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Building & Zoning

Dan Aude
Asset Manager/Planning Director
City of York Municipal Building
100 E 4th St / PO Box 276
York, NE 68467
(402) 363-2600

Hours: M-F 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Dan Aude
Dan Aude

Building & Zoning Frequently Asked Questions

When do I need a building permit?

A permit is needed anytime “code regulated” changes are made to a building, a sign is installed, or a building is demolished.

Do I need a plumbing, electrical, or heating permit?

Any time changes or improvements are being made, a permit is required.

What are the building setbacks for lots in York?

Setbacks are defined by the zoning district.

How do I get registered as a building or trade contractor?

All contractors must make application for registration, pay a registration fee, and provide proof of insurance.

All Contractors working within the City of York Zoning Jurisdiction must file a registration form, pay registration fees and meet all registration requirements. 

Registration Requirements for All Contractors

  • Complete and submit the Contractor Application Form
  • Each type of contractor registration requires a fee of $100.00.
  • Contractors are required to carry insurance with limits of at least $300,000 Public Liability and $100,000 Property Damage.
  • All vehicles used by contractors must have signage attached with company name and phone number.
  • Completed forms and attachments may be mailed, dropped off, or emailed. 
  • Provide a government issued photo ID.

Registration Requirements for Specific Contractors

  • General Contractors: Annual $100 Registration fee and provide certificate of insurance showing the City of York as “additionally insured.” 
  • Electrical Contractors: Annual $100 Registration fee, copy of State of Nebraska Electrical Certification, and provide certificate of insurance showing City of York as “additionally insured.”
  • Mechanical Contractors: Annual $100 Registration fee, proof of a passed exam set forth by the ICC or a valid metropolitan license, and provide certificate of insurance showing City of York as “additionally insured.”
  • Plumbing Contractors: Annual $100 Registration fee, proof of a passed exam set forth by the ICC or a valid metropolitan license, and provide certificate of insurance showing City of York as “additionally insured.” 
  • Utility Contractors: Annual $100 Registration fee, approval by Board of Examiners (requires resume of work experience), and provide certificate of insurance showing City of York as “additionally insured.” 
  • Water Conditioning Contractors: Annual $100 Registration fee, approval by Board of Examiners (requires a resume of work experience) of the City of York, and provide certificate of insurance showing City of York as “additionally insured.” 
  • Grade VI Water Operator Contractor: Annual $100 Registration fee, copy of State of Nebraska Grade VI Water Operator certification, and provide certificate of insurance showing City of York as “additionally insured.” (Registered plumbers may register as Grade VI Water Operator for $25 annually.)
  • Tree Surgeons: Annual $100 Registration fee and provide certificate of insurance showing the City of York as “additionally insured.” 
  • Garbage/Rubbish Hauler: Annual $100 Registration, proof of insurance and a list of all vehicles used to haul.
How do I know if the contractor is registered with the City?

Your can verify that a contractor is registered by checking the contractor certification page on the city web site or by calling the city offices.

Is a Radon system required to be installed?

A radon system is required to be installed for all new construction, unless an exception is granted by the city planning and zoning department.

What is the building code for ice and water shield?

Reference R905.1.2 of the International Residential Code 2018.


The City of York has adopted the following Codes:

  • 2018 International Building Code with local amendments, including Appendix Chapters B, C, H, and I
  • 2018 International Residential Code for One/Two Family Dwellings with local amendments
  • 2018 International Mechanical Code with local amendments
  • 2023 National Electric Code with local amendments
  • 2018 International Plumbing Code with local amendments
  • 2018 International Energy Conservation Code
  • 2018 International Property Maintenance Code
  • 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code
  • Nebraska Radon Resistant New Construction Act
  • Nebraska Energy Code (2018 IECC)

There are minimum building standards for all construction within the City of York and the two-mile extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction. Building Permits are required for most remodeling and all new construction. Inspections require 24 hour notice.

Contractors, plumbers, electricians, heating and cooling contractors, water-conditioning contractors, and utility contractors must be registered by the City of York. This ensures that citizens are hiring insured, qualified contractors for health and safety reasons.


Diggers Hotline of Nebraska — Dial 811

It is the law in Nebraska that prior to any digging, the site shall be cleared by Diggers Hotline. Call 811 and be prepared to provide your name, the location of the job, contractor doing the work, type of work, and start date. All utilities will be notified to locate any possible obstacles to your digging and flag the underground locations.

If you see little flags in the right-of-way, it means that underground utilities have been located.

Red – Electric
Yellow – Gas
Orange – Communication
Blue – Water
Green – Sewer
Pink – Property Line
White – Proposed Excavation