Bolthole Index

Nemaha County, Nebraska

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Auburn, Nebraska

Auburn, Nebraska requires a city building permit before constructing, enlarging, structurally altering or moving a building, including related grading or filling.1 Auburn has its own zoning, with the official zoning map held by the City Clerk.2 Auburn is in Nemaha County; city building approval is separate from the statewide onsite-wastewater program administered by Nebraska DWEE.34

At a glance

Building permits
Required for construction and specified alterations; apply through the City Clerk1
Zoning
City zoning applies; confirm the district on the official map2
RV living
Travel-trailer, camper or converted-bus sleeping limited to 2 weeks5
Manufactured homes
Allowed in residential zones subject to foundation, utility and design requirements; minimum 900 square feet6
Septic construction permits
State program; most systems use Authorization by Rule, with permits for exceptions47
Minimum lot size
AGR: 1 acre; R-1 single-family: 7,000 square feet89
Occupancy approval
City occupancy permit and Building Inspector certification required for covered construction1011

Who to call

Building permits

Auburn City Clerk / City Hall

City building-permit applications, zoning-map inquiries and routing to the Building Inspector or Zoning Commissioner

402-274-3420

[email protected]

1101 J Street Auburn, NE 68305

Online permits →

Septic permits

Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment Onsite Section

State onsite-wastewater program questions and certified-professional information

(402) 471-4285

245 Fallbrook Blvd., Ste. 100 Lincoln, NE 68521

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 12, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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Do you need a building permit in Auburn, NE?

Auburn requires a building permit before erecting, constructing, reconstructing, enlarging, structurally altering or moving a building or structure, including grading or filling connected with that work.1 Auburn also requires a building permit for permanent exterior signs, while some work follows separate permit provisions.1

File the city application with the City Clerk and pay the applicable fee; building-permit fees are set by resolution rather than a fixed amount in the cited code section.1213 Auburn’s published code names the 2000 IBC and IRC editions, so ask the Building Inspector which edition and amendments govern your project before commissioning plans.14

Who handles Auburn building permits and zoning questions?

Auburn building-permit applications go to the City Clerk on the city-furnished written form, with the appropriate fee.12 Contact Auburn City Hall through the City Clerk contact listed here, and request the building-permit form and current fee schedule.31213

For parcel zoning, ask the City Clerk to check the official zoning map: Auburn’s code makes that map the final authority for current zoning status.2 For move-in approval, Auburn’s Building Inspector must inspect completed work and certify compliance before the occupancy permit issues.11 A building-permit application also counts as an occupancy-permit application, but a new or changed use without a building permit requires a separate application.10

Does Auburn have zoning, minimum lot sizes and setbacks?

Auburn has zoning inside city limits and within the city’s zoning jurisdiction; identify the parcel’s district on the official map before choosing a house footprint.2 In Auburn’s AGR Agricultural Residential District, the minimum lot area is 1 acre and the minimum width is 150 feet.8 AGR requires a 17-foot front yard, a 15-foot side yard, and a rear yard of 50 feet or 20% of lot depth, whichever is less.15

For a single-family dwelling in Auburn’s R-1 Residential District, the minimum lot area is 7,000 square feet and minimum width is 50 feet.9 R-1 single-family front setbacks are 17 feet; side setbacks vary with lot width, and corner or double-frontage lots have additional front-yard rules.16 These are district-specific standards, so ask the City Clerk to confirm the zoning before treating a lot as buildable.2

How do septic permits work inside Auburn?

Nebraska DWEE administers the statewide onsite-wastewater program for systems serving dwellings and other buildings in Nemaha County, including state design requirements and permits for systems needing site-specific review.4 Most Nebraska onsite systems use Authorization by Rule without a state construction permit, but wastewater quantity, quality or unsuitable site conditions can trigger a permit.7

A dwelling generating wastewater must have a compliant onsite system or connect to a public sewer or other wastewater works.17 We could not confirm Auburn’s mandatory sewer-connection rule; ask City Hall about the proposed address before arranging a septic design.3 Nebraska DWEE’s Onsite Section is the contact for certified-professional information, and Nebraska requires certification for work associated with onsite wastewater systems.18

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Auburn?

