1152

[email protected]

P.O. Box 1209 Kearney, NE 68848

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 28, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Greeley County, Nebraska?

Yes. Unincorporated Greeley County requires a zoning/building permit for construction through its Planning and Zoning office.1 The county's application instructions require two identical sets of plans, including a plot plan, footing detail, wall detail, roof detail and floor plan.4 Ask Planning and Zoning to confirm the permit category and current fee before committing to a design, because the amount was not confirmed.7 Greeley County's adopted building-code edition, inspection sequence and certificate-of-occupancy requirement also could not be confirmed; ask the same office what construction standard, inspections and final approval apply to the project.7 Nebraska has a state building code, with statutory rules governing where it applies and an exception for construction on a farm or for farm purposes, but that statewide rule does not by itself answer which code the county currently enforces.9

Who handles building permits in Greeley County, Nebraska?

Greeley County Planning and Zoning is the county contact for building and zoning applications.1 Call (308) 428-9924, email [email protected], or write to PO Box 21 Greeley, NE 68842.7 The office publishes the building-permit application, zoning regulations, setback document, fee schedule and floodplain-development application from its forms page.7 For a parcel-specific answer, give the office the legal description and street address; the county says it needs that information to identify zoning, answer whether a permit is needed and determine the applicable setback.4 The office hours are by appointment, so make contact before planning an in-person visit.7 Greeley County does not publish a separate building-department contact on these pages; Planning and Zoning is the office to start with.7

Does Greeley County, Nebraska have zoning?

Yes. Greeley County has county zoning for rural and unincorporated territory outside villages' extraterritorial jurisdiction.2 Nebraska law allows county zoning to regulate buildings, uses, lot coverage, setbacks and yards in eligible unincorporated territory, while a city or village exercising jurisdiction supersedes the county rules there.10 That makes the parcel's exact location essential: ask Planning and Zoning to identify the zoning district from the legal description and address before choosing a homesite.4 The county says setbacks differ by zoning district.4 Greeley County's numeric minimum lot size, dwelling size, setbacks, height limits and lot coverage could not be confirmed, so obtain those figures directly from Planning and Zoning for the parcel rather than assuming one countywide standard.7

How do septic permits work in Greeley County, Nebraska?

Nebraska's DWEE Onsite Wastewater Program administers septic requirements in Greeley County using statewide design rules, certified professionals, registration and site-specific permitting where system size, wastewater type or siting issues require evaluation.3 Most Nebraska onsite systems use the general authorization route without a state construction permit, but some systems need a permit because of wastewater quantity, wastewater quality or nonconforming site conditions.5 Any new or changed onsite wastewater system must still be registered with the state.11 Call the program at (402) 471-4285 or email [email protected] before finalizing the house and drain-field locations.12 About 41.9% of mapped county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so septic feasibility should be tested on the actual site.13 A proposed development with onsite wastewater on a lot smaller than three acres requires state subdivision review before construction.14

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Greeley County, Nebraska?

Greeley County's rule for long-term RV occupancy or temporary camping on private land could not be confirmed.2 Ask Planning and Zoning whether the parcel's district allows the proposed occupancy, how long an RV may be used, and what building, setback and sanitation approvals apply.7 A county-specific tiny-home occupancy rule and minimum dwelling size also could not be confirmed.2 Nebraska law lets a county impose a minimum floor area of 900 square feet on manufactured homes, but that standard is discretionary rather than an automatic statewide minimum for every home.15 Any dwelling that generates wastewater must use a compliant onsite wastewater system or connect to public sewer or another wastewater works.16 Camping rules for public highways, roadside areas and parks do not answer whether private-land RV residence is allowed.17

What are the steps to build a home in Greeley County?

  1. Give Greeley County Planning and Zoning the parcel's legal description and address, then confirm the district, residential use, setbacks and required applications.4
  2. Ask Planning and Zoning whether the site is in a regulated floodplain; all floodplain development requires a permit under Nebraska's floodplain framework.87
  3. Contact Nebraska's Onsite Wastewater Program and a state-certified professional to evaluate septic placement, registration and any site-specific permit.312
  4. Confirm legal access with the Greeley County Highway Department for a county road; a new, relocated or altered connection to a state highway requires a Nebraska highway permit.1819
  5. Submit the county application with two identical plan sets containing the required plot and construction details.4
  6. Before work begins, ask Planning and Zoning which inspections and final occupancy approval apply because the county's published sequence could not be confirmed.7

What should you check before buying land in Greeley County?

