Bolthole Index

Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Gering, Nebraska

Gering, Nebraska requires a city building permit to construct, repair, enlarge, demolish or relocate a building or dwelling.1 Gering administers its own zoning; land outside the city may also fall within its planning jurisdiction.2 Septic systems are subject to Nebraska’s statewide Onsite Wastewater Program, with local requirements applying separately.3 For land outside Gering’s jurisdiction, use the Scotts Bluff County guide.4

At a glance

Building permit
Required for construction, repairs, enlargement, demolition and relocation1
Zoning
City zoning applies inside Gering and its stated planning jurisdiction2
Septic
State Title 124 requirements; local requirements are additional3
RV living
Private-land occupancy unconfirmed; ask Gering Engineering & Planning5
Tiny homes
State classification does not establish local occupancy approval6
Owner-builder
Own-property contractor-registration exemption; building permits still apply71
Lot size and setbacks
District dimensions unconfirmed; ask Gering Engineering & Planning85

Who to call

Building permits

Gering Building Inspector

City building-permit questions, inspections and adopted building codes

(308)436-6813

[email protected]

1025 P St.

Online permits →

Zoning

Gering Engineering & Planning

City zoning maps, zoning applications and subdivision questions

(308)436-6845

[email protected]

1025 P St.

Online permits →

Septic permits

Nebraska Onsite Wastewater Program

State construction and operating permits for onsite wastewater systems that require a permit

402.471.2186

245 Fallbrook Blvd. Suite 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 Gering means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

These are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Bolthole Index earns from qualifying purchases.

Do you need a building permit in Gering, NE?

Gering requires a building-permit application before erecting, constructing, repairing, enlarging, demolishing or relocating a building or dwelling.1 Gering’s published guidance specifically requires a building permit for an accessory building over 100 square feet and for any attached addition.9 Ask the Building Inspector which application fits your project before starting work.9 Gering has adopted the 2018 International Building Code and International Residential Code, with local exceptions, and the 2009 energy code.10

Who issues building permits in Gering, and how do you apply?

Gering’s municipal code directs applicants to file with the City Clerk; applications must include the legal description, intended use or occupancy, dimensions, estimated cost and owner, architect and contractor names.1 The code assigns conformity review and authorization to the City Council after payment of the Council-set fee.1 For practical building-permit and inspection questions, contact the Gering Building Inspector at (308)436-6813 or [email protected].9 The Engineering & Planning page provides building-permit, inspection and fee links; ask the inspector for the current fee for your project.9

Does Gering have zoning, lot-size rules and setbacks?

Gering’s zoning ordinance applies inside the incorporated city and its stated planning and zoning jurisdiction outside city limits.2 Gering incorporates its official zoning map by reference, and the city publishes a zoning map and zoning-regulations link.8 We could not confirm the district-specific minimum lot size, setbacks, dwelling size, lot coverage or height limits; ask Gering Engineering & Planning for the district schedule for your parcel.5 For a proposed land split, Gering requires subdivision plat approval within its planning jurisdiction.11

How do septic permits work inside Gering?

Nebraska’s Onsite Wastewater Program administers Title 124 statewide, while city and county requirements apply separately.3 Most Nebraska onsite systems are constructed under a general permit without an individual state construction permit, but systems that fail general-permit requirements need a construction permit before construction and engineer-prepared plans.12 New or changed onsite systems must be registered with the Department.13 Contact the state program at 402.471.2186 to establish the applicable pathway, and ask Gering about any additional local approval.12 State law also requires onsite-system inspection by or under the supervision of an authorized professional.14

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on land in Gering?

We could not confirm permission for private-land RV occupancy, temporary camping, tiny-home occupancy or an accessory dwelling in Gering; ask Gering Engineering & Planning about the proposed use and parcel before buying a unit.5 Nebraska classifies tiny houses as manufactured homes, modular housing or recreational vehicles, and state construction classification does not establish local occupancy approval.6 Gering’s zoning still governs land use inside the city.2 Ask the city to distinguish a permanent dwelling proposal from temporary RV living during construction.5

What are the steps to building a home in Gering?

  1. Ask Gering Engineering & Planning to identify the parcel’s zoning and review your proposed residential use.2
  2. Establish the wastewater route: Nebraska requires a compliant onsite system or connection to public sewer or other wastewater works for covered utility service.15
  3. Prepare the legal description, proposed use, dimensions, estimated cost and project participants for Gering’s building-permit application.1
  4. Ask the Building Inspector for the applicable inspection requirements.9
  5. Where zoning-compliance determination requires a temporary or final certificate of occupancy, apply to the Building Inspector and supply supporting information and fees.16

What should you check before buying land in Gering?

Confirm the parcel’s actual jurisdiction with Gering Engineering & Planning: city zoning can extend beyond the incorporated boundary.2 Ask the city about domestic wells and driveway access, which we could not confirm for land inside Gering.5 A driveway connecting to a Nebraska state highway needs state approval under the state access-permit rule.17 Nebraska requires a floodplain-development permit for development in a floodplain, including filling, grading and structures; Gering publishes a floodplain-development application.189 Nebraska’s own-property contractor-registration exemption does not remove Gering’s building-permit requirement.71

Watch-outs

  • A Gering mailing address does not settle zoning jurisdiction; ask Gering Engineering & Planning to check the parcel against the official map.2
  • Do not budget an RV or tiny home as approved housing before asking Gering Engineering & Planning about occupancy; local approval remains unconfirmed.5
  • A state general septic permit does not eliminate system registration or additional local requirements.13

Sources

  1. § 150.020 Permit Required (Gering), quoted and re-checked
  2. § 155.01 Adopted by Reference (Gering), quoted and re-checked
  3. Onsite Wastewater Program (Nebraska statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  4. Nebraska Revised Statute 23-114 (Nebraska statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  5. Gering Engineering & Planning (gering.org)
  6. Housing and Recreational Vehicle (Nebraska statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  7. Nebraska Revised Statute 48-2104 — Registration required (Nebraska statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. § 155.01 Adopted by Reference (Gering), quoted and re-checked
  9. Gering Building Inspector (gering.org)
  10. § 150.001 Standard Codes; Adopted; Exceptions (Gering), quoted and re-checked
  11. Gering, NE Laws (Gering), quoted and re-checked
  12. Nebraska Onsite Wastewater Program (dwee.nebraska.gov)
  13. Onsite Wastewater Program (Nebraska statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Nebraska Revised Statute 81-15,248 (Nebraska statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Onsite Wastewater Treatment Facilities: Just for Homeowners (Nebraska statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. § 150.043 Certificate of Occupancy (Gering), quoted and re-checked
  17. Title 410, Chapter 2 - Driveway and Approach Road Permits (Nebraska statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Floodplain Management Q&A: Permits (Nebraska statewide rule), 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 Gering

Gering’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Erecting, constructing, repairing, enlarging, demolishing, or relocating any building or dwelling inside Gering city limits.

    • Application is filed with the City Clerk.
    • The application must include the legal description, use or occupancy, dimensions, estimated cost, and owner, architect, and contractor names.
    • The City Council checks conformity and authorizes issuance after payment of the Council-set fee.
    “Any person desiring to commence or proceed to erect, construct, repair, enlarge, demolish, or relocate any building or dwelling, or cause the same to be done, shall file with the City Clerk an application for a building permit.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction, alteration, removal, demolition, equipment, use, occupancy, location, and maintenance of buildings and structures inside Gering city limits.

    • 2018 IBC, 2018 IRC, and 2009 IECC are adopted by reference.
    • The code excludes or modifies listed portions of the IBC and IRC.
    • The code controls buildings and structures within the corporate limits and the city’s zoning jurisdiction.

    International Building Code edition: 2018 (Appendix F included; listed sections and chapters excluded) · International Residential Code edition: 2018 (Listed sections and chapters excluded) · International Energy Conservation Code edition: 2009 (Adopted as the Nebraska Energy Code)

    “The International Building Code, 2018 Edition, including Appendix F, published by the International Code Council is hereby adopted by reference.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Construction or alteration inside Gering city limits when a determination is required concerning compliance with the zoning ordinances.

    • Temporary or final certificate application must be filed with the Building Inspector.
    • Supporting data may be required.
    • Certificate and inspection fees must be determined and paid.
    • The Building Inspector may approve and sign or deny the application.
    “In any situation in which a determination shall be required as to whether construction or alteration of a building or structure will comply, or has complied with the Zoning Ordinances, the application for a temporary or final certificate of occupancy shall be filed with the Building inspector, supporting data as provided him or her, and the application and such data reviewed, certificate and inspection fees determined and paid, and the application approved and the certificate signed or, as the case may be, the application be denied, by the Building Inspector, all in accordance with applicable ordinances of the city.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    The incorporated area of Gering city and the city’s stated two-mile planning and zoning jurisdiction; this claim answers land inside Gering city limits.

    • The official zoning map is incorporated by reference and may be amended from time to time.
    “The provisions of the zoning ordinance shall apply to the incorporated area of the city and to the two mile area of planning and zoning jurisdiction as set forth by state law and the official zoning map of the city, as may be amended from time to time; said zoning map is incorporated herein by reference.”
  • Zoning districtsPartial

    Zoning districts and zoning administration inside Gering city limits.

    • Gering adopts a comprehensive zoning regulations ordinance and incorporates the official zoning map by reference.
    • The city’s official planning page publishes a 2026 zoning map and a zoning-regulations link.
    • The district list and dimensional schedules were not available in the opened pages.

    zoning map year: 2026

    “The comprehensive zoning regulations ordinance [...] is adopted and incorporated as part of this code of ordinances [...] and the official zoning map of the city, as may be amended from time to time; said zoning map is incorporated herein by reference.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and platting inside Gering city limits.

    • The code contains Chapter 153, Subdivision Regulations, with § 153.01 adopted by reference.
    • The city’s official planning page lists preliminary and final plat applications and subdivision regulations.
    “No subdivision of land shall be permitted within the City Planning Jurisdiction unless a plat is approved in accordance with provisions of these regulations.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Gering or Scotts Bluff County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder construction inside Gering city limits.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Residential districts inside Gering city limits.
  • Minimum lot size — Residential and other zoning districts inside Gering city limits.
  • Setbacks — Zoning districts inside Gering city limits.
  • Lot coverage — Zoning districts inside Gering city limits.
9 more unanswered
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Well permit
  • 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 Gering publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Scotts Bluff County’s page lists the county offices to call.

← All of Scotts Bluff County: county rules, score and offices