Auburn permits a travel trailer, camper or converted bus on premises for dwelling or sleeping use for no more than 2 weeks; the code also limits placement outside approved mobile-home parks and directs storage away from abutting streets.5 The temporary sleeping allowance does not establish permission for an extended stay while building a home.5

We could not confirm a separate Auburn tiny-home or accessory-dwelling occupancy rule; ask City Hall to route the proposed dwelling and use to the zoning official.3 Auburn allows qualifying manufactured homes in zones permitting residential use, but requires a permanent perimeter foundation, permanent utility connections, district compliance, at least 900 square feet of floor area and an exterior width of at least 18 feet.6 That manufactured-home provision is not a blanket tiny-home approval.6

Building a home in Auburn: what are the steps before buying and building?

  1. Ask the City Clerk to identify the parcel’s district from Auburn’s official zoning map, then check the applicable lot and yard requirements.289
  2. Ask City Hall about sewer service and mandatory connections; a wastewater-producing dwelling needs public wastewater service or a compliant onsite system.317
  3. If dividing land, obtain required City Council final-plat approval and record the plat with the County Register of Deeds before sale, building permits or construction.19
  4. File Auburn’s completed building-permit application with the City Clerk and pay the applicable fee; mapped flood-hazard areas follow a separate city application and review procedure.1220
  5. Arrange Building Inspector certification and obtain the required occupancy permit before using the completed home.1110

For land outside Auburn’s jurisdiction, use the Nemaha County guide to investigate the county’s separate building-permit answers; Nebraska’s county permit statute applies to nonfarm structures in zoned unincorporated areas, not automatically every rural parcel.21

Watch-outs

  • Auburn’s RV sleeping allowance is limited to 2 weeks; do not budget for a season of camper occupancy while building.5
  • Auburn flood-hazard building permits cover excavation, grading and filling as well as structures; ask the City Clerk to check the official flood-hazard map before site work.20
  • We could not confirm an Auburn owner-builder building-permit exemption; ask City Hall before assuming personal construction avoids the city application.31

Sources

  1. § 150.15 Generally; required; application and the like (Auburn), quoted and re-checked
  2. § 152.015 District establishment; official zoning map (Auburn), quoted and re-checked
  3. Auburn City Clerk / City Hall (auburn.ne.gov)
  4. Onsite Wastewater Program, quoted and re-checked
  5. § 150.61 Location outside of mobile home park prohibited; exceptions (Auburn), quoted and re-checked
  6. § 152.195 Manufactured homes (Auburn), quoted and re-checked
  7. Onsite Wastewater Treatment Facilities: Permits, quoted and re-checked
  8. § 152.031 AGR Agricultural Residential (Auburn), quoted and re-checked
  9. § 152.032 R-1 Residential District (Auburn), quoted and re-checked
  10. § 152.237 Occupancy permits (Auburn), quoted and re-checked
  11. § 152.237 Occupancy permits (Auburn), quoted and re-checked
  12. § 150.15 Generally; required; application and the like (Auburn), quoted and re-checked
  13. § 150.17 Fees (Auburn), quoted and re-checked
  14. § 150.30 Building Code and Residential Code adopted by reference (Auburn), quoted and re-checked
  15. § 152.031 AGR Agricultural Residential (Auburn), quoted and re-checked
  16. § 152.032 R-1 Residential District (Auburn), quoted and re-checked
  17. Onsite Wastewater Program, quoted and re-checked
  18. Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment Onsite Section (dwee.nebraska.gov)
  19. codelibrary.amlegal.com (Auburn), quoted and re-checked
  20. § 150.16 Flood hazard areas; required; application and the like (Auburn), quoted and re-checked
  21. Nebraska Revised Statute 23-114.04, quoted and re-checked

Written October 12, 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.

Answers from the rulebook for Auburn

Auburn’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Erecting, constructing, reconstructing, enlarging, structurally altering, moving buildings or structures, and related grading or filling within Auburn city jurisdiction.

