Omaha, NE Accessory Structures: ADU Permits (2026)

Omaha adopted ADU-enabling amendments to Chapter 55 of the Omaha Municipal Code in 2022, opening accessory dwelling units in R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6, and R-7 residential districts. Three ADU types are permitted: internal (within the principal dwelling), attached (sharing a wall with the principal dwelling), and detached (separate accessory structure). Standards under §55-235 and the relevant district sections include: maximum floor area of 1,000 sq ft for detached ADUs or 30% of the principal dwelling for attached/internal ADUs (whichever is greater for attached, smaller for the cap); maximum height of 22 ft or matching the principal dwelling, whichever is less; minimum side setback of 5 ft and rear setback of 5 ft for detached ADUs (matching accessory structure rules under §55-715); minimum one off-street parking space, although the Planning Department may waive in certain transit-served corridors. Nebraska has no statewide ADU framework — Neb. Rev. Stat. §19-901 et seq. (zoning authority) leaves the question entirely to municipalities. Omaha enforces the 2018 International Residential Code with Nebraska amendments through the Permits and Inspections Division. Snow load (30 psf ground snow load per ASCE 7 for Douglas County) and frost depth (42 in. footing depth) are critical structural requirements due to Nebraska winters.