Start with the legal description, zoning district, allowed residential use and parcel-specific setbacks through Greeley County Planning and Zoning.4 Check mapped floodplain early because all development in a Nebraska floodplain requires a permit, including grading and new structures.8 Evaluate septic before fixing the purchase budget: only about 41.9% of mapped soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field.13 Confirm road access with the Highway Department, and use the state permit route if the driveway connects to a state highway.1819 Private-well permitting and countywide utility-connection rules could not be confirmed, so ask Planning and Zoning which water authority or natural resources district serves the parcel.7 For carrying costs, the effective property-tax rate is about 1.6%, the median annual property-tax bill is about $1,372, and USDA census farmland value is about $4,034 per acre.202122 The nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 110 miles from the county center.23

Watch-outs

  • An owner-builder exemption from contractor registration does not cancel Greeley County's zoning/building permit requirement.61
  • A septic system that needs site-specific evaluation because of size, wastewater type or site conditions may require a state permit even though most systems use general authorization.5
  • Greeley County's private-land RV, tiny-home, inspection, occupancy-certificate and private-well rules could not be confirmed; ask Planning and Zoning and the state Onsite Wastewater Program before buying for those uses.712

Sources

  1. Greeley County, NE - Planning and Zoning (2026 county census)
  2. Greeley County, NE Zoning Regulations (2026 county census)
  3. Onsite Wastewater Program, quoted and re-checked
  4. Greeley County Building Permit Information (greeleycounty.ne.gov)
  5. Onsite Wastewater Program, quoted and re-checked
  6. Nebraska Revised Statute 48-2104 — Registration required (Nebraska statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  7. Greeley County Planning and Zoning (greeleycounty.ne.gov)
  8. Floodplain Management Q&A: Permits (Nebraska statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Nebraska Revised Statute 71-6403: State building code; adopted; amendments (Nebraska statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Nebraska Revised Statute 23-114 (Nebraska statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Onsite Wastewater Program (Nebraska statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Nebraska DWEE Onsite Wastewater Program (dwee.nebraska.gov)
  13. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  14. Onsite Wastewater Program, quoted and re-checked
  15. Nebraska Revised Statute 23-114 (Nebraska statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Onsite Wastewater Treatment Facilities: Just for Homeowners (Nebraska statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Nebraska Revised Statute 39-312 — Camping; permitted; where; violation; penalty (Nebraska statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Greeley County Highway Department (greeleycounty.ne.gov)
  19. Title 410, Chapter 2 - Driveway and Approach Road Permits (Nebraska statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  21. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data
  23. Distance to the nearest metro area: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 28, 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.

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County locator

Greeley County in Nebraska

40
County map
Greeley County highlighted among the Nebraska counties · colored by Index score

How Greeley County scores

Seclusion74100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1692% ev.
Admin Boringness47100% ev.
Durability37100% ev.
Property Autonomy53100% ev.
Carry Cost6894% 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 →

$225kTypical home
1.6%Property tax
$4,034Land / acre
26.5"Annual rain
20.4% of yrsSevere drought
11.3 / yr (+9.7)Mid-century 100°F days
22.3 daysMid-century dry spell
1.45" (+3.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.57×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
state median fallbackInsurance basis
5,632People within 30 min
434,752People within 2 hr
2,557Radius comparison (15 mi)
3.9People / sq mi
0.2%Federal land
80.8%Land at 15% slope or less
41.9%Septic soil without severe limits
151,783 acWorkable land screen
2.6%Wooded land
49°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Greeley County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Greeley County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Greeley County is a zoned county and requires a zoning/building permit through its Planning and Zoning office for construction in unincorporated areas (a county Zoning/Building Permit Application is published on the official site).

    Greeley County, NE - Planning and Zoning ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Greeley County has adopted county zoning regulations (originally 1999, updated 2025) governing rural and unincorporated areas outside the villages' extraterritorial jurisdiction.

    Greeley County, NE Zoning Regulations ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

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.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Nebraska's state building code, including state-owned or state-agency buildings and local jurisdictions as specified by Nebraska law.

    • The adopted code consists of the 2018 International Building Code with stated exceptions, the 2018 International Residential Code with stated exceptions, the 2018 International Existing Building Code with a stated exception, the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code, and minimum radon-resistant construction standards.
    • The state building code applies to all buildings and structures owned by the state or a state agency.
    • It applies in a county, city, or village that elects to adopt it as its local code.
    • It also applies in a county, city, or village that has not adopted an authorized local code within two years after an update to the state building code.
    • The default state-code rule does not apply to construction on a farm or for farm purposes.
    • A local jurisdiction may instead adopt a code that conforms generally with the state building code, subject to the requirements and exceptions in section 71-6406.