    • Exceptions apply where permits are controlled by §§ 97.16 or 150.16.
    • Applications are filed with the City Clerk on the city form and require the appropriate fee.
    • Permanent exterior signs also require a building permit.
    “Except in those instances where the issuance of building permits shall be controlled by §§ 97.16 or 150.16 of this code, it shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, construct, reconstruct, enlarge, structurally alter or move any building or structure, or any part or portion thereof, or to commence any grading or filling in connection therewith, or cause the same to be done, within the jurisdiction of the city without first obtaining a building permit issued pursuant to the provisions of this section.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Building construction inside Auburn city.

    • The code text identifies the IBC and IRC editions as 2000 editions.
    • Copies are available for inspection at the City Clerk's office.

    International Building Code edition: 2000 · International Residential Code edition: 2000

    “the International Building Code (IBC), 2000 edition, published by the International Code Council and the International Residential Code (IRC), 2000 edition published by the International Code Council, and printed in book or pamphlet form are hereby incorporated by reference”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Construction and new or changed uses requiring an Auburn occupancy permit.

    • The Building Inspector must inspect and certify completion and compliance before an occupancy permit is issued.
    • A temporary occupancy permit may be issued for up to six months pending completion or during partial occupancy.

    temporary occupancy permit maximum duration: <= 6 months (Pending completion of an addition or during partial occupancy)

    “No occupancy permit for a structure or addition thereto constructed, built, moved, remodeled or reconstructed after the effective date of these regulations shall be issued until the work has been completed and the premises inspected and certified by the Building Inspector to be in full and complete compliance with the plans and specifications upon which the building permit was issued.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Structures, additions, vacant land uses, and changed uses inside Auburn city subject to Chapter 152.

    • Every building-permit application is deemed an occupancy-permit application.
    • A new or changed use without a building permit requires a separate application.
    • A temporary occupancy permit may last no more than six months.
    “No structure or addition thereto constructed, built, moved, remodeled or reconstructed after the effective date of these regulations shall be occupied or used for any purpose; and no land vacant on the effective date of these regulations shall be used for any purpose; and no use of land or structure shall be changed to any other use, unless an occupancy permit shall first have been obtained from the Building Inspector certifying that the proposed use of occupancy complies with all the provisions of these zoning regulations.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Auburn city limits and the city's zoning jurisdiction.

    • The official zoning map in the City Clerk's office is the final authority as to current zoning status.
    “The city and the area within its zoning jurisdiction thereof shall be divided into zones, or districts, as shown on the Official Zoning Map, which is hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this chapter.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Single-family and other permitted uses in Auburn AGR Agricultural Residential District.

    minimum lot area: >= 1 acre · minimum lot width: >= 150 feet

    “Lot requirement | One acre Required front yard | 17 feet Required rear yard | 50 feet or 20% of lot depth, whichever is less Required side yard | 15 feet Lot width | 150 feet”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Single-family dwellings in Auburn R-1 Residential District.
      “Dwelling, single-family | 7,000 | 50 | 17 | 5 if lot width is less than 70 feet, 10 if lot width is 70 feet to 100 feet and 10% if lot width is greater than 100 feet | Lesser of 25 or 20% of lot depth | 35”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Single-family dwellings in Auburn R-1 Residential District.

    • Side setback is 5 feet if lot width is less than 70 feet, 10 feet if lot width is 70 to 100 feet, and 10% if lot width exceeds 100 feet.
    • Rear setback is the lesser of 25 feet or 20% of lot depth.
    • Double-frontage and corner lots have additional front-yard rules.

    front setback: 17 feet · side setback: 5, 10, or 10% depending on lot width feet · rear setback: lesser of 25 or 20% of lot depth feet

    “Dwelling, single-family | 7,000 | 50 | 17 | 5 if lot width is less than 70 feet, 10 if lot width is 70 feet to 100 feet and 10% if lot width is greater than 100 feet | Lesser of 25 or 20% of lot depth | 35”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Permitted uses in Auburn AGR Agricultural Residential District.
      “Required front yard | 17 feet Required rear yard | 50 feet or 20% of lot depth, whichever is less Required side yard | 15 feet”
  • Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)

    Occupancy of travel trailers, campers, and converted buses inside Auburn city zoning jurisdiction.

