Building Setbacks & Zoning in Lincoln, NE

Lincoln maintains 161 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with building setbacks & zoning. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Lincoln falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Setback Rules

Lincoln's R-1 through R-4 residential zones set minimum yard setbacks in Table 27.72.020(a): front yards of 20 to 30 feet, 5 to 10-foot side yards, and a rear yard equal to the smaller of 20 feet or 20% of lot depth.

Key details: R-1 front yard: 30 feet. R-1 side yard: 10 feet. R-1 rear yard: smaller of 20 ft or 20% depth. R-1/R-2/R-3/R-4 max height: 35 feet. Corner front yard (all districts): 10 feet.

Plans that fall short of Table 27.72.020(a)'s front, side, or rear yard minimums are denied a building permit unless the owner obtains a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals under Chapter 27.75.

Structure Height Limits

Single- and two-family homes in Lincoln's R-1 through R-4 districts are capped at 35 feet under the zoning code's dimensional table.

Key details: R-1 through R-4 height cap: 35 feet. R-5 through R-7 multi-family cap: 55 feet. Governing table: Table 27.72.020(a)/(b). Variance authority: Board of Zoning Appeals.

Building over the district height limit without an approved variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals blocks issuance of a certificate of occupancy; the City can require the offending portion of the structure removed or altered to conform.

The Bottom Line

Lincoln's building setbacks & zoning rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Lincoln is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Lincoln can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.