Lexington Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Lexington Zoning Overview
Lexington is a city in central Nebraska's Dawson County along the Platte River. The community's economy is centered on the Tyson Fresh Meats beef processing plant, one of the largest in the world, which has attracted a diverse immigrant population and driven housing demand. Lexington has become one of Nebraska's most culturally diverse small cities, with significant Latino and Somali communities.
The city's zoning manages residential neighborhoods, commercial areas along the highway corridors, and industrial zones. Housing availability has been a persistent challenge given the workforce demands of the meatpacking industry, making efficient use of residential land a planning priority.
Key Zoning Districts
Lexington uses R-1 through R-3 residential districts, C-1 commercial district, and industrial zones. The city manages floodplain areas along the Platte River.
ADU Regulations
Lexington allows accessory dwelling units under local ordinance. Nebraska has no statewide ADU law. ADUs can help address the community's ongoing housing needs.
Development Process
Building permits are processed through the Building Department. The Planning Commission and City Council handle zoning applications.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Lexington
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Nebraska
- Building Code: No mandatory statewide residential code; local adoption
County — Dawson County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 7,500 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- 5,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 40 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 40 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 0 ft
ADU Rules in Lexington
- Max Size
- 700 sq ft
- Max Height
- 20 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Parking
- 1 off-street space required
- Owner Occupancy
- Owner must occupy primary dwelling
- Permit Timeline
- 2-4 weeks
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Lexington are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Lexington permit fees →