This department is responsible for
administering, enforcing, and regulating the building, zoning,
and construction laws that are adopted by the City, State, and
Federal Government within the city limits of Columbus and
jurisdiction of the two-mile extra territorial area surrounding
the city. Further, the Community Development Department is
responsible for providing permit services, development,
implementation, and maintenance of the Comprehensive Plan.
This department also files all requests for variances at Board
of Adjustment meetings that are held the third Monday of each
month at 9 a.m. in the City Council Chambers, 1369 25th Avenue.
Submission for any requests of the Board of Adjustment must be
submitted by 5 p.m. the first Monday of each month at the
Community Development Department.
The Planning Commission meets at 7 p.m. the second Monday of
each month in the Council Chambers, 1369 25th Avenue. Agendas
for these meetings are prepared by the City Clerks office.
CODES ADOPTED BY THE CITY OF COLUMBUS
2003 International Building Code (with amendments)
2003 International Residential Code (with amendments)
2005 National Electrical Code
1997 Uniform Plumbing Code
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The following is intended for information
only and does not represent an all inclusive listing of city
code requirements. Specific questions should be addressed
to the individuals listed above.
FAQ's
Why do I need a building permit?
- A building permit is required to
ensure plans meet minimum standards for safety and health
purposes. Unsafe building conditions can lead to potentially
disastrous situations.
For what work do I need a
building permit?
The following work requires a
building permit:
All new construction, including additions, enclosing
porches, and garages
Repairs when structural members are involved, or which
enlarge or change location of openings
Interior remodeling when alterations require removal of
walls or wall coverings, or adding new rooms such as
basement finishing
Decks, Fences, or Swimming Pool
Patio covers and carports
Accessory building over 120 square feet
Signs to be erected, re-erected, moved, or altered,
including mobile signs
Moving or demolition of structures
What are the guidelines for
electrical permits?
- Permits are required for
installation of all new electrical wiring, lighting
fixtures, receptacles, electrical services, and rewiring.
When is a plumbing permit
required?
The following work requires a
plumbing permit:
- All new construction,
including additions
- New or replacements of water
heaters, furnaces, sewers, and water services
- Installation of backflow
preventers, lawn sprinklers systems, water softeners, and
reverse osmosis units
When are inspections required?
Footings - when formed and
ready to pour
Foundations - before pouring and when water proofing is
complete and ready for backfilling
Framing - when all framing, wiring, plumbing, and venting
is done and walls are ready for covering
Final - project is completed and ready for occupancy
Plumbing - open rough-in and final; same for gas
Electrical - open rough-in, service, and final
24-HOUR ADVANCE NOTICE IS
REQUIRED FOR ALL INSPECTIONS
How do I obtain a Building
Permit?
1. Complete and submit an
application to the Community Development Department.
Applications are available at the Community Development
Office located on the second floor of City Hall. There is no
fee to submit an application.
2. Residential - Submit two (2) sets of plans for review
3. Commercial - Submit two (2) sets of plans for review
*Plans must be drawn to scale, dimensioned, and of
sufficient clarity to be read easily.
*Some projects are required by state law to have plans that
are certified by an engineer or architect registered under
the laws of the State of Nebraska
How long does it take to get a
Building Permit?
The amount of time varies based upon the complexity of the work,
but generally you can expect the following time frames:
1. Residential building
permits may take up to 10 working days
2. Simple add-on, or garage permits will be processed in 10
to 15 days
3. Commercial building permits for new construction and
remodeling could take up to 15 working days depending on the
complexity
How much will the building
permit cost?
- Building permit fees are
established based on the valuation of the project. In
addition, plan review fees are assessed for residential and
all commercial projects.
What type of work can I do
without a building permit?
Accessory buildings not
exceeding 120 square feet
Painting, papering, or similar finish work
Installation of storm windows or roof gutters
Shingling
Siding
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