Driveway Permits and Regulations in Nebraska

Why Nebraska Driveway Rules Matter Before You Pour

Nebraska’s wide-open spaces and generous lot sizes make driveways look simple—until the city, county, or state says, “Not so fast.” A new driveway, widening project, or simple culvert replacement can trigger permits, inspections, and even road-use fees. Understanding Driveway Permits and Regulations in Nebraska before you break ground saves money, prevents tear-outs, and keeps your contractor on schedule.

Who Actually Requires a Driveway Permit in Nebraska?

City vs. County vs. State Right-of-Way

• Cities (Lincoln, Omaha, Grand Island, etc.) control local streets and usually issue their own right-of-way permits.
• Counties regulate rural section-line roads and township roads.
• Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) oversees any work touching a state highway or Interstate ramp.

When a Permit Is Mandatory

1. Creating a new approach (curb cut) from a public road.
2. Widening an existing apron by more than 2 ft on either side.
3. Adding a second driveway on the same lot.
4. Installing or replacing a culvert or pipe under the driveway.
5. Connecting to an alley or shared private drive in a platted subdivision.

Exemptions That Surprise People

Resurfacing with the same material (asphalt on asphalt) rarely needs a permit, but switching from gravel to concrete usually does. Replacing a damaged 12-in. culvert with an identical size may be exempt in some counties, yet NDOT still wants a form if the road is a state highway. Always call first.

City-Specific Rules: Omaha, Lincoln, and Bellevue

Omaha Public Works – Right-of-Way Permit

• Apply online via the Omaha Permits & Services Portal.
• Include a site plan showing sidewalk, utility strips, and drainage.
• Fee: $75 for the first 300 sq ft of apron, $0.15 per sq ft after.
• Inspection required before concrete pour; 24-hour notice minimum.

Lincoln Transportation & Utilities – Approach Permit

• Maximum driveway width: 30 ft for residential lots < 150 ft frontage.
• Radius corners must be 10 ft to match city sidewalk slope.
• Permit valid 180 days; extension possible with written request.

Bellevue – Engineering Department

• Requires a drainage calculation if your lot exceeds 12,000 sq ft.
• No permit issued until all sidewalk repairs within the block are completed.

Rural Counties: What the Road Superintendent Wants

Dawson, Buffalo, and Hall Counties

These high-growth counties use a one-page Field Entrance Permit:

• Minimum 200 ft sight distance on 55 mph roads.
• Culvert sized by the county engineer—often 18 in. minimum for residential.
• Gravel apron must extend 15 ft back from the pavement edge to prevent mud tracking.

Smaller Counties (Blaine, Greeley, Hooker, etc.)

Many still operate on a handshake plus a $25 fee. Ask for a signed permit card anyway; it protects you if a future road widening removes your approach.

NDOT Driveway Approaches on State Highways

Access Permit Application (Form D-9)

Required for any work on Highway 2, 6, 34, 77, 81, 275, and Interstates. Submit:

• Scaled drawing (1" = 50 ft minimum) showing lane widths, guardrail, and drainage ditches.
• Traffic counts if peak trips exceed 50 per day (common for home businesses).
• $250 base fee + $40 per extra driveway on the same parcel.

Spacing & Sight Distance Table

Commercial vs. Residential Classification

Running a daycare, tractor repair, or any home occupation with customer traffic can bump you to “commercial” standards—wider apron, heavier culvert, possible turn-lane requirement.

Environmental & Drainage Considerations

Storm-Water Detention in Omaha & Lincoln

Both cities enforce post-construction runoff limits. If your new driveway adds more than 500 sq ft of impervious surface, you may need a rain-garden or underground detention cell. A simple gravel under-drain sometimes satisfies the engineer.

Wetlands & Riparian Buffers

Platte River valley counties require a 50 ft buffer from the ordinary high-water mark. A driveway permit will be denied unless you show a Nebraska Department of Environment & Energy (NDEE) wetland letter stating “no jurisdictional waters.”

Utility Conflicts: Who Moves What?

• Gas (Black Hills Energy, Metropolitan Utilities District) – Usually depth > 24 in. Driveway can go over the top; no relocation needed.
• Rural Water & Electric Cooperatives – If a pole guy-wire blocks your radius, the homeowner pays for relocation ($1,200–$2,500 typical).
• Fiber Optics (Allo, Windstream) – Shallow conduit; hand dig within 2 ft either side.

Call 811 at least two business days before grade work. Keep the ticket number on-site; inspectors ask for it.

Permit Fees & Hidden Costs Across Nebraska

Typical Fee Range

• Small city (population < 10,000): $25–$75
• Large city (Omaha, Lincoln): $75–$300
• NDOT state highway: $250 + engineering review $150/hr

Additional Charges Nobody Mentions

• Traffic control plan – $200 if you block a lane on a 45 mph road.
• Curb & gutter replacement – $35 per linear foot billed by the city.
• Sidewalk repair – City ordinance may require you to fix entire panels, not just the cut section.

5-Step Application Checklist for Homeowners

1. Call the Right Office – Use the interactive map at Nebraska 511 to confirm road jurisdiction.
2. Sketch a Simple Plan – Hand-drawn is fine; show lot lines, existing house, proposed driveway, sidewalk, and utilities.
3. Take Photos – Shoot curb, sidewalk, drainage ditch, and nearest intersection; inspectors love visuals.
4. Submit Early – City permits can take 5–10 business days; NDOT averages 15 days.
5. Post the Permit – Keep a copy in a plastic bag at the job site; failing to produce it on request can halt work.

Inspection Timeline: What to Expect

Pre-Pour Inspection

Forms, reinforcing steel, and culvert placement are checked. Have your permit number and 811 ticket ready.

Final Walk-Through

Inspector measures width, radius, and checks for sediment tracking onto the road. A failing grade can mean removing fresh concrete.

Common Failures

• Culvert set too high—water must have 6 in. fall from road crown to outlet.
• Apron too steep—max 8 % grade within the right-of-way.
• Concrete encroaching on utility strip—leave 1 ft buffer.

Penalties for Skipping the Permit

• City of Omaha – Double the normal fee plus $100 citation; possible lien on property.
• Lancaster County – $500 fine and removal order; county crew bills at cost + 25 %.
• NDOT – Class IV misdemeanor, $100–$500 fine, and forfeiture of contractor’s bond.

Insurance claims can also be denied if an unpermitted driveway contributed to an accident.

Questions to Ask Your Driveway Contractor

• “Will you pull the permit in my name or yours?” (Either is fine; just get the receipt.)
• “Who pays for re-inspection fees if the pour fails?” (Should be contractor.)
• “Do you carry Nebraska highway liability insurance?” (Required for NDOT jobs.)
• “Will you mark the culvert invert elevation on the form?” (Helps inspector sign off faster.)

Frequently Asked Questions