Zoning Guide

Lincoln Zoning & Land Use Guide

Sources checked· 2026-05-24
Last updated: Verified:

Key Zoning Facts

Local Zoning / Building Office
City of Lincoln Planning Department(402) 441-7491
Building Code Edition
2018 International Building Code (locally adopted)
ADU / Accessory Apartment
Yes
Example District
R-3 — Residential
Max Height
35 ft

Regulatory Layers That Apply in Lincoln

Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.

Federal

State — Nebraska

  • Building Code: No mandatory statewide residential code; local adoption
View Nebraska zoning overview

County — Lancaster County

  • Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning

City / Municipal

The municipality's zoning ordinance, building-code enforcement, and local permits form the primary local layer of land-use regulation for your property.

Overlay Districts

No overlay districts identified.

Private Restrictions

  • Private covenants, deed restrictions, condominium rules, or association rules can impose requirements beyond zoning.
  • Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.

Primary Zoning Districts

R-3Residential
Min Lot
6,000 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
20 ft
Side Setback
5 ft
Rear Setback
20 ft
R-6Residential
Min Lot
6,000 sq ft
Max Height
50 ft
Front Setback
20 ft
Side Setback
10 ft
Rear Setback
20 ft
B-3Commercial
Min Lot
None
Max Height
55 ft
Front Setback
0 ft
Side Setback
0 ft
Rear Setback
0 ft

ADU Rules in Lincoln

ADUs:Allowed
Max Size
800 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 or accessory unit
Permit Timeline
4-6 weeks
Full ADU rules for Lincoln →

Permit Costs & Timelines

Check Current Permit Fees & Timelines

Permit fees and review times can vary by project type, scope, valuation, and required approvals. Check the current schedule with the local permitting authority before filing.

Check current Lincoln permit information →

Official Sources

City-specific

City of Lincoln Planning Departmentlincoln.ne.govOfficial sourceLincoln Municipal Codelibrary.municode.comOfficial source

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build an ADU in Lincoln?
Lincoln allows accessory dwelling units in certain residential zones under local ordinance. Check with the Planning Department for specific requirements and eligible zones.
What zones allow multi-family housing in Lincoln?
Multi-family housing is allowed in R-5, R-6, R-7, R-8, and commercial zones in Lincoln.