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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.