    International Building Code edition: 2018 (Except section 101.4.3 and chapter 29; section 305.2.3 applies to a facility having twelve or fewer children; section 310.4.1 applies to a care facility for twelve or fewer persons.) · International Residential Code edition: 2018 (Except section R313 and chapters 25 through 33.) · International Existing Building Code edition: 2018 (Except section 809.) · Uniform Plumbing Code edition: 2018 · local-code adoption deadline after state-code update: 2 years (If no authorized local code is adopted, the state building code applies, except to construction on a farm or for farm purposes.)

    “(1) There is hereby created the state building code. The Legislature hereby adopts by reference:”
  • Zoning districtsPartial

    Public availability of local Nebraska municipal codes that may contain zoning districts; this does not establish a single statewide zoning-district map or ordinance.

    • Not all communities have published municipal codes online.
    • Where codes are unavailable online, the official source directs users to contact local town or city offices or the county courthouse.
    • Local zoning districts and ordinances remain community-specific.
    “Not all communities have published their municipal codes online; it may be necessary to contact the local town or city offices, or the county courthouse to access their codes and ordinances.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Manufactured homes regulated under Nebraska county zoning authority.

    • The county board may impose the requirement; Nebraska law does not impose the 900-square-foot minimum on every dwelling statewide.
    • The manufactured home must bear an appropriate seal showing compliance with applicable manufactured-home, modular-housing, or HUD standards.
    • The county may require the same foundation, permanent utility-connection, setback, and minimum-square-footage standards applicable to a site-built single-family dwelling on the same lot.
    • The statute also permits requirements for at least eighteen feet of exterior width, specified roof pitch, comparable exterior materials, nonreflective roof material, and removal of wheels, axles, transporting lights, and removable towing apparatus.

    minimum floor area: >= 900 square feet (Manufactured homes; requirement is discretionary with the county board.)

    “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”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Onsite wastewater treatment systems statewide in Nebraska, including septic systems, holding tanks, lagoons, mound systems, and other decentralized systems.

    • The Nebraska Onsite Wastewater Program administers statewide Title 124 requirements.
    • Any local city or county requirements are separate from and in addition to statewide Title 124 requirements.
    “Any local requirements (city, county) are separate from and in addition to the requirements found in Title 124 that apply statewide.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • State — Onsite wastewater systems in Greeley County under Nebraska's statewide onsite wastewater program.
      “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.”
  • 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”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Onsite wastewater systems in Greeley County.
      “Most onsite wastewater systems in Nebraska are constructed under a General Permit, which does not require a construction permit from the State of Nebraska. However, some systems will require a permit as a result of the quantity or quality of the wastewater generated or site conditions that do not meet General Permit requirements.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Inspection of private onsite wastewater treatment systems statewide in Nebraska.

    • Inspection must be carried out or supervised by a certified professional, a Nebraska-licensed professional engineer, or a Nebraska-registered environmental health specialist.
    • The statute allows the Director by contract to delegate onsite wastewater inspection and registration to a governmental subdivision with a sufficiently stringent program and enforcement authority.
    “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”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Wastewater service for dwellings and non-dwellings generating wastewater statewide in Nebraska.

    • The property must have an onsite wastewater treatment system complying with Title 124, or be connected to a public sewer system or other wastewater works.
    • Local city and county requirements are separate from and in addition to statewide Title 124 requirements.
    “A dwelling or non-dwelling that generates wastewater must have an onsite wastewater treatment (OWT) system [...] or be connected to a public sewer system”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Agricultural buildings on farmsteads of at least 20 acres producing at least $1,000 of farm products annually, in the context of county zoning regulations and permit requirements.

    • The farmstead must be at least twenty acres.
    • The farmstead must produce at least one thousand dollars of farm products each year.
    • The county board may decide whether buildings located on farmsteads used as residences are subject to county zoning regulations and permit requirements.
    • The statutory definition distinguishes agricultural buildings from nonfarm buildings for purposes of county zoning authority.

    minimum farmstead area: >= 20 acres · minimum annual farm-product production: >= 1000 USD per year

    “For purposes of this section and section 23-114.04, nonfarm buildings are all buildings except those buildings utilized for agricultural purposes on a farmstead of twenty acres or more which produces one thousand dollars or more of farm products each year.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision, platting, or laying out real estate in counties containing a city of the primary class, outside areas where a city or village is exercising subdivision jurisdiction.

