Garage conversion rules in Lincoln, NE — sometimes called garage-to-ADU or accessory living unit conversions — govern permits, ceiling height, egress, and parking replacement.
Lincoln allows garage conversions to living space or ADUs with a building permit. Must meet residential code for egress and ceiling height. Off-street parking still required.
Converting an attached or detached garage to habitable living space in Lincoln requires a building permit and must comply with the adopted Nebraska Residential Code standards for egress windows, minimum ceiling height (7 feet for habitable rooms), insulation, electrical, plumbing, and ventilation. If the conversion creates an accessory dwelling unit, it must also meet ADU standards under LMC 27.62.040, including owner occupancy and deed restriction requirements. A key consideration is that Lincoln zoning requires off-street parking for the primary dwelling. If converting the garage eliminates required parking spaces, alternative off-street parking must be provided on the lot. Interior conversions of garages into ADU space may qualify for parking waivers near transit stops. The garage foundation and structure must be evaluated to confirm they can support residential occupancy loads. Electrical service may need to be upgraded for the additional living space. Contact Lincoln Building and Safety at (402) 441-8384 for permit requirements and Lincoln Planning at (402) 441-7491 for zoning compliance.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Lincoln, NE
Lincoln's zoning and property maintenance codes do not restrict residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays at single-family homes. Political...
Lincoln, NE
Lincoln has no specific City ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. The principal restrictions come from HOA and condo covenants under...
Lincoln, NE
Lincoln has no citywide ordinance restricting residential holiday lights at single-family homes. Restrictions arise principally from HOA and condo covenants ...
Lincoln, NE
Outdoor kitchens in Lincoln require separate trade permits from the Building & Safety Department: building permit for structural elements, mechanical permit ...
Lincoln, NE
Lincoln has no specific ordinance regulating residential offset smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired pizza ovens at single-family homes. Multi-unit balcony ...
Lincoln, NE
Lincoln enforces the International Fire Code through Title 16 of the Lincoln Municipal Code. IFC §308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas gri...
See how Lincoln's garage conversions rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.