    • Placement is generally prohibited outside an approved mobile-home park.
    • Storage is allowed on the owner's premises as far from abutting streets as possible or in a garage or enclosure.
    • Occupancy or sleeping use may not exceed two weeks.

    maximum occupancy duration: <= 2 weeks (Travel trailer, camper, or converted bus kept on premises as far from abutting streets as possible)

    “provided, further, that, nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit any person from keeping or maintaining any travel trailer, camper or converted bus upon any premises for occupancy as dwelling or sleeping space for any period not to exceed two weeks in duration”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Manufactured homes used as residential structures in Auburn residential zones.

    • The home must bear an appropriate Department of Health or HUD seal.
    • It must have a permanent perimeter foundation and permanent utility connections.
    • It must comply with district setbacks, lot requirements, and minimum square footage.
    • It must have at least 900 square feet and an exterior width of at least 18 feet.
    • The roof must have a minimum 2.5-inch rise per 12 inches of run; specified exterior and roof materials are required; wheels, axles, lights, and removable towing apparatus must be removed.
    • Restrictive covenants remain applicable.

    minimum floor area: >= 900 square feet · minimum exterior width: >= 18 feet · minimum roof rise: >= 2.5 inches per 12 inches horizontal run

    “A manufactured home may be used as a residential structure in any zone in which residential uses are permitted if the manufactured home bears an appropriate seal which indicates that it was constructed in accordance with the standards of the Department of Health or the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision or division of land within Auburn's subdivision-code jurisdiction.

    • The rules apply to division into two or more lots for sale or development, including resubdivision or replatting.
    • Division where the smallest parcel created is more than ten acres is exempt.
    • Burial lots and specified existing-lot divisions are also exempt.
    • A final plat must be approved by the City Council and recorded with the County Register of Deeds before sale, building permits, or construction.

    smallest-parcel exemption threshold: > 10 acres (Also excludes cemetery burial lots and § 152.196 divisions)

    “No subdivision of land shall be permitted within the jurisdiction of this chapter unless a plat is approved in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Construction, alteration, repair, improvement, movement, demolition, excavation, grading, or filling within Auburn's mapped flood-hazard areas.

    • The applicable areas are those shown on the Official Flood Hazard Area Map kept at the City Clerk's office.
    • The applicant must file a written application on the city form before the City Council meeting at which it will be acted upon.
    • The Zoning Commissioner reviews applications for conformity with applicable provisions.
    “It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, construct reconstruct, enlarge, alter, repair, improve, move or demolish any building or other structure, or any part or portion thereof, or any addition thereto or to commence any excavation, grading or filling in connection therewith, or cause the same to be done, at any location within the flood hazard areas of the city without first obtaining a building permit issued pursuant to the provisions of this section.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Auburn building permits and related remodeling permits.

    • Fees must be paid to the City Clerk before issuance.
    • Residential, business, office, industrial, church, school, and other building fees are set by resolution.
    • Remodeling changing electrical, plumbing, or HVAC incurs an additional resolution-set fee.
    “Fees for all building permits applicable to residential, business, office, industrial, churches, county schools and all other buildings or structures (including hospitals, nursing homes and restaurants) shall be in the amount as set by resolution.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Auburn building-permit applications.

    • Use the city-furnished written application form.
    • File the completed application with the City Clerk.
    • Pay the applicable fee.
    • Flood-hazard-area applications must be filed before the City Council meeting at which they will be acted upon.
    “Applicants for building permits issued pursuant to the provisions of this section shall prepare a written application therefor, upon a form furnished for such purpose by the city, completed in accordance with all instructions and directions of the form. The applications, when properly completed, shall be filed with the City Clerk together with the appropriate fee”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Auburn or Nemaha County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builders constructing or altering property inside Auburn city limits.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage inside Auburn city limits.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Auburn city limits.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units inside Auburn city limits.
  • Who permits septic — Septic and onsite wastewater regulation inside Auburn city limits.
8 more unanswered
  • Septic permit
  • Septic inspection
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Well permit
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Driveway access
  • Short-term rentals

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.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Auburn publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Nemaha County’s page lists the county offices to call.

← All of Nemaha County: county rules, score and offices