    • Prior approval by the county board, or by the county planning commission or planning director when designated, is required before subdivision or platting.
    • A plat has no force or effect and may not be recorded unless approved by the authorized county body.
    • The county may not regulate subdivision when the smallest parcel created is more than ten acres.
    • The county may require improvements, a sufficient bond guaranteeing installation of improvements, public improvement districts, and dedication of land for public purposes.

    smallest parcel exemption threshold: > 10 acres (The county has no power under this section to regulate when the smallest parcel created is more than ten acres.)

    “Such a county shall have authority within the area described in this subsection (a) to regulate the subdivision of land for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of transfer of ownership or building development, except that the county shall have no power to regulate subdivision in those instances where the smallest parcel created is more than ten acres in area,”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision development in Greeley County involving proposed onsite wastewater systems.
      “Prior to construction of a development area where an onsite wastewater treatment system is proposed on any lot less than three acres in size, the owner of the planned development area must submit an application for subdivision review.”
  • 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.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    All development in a Nebraska floodplain, administered through applicable local floodplain programs under state and federal standards.

    • All development in a floodplain requires a permit, including additions and new structures.
    • A new structure must meet existing Base Flood Elevation requirements.
    • An addition must meet Base Flood Elevation requirements when it is a substantial improvement.
    • Substantial improvement means reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement costing 50 percent or more of the structure's pre-improvement market value.
    • Development includes human-made changes to improved or unimproved real estate, including construction, modifications, repairs, temporary stream crossings, roads, bridges, school buildings, storage, dredging, paving, filling, and grading.
    • Permits must ensure compliance with National Flood Insurance Program requirements, city ordinances, and county resolutions.

    substantial improvement threshold: >= 50 percent of pre-improvement market value

    “All development in a floodplain, whether an addition or a brand new structure, requires a permit.”
  • 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.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Nebraska DWEE air-quality construction permit applications.

    • The fee is non-refundable.
    • The fee is based on facility-wide potential to emit and the applicable pollutant thresholds.
    • Submit the fee with the completed construction permit application.
    • Payment must be by check or money order payable to the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment; electronic payments are not currently accepted.

    fee: 250 USD (Facility-wide PTE less than 50 tons per year of any listed air pollutant, or less than 2.5 tons per year of any single HAP, or less than 10 tons per year of any combination of HAPs.) · fee: 1500 USD (Facility-wide PTE is 50 or more but less than 100 tons per year of any listed air pollutant, or 2.5 or more but less than 10 tons per year of any single HAP, or 10 or more but less than 25 tons per year of any combination of HAPs.) · fee: 3000 USD (Facility-wide PTE is 100 tons or more per year of any listed air pollutant, or 10 tons or more per year of any single HAP, or 25 tons or more per year of any combination of HAPs.)

    “Chapter 3, Section 002.01 of Nebraska Administrative Code Title 129 – Nebraska Air Quality Regulations requires that each air quality construction permit application be accompanied by a non-refundable fee.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Nebraska DWEE environmental permitting, including construction, land-development, and septic-related projects.

    • The permit timeline depends on permit type, project complexity, application completeness and accuracy, applications ahead in queue, and possible 30- to 60-day public notice and comment periods.
    • Applicants are encouraged to contact DWEE early.
    “The time from submittal of your application to the issuance of the permit depends on the type of permit applied for, the complexity of your project, the completeness and accuracy of the submitted application, the number of applications ahead of yours, and possible issues that could arise from the 30- to 60-day public notice and comment periods.”
  • 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;”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Inspections — Building inspections associated with county-regulated construction.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificate-of-occupancy requirements for county-regulated buildings.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot-size requirements under Greeley County zoning.
  • Setbacks — Building setbacks under Greeley County zoning.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage limits under Greeley County zoning.
6 more unanswered
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Well permit

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.

Living off-grid in Greeley County, Nebraska

Is Greeley County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Greeley County scores 40/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: sparse surroundings — about 5,632 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: workable self-sufficiency basics (26.5″/yr rainfall) and elevated current hazard exposure.

Do you need a building permit in Greeley County, Nebraska?

Greeley County generally requires a residential building permit, 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.

How much does land cost in Greeley County, Nebraska?

Land in Greeley County runs about $4,034 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Greeley County?

Greeley County gets about 26.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 20.4% of years.

How remote is Greeley County?

A representative private-land location has about 5,632 people within a 30-minute drive and 434,752 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.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Greeley County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Greeley compares in Nebraska

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