Omaha ADU permit requirements
Last reviewed: June 22, 2026
Quick answer
Permitting an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Omaha, Nebraska means pulling a building permit from the local authority that issues it. ArchPermit tracks 13 source-cited requirements (7 required, the rest conditional) for this jurisdiction. Submittals go through OmahaPermits.com online portal. These requirements were last reviewed June 22, 2026; confirm the exact forms and fees with the local permitting authority.
A source-cited checklist of what an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) permit package needs in City of Omaha. Every item links to its authoritative source; items that vary are flagged to confirm locally.
One ADU max per site (detached, attached, or internal). By-right (building permit only) in the R5, R-WRN, R6, R7, R8, MH, NBD, CBD, DS, and TOD districts; a Conditional Use Permit (Planning Board approval, $324, notice mailed within 300 ft) is required in DR, R1–R4, LO, GO, LC, CC, GC (and AG) before a building permit can issue. Omaha Municipal Code § 55-763(a). An ADU cannot be sold/subdivided separately and adds no required on-site parking. Owner-occupancy is NOT a condition in the ADU subsection (that language belongs to other use types), so it is not asserted here.
- Building Permit Applicationrequired
Completed City Building Permit Application (online via an OmahaPermits.com account, or paper).
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Elevation Drawingsrequired
Elevations of all sides of the new construction.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Floor Plansrequired
Structural load path (IRC R301.1); footing sizes; beam/header sizes; joist/rafter size/spacing/species; braced-wall lines; smoke + CO detectors; egress windows; labeled room use.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Plan Sets (3 paper / PDF online)required
Min. three full sets if paper (11×17 min, ink); site plans ≤1"=30 ft, building plans ≥¼"=1 ft.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Sealed Survey Certificaterequired
One copy of a sealed, signed, dated survey certificate for the lot.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Site Planrequired
Dimensioned lot lines; ADU dimensions; distances from lot lines; street names + north arrow; driveways/sidewalks/decks with dimensions; total impervious & building coverage.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Wall Sectionrequired
Footing sizes + drain tile; foundation reinforcing & anchor bolts; foundations >8'8" sealed by a structural engineer; floor/wall/roof assemblies with insulation.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Conditional Use Permit Approvalconditional
In DR, R1–R4, LO, GO, LC, CC, GC (and AG): a CUP application (zoning form, site plan, building design, statement of intent, $324 fee) approved by the Planning Board BEFORE the building permit issues.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Floodplain Development Permitconditional
Required if the site is in a Flood Fringe or Floodway Overlay District.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Rental Registrationconditional
Required (§ 48-204) if the ADU (or any unit on the site) is offered for rent.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Septic System and/or Well Permitconditional
One copy of a septic/well permit, if applicable.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Signed ResCheck (energy code)conditionalverify locally
Listed conditionally on the checklist ('if a ResCheck is provided'); confirm the energy-code path for the ADU with Permits & Inspections.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Stair Sectionconditional
If stairs are present — rise/run, headroom, handrail, and baluster-spacing details.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22