Lincoln, NE Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- 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
Summary
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.
27.72.020 Height and Lot Regulations R-1 through R-8 Zoning Districts. The maximum height and minimum lot requirements within the R-1 through R-8 Districts shall be as follows: a. R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 General Requirements. See Table 27.72.020(a) below: ... Height 35' 35' 35'
Full Breakdown
Lincoln Municipal Code § 27.72.020 sets the maximum building height for the R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 residential zoning districts at 35 feet, per Table 27.72.020(a). The limit applies alongside minimum lot area (9,000 sq ft in R-1, down to 5,000 sq ft in R-4), lot width, and yard setback standards in the same table. Denser R-5 through R-8 districts use Table 27.72.020(b), which allows up to 55 feet for multi-family buildings and higher for apartment structures in R-8. A separate table, § 27.72.010, governs height in the AG and AGR agricultural districts.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a house be in a Lincoln R-1 neighborhood?
Can multi-family buildings in Lincoln be taller than 35 feet?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lincoln
Compare Lincoln to another location·View the Nebraska building setbacks & zoning overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.