Who needs a zoning approval and certificate of occupancy in Nebraska?

Issued by Your city’s planning and building departments (Omaha Planning Department; Lincoln Building and Safety), at step 3 of 6 in the opening sequence: approve the space.

Every kind of business in Nebraska

The Nebraska table lists this for every kind of business.

Confirm the zoning allows your use before signing; a change of use needs building permits and inspections, and the certificate of occupancy comes before the food permit and the liquor license. Douglas County asks for the food permit application at least 14 days before the certificate of occupancy inspection.

Checked Oct 21, 2026 against the agency’s page.

Step 3 of 6: Approve the space

  1. Set up the business
  2. Register for tax
  3. Approve the space
  4. Get the permits for your kind of business
  5. Alcohol permits
  6. Before the first hire

Issued by Your city’s planning and building departments (Omaha Planning Department; Lincoln Building and Safety).

Sources and dates

Omaha and Lincoln building and zoning pages; city ordinances. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.