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Airport FAQs

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1. How do I find out the flight times out of Kearney on Great Lakes Airlines?

Call either (308) 233-5040 or 1-800-554-5111 for flight times or click on Great Lakes Airlines to go to their website for information. Great Lakes Airlines

2. Are regional airlines with propellers safe and modern?

YES. Turbo propeller aircraft are state-of-the-art and are an average seven years younger than the jet aircraft of major airlines. Jet engines power all regional aircraft, whether a turboprop with propellers on the outside, or a turbofan with fan inside the engine casing. Turbo props are the most economically efficient aircraft for flying shorter distances.

The U.S. commercial aviation system, regional airlines included, is the safest mode of transportation in the world. Moreover, the safety record of regional airlines equals that of major airlines - including pilot training and the rest requirements, safety equipment and dispatching procedures.

3. Are regional aircraft equipped to fly in bad weather?

Yes. Regional aircraft are equipped with the same type of sophisticated safety equipment as major airlines, including: Weather Radar, De-icing, Traffic Alert, Collision Avoidance Systems and Ground Proximity Warning Systems.

4. Are regional airline pilots experienced?

YES. All commercial pilots meet the same FAA requirements. Our pilots complete extensive initial training, recurrent training and are tested by FAA examiners every six months. With a median age of 35 years and an average of 6,000 hours in the cockpit - they are among the most experienced ever employed by the industry.

5. Are regional airlines convenient?

Yes. Every day 150,000 passengers fly regional airlines on more than 12,500 flights to some 780 destinations throughout the United States, Canada the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

550 cities are served by exclusively by regional airlines.

Nearly 60 million travelers will fly with regional airlines this year.

60% of regional airline passengers are business travelers.

95% of regional airline passengers fly on flights that are coordinated with major airlines through code-sharing alliances.

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City Clerk

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1. When are the City Council meetings?

Second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.

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Code Enforcement FAQs

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1. Is there a height regulation for grass in Kearney?

Grass within city limits must be kept trimmed below 12 inches on any property zoned residential, commercial or industrial. There are a few rural areas within city limits that are not required to meet this code. (Chapters 5-601 – 5-603) Kearney City Code

2. Can my neighbor leave junk in his yard?

No. The City of Kearney has specific regulations regarding the storage of equipment, building materials, miscellaneous junk and litter. Items that fall into the ‘nuisance’ category endanger the health and safety of citizens, and/or lower property values for the neighborhood. Most nuisance complaints can be solved by moving the materials into an enclosed building or sealed storage container. If you are unsure whether or not something falls into this category, please contact the Code Enforcement Division at (308) 233-3235.

3. Can my neighbor leave his vehicle in his yard?

The Code Enforcement Division handles vehicle complaints on private property, including private parking lots. This can include junked or dismantled vehicles, unlicensed vehicles (regardless of condition), improperly parked vehicles or abandoned vehicles. The City of Kearney must contact a vehicle’s owner before it can be moved by City employees or contractors, which can take several days. However, a property owner can have abandoned vehicles towed immediately at their own expense.

4. My car is dismantled, but I am working on it. Will the City have it towed?

No. Property owners, and tenants with a landlord’s permission, have 15 days to complete vehicle repairs or maintenance before they are required to move the vehicle.

5. Where can I legally park my vehicle?

On private property, vehicles must be parked on a hard surface (concrete, brick, asphalt, etc.) or in an enclosed building such as a garage. They cannot block the public right of way, sidewalk or alley. This includes vehicles of all types, boats, RV’s, campers and trailers. If you have questions about which category your vehicle falls into or where you can park on your property, please call the Code Enforcement Division, at (308) 233-3235.

6. Whom should I contact about animal complaints?

The Kearney Police Department handles all animal complaints: abuse, neglect and barking. Please call the Police while the dog is barking.

Code Enforcement Division
Ph: (308) 233-3235

Kearney Police Department, Non-Emergency
Ph: (308) 237-2104

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Development Services FAQs

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1. When do I need a building permit?

• All new construction, including additions, decks, garages, accessory buildings, enclosing a porch, patio covers, carports, and fences.
• Repair when structural members are involved, or changing or enlarging an opening.
• Interior remodeling when alterations require removal of a wall or when adding new rooms, such as finishing a basement.
• Installation of fire places or other wood burning appliances.
• Accessory buildings containing more than 120 square feet of floor area.
• Signs moved, altered, or newly installed.
• Moving or demolishing buildings.

2. How do I obtain a building permit?

• Register with the City of Kearney Building Services Division.
• Submit an application and sign the permit.
• Submit two identical sets of plans for a permit.
• Allow 10 working days to process permit.
• For information regarding the Building Permit Fee Schedule click on Comprehensive Fee Schedule.

3. Can four college students live next door?

A house built for a single family may have one family live in it OR a group of four people living together by joint agreement. A single-family dwelling does not allow five or more students to live in it.

4. Where is the City Limits line?

The City grows as land is subdivided and annexed so the City Limit Line is very jagged and constantly changing. There is a map displayed on our webpage or in the Building/Zoning Office that delineates the City Limits. City Maps

5. I am outside of the City Limits; do I need a permit to build?

Kearney has a 2-mile extra territorial jurisdiction that extends beyond the City Limit and the City governs all zoning, land development and building construction within that area. There is a map showing this boundary on our webpage or in the Building/Zoning Office. City Maps

6. Do I need a fence permit?

City Code requires all residential, commercial, and industrial zoned property have a permit before erecting or replacing a fence of any type. Other districts do not require a fence permit.

7. Do I need a sign permit before displaying a sign?

All signs on the outside of the building, attached or detached, require a permit before being displayed.

8. Do I need a permit to replace a public sidewalk?

Public sidewalks do not require a permit, but the City does inspect the location of the sidewalk and the forms prior to pouring concrete ensuring that the walk will comply with sidewalk standards.

9. Do I need a permit to construct a deck?

Yes, it is considered a part of the dwelling.

10. Do I need a permit to pour a concrete patio?

A permit is not required to pour concrete on private property. A building permit would be required to erect a roof over the patio.

11. Do I need a permit to add a curb cut or increase the size of my curb cut?

Yes, the City approves the location and width of the cut and inspects the approach before concrete can be poured.

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Fire FAQs

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1. How do I schedule a tour?

Contact Fire Station 1 at (308) 233-3226 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

2. What smoke alarms do you recommend?

Any smoke alarm that has been tested and has a UL label.

3. How do I get a burn permit?

Burn permits are issued at either Fire Station 1 or Fire Station 2 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. You can get a burn permit if you live within the city limits of Kearney.

4. When an emergency vehicle is approaching that is displaying flashing emergency lights and sirens, what should I do?

Safely pull over to the right and stop. Keep your foot on the brake to let emergency vehicles know you are stopped. This allows fire trucks and/or other emergency vehicles enough road space to safely and quickly continue its response to the emergency they were called for. Before moving on check your mirrors to be sure that no other emergency vehicle is coming behind them. Emergency vehicles with flashing lights and sirens always have the right-of-way at intersections.

5. I have seen emergency vehicles driving with lights and sirens, and then just turn them off. Why is that?

Multiple emergency vehicles respond to the same emergency to ensure that enough personnel and equipment are available to handle the emergency. Many times after the emergency scene has been evaluated, they will cancel other responding units. Usually when you see emergency vehicles turn off their flashing emergency lights and sirens and turn around they are returning to their station.

6. I see vehicles with a flashing red light but no siren and they are not a fire truck, police car or an ambulance. Who are they and what should I do?

These are volunteer firefighters that are responding to an emergency. Please move safely over to the right to let them through. Volunteer first responders have a special red light permit. They can only use it for responding to emergency calls.

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Fireworks FAQs

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1. When can I purchase consumer fireworks in Kearney?

On June 29th and until July 4th.

2. May I go to Missouri or another state and buy fireworks and bring them back to Kearney?

No. It is illegal to transport fireworks across the state line as stated in Nebraska State Statue 28-1248. Only a licensed distributor or jobber may bring fireworks into the State.

3. When can I discharge (shoot) permissible fireworks in the City of Kearney?

June 29th to July 2nd 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; July 3rd and July 4th 8:00 a.m. to midnight.

4. What kind of fireworks can I purchase at a retail stand in Kearney?

Fireworks that are classified as Consumer Fireworks or novelties may be sold at retail stands. The following items are not classified as consumer fireworks:

• Rockets that are mounted on a stick or wire and project in the air when ignited, with or without report.
• Wire sparklers, except that silver and gold sparklers are deemed to be consumer fireworks until January 1, 2014.
• Nighttime parachutes.
• Fireworks that are shot into the air and after coming to the ground cause automatic ignition due to sufficient temperature.
• Firecrackers that contain more that fifty milligrams of explosive composition.
• Fireworks that have been tested by the State Fire Marshal as a response to complaints and have been deemed to be unsafe.

For more information on consumer fireworks, please visit the Nebraska State Fire Marshal website. website

5. Is there an age limit to purchase fireworks?

No. Only in the selling of fireworks. A person employed by another to sell consumer fireworks must be at least 18 years of age. Persons age 14 through 18 may sell fireworks when working in the direct presence and supervision of an adult 21 years of age or older.

6. What are the requirements to have a firework stand in Kearney?

Stands must be located within the city limits and in an area of the city zoned for business or manufacturing. Stands must be a temporary structure used only for the purpose for selling consumer fireworks. Purchase consumer fireworks from a distributor or a jobber who holds a current license with the State of Nebraska.

7. Do I need a license from the State of Nebraska?

Yes. Before applying for a permit from the City Fire Administrator you must have a license from the Nebraska Fire Marshal. You may apply on line by going to their website and follow the menu. website

8. Do I need a permit to sell fireworks?

Yes. Any person selling or offering for sale consumer fireworks in the City of Kearney shall first have made application for and receive a permit from the City Fire Administrator. Application forms are available at Fire Station 1, 2211 Avenue A.

9. Is there a fee for having a fireworks stand?

Yes. There is a fireworks occupation tax fee of $150 and a permit to sell fireworks fee of $200. There is also a deposit of $100 per stand. This deposit is refundable if the stand is removed in accordance with city code.

10. Where can I find more information on fireworks stands?

City of Kearney Code, Chapter 4 Article 6 and the Nebraska State Fire Marshal website at www.sfm.state.ne. Code

11. Why can retail stores sell fireworks before June 29?

These are called Novelty Fireworks and are not regulated. They contain small amounts of explosive composition but do not fall under the category of Consumer Fireworks. Such devices produce limited visible or audible effects. Examples are snakes, novelty snappers, smoke items, Champagne Party Poppers, 8” or less gold or silver wire or wooden sparklers, etc.

12. Where can I find information on Fireworks safety?

Fireworks safety information can be found by clicking this link: Fireworks Safety

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Library FAQs

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1. How do I get a library card? What does it get me access to?

If you have never had a card before, your first one is FREE! We need you to bring in a valid form of photographic identification (i.e. driver’s license or passport), as well as proof of current address (i.e. bank statement, lease, checkbook, etc.) Youth age 17 & younger should bring a parent or guardian to sign them up for a card. If you just need to replace a card, bring your photo identification and $5.00 for a replacement card.

There are no residential requirements to get a library card.

Your library card allows you to check out materials, use the computers, access the internet, reserve a study room, reserve a meeting room, request & reserve Library materials, use the Bookmobile, and use our interlibrary loan service!

2. How many items am I allowed to check out?

Each cardholder may have up to 15 DVDs and up to 99 items checked out at once!

3. How long are loan periods?

Most of our materials check out for a 28-day period. Magazines, Golden Sower nominees, and some of our new books check out for 14 days. DVDs and some of our new books check out for 7 days. Downloadable books give the patron the option of a 7-, 14-, or 21-day checkout period.

4. How do I renew my items?

Patrons may renew any item once, as long as another patron has not requested the item. Items renew for the same loan period length. Items also renew from the date the renewal is requested, not from the original due date.

Items may be renewed by calling the Library or by renewing online or through our mobile device app, KPL to Go.

5. How much are late fines?

Our late fines are .25 cents per day, per item. The maximum fine on any one item is $10.00. If an item is more than a month overdue, the patron will be charged the replacement cost for the item.

Fines must be under $5.00 to checkout materials or use the computers.

The Library does send overdue notices via standard mail and pre-overdue and overdue notices via e-mail to patrons. These are courtesy notices and patrons are responsible for knowing when their materials are due.

Patrons who have $25 or more in fees on their Library account may be turned over to a collection agency for further action.

We accept cash, check, credit or debit cards for payment.

6. What if I lose or damage a book?

Don’t worry! This happens to everyone. We do ask that if a patron loses a book or if a book is damaged beyond usual wear and tear, that the patron pays the replacement cost for the item. If a patron pays for a lost book and it is found in good condition within six months, the Library will refund the patron the price of the book. The Library does not accept replacement materials.

We accept cash, check, credit or debit cards for payment.

7. Can I access the internet at the Library?

Yes. The Library has many computers available to patrons for public internet access. We also have WIFI, if you prefer to bring your laptop. You will need your library card barcode number to access the internet from a library computer. Guest passes for the computers may be obtained in the Library for those who do not have a library card.

8. What are my responsibilities as a borrower?

Borrowers are responsible for all materials checked out on their card. This includes payment of any charges on the borrower’s account. Parents or guardians are responsible for materials checked on their child’s library card.

Patrons age 16 and older must present their library card or a photo ID to check out materials or get their library card number to access the computers.

Borrowers are also responsible for keeping their contact information with the Library current. If a patron loses or misplaces their library card, the Library should be notified as soon as possible.

Borrowers should respect the rights of other borrowers to use and enjoy the Library.

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Park & Recreation FAQs

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1. What is the total number of miles of the hike/bike trails?

Kearney has a total of 17+ miles of 8-feet wide concrete paths. A Guide to Kearney Trails Map is available free at the Park & Recreation Office. Kearney Trails Information

2. How do I register for Recreation Programs?

Registration can be completed over the telephone with a Visa/Mastercard or by mailing in the registration form which is available here. Registration Forms

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Police FAQs

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1. How can I obtain an accident report?

Accident reports can be accessed online by clicking on the link "Accident Reports" below. Reports are also available at the Law Enforcement Center, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Accident Reports

2. How do I contact the Police Department?

In an emergency, call 9-1-1. In a non-emergency situation, call (308) 237-2104.

3. Can I report issues anonymously?

Yes, by using the City's "Access Kearney" system or by calling Crimestoppers at (308) 237-3424.

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Stormwater FAQs

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1. What is the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Program?

Polluted stormwater runoff is a leading cause of impairment to the nearly 40 percent of surveyed U.S. water bodies which do not meet water quality standards. Over land or via storm sewer systems, polluted runoff is discharged, often untreated, directly into local water bodies. When left uncontrolled, this water pollution can result in the destruction of fish, wildlife, and aquatic life habitats; a loss in aesthetic value; and threats to public health due to contaminated food, drinking water supplies, and recreational waterways.

Mandated by Congress under the Clean Water Act, the NPDES stormwater Program is a comprehensive two-phased national program for addressing the non-agricultural sources of stormwater discharges which adversely affect the quality of our nation's waters. The program uses the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting mechanism to require the implementation of controls designed to prevent harmful pollutants from being washed by stormwater runoff into local water bodies.

2. Are sewers and storm drains the same thing?

No, they are not the same thing. The two are totally separate systems from each other. A sanitary sewer system collects waste from your sinks, toilets, showers, and washing machines. The sewer system will then carry it to a treatment facility before being discharged.

Stormwater is collected from our streets and then flows into a separated system. This system goes untreated and flows into local waterways, carrying all collected pollution with it.

3. What can I do to prevent stormwater pollution?

• Don’t put anything in storm drains but rainwater.
• Avoid throwing litter into the street.
• Pick up after your pet.
• Recycle your motor oil.
• Bag, compost or recycle grass, tree limbs, leaves, and other yard waste.
• Use yard waste as mulch, as natural fertilizer, or as ground cover.
• Encourage local businesses to start a recycling program if they don’t already have one.
• Don’t use harsh, abrasive or toxic chemicals around the house.
• Recycle your grass, “Use a Mulching Mower”
• Report illegal dumping.
• Buy just what you need to do the job.
• Be smart when you apply pesticides or fertilizers.

4. Can any products be safely poured down the storm drains?

No! The only thing that should enter the storm drains is rainwater. Everything that goes down the drain will end up in our local rivers and lakes, Untreated.

5. How do I report illegal dumping or suspicious discharges?

Contact the Stormwater Pollution Hotline at (308) 233-3273 or report your concern through Access Kearney.

6. NPDES FAQ's

View information on NPDES FAQ's. NPDES FAQ's

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Utilities FAQs

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1. Whom do I call if my sewer is backing up?

Call the Utilities Department Water Division at (308) 233-3242.

2. How do I dispose of old computers, televisions, batteries, and cell phones?

It is legal for households to dispose of the waste mentioned above in the refuse collection container. However, commercial businesses, and other non-households must follow the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality regulations in Title 128 of the Nebraska Administrative Code for disposing of hazardous waste, see Title 128 – Nebraska Hazardous Waste Regulations on NDEQ web site www-deq.state.ne.us. Disposal requirements depend on whether the business is a Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator (CESQG), a Small Quantity Generator (SQG), or a Large Quantity Generator (LQG) of Hazardous Waste. Questions can be answered by Erik Waiss, Environmental Assistance Coordinator, at NDEQ call 1-402-471-8308.

The City of Kearney does offer drop-off sites for residential recyclables including rechargeable batteries and cell phones at the Public Works Building drop-off site at 1919 15th Avenue or at the Recycling Center at 3007 East 39th Street. If residents want to recycle their used electronic devices they should ask the retailer selling the new product. Some retailers offer recycling of electronics for a fee.

3. What is the number that I am supposed to call before I dig?

The telephone number for Diggers Hot Line of Nebraska is 811. Diggers Hot Line is the State of Nebraska One Call System provider. It is free to call and can save you liability for damaged utilities if you don’t call.

4. What is the capacity of the City's water towers?

The City has three water towers with a total of 3,750,000 gallons.

5. What is the average daily water consumption?

Approximately 5.4 million gallons per day.

6. Can yard waste be put in trash containers?

No, there are brown containers for yard waste. Yard waste containers are emptied once a week, April through the third week of November, for a fee of $11.35 per month per container.

7. How should I set my water softener?

The hardness of the municipal water supply requires that most softners be set at 19 grains per gallon.

8. Is it normal for the water meter pit at my home to be full of water?

Yes, it can be normal for water meter pits to contain water. The source of the water is usually rain water, irrigation water, or melting snow. Residents can bail the water out using a cup or can. If you notice water leaking from a pipe or the meter, please call the Utilities Department Water Distribution Division at (308) 233-3242 and ask that the meter pit be inspected for a possible leak.

9. If I have extra trash, is it okay for me to take it Downtown and place it in one of the trash dumpsters in the alley?

No, it is not allowed.

Section 5-211 of the Kearney City Code Collection Regulations: Use of Assigned Property. “It shall be unlawful for any person to place, or permit another to place, any garbage or trash in any receptacle, at any refuse collection point or in any garbage container used in the city container collection service, unless the garbage, trash, or refuse is from the premises served by the container or from the premises at which the container or collection point is located.”

Extra trash should be carefully transported to the Landfill and disposed of there for the appropriate fee.

Residents who observe unlawful use of the refuse collection containers should call the Police Department at 233-5250 with the description of the person using the refuse container unlawfully and that person’s vehicle description.