Codes, exemptions & field inspections
This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.
Regulatory framework
2018 International Building Code, 2018 International Energy Conservation Code, 2018 International Residential Code, and 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code; the county also publishes climatic and geographic design criteria.
Inspection lane
Submit the building-permit application with plans, plot plan, and required project information to Planning and Zoning; contact Building Inspector Dustin Kaspar or the office at (402) 443-8136 for inspection scheduling.
Minor-work playbook
Farm outbuildings are exempt from the county utility-connection/building-permit prohibition. Non-farm buildings and structures generally require a building permit and zoning-compliance permit; confirm minor-maintenance exceptions with the county.
Field rule
A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.
Inspection pipeline
Request with lead time
Submit the building-permit application with plans, plot plan, and required project information to Planning and Zoning; contact Building Inspector Dustin Kaspar or the office at (402) 443-8136 for inspection scheduling.
Preserve access
Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.
Close the record
Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.
Contractor verification
Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.
Planning reference
A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.
Open planning reference ↗Source trail
Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.
Project questions
Saunders County Planning and Zoning / Mitch Polacek, Zoning Administrator; Dustin Kaspar, Building Inspector is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.
No verified online portal was located in the reviewed public materials. Contact (402) 443-8136 and request the current application route before preparing a final submittal.
N/A; the zoning regulations require the Zoning Administrator to issue or deny a written permit, but the reviewed page does not state a fixed timeline.
Submit the building-permit application with plans, plot plan, and required project information to Planning and Zoning; contact Building Inspector Dustin Kaspar or the office at (402) 443-8136 for inspection scheduling.
2018 International Building Code, 2018 International Energy Conservation Code, 2018 International Residential Code, and 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code; the county also publishes climatic and geographic design criteria. Farm outbuildings are exempt from the county utility-connection/building-permit prohibition. Non-farm buildings and structures generally require a building permit and zoning-compliance permit; confirm minor-maintenance exceptions with the county.
Field sequencing matters
Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.
When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.
Closeout file
Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.