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1. When is a building permit required?

Permits are not required for cosmetic improvements such as painting, carpeting, or replacing kitchen cabinets. Permits are required for siding, roofing, replacing windows that are not the exact same size or replacing windows in bedrooms, apartments or hotels where the new windows are required to meet the egress requirements, installing fences, accessory buildings, interior remodels, and furnace/air conditioning replacement. Please contact City Hall if there is a question of whether a permit is or is not required.

2. How much does a permit cost?

Permit fees are figured one of three ways:
1. Based on the square footage of the project area, such as the finished area of a new house or addition, or the size of a garage. City hall will determine the fee and notify the applicant.

2. Based on the number of specific items involved with the permit, such as number of electrical receptacles, number of bathrooms, number of furnaces.

3. A flat fee for specific types of projects, such a roofing, siding or new sidewalk.

Most building permits also have a deposit ($50, $200 or $500) which is refunded once the project is completed and has passed the final inspection.

Contact the Building Department (402.426.4191) for specific fee information.

3. How long does it take to process a permit?

It usually takes three to five working days to process a permit requiring plan review and zoning review. Some permits can be approved while you wait at the service counter or within 24 hours.

4. Do I have to remove old layers of roof material when I am applying a new roof?

For asphalt shingles, due to the fact that eastern Nebraska is an area subject to moderate or severe hail, all existing layers of roof coverings must be removed. For all other types of roof covering, if the existing roof covering is water soaked or has severely deteriorated, if the existing roof is wood shake, slate, clay, cement, or asbestos-cement tile, or if the existing roof has two or more applications of any type of roof covering the existing roof coverings must be removed before installing new roof coverings. (2009 IRC, Section R907.3)

5. When does a structure require footings?

Footings are required for all structures that require a permit. Accessory structures which are not greater than 120 sq/ft do not require a permit. Accessory structures 200 sq/ft or greater require footings in accordance with the Building Codes. Accessory structures greater than 120 sq/ft but smaller than 200 sq/ft can have alternate footings. See this attachment for details. Accessory Building Footing Requirements

6. When are footings to be inspected?

All footings, including poles and piers, shall be inspected when the excavating is complete and all required forms and/or reinforcing steel is in place prior to placing of concrete.

7. Do I need a permit to perform electrical services in my own home?

Effective 1/1/2008, a homeowner can only install electrical wiring in the home that is their principal residence. Homeowners are no longer allowed to install electrical wiring in a new home they are constructing or a home they have purchased to move into. Also, homeowners are no longer allowed to replace an electrical service due to the fact it is not considered routine maintenance. Ref: 81-2121(5) and 81-2124 of the Nebraska State

8. If the City issues me a building permit, but the Building Inspector finds violations when performing an inspection, does having a permit make those violations allowable?

The issuance or granting of a permit shall not be construed to be approval of any violations of any provisions of building code or ordinances of Blair. The issuance of a permit based on construction documents and other data shall not prevent the building official from requiring corrections of errors in the construction documents and other data.

9. How soon must I begin work once I have received a permit?

If no work has begun within 180 days of the issuance of a permit, then the project shall be deemed abandoned, unless an extension has been granted. If you need an extension for an unforeseen delay, please contact the Building Department at 402.426.4191.

10. When is it required to have building plans and drawings stamped by an engineer or architect licensed in Nebraska?

According to state law, any project in which a commercial structure exceeds 5,000 square feet, 30 feet in height, or is to be occupied by 20 people or more, must have plans prepared by, or under the supervision of, an architect or professional engineer licensed in the State of Nebraska. Qualifying projects must carry the seal of the design professional before it is accepted by the local building official. (Nebraska Engineers & Architects Act)

11. When are emergency egress windows required in single family homes?

The basement must have one egress window or door, and every sleeping room must have at least one egress window or door in the room. Egress windows shall have a sill height of not more than 44 inches above the floor of the room. Basements with one or more sleeping rooms shall have at least one egress window in each sleeping rooms, but are not required to have additional egress windows in adjoining areas of the basement. (2009 IRC Code, Section R310.1)

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1. Can I change the zoning designation of my property?

Zone changes require an application, which must appear before the Planning Commission for a recommendation and then before the City Council for approval. Zone changes must be consistent with the Future Land Use Map, and must not create a spot zone (one lot different than all the surrounding lots).

For more information, please contact the Building Department at 402.426.4191.

2. What height fence can I install in my yard?

Zoning Regulations allow a 42-inch high maximum on fences in the front yard. In the case of a corner lot, no fence constructed in the second front yard (the side yard abutting the street) of a corner lot shall exceed 48 inches in height. Fences that are located in the side and back yards can be up to 6 feet in height. Finally, no fence, or other object, can exceed 30-inches in height in the sight triangle. (Article 11, Section 1102)

3. What businesses can I operate on my property?

First, determine the zoning district your property is located in by checking the City's zoning map or calling the Planning Division at (785) 587-1853.

Next, look up the permitted uses for your zoning district. If your use is not listed in the permitted use section, check the conditional use section to determine if your use requires a Conditional Use Permit (CUOP).

Some general uses that typically require a CUP include drive-through restaurants, gas stations, childcare facilities, and educational facilities. For more information, please visit Zoning Location.

4. What are setbacks?

The term setback means the required distance separating a building or structure from a property line. Setback regulations for buildings are included in the Zoning Ordinance under Title 18. Setback regulations for accessory structures are included in the Zoning Ordinance under Chapter 18.45. For more information, please view the Civic City Title 18.

5. Is a chicken wire type fence allowed in the City of Blair?

No. Permitted types of fencing include chain link fencing, wood fencing (including split rail), wrought iron, plastic, vinyl or other ornamental fencing. (Article 11, Section 1102 (5))

6. Can I install my fence on my property line?

Yes. Fences can be placed either on or inside the property line. If you locate the fence on the property line, you automatically give permission to an adjoining neighbor to physically connect to your fence. Also, if your neighbor disputes the location of the property line, you must have the property line located by a surveyor licensed in Nebraska.

7. Are their regulations concerning required parking for various building uses?

Yes. Article 11, Section 1111 covers the requirements for off-street parking spaces and off-street loading spaces. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also has specific requirements for parking spaces and the accessible path into facilities.

8. What is an accessory building?

Accessory buildings are subordinate buildings that are incidental to the main/principal building on the premises in residential districts. Customary accessory buildings include, but are not limited to, detached garages, storage sheds, and garden houses. (Article 3 Section 303)

9. How many accessory buildings can I have on my property?

Only two accessory buildings can be constructed on each property. (Article 11, Section 1103.02)

10. Can an accessory structure or garage be built on a vacant lot?

No. No accessory building shall be constructed on a property that does not already have a primary building or structure. No accessory building shall remain if the primary structure is removed or demolished. (Article 11, Section 1103.02 (4))

11. How close to the property line along an alley can an accessory structure or garage be built?

Accessory buildings allowing vehicle access perpendicular to an alleyway shall be located a minimum of fifteen (15) feet from the property line. Accessory buildings allowing vehicle access parallel to an alleyway shall be located a minimum of five (5) feet from the property line. (Article 11, Section 